Hear from Emily, a teacher at Pickering College who is currently completing the Experiential Education and Global Leadership Certificate through Queen's Continuing Teacher Education.
The certificate was created in partnership with Pickering College and aims to transform how we educate children, making their learning experiential, intentional, and meaningful. The certificate is composed of 5 courses.
Scholarship opportunity: Each year, one teacher from any board or school is given a full scholarship for this diploma, generously donated by a Pickering College parent.
I’ve had the privilege of teaching French at Pickering College for the past nine years, and along the way, I’ve discovered that blending my love for language with my passion for outdoor education has created a truly special teaching experience. Teaching French is about more than just grammar and vocabulary; it’s about connecting with the culture and the world around us in meaningful, hands-on ways. I’ve found that by integrating outdoor education into my lessons, students not only deepen their understanding of the French language but also develop important life skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership.
A Journey Through Outdoor Education
At Pickering College, I spent time working in various outdoor education and experiential learning settings. Whether it was winter camping in Espanola, ice fishing in sub-zero temperatures or preparing students for paddling the Nahanni River. These experiences shaped my belief that the best way to learn is through direct engagement with the world. At Pickering, I’ve been fortunate enough to integrate these outdoor experiences with the French curriculum, making learning come alive for my students.
Each year, we do our full school Quebec Carnaval, an event that allows students to practice their French while experiencing the vibrant culture of Quebec. We’ve also taken students to St. Donat, where they experience activities such as cross-country skiing, outdoor skating, and ice fishing, which create real opportunities to use French in practical situations. One of my favorite things to do is run programs at the Blue and Silver Farm, les filles du roi, the reenactment of the battle of batoche etc…
Learning by Doing
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing students grow as individuals through these outdoor programs. It’s not just about the language skills; it’s about developing confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the world. I’m particularly proud of programs like the Nahanni trip, which integrates outdoor leadership with educational exploration. Preparing students for trips like this, where they get to step outside their comfort zones and apply their knowledge in real-life situations, is always an unforgettable experience.
I also love guiding students through historical reenactments, such as the Battle of Batoche or "Les Filles du Roi" (The Daughters of the King). These hands-on activities give students a chance to dive deep into Canadian history while practicing French and learning about culture in a way that textbooks alone can’t provide. One of the highlights for me was when we made homemade pea soup and re-enacted the experience of French settlers in Canada. Seeing students so engaged, asking questions, and really connecting with history is what makes these moments so special.
Continuous Learning and Growth
To continue improving my teaching, I’ve taken several courses that have helped me create more immersive and impactful learning experiences. The Outdoor Experiential Education course gave me the tools to design activities that encourage active participation, so when we go on a winter camping trip, for example, students learn survival skills in the cold while also building teamwork and leadership abilities. I also took a Teacher Leadership course, which has helped me step into more leadership roles within the school and the community. I’ve used this training to run outdoor winter activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing, where collaboration and leadership are key.
Working with English Language Learners (ELLs) has also been a deeply enriching experience. Through the Teaching English Language Learners course, I’ve gained a better understanding of how to support students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. I make sure to adapt lessons and offer extra help during outdoor excursions, ensuring that all students can participate and thrive in the French Senior School program, no matter their language level.
Incorporating Indigenous Perspectives
I’m also grateful for the opportunity to take the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples course, which challenged me to reflect on how we can better integrate Indigenous perspectives into our teaching. In my outdoor programs, like the reenactments of “Les Filles du Roi,” I’ve worked to weave in Indigenous history and cultural perspectives, helping students understand the central role Indigenous peoples have played in shaping Canada’s history. It’s important to me that students see history through a more inclusive and comprehensive lens.
Looking Ahead: New Learning Opportunities
I’m excited about the future and the opportunities we have to continue blending French language learning with outdoor education. One program I’m particularly excited about is French Adventure Week, a week-long experience where students can practice their French while participating in activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and building snow shelters. The idea is to integrate lessons into these outdoor activities, making learning both fun and relevant.
One project I’m looking forward to pitching is a Senior School French Historical Immersion Trip to a French-speaking region of Canada. Students will have the chance to visit local museums, interact with French-speaking locals, and engage in outdoor activities related to Canadian history—all while using their French language skills in real-world situations. It’s these kinds of experiences that really make the language come alive for students.
The Power of Experiential Learning
The value of experiential learning lies in its ability to connect students with the world around them. When students engage in hands-on activities, whether it’s ice fishing or reenacting a historical event, they don’t just learn about the world—they become active participants in shaping their own understanding of it.