The ARC Gifted program is based on the premise that when the three major psychological needs; autonomy, relatedness, and competence, (ARC) are met students are engaged and empowered, motivation is increased and there will be a greater impact on learning.
The program provides opportunities for students to pursue their own interests. It supports student creativity in a rich and stimulating environment and in that context introduce students to more and more of what the world has to offer. Through a variety of challenges, students demonstrate the outcomes of the six competencies: Leadership, Teambuilding, Communication, Creativity, Systems Thinking, Research and Inquiry.
The PACE (Program for Academic and Creative Enrichment) at Journey Middle School is a series of enrichment workshops that is separate from regular class schedules. The purpose of the program is to give students an opportunity to be introduced to new ideas and explore a wide variety of topics.
Examples of some of the presenters are authors Julie Lawson, Eric Wilson and Eric Walters who shared their writing experiences and the process they use to write a new book. Students attended a MIME workshop by Trent Arterbury and musical theatre workshop by professional choreographer and dancer Jennifer Sanders, Choreographer, Michael Boston, presented tap dancing. University of Victoria has sent speakers on electric cars, oceanography, Climate Change, Mindstorm Robotics, Volcanoes, Deep Sea Geology, and Snakes.
Students are given a notice about any upcoming workshops and have the choice whether they would like to attend.
PACE students are identified by their teacher and given the OLSAT test through the District.
Mrs Fader is Journey's ARC and PACE teacher.