Place-based learning uses the local environment and community as the starting point for teaching the objectives of the curriculum. We will provide resources and create opportunities for cross-curricular learning on the land while fostering relationships between school and community. Teachers are expected and supported to take more learning outdoors for all the health and learning benefits that come with spending time outside and in nature. Examples of this work include:
- Investment in equipment for outdoor activities and learning
- Ensuring all students have access to clothing, and footwear for outdoor activities
- Participation in the year-long Take Me Outside For Learning Challenge
- Support for educator participation in learning opportunities to build capacity for outdoor learning (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association workshops and network, Environmental Education Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) partnerships, Open Learning Store webinars, Outdoor Council of Canada certification, other)
- Interactive digital map of place-based learning sites, resources, and opportunities
- Relationships with community educators, organizations, and facilities to bring community educators into the classroom and students out into community settings
- Independent Directed Study (IDS) framework to honour community and cultural learning with graduation program credits
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in, on, with, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District land and communities:
Outdoor Classroom Fun!
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Hutchinson’s class has been taking advantage of the amazing weather by spending as much time as possible in our outdoor classroom! We have been exploring literacy and math activities using nature, while also experimenting with gravity through play and discovery. It has been wonderful to learn, explore, and enjoy the sunshine together!</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/360849e1-9d0f-4182-88df-25eb86d3f99e?fingerprint=ppb20260519173643" alt="Outdoor classroom doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cc89a1d0-3d65-40f6-bd39-78b6186b361d?fingerprint=ppb20260519173647" alt="outdoor classroom 1 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Taking Care of Our Earth
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Earth Day, students showed they are good stewards of the land by working together to pick up garbage around the school grounds. They took pride in helping keep their environment clean and welcoming for everyone. Through this hands-on activity, students learned how small actions can make a big difference. Their efforts demonstrated care, responsibility, and respect for the world around them.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4f988282-2f6c-44bf-aa2b-dc65745d0d44?fingerprint=ppb20260506225122" alt="Taking Care of Our Earth 3" width="444" height="592" style="width:444px;height:592px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Taking Care of Our Earth
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students honoured Earth Day by carefully drawing something from nature that was meaningful to them, such as a tree, animal, or body of water. They took time to observe details and show appreciation for the natural world through their artwork. After drawing, students wrote thoughtful reflections about why their chosen part of nature is important. They also shared creative and responsible ways people can protect it for the future.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9e454442-733e-4d8c-841f-527b2a8f0a91?fingerprint=ppb20260506224017" alt="Taking Care of our Earth 2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/64221b59-3b47-4a57-9ecc-b10689afdfe2?fingerprint=ppb20260506224018" alt="Taking Care of our Earth" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Outdoor Story Telling
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in Ms. Hutchinson's class enjoyed oral story telling outside. What a fun way to spend a morning.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8b179d88-057a-41dc-b16f-5282a99789ce?fingerprint=ppb20260204053254" alt="Outdoor story telling2 doug brown 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1ba699ec-bf5b-4074-ab98-abd03a3e4729?fingerprint=ppb20260204053254" alt="Outdoor story telling1 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Animal Habitats
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. J's Grade 5/6 student scientists spent some time researching an animal of their choice. They learned about the animal and how they interact with their environment. Later students built their animal's habitat in the snow and shared their knowledge with peers.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e8006139-137c-40c7-9bb5-93974405b2ca?fingerprint=ppb20260123202719" alt="Animal Habitats1 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2eac4423-d205-457e-a17a-e1f092a03767?fingerprint=ppb20260123202721" alt="Animal Habitats2 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Ready Set GO!
