Programs
Our programs at Cowichan Valley Open Learning work with all our Cowichan Valley School District programs to create learning environments that support home learning families.
Alternate Program
Cowichan Valley’s School District runs its Alternate Program from CVOLC.
From the Ministry of Education
Policy Statement
Alternate education programs focus on educational, social and emotional issues for students whose needs are not being met in a traditional school program. An alternate education program provides its support through differentiated instruction, specialized program delivery and enhanced counselling services based on students’ needs.
Rationale or purpose of policy
Students who attend alternate education programs are often the most vulnerable population in the school system. Alternate education programs have disproportionate numbers of children and youth in care, Aboriginal students, children and youth living in poverty or the street, gifted children who have difficulty in social situations, children and youth involved in drugs, alcohol and the sex trade, and youth with mental health concerns. Alternate education programs offer an opportunity for these vulnerable and at-risk students to experience success.
Is Open Learning For You?
- Do you want to attend a school with smaller classes and more personalized learning?
- Do you want to return and catch up at school?
- Do you want to get prerequisites for college or earn certificate courses to help you get a job?
- Do you work part-time while completing school?
- Do you have small children and need daycare while you attend school?
If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, please contact us.
For childcare information please call Growing Together (250) 748-9754
Open Learning Options
Students have many options at Cowichan Valley Open Learning including:
- Grove (Distributed Learning k-12)
- Cowichan Valley Alternate Programs
- CVAS: Grades 8 & 9’s at Providence Farm
- Satellite classrooms at each local high school
Each Program consists of a full time teacher and student support worker and can be created to suit each student. For instance, we can design a program that is a blend between a satellite site and the high school or between the Grove (online) and CVOL. Ask about these opportunities at your intake meeting!
About Cowichan Valley Open Learning
Our programs at Cowichan Valley Open Learning work with all our Cowichan Valley School District programs to create learning environments that support home learning families.
We know that learning can take place anywhere and any time and does not need to fit into the rigid timelines of a traditional classroom. By accessing places and spaces that focus on the personalization and the flexible structure of the curriculum, a student can lead their learning in programs unique to their strengths and interests. No two students in the Cowichan Valley School District will graduate with a program that looks the same.
CVOLC at a Glance.
- Part-time / full-time programs
- Continuous entry
- Child Care on site – newborn to 5 years old
- Upgrading to Grade 10
- Academic and Elective Grade 10, 11 & 12 courses
- Full graduation with graduation ceremony and banquet
- Certificate courses and workshops for job entry skills
- Work experience program and placements available for all students
- Access to ACE IT and secondary school apprenticeship, college level programs and career technical centres
- Breakfast and lunch programs
- Small classes with caring teachers
- Advisor program
- Individualized and group learning
- Scheduled classes, self-paced and computer directed learning available
- Referral from the secondary schools
- Self referral
- Returning to school after an extended absence
- Cultural Activities
Programs that CVOLC offers:
- Cowichan Valley Open Learning Co-Op
- The Grove (CVDL)
- Take a Hike
- Careers & Dual Credit
CVOLC has four off campus learning centres, we affectionately call our “satellite sites”, located at each District high school.
CVOL Satellite Sites Offer:
- an on-site learning centre with all day classes
- full time teacher
- full time student support worker (SSW)
- the ability to cross enrol at the high school (with administration permission)
Quw’utsun Secondary Open Learning
Quw’utsun Secondary School Open Learning (QSOL) recently expanded into two classrooms. It is supported teachers, Tom Fogarty and Justin Croswell as well as Student Support Worker (SSW) Cheryl Jordan. Students are able to take classes/electives at Quw’utsun Secondary whilst simultaneously benefiting from the Open Learning approach, including more one-to-one support, self-paced courses, life-skills workshops, and increased flexibility.
- Teacher: Tom Fogarty
Email: tforgarty@sd79.bc.ca - Teacher: Justin Croswell
Email: jcroswell@sd79.bc.ca
Lake Cowichan Open Learning
Lake Cowichan School Open Learning (LCOL) is supported by teacher, Zach Fisher and student support staff. LCOL strives to create a safe and positive environment where we can build strong relationships that become the foundation for future educational and life success.
- Teacher: Zacharie Fisher
Email: zfisher@sd79.bc.ca
Frances Kelsey Open Learning
Frances Kelsey Secondary Open Learning (FKOL) is supported by teachers, CJ Smith and Ian Rettie as well as Student Support Worker (SSW) Keitha Cooke-Peabody. This program runs out of FKS school which offers more one-on-one support for learners. FKOL strives to help learners increase their confidence in academics as well as social responsibility and wellness.
- Teacher: CJ Smith
Email: cjsmith@sd79.bc.ca - Ian Rettie
Email: irettie@sd79.bc.ca
Chemainus Secondary Open Learning
Chemainus Open Learning (CHOL) is supported by Irwin Tollefson and Sylvia Benjamin (SSW). This program runs from a classroom in the heart of the high school. CHOL works hard to help students in the classroom to achieve their academic goals as well as boost their confidence, create a sense of community and support them however they need.
- Teacher: Irwin Tollefson
Email: itollefson@sd79.bc.ca
Cowichan Valley Alternate School
Located at Providence Farm, CVAS offers a multifaceted program for students in grades 8 and 9.
It includes academics (individualized); a work program which promotes work habits and work skills through actual project work; exploratory learning through IDS opportunities; outdoor recreation and a foods program which includes planning, shopping and preparation of nutritional meals. CVAS is for students struggling socially, emotionally and/or behaviorally in traditional schools.