What exactly happens at the NSLC??

"So, what exactly is a learning centre"? I often hear this question after I'm asked "What do you do?", to which I reply---"I'm the proud principal of the North Surrey Learning Centre". When asked about the learning centre, I do my best to describe the milieu of this special place. In writing, perhaps I can champion the learning centre with more clarity, a bit more eloquently. However as with most things, to experience something gives one more insight, more flavour, than just the telling. So, come for a visit...just call ahead. We want to be on our best behaviour!

The North Surrey Learning Centre is a small secondary school which provides educational opportunities to students often defined as "at risk" - those students who, when they arrive, are not engaged emotionally, socially, academically or intellectually with the schooling process. The school population consists of students aged 15 to 19, who comprise a wide range of abilities, personal issues, health issues etc; a microcosm of mainstream school. Many come to us having experienced little success in high school. They are the poor attendees, the isolates, the discipline problems, the rebels, the gifted...the list goes on.With us, some of these fledging students (some, not all) learn to soar.  The learning centre becomes a school of choice, a place where students, for the first time in a long while, experience success, a place where dreams germinate and educational goals can be achieved. Our mission, like all schools is to equip students with the necessary attitude, knowledge and skills to better their life chances, to enable them to successfully navigate, and positively contribute to our rapidly changing and diverse global community.

The North Surrey Learning Centre subscribes to the view that all students deserve an advocate to represent their interests. It is a place where building relationships is of primary importance; where we strive to connect students with school, with staff, with each other to create a sense of belonging, to establish a culture that engenders community, a community that takes care of each other. As such we have developed a mentoring system, a recognized strength of the school, where teachers/mentors closely monitor the attendance, progress, and achievement of their students, and very importantly, take an honest interest in what is happening in their lives. Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe, caring environment where all students can learn, where they are supported by staff in pursuit of their academic, career and personal goals.

Are students engaged? Is what they are learning meaningful and relevant? Is the learning personalized, personal, student centred? We're working on it! Stay tuned...