Learning with purpose

At Stratford Hall, learning extends beyond the classroom. Through service learning, students connect what they are learning to the world around them, build meaningful relationships, and discover how their ideas and actions can contribute to positive change.

 

Rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum, service learning is woven throughout the student experience. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students are encouraged to consider different perspectives, respond to the needs they see around them, and take thoughtful action.
 

From learning to action

Service learning brings together learning, reflection, and action. Students explore real-world questions, learn from community partners, and put their knowledge and skills into practice.

In Grades 6–10, students take part in experiences within and beyond the school, engaging with different people and perspectives. Through reflection and action, they consider their role within their communities and how they can contribute in meaningful ways. In Grades 11 and 12, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is an essential part of the IB Diploma Programme, giving students opportunities to pursue experiences that challenge them to think creatively, collaborate, and contribute.

Each year, Service Learning Day brings Senior School students together to put their learning into action.

Learning in and with our community

Our East Vancouver location gives students opportunities to learn with and from the community around them. Through partnerships with local organizations, students engage with people and places beyond the school, gaining a deeper understanding of the city they call home.

Building connections across generations and communities

Queen Alexandra Elementary

One of Stratford Hall's longest-standing community partnerships, our relationship with Queen Alexandra Elementary creates opportunities for students to learn from and with younger students. Senior School students have supported sports days and school events, collaborated on Indigenous Peoples Day and Orange Shirt Day activities, organized holiday care packages, and developed student-led tutoring initiatives.

Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and Kinbrace

Students work with organizations supporting newcomers and refugees in Vancouver. Through holiday meals, community hosting, fundraising initiatives, and visits with newcomer families, students learn about the experiences of people building new lives in Canada and consider how they can contribute to a welcoming community.

MOSAIC and Lakeview Senior Centre

Intergenerational partnerships give students opportunities to build relationships through music, theatre, and shared experiences. With MOSAIC's English-language musical theatre group for seniors, students participate in drama activities and shared performances. Students also perform and celebrate with members of Lakeview Senior Centre throughout the year.

Caring for our environment and community

Fresh Roots and Copley Community Orchard
Students explore food security, sustainability, and urban agriculture through hands-on experiences. They contribute to organic vegetable production and community gardening while learning how food systems connect to the wellbeing of local communities.

Stillmoon Art Society and Renfrew Ravine
Through ecological restoration and environmental stewardship, students participate in invasive species removal and other activities that help care for local natural spaces. These experiences invite students to see their city as both a place to learn and a place they have a responsibility to care for.

North Shore Mountain Bike Trail Association
Students take their learning outdoors through trail building and maintenance on the North Shore. The partnership connects students with questions about environmental stewardship, recreation, and the responsibility that comes with sharing and caring for natural spaces

Responding to community needs

New Fountain Shelter
Students support New Fountain Shelter through care package drives, fundraising, and cooking initiatives for the shelter's drop-in meal service. These experiences give students opportunities to contribute directly to the wellbeing of people in their community.

Canadian Blood Services
Each year, Grade 12 students organize a blood drive that brings together students, staff, and families in support of Canadian Blood Services. Student leaders manage the initiative and encourage their community to take part, putting their organizational and leadership skills into action.