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">No better way to spend a lunch hour then sledding! All I can say is "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9e303a05-5ea4-4d37-a971-fb4d018987c6?fingerprint=ppb20251217034854" alt="Ready Set GO1 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d7661c6c-0157-419d-857f-a7a5ff465dcd?fingerprint=ppb20251217040323" alt="Ready Set GO2 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Trustee Show of Support
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Outback Storefront
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cariboo-Chilcotin School District trustees sported their Take Me Outside for Learning shirts at the BC School Trustees Academy to show their support and enthusiasm for this priority in our district.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c739b255-e1fe-4860-99af-0e6b7578c17b?fingerprint=ppb20251217040218" alt="Trustee Show of Support cheryl lenardon" width="484" height="363" style="width:484px;height:363px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day at FNESC
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Outback Storefront
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cariboo-Chilcotin team at First Nations Education Steering Council (FNESC) got to hear from Niigaan Sinclair about Truth and Reconciliation in education in Canada. It was meaningful for our team to see Phyllis Webstad and Orange Shirt Day honoured alongside the achievements of the great Murray Sinclair.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bab5f82e-e402-4c0c-a283-08756d8f6aa0?fingerprint=ppb20251217035632" alt="Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day at FNESC1 cheryl lenardon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/53cabbc0-9430-489b-abe3-4d7ad498315e?fingerprint=ppb20251217034036" alt="Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day at FNESC2 cheryl lenardon" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Journey to System Change for Place-Based Learning
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Outback Storefront
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cariboo-Chilcotin School District is honoured to have the story of how we are intentionally growing place-based learning across our district in the BC School Superintendents Association journal InspirEd. We are engaging leaders, teams, and students in activities and experiences beyond the walls of the classroom. We are working with partners to build capacity, equip schools, and expand opportunties. It is good work that we are proud to share. https://flip.matrixgroupinc.net/bcsb/2025/fall/#page=21</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/46504310-d6c5-4a39-b065-39ef953392b2?fingerprint=ppb20251217033956" alt="InspirEd 2025 cheryl lenardon" width="563" height="316" style="width:563px;height:316px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our school welcomed special guest speaker Mary Forbes into our classes. Mary taught our students about the amazing spiders that live here in the Williams Lake area. Students learned about different types of webs, body structure and the difference between venomous and poisonous spiders. Then Students had the opportunity to be real life spider hunters outside. What a fantastic way to wrap our week of outdoor learning.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d60bd432-f154-4d21-ad27-587087bcd8cf?fingerprint=ppb20260415044653" alt="The Itsy Bitsy Spider1 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/aa2b1c42-681c-4992-a60d-35b0643e71f0?fingerprint=ppb20260415044655" alt="The Itsy Bitsy Spider2 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Who Said Reading Has To Happen Inside?
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students caught doing school work outside. What an amazing way to read a book. Outside under the sun, on top of the play structure. Thank you Mrs. Sayenchuk for taking your students Out Side for Learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a9c44be1-b312-44f5-ab6d-3f6f36a736f8?fingerprint=ppb20251217035244" alt="processed 4C129C56 B375 461B BFF5 D592088973A doug brown" width="408" height="306" style="width:408px;height:306px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
TMOFL
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The teachers of Chilcotin Road were up for the challenge of taking kids out for learning! It doesn't take much, just get out and let the learning happen. The pictures speak for themself.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/14ac1847-da27-4095-b348-961bf084bc74?fingerprint=ppb20260412033039" alt="TMOFL2 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7636f5a8-71e4-43cb-a16c-a97c404ab138?fingerprint=ppb20260412033039" alt="TMOFL doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
Giving Back
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spending an afternoon with students planting Bulbs in the ground. Thank you to Ms. Johnston and Mrs. Porter for allowing me to be a part of this.</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8ab60995-7c03-46ba-a330-2f15f6700bfe?fingerprint=ppb20260412032909" alt="Giving Back1 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/51e4e501-490a-40e0-a6d9-40a27f814be0?fingerprint=ppb20260412032909" alt="Giving Back2 doug brown" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
SD 27 at Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference
100 Mile Elementary
150 Mile Elementary
Alexis Creek Elementary/Secondary
Anahim Lake Elementary/Secondary
Big Lake Elementary
Cataline Elementary
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Columneetza Junior Secondary
Forest Grove Elementary
Graduation Routes Other Ways
Horse Lake Elementary
Horsefly Elementary/Junior
Lac La Hache Elementary
Lake City Secondary
Likely Elementary
Marie Sharpe Elementary
Mile 108 Elementary
Mountview Elementary
Naghtaneqed Elementary/Junior
Nesika Elementary
Outback Storefront
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary
Skyline Alternate
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SD27 champions for outdoor and place-based pedagogy is learning and sharing our success in leadership and system change at the national conference in Banff.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5e8adf3e-ecaa-4818-a43e-9fe13e9faa3b?fingerprint=ppb20251217034103" alt="Image cheryl lenardon" width="474" height="410" style="width:474px;height:410px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
Students at Scout Island
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 5/6 students learning from experts in their field at Scout island. Excellent learning can happen outside the 4 walls of the classroom.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/e5aad6d1-f4ad-5c4c-995f-e0749a134eb2?fingerprint=ppb20251217040417" alt="du8afhej.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
TMOFL Grade 4's Living Their Best Life Outside
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Ferguson's grade 4's are learning on the land. What a beautiful day to be outside. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be outside.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/ae9d4f4c-8bc1-5bf4-8107-099331b27465?fingerprint=ppb20251217035552" alt="peh1icps.png" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>
On the Land Learning and Playing
Chilcotin Road Elementary
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 5/6 went to Gavin Lake for a wonderful time of outdoor learning and play. They are building memories to last a lifetime.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/954ba70d-b5bb-53c4-b1f0-304b328a4eb2?fingerprint=ppb20251217035020" alt="h5zw3gfv.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/0c389544-5f29-55f5-b637-e18d9aecdc88?fingerprint=ppb20251217033659" alt="y698gydr.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>