SMLS » Senior School » Programming » Global Studies
Global Studies
Learning Happens Everywhere
Our Global Studies program enriches the standard curriculum with lessons learned outside the classroom. Students develop leadership skills and gain confidence while experiencing international cultures.
"It's really about character building. When I came to university I was comfortable managing on my own because I had taken advantage of the opportunities [Global] Studies offers. I was used to being thrown into situations where you don't know people, and I knew I could do it."
- Alumna Heidi Ludwick '03
Connecting Students to the World and our Local Community
The Global Studies program at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School integrates academic studies with relevant career and life experiences in the real world. This program is integral to the development of our graduates.
Our Global Studies program has received international acclaim from schools, organizations and individuals throughout the world. The program allows students to graduate with enriched personal experiences, more curriculum credits and impressive academic achievements which will accompany and support their post-secondary and career endeavours while leaving them with many wonderful memories.
Exchange Programs with 'Sister Schools'
SMLS has 'Sister Schools' in numerous locations around the globe providing many opportunities for student exchange and international travel:
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Tours, France
- Madrid, Spain
- Beijing, China
- Osaka, Japan
- Perth, Australia
- Melbourne, Australia
The nature of the exchange program ranges from a two-week cultural/historical tour, a one-month work placement as a teacher's assistant or three-month study term.
A large percentage of our students take advantage of these international connections and programs.
Job Shadowing & Work Experience
S4 students have the opportunity to participate in a seven-day job-shadowing program early in the year. Students select a field of interest and are placed accordingly. Through observation, interaction and participation in the workplace, they gain valuable insight to a career path and develop self-confidence, self-esteem and essential workplace skills.
S5 students participate in a four-week compulsory work experience program at the end of their academic year during the month of May. The locations of these work experiences range from local to international. Students have the opportunity to earn a co-op credit while gaining workplace experience. This is also an opportunity for students to refine, extend, apply and practise the skills and knowledge they have acquired in their academic courses and to access tremendous resources to assist them with post-secondary preparation and career exploration.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program and World Challenge
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program is an essential feature of Global Studies that encourages perseverance, self-reliance, and community service. SMLS students must complete the requirements for the Bronze level, and are encouraged to continue on to the Silver and Gold levels, which a record number of students are choosing to achieve.
This award program encourages and motivates youth in a variety of personal development activities - including community service, physical recreation, skill and adventurous journey - all designed to advance the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the whole person.
Grade 6, S1 and S2 students will work towards the Junior Duke Award.
For Grade 6 students the School delivers the 'near adventure' that is comprised of a water activity day facilitated by World Challenge.
S1 students complete their 'near adventure' with an overnight stay at Canterbury Hills Conference Centre in Ancaster, and the opportunity for a team-building and 'high ropes' climbing experience with Adventureworks.inc.
S2 students will work with World Challenge at Algonquin Park for a 3-day winter adventure that will include building shelters, learning winter survival skills and dog-sledding.
Visit www.dukeofed.org for more information.
The Round Square Program
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The School's regional membership in the international Round Square program has also been integrated into Global Studies. As a Round Square school, we foster and develop the IDEALS (internationalism, democracy, environmental awareness and action, adventure, leadership, service). We offer two levels of age appropriate involvement, Young Round Square (Grade 6-S2) and Round Square (S3-6) Visit www.roundsquare.org for more information. |
45 Days, a World of Experience
Team Building / Leadership Development / Cultural Sensitivity
| Senior 3: 10 days | |
| Block I (3 days) | Team Building and Introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program |
| Block II (4 days) | Leadership Development facilitated by World Challenge |
| Block III (3 days) | Cultural Sensitivity including 'Discovering Diversity Schools Program' |
| Senior 4: 15 days | |
| Block I (3 days) | Selection of and Preparation for Block II Experiences:
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| Block II (2 weeks) | The 'experience' followed by presentations and a debrief |
| Block III (5 days) | Hands-on skills week Sample Week:
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| Senior 5: 25 days | |
| Block I (4 days) | Professional skills development |
| Block II (4 weeks) | Work/study placement options:
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| Block III (1 day) | Debrief and Conclusion to program in early June |
Contact
Mrs. Judy Ross
Director of Global Studies
905-845-5830 ext. 828
Mrs. Nicki Newhouse
Student Life Coordinator
905-845-5830 ext. 804