Founded in 1984, Collingwood School in West Vancouver offers students from kindergarten to Grade 12 a unique four-strand approach to education that encourages participation in the four key areas of learning: academics, athletics, arts and service.

“Service is incredibly important to me. It’s all about developing that inner reason to give,” says Samantha Cressey, Grade 11. This year, Cressey traveled to India with three other Collingwood students. They met with 600 students from around the world to discuss female empowerment and global poverty. “I have friends from pretty much any country in the world,” she laughs.

Two favourite Collingwood service trips include an eco-trip to Belize and one to the Dominican Republic. In Belize, students build paths through protected lands to ensure that forests are not damaged as visitors travel through them. On both trips, students are involved in refurbishing school classrooms and enjoy interacting with local children.

Local service projects include the recent student-led spin-a-thon for juvenile diabetes. Collingwood students teamed up with students from nine other secondary schools on the North Shore to helm “Cyclebetes,” and were in charge of every aspect of the event, from the website to the logo to the motto: “Cyclebetes Gives Hope.”  From Friday through to Saturday evening volunteers split a 24-hour bike ride to support this cause. The event attracted more than 500 participants and raised $100,000, a rewarding accomplishment for all these student leaders.

This blend of athletics and service is only one variation of the four-strands mentality. Students are encouraged to explore all areas, and often excel all-round. Kelsey Lund, Grade 12, is one such example. She has recently been awarded an athletic scholarship for field hockey to Miami University in Ohio, where she intends to pursue interior design.

Lund is grateful to her peers and teachers for her success, stressing their support as what made her acceptance possible.  “Scheduling academics was a struggle,” says Lund, “but there were free tutorials available during lunch and after school.  Teachers were very flexible.”

Collingwood’s academic structure allows for the flexibility required by students who regularly take part in service, artistic and athletic programs, but also ensures that students are prepared for the university transition. Collingwood offers 19 different advanced placement courses, where students have achieved an average overall mark of 4.09 (out of the AP scale 1-5.)  “Our university acceptance record demonstrates that our young people are well prepared for the academic challenge of university,” confirms headmaster Rodger Wright.

Head girl MehrAnsari, Grade 12, has been accepted to the prestigious Barnard College affiliated with Columbia University in New York. She is what the Collingwood family refers fondly to as a “lifer,” a student who remains in the program from kindergarten through to Grade 12. On average, 40% of the graduating class is made up of “lifers.”

Ansari is heavily involved in the school’s drama and public speaking programs. The public speaking program begins as young as Grade 1, where students are invited to present a minute-long speech. As students progress, they are encouraged to speak for longer periods of time, and on increasingly serious subjects.

“There is a sense of unparalleled opportunities, and unparalleled support,” says Ansari of her experience. Her peers agree:

“It’s a community,” says Cressey. “You walk in, everybody knows your name.”

“I came for field hockey, but I ended up with a family,” says Lund. •

Photos courtesy of Collingwood School