TFS - Canada's International School

In Grade 6, the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) design cycle begins. From Grades 6 through Level III, students engage in interdisciplinary units which include the design cycle and student innovation. For example, Grade 6 students explore geometry in math while also connecting it with Impressionist art. In Grade 7 they undertake a project to produce a scaled drawing of a bridge, blending geometric principles with artistic representation. "We are teaching our students that each subject connects to the others," says Julie Rouette, Director of Teaching and Learning for the MYP. "Through these interdisciplinary projects, students gain hands-on experience through the design cycle of trial and error. They learn to test, refine and try again, and they come to understand that learning from failure is a key part of the process." In Levels I and II, students continue to tackle STEAM challenges in an interdisciplinary manner, blending subjects such as geography and history with science and design. By leveraging these learning opportunities, TFS provides authentic experiences and cultivates critical thinking skills that empower students to solve complex problems. In Level I, students engage in a building project, which they later showcase at a "Universal Exposition" event where they are tasked with selling their innovations. In Level II, students collaborate in teams to build and launch their own rockets, demonstrating engineering and innovation skills. A historical connection is forged between their study of aerodynamics and the Cold War, after which they are tasked with designing their own propaganda videos. STEAM, SECURITY AND DIGITAL LITERACY To ensure students understand how to navigate the digital world responsibly, TFS is integrating Ontario's updated curriculum focusing on cybersecurity and AI. "A challenge of teaching cybersecurity is the variability in students' personal laptops, which are configured differently and have various permissions," explains Janvier Zagabe, a teacher of Technology Design and Computer Science. "To address this, we are using Raspberry Pi computers – mini computers that can function like traditional computers once connected to a mouse, keyboard and screen." Students are also tasked with designing and building custom containers for their devices, utilizing plexiglass left over from the pandemic and a laser cutter. Students begin to learn about the practical applications of AI and how to utilize it ethically and safely to enhance their learning. "We want them to develop digital literacy and critical thinking skills for the here and now," says Zagabe. This includes assessing the value of data, considering both its source and authenticity. Math teacher Alexandra Scarpa supports the PIX certification program at TFS. This digital literacy initiative, originating from France, is a requirement for the diplôme national du brevet for all Level II students. Taught through a series of mentorship sessions, this certification also helps students develop all five of the IB Approaches to Learning Skills: communication, social, self-management, research and thinking. "We tend to think that kids, because they're digital natives, will automatically outperform previous generations in using digital tools, but they still need to learn how to use these tools safely and effectively," says Mme Scarpa. TAKING STEAM OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Alongside the curriculum, there is a wide range of co-curricular activities and clubs that support STEAM learning. Notably, math competitions, such as those administered by the University of Waterloo, American Mathematics Competition and France's Castor Informatique, give students the opportunity to test their skills against peers of the same age. In fact, during the 2023-2024 school year, all TFS students in Grades 4 through Level II participated in the Castor Informatique, competing against students in France and other French schools in North America. NEXT LEVEL LEARNING TFS students are excelling in STEAM through various external programs. A notable one is DECA, which focuses on developing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs by offering students opportunities to participate in competitive events, leadership development and networking with industry professionals. Additionally, our students engage with The Knowledge Society, an organization dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs through initiatives such as a 10-month global innovation accelerator. Last year, four TFS students were accepted into this prestigious program. Another area where our students are making significant strides is robotics. Our award-winning robotics team, the TFS Robotic Unicorns, has excelled in the high school level First Tech Challenge. Thanks to funding provided by donors through the TFS Foundation, our team was able to travel to the World Championships in Houston last spring. Team members also serve as mentors for the elementary and middle school First Lego League robotics club and competition team. Beyond robotics, TFS has other exciting options for students interested in the creative implementations of STEAM learning. One such opportunity is La Nuit du Code, which is a programming marathon that challenges students from Grades 5 through Level II to build their own video game within a six-hour time period. This competition is conducted by French schools all over the world and provides a chance for our students to learn in an experiential, supportive environment, while having tons of fun. Whether in the classroom, after school or within the broader community, TFS students are gaining practical experience in the world of STEAM. They are embracing innovative thinking and problem-solving creatively and in exciting ways, preparing themselves for an ever-changing digital landscape. 13 TFS

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