Design-driven & Future-proof
RDS Students learn how to apply design-based solutions to math, science, and arts challenges using new and skill-level appropriate tools, machines and games. This makes projects fun, accessible, and applicable to students' lives.Students gain frequent and first-hand experience with laser cutters and rapid prototyping in our newly updated Innovation Lab. Rather than memorizing, our STEAM program uses hands-on tools like 3D printers, robotics, coding games and fully stocked Maker Carts to give learners the freedom to implement problem solving strategies creatively and design in a way that intrigues and engages them.
RDS Wins Future Design Competition - 2024
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Middle School! On Friday, February 9th, RDS participated in the Future Prize Competition organized by Future Design School, alongside many other CIS schools including: UCC, Branksome Hall, Crescent, and The York School.
This competition provided our students: Aria, Joel, Hanna, Elle, Liam, and Allie, with a unique opportunity to tackle real-world issues through innovative problem-solving methods.
The teams were challenged with the question, "How might we address a meaningful issue in our local community?" Mr. Tran's team chose to focus on food insecurity, while Ms. Thibeault's team tackled the important issue of safe arrivals for students walking to RDS.
We are thrilled to announce that Hanna, Joel, Aria, (and Ms. Thibeault) emerged victorious, bringing home the win for RDS! Their dedication, creativity, and problem-solving skills truly shone through. Overall, it was a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and critical thinking. We couldn't be more proud of the RDS students who participated in this enriching experience.
By the time students reach Middle School, they are regularly integrating what they are learning with real-world scenarios. Not only are they seeing how STEAM applies to life beyond the classroom, they are iterating on their role within the context of future innovation and artistic design. Productive failure in a highly supportive and safe environment allows students to see what the future looks like and to know, with confidence, that they play an integral role in creating it.
Global Competencies Across Multi-Modalities
Sustainability & Biology
Coding, Design & 3D Printing
Robotics & Electronics
Concepts around design-based solutions start in Kindergarten and continue through to Grade 8, gradually building upon skill level and continuously integrating subjects like Music and Art. RDS boasts conscious academic integration across all subjects so that students can take what they learn in one class and express it uniquely in another. This boosts engagement and deepens the learning experience. Our curriculum also connects theoretical knowledge to application through critical thinking skills, dynamic problem solving and productive failure.