At SJS, we are committed to providing an enriched, well-rounded education for all our students. Thanks to the generous support of SJS families through Annual Giving, we have been able to introduce the ADST (Applied Design, Skills and Technologies) Specialist role this year.
Ariana Debreuil, who many of you will know as our Educational Technology Curriculum Lead and PYP Grade 5 Teacher, has taken on this role this year with a dedicated focus on ADST, running interactive learning sessions for students, staff and parents in our Junior School.
Watch the video above as Ariana and Valerie Little, Junior School Principal, reflect on term one, the impact this increased focus on ADST is having on our students, teachers and parents and look ahead to the rest of the academic year.
What is an ADST Specialist?
An ADST Specialist is an educator who focuses on teaching students the foundational skills in design, technology, engineering and computing. This role combines creativity with practical skills, providing students with the opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of materials, tools and technologies. From coding and robotics to woodworking and digital design, ADST activities and learning equips students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
How our ADST Specialist Enhances Learning
In her role as ADST Specialist, Ariana helps our students explore and apply their learning in real-world contexts. Here’s a glimpse into how this role is benefitting students at SJS:
- Fostering Innovation and Creativity: The focus on ADST encourages students to think critically and creatively. So far this year there has been a focus on design-thinking for all students, our younger students have been enjoying getting hands-on with building activities connected to their units and each grade have done mini units on robotics, building mini-robots and getting them to execute complete commands. There will also be more opportunities to develop their robotics skills during the rest of this year. Whether designing a prototype, building a working model or solving complex problems, students are learning to innovate and bring their ideas to life.
- Building Technical Skills: In today’s world, technical literacy is crucial. Through hands-on projects, students have been developing competencies in various tools and technologies, as well as safe usage of technology with a strong focus on digital citizenship skills. These skills not only prepare students for future careers but also empower them to be more digitally literate and to approach problems with confidence.
- Collaborative Learning: The ADST Specialist fosters teamwork and collaboration, encouraging students to work together on projects, share ideas and problem-solve collectively. These opportunities promote interpersonal skills, communication and a further sense of community.
- Equipping Teachers: All of our teachers come with an understanding and awareness of ADST but having the specialist role this year has provided them with a dedicated person to ask any ADST-related questions to, as well as sessions scheduled to enhance their knowledge and confidence in the area.
- Preparing for the Future: By engaging with both digital and physical forms of design and technology, students gain a deeper understanding of the various fields they might want to explore in the future, whether that’s in engineering, computer science, graphic design or any other tech-related profession, as well as digital citizenship and safe use of technology.
How Annual Giving Supports ADST at SJS
The ADST Specialist role is one part of a broader goal to equip our students with the skills they need to soar. Annual Giving donations from SJS families are essential in making this possible. These donations help fund not only the salary of our ADST Specialist but also provide the tools, materials and technology necessary for hands-on learning experiences. Without this vital support, the scope of school’s focus in this area would be limited, but with donations our ability to provide high-quality, interactive ADST sessions has been made a reality.
Why Your Support Matters
Each donation to the Annual Giving campaign has a direct and lasting impact on our students. It’s an investment not only in their education but also in their future success. By contributing to Annual Giving our families are helping to create a learning environment where students are empowered to explore their passions, develop critical skills and prepare for a world that is constantly changing. You can learn more and donate at sjs.ca/support.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students, and helping to shape the next generation of innovators, creators and problem-solvers.
