Where Education
Meets Achievement
Blending Rigorous Curriculum With Diverse Extracurricular Opportunities to Foster Well-Rounded Individuals
Offering an Enriching Academic Experience From K-12
The Fernie Academy elementary division (K-7) is based on an entirely academic morning, followed each afternoon by recreational and cultural pursuits. The school follows the BC Curriculum and is staffed with highly qualified, certified teachers and instructors. The High School (Gr 8-12) offers a wide range of academic and elective courses, including three languages and a full complement of fine arts and applied skills. All students enjoy a high level of daily activity, with K-10 participating in daily PE.
Through the variety of experiences at The Fernie Academy, students are faced with many opportunities and challenges. Students, their families, and staff work together to create a positive and supportive environment where the children strive to develop their full potential. As a result, the community created within the school fosters a secure and inspiring learning environment and encourages students to aim for excellence in all aspects of their lives.
Academics
The Fernie Academy is guided by the BC Curriculum, and the academic morning includes the subjects of:
The Ministry of Education requires a minimum of 850 hours per year, and The Fernie Academy provides students in Grades 1-12 with over 1200 hours. Kindergarten students participate in 935 hours of education, exceeding the 425-hour minimum required by the Ministry. With the increased instructional time, smaller class sizes, and a comfortable environment, the students have an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the subject matter.
Instructional Time
Grades Kindergarten–12 hours
Assessments
Students are assessed on a regular basis through a variety of methods, and their progress is reported to their families at least five times throughout the school year. Three of these reports are formally written and issued as Report Cards at the end of November, March, and June, with written Interim Reports delivered midterm twice a year. More informal reporting is done via telephone calls, email, student-led conferences, parent-teacher conferences, and the use of the student’s daily planners or journals. Grades and marks are tabulated for all subjects based on student participation, attitude, and classroom work, including assignments, tests, and quizzes.
Arts
Students also develop their individuality and creativity through their participation in art, music, dance, and drama. The Visual Arts curriculum is delivered by our certified art instructors as well as visits from local artisans. A strong emphasis is placed on getting the children to express themselves through the use of different media. Trips to the Arts Station afford the children the opportunity to study local exhibitions. Our music instructors interpret the BC Music curriculum by incorporating such elements as playing in an ensemble, reading music, studying the masters, and singing. Our voice instructor continues to work with all students on a weekly basis during the choir component of the music program. Dance is incorporated regularly, drama is offered twice a week, and the languages offered are French, Spanish, and German. Students in Grades 8-12 experience one language and one art each semester, incorporating a study of all arts and languages over the year.
Athletics
Many individuals and families have chosen to reside in Fernie as a result of a specific lifestyle choice. This is often strongly influenced by the diverse recreational opportunities afforded by the Elk Valley. Daily physical activity is not only recommended by many medical and fitness experts but is also desired by both students and their families as a component of a healthy lifestyle. K-12 students at The Fernie Academy will receive Physical Education daily using a variety of facilities within the community. Further, every Friday afternoon will be dedicated to recreation and fitness, where more involved activities are undertaken in partnership with the PE curriculum, including:
Friday afternoon activities are not optional (with the exception of skiing/snowboarding from January to March), and students are required to attend from 12:45 to 3:30. Extracurricular sports include badminton, rock climbing, indoor soccer, track and field, basketball, and volleyball.