What does the schedule look like?

Below is a typical grade 8 schedule. As you can see the schedule is similar to any grade 8 except for the Incentive specific courses: Outdoor Education and Independent Studies.

What makes the program “Incentive”?

The program is labeled as an incentive for its cohort model, that allows the students to have Cross curricular education, focus on their personal development in their classes, and gain leadership skills.

What is a “cohort”?

The Incentive Program uses a cohort model. This means that all the Incentive students in that grade (maximum 29 students) will travel to all their courses together. This allows students to create meaningful relationships with their peers. It is also a great transition for elementary students coming in grade 8. Since the grade 8 cohort will have all their classes together, it is easier to make friends, and keep track of their schedule/homework.

Cross Curricular Education

Students take the course Independent Studies and Outdoor Education, and have a variety of academic opportunities to collaborate their knowledge across different courses. (ex: The grade 9’s work on a large project creating their own “Migration Film” that is a collaboration of their English, Social Studies and Independent Studies courses.

Personal Development

The Incentive teachers focus on the personal development of each student, as they are able to collaborate on their support for each person. Teachers will support their students in both their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, through the cohort model

Leadership

The program focuses on leadership opportunities throughout their time in the program. There is an emphasis on how each student can leave the program having learnt how to be a positive leader for their communities. The program trains the students on the different styles of leadership and provide variety of opportunities for students to practice their leadership skills in both their class and extra curricular opportunities.

How does this program help with post-secondary?

Most post secondary applications are looking for well-rounded students. They not only look at the student’s grades, but also their experiences and how they have persevered through challenges. Many of our alumni have come back to ask us as reference for their UBC, SFU and international university applications and personal profiles. They are able to write about their experiences from the program as part of their growth during high school.

Do the students have electives?

Yes! Although we do not follow the same elective wheel as the MacNeill grade 8s, we have a course called Independent Studies which touches on all the same skills, but is student guided: lego robotics, painting, art, drama lessons within the Independent studies course. Being a part of the program provides for students to be exposed to similar skills from the electives and become more well rounded within the program, and the students still have room to take these electives in their Grade 11/12 years because they already have senior credits from being in the program.

How does the Incentive program support inclusive practices?

The Richmond School District follow and respect that the foundation to learning and leading is equity and inclusion. As a district program, the Incentive Outdoor Program follows the guidelines of the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning.

We value that our students come from a variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences. We emphasis in the students learning that leaders are inclusive to all people, and include many ways to celebrate our diversity in our courses.

Are the academic classes accelerated?

Due to the numerous trips we are on, we accelerate parts of our curriculum in our academic classes. We prepare the students in a way that challenges them, but does not take away from them learning the curriculum.

Do the students “miss out” on a lot of school days?

Field trips do not come at the expense of academics. Although we leave for many day field trips, and a few overnight trips, because the core/main teachers are the Incentive teachers, the teachers have prepared all their classes with the trips in mind. The teachers follow the curriculum but do not take away any academic responsibilities from the students. Each course will cover everything on the curriculum in a slightly faster pace, so that the students can go on these field trips without impeding in their education.

What are “senior level credits”?

Our Education Course, taken in grade 8-10, is considered a senior level course. The students are enrolled in “Outdoor Education 11/12”. This course provides the student advanced senior level credits that they can use for graduation. This also leaves more choice for the students to take other courses during their grade 11/12 year (ie: electives, AP courses)

Can a student join in grade 9 or 10?

A student can apply for their grade 9 or grade 10 year as long as there are still spots open in our classes.

What happens after Incentive? (after Grade 10)

After Incentive (Grade 11-12), students have the option of attending their original catchment school, or continuing at A. R. MacNeill. Most of our students continue at MacNeill because they are a part of the sports teams and want to graduate with their peers. However, some students move on to take IB classes or continue in other programs across the district.

Can I still continue the program in Grade 11/12?

The Incentive Outdoor Program is only for grade 8-10. However, if you choose to attend A. R. MacNeill, the Incentive alumni are invited to join the Raven Outdoor Club. In this club, you will receive notification if there are any spots available in some of the Incentive trips, and you will be provided other outdoor opportunities. Students will be responsible for their own academic standing in all their courses but it is a great way to still stay in touch with all the outdoor skills you learnt from the program.

Can I still join sports? band? clubs?

Absolutely! As an Incentive student, you are also part of the A. R. MacNeill Ravens! Most of our students are in a club, sport, band and participate in the school events! Some examples may include: basketball, volleyball, student council, chess club, spirit week, etc.

What happens to my electives?

At A.R. MacNeill all grade 8’s rotate through an “elective wheel.” Our Incentive students have Outdoor Education and Independent Studies are their electives instead. However, the elective wheel is represented in a variety of ways in the program and in the clubs/teams each student can join.