It may not be back to school for high school students, but adult learners can get ready to open up their books.
This October, Quest University is introducing a new Continuing Education Program. The initiative is designed to serve Squamish, with non-credit education programs touching on residents’ interests, Quest’s president David Helfand stated in a press release.
“We are excited by this new initiative that will share our facilities and expertise to enrich the living and learning environment we call home,” he said.
Last spring the university conducted a survey asking Sea to Sky citizens about their learning needs. The new model, which was crafted out of the questionnaire’s results, starts on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Students will participate in small, interactive classes offering a variety of topics. Subjects range from “The chemistry and biochemistry of food” to “Wine tasting and pairing made simple.”
Helfand is set to teach a class entitled “How to build a habitable planet.” Through illustrated lectures and group activities, students will explore how our habitable planet came to be and how much longer our activities will allow us to enjoy it.
The course “Discover your Work Purpose” sets out to help people unfulfilled by their employment seek a career change. Students will experience an in-depth self-discovery process that will bring them closer to realizing their potential, officials stated.
Parents will also be glad to know children can also be a part of the program. “Into the Wild—An Introduction to Natural Play” will give an overview of some current pedagogical approaches to natural play including Forest School, Rain or Shine School and Outdoor School. It will provide attendees with creative ideas on how to initiate meaningful, outdoor play by fostering an on-going relationship between their children and the land they live in.
On Sunday, Nov. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., Cris Rowan, a well-known speaker, author and regular on CBC Radio and television, will offer a workshop on the impact of technology on children’s neurological development. “Disconnect to Reconnect” will raise public awareness regarding the damaging impact of technology on a child’s development and academic performance, and provides initiatives for homes, schools, health professionals, governments, researchers, and technology corporations to create “sustainable” children.
Courses range from one-day weekend offerings to one-night-a-week classes running for three to six weeks. Fall classes begin after the Thanksgiving weekend. A spring schedule will be forthcoming.
A full list of offerings, information about the tutors, and a link to registration can be found at http://www.questu.info/continuing-education.html.
