This week, our EDCI 336 class visited the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry (PSII) in downtown Victoria. Jeff Hopkins, the founder, gave us a presentation about the school and its unique approach to learning. He explained how students learn through inquiry-based learning, where they get to decide what they learn about and combine different ideas to find answers.The school has around 120 students in grades 9-12, but the age range is 13-19.
It was fascinating to hear him talk about the students and how the school is run. The presentation was held in a classroom that had just been used for a science lesson, where students were studying science through a sci-fi novel. They were analyzing whether what was written in the book was scientifically possible. I thought that was such an engaging and creative way to teach science, especially since students in that room ranged from ages 13-18, which surprised me.
Jeff explained that most students at PSII graduate early and often find university not only easy but also boring compared to their high school experience. I thought it was really cool how much freedom students have in their days at school. There are no bells or blocks, and students have full control of their schedules. They can take lunch whenever they want and even leave to take breaks, but he said most students enjoy what they’re working on so much that they usually stay. I found it interesting that the school rarely deals with behaviour issues or disengagement, because inquiry-based learning keeps students motivated and invested in their projects.
Another part that stood out to me was how inclusive the school is. There are no strict expectations to attend, and tuition is very low compared to other independent schools in the area because PSII believes everyone should have access to this kind of learning. Jeff also mentioned that students considering the school can spend a half day there to see if it’s the right fit.
During the walkthrough, I thought the layout was amazing. They had so many different spaces for students: dark rooms, collaboration rooms (big and small), music studios, 3D printing, workshops, a stage, a lighting booth, and so much more. It was so cool to realize we have a school like this in Victoria, and I’m just finding out about it now after living here my whole life. Another detail that surprised me was that many of the teachers had originally gone to school for elementary education, just like us!
As a future teacher, this visit was super eye-opening and showed the possibilities of inquiry-based learning. Even if I’m teaching in a more traditional school setting, I want to take inspiration from PSII by giving students more voice and choice in their learning. I think even small things like connecting lessons to their interests, encouraging questions, and creative projects, can help students feel more engaged. Seeing how motivated and invested the PSII students are reminded me of how powerful it is when students care about what they’re learning. It makes me want to think about ways I can bring that same energy into my own classroom one day.
