Community Learning

The Model School

Donors

Model School students class of 2012-2013, photographed inside the Power Corporation Atrium, Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex

Our mission at The University of Winnipeg is to inspire all youth to achieve their potential, increase independence, and develop skills and training that will be essential for their future. In pursuit of our mission, we are guided by the knowledge that our primary responsibility is to our students.   We strive to offer them a community which appreciates, fosters, and promotes values of human dignity, equality, nondiscrimination, and appreciation of diversity.

It is because of this mission that we began, in 2007, to develop community programming that promote science and academic study, closes the graduation gap, and breaks down the barriers to post-secondary education. Our focus is on providing support and access to post-secondary school for under represented students including First Nation, Métis and new Canadians.  

As a community learning initiative, the Collegiate Model School was created to increase high school graduation rates and access to post-secondary institutions. The Model School Program is located on the Campus of the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. Forty students from grade 9-12 attend the program.  Students are identified as being bright and capable of university entrance, but have various barriers that prevent them from reaching their potential. We have had twenty-two students graduate since 2008.

The students have been identified by school personnel from a variety of local junior/senior high schools as well as being nominated by non-profit organizations such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters. The students are assessed upon entry into the program for academic skill level, interest and abilities. Each student is then part of the development of an Individualized Education Plan in which goals and objectives are formulated based on their individual needs. It is our goal to provide the opportunity and supports needed to assist the young people to achieve academic success.

The Model School uses Manitoba Provincial curriculums in all subject areas. We use a variety of teaching strategies and methods including direct teaching, self-directed curriculum, integration into Collegiate classes and School Initiated Courses (S.I.C.).  The Model School offers innovative, creative and engaging programming with a view to implementing culturally appropriate educational material, teaching practices, and language preservation within the curriculum.

An academic assessment is conducted on all of the students upon entry into the program. This includes testing in reading inventories, math, learning styles and multiple intelligences. Students are supported in a variety of areas including registering for courses, tutorial support for academic subjects, social, emotional, and financial support, and preparation for university entrance.

Students in the Model School program receive a full scholarship and are provided with continued support including transportation costs, nutrition, equipment and materials.  Students also receive full enrollment at the Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre located at the Duckworth Centre.

The Model school also offers many extra-curricular activities to extend the school day. These include a variety of sports teams, dance, art, drama, and community development projects.  Students are also trained in First Aid and CPR, coaching, refereeing, babysitting and other certifications to promote academic and personal success.

Throughout the school year students participate in leadership initiatives and employment readiness programs. These programs prepare students for summer employment at The University of Winnipeg’s Eco-U Summer Camp. Model School students are hired by the University’s summer camp to work as Junior and Senior Camp Leaders giving them practical, hands on job experience.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Gerri Zacharias
Acting Director - Model School
email: g.zacharias@uwinnipeg.ca
phone: 204.789.1482

Model School - News Story - July 2012

Model School - Quick Facts

< Back to Community Learning Programs and Services