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Split classes a success
Karen Mackenzie Northern News Services Published Monday, October 6, 2008
Inuujaq school in Arctic Bay has put boys and girls in Grades 8 and 9 into separate groups this year and staff members say the benefits are already apparent. "In comparison to last year, there's a lot more work getting done and there are fewer problems in terms of behaviour. "I think it was an amazing decision," said teacher Nick Cameron, who teaches the girls' class as well as boys' English. Grade 9 student Bruno Attagutsiak said he wasn't sure what to think when he heard about the changes last spring. Now, however, he said it's "great," and hopes they'll continue on next year. "For one, it's a little bit quieter," he said. Students are more comfortable discussing things during their health class, Cameron said. Class material, such as books, can also be geared towards each class. "And the girls are really excited about the prospect of doing gymnastics, aerobics and yoga in gym class and I know for a fact the boys would not be interested in that," Cameron said with a laugh. According to Cameron, attendance has gone up to 93 per cent. Compared to last year, this "is significantly higher," he added. While this is the first time the school has implemented the change, principal Tim Hoyt said it was also successful in Sanikiluaq's Nuiyak school, where he previously taught. The change at Inuujaq was due in part by requests from the local elders, who made the suggestion to teachers and the local district education authority (DEA). "The parents, they're happy with it. Everyone was willing to try something new, something different," said Irene Willie, chair of the DEA. "Now we'll just see in the end of the school year how well it is received." Inuujaq is currently the only school in the Qikiqtani region with a split-gender class. "We'll be following this with interest," said Patricia Smith, superintendent of schools. "We'll be interested to see by the end of the year how things look." The Arctic Bay school has also moved sewing and shop classes into the Inuktitut high school grades this year in an effort to boost attendance.
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