It’s being called the future of education in Saskatchewan – the new middle school in Warman is unlike most of the schools in the province.
The unique design and layout includes tables and chairs instead of desks in classrooms, and long hallways full or space to learn have replaced long corridors of lockers seen in most schools. The school is divided into three neighbourhoods, each of which has its own outdoor classroom, rooftop garden and study spaces.
"The model of schooling that existed back when I went to school - that's not the way the world works. We're trying to prepare students for the future and to be citizens and productive in society. These kinds of environments support that kind of learning.,” said Greg Tebay, principal of Warman Community Middle School.
Officials said the partnership between the City of Warman and the school division made the school possible.
The school isn’t entire finished, areas like the 400 seat theatre are still under construction. Once completed, the theatre will be shared by the community. The library is also shared, and because it’s the city’s, it’s much bigger than originally planned.
The new gym is technically a part of the city’s new recreation facility. It also has a skating rink and a second indoor soccer field.
"The taxpayer owns it all so let's use it all for the benefit of the community and everybody grows,” said prairie spirit school division trustee Sam Dyck.
The school has taken pressure off the crowded elementary and high schools in Warman, but it’s still not enough.
"If we got approval for a new elementary school today it would be full by the time it got built.” Dyck said.
Prairie Spirit School Division is expected to have the biggest jump in enrollment in the province, and they’re lobbying the government for another school in both Warman and Martinsville.
For now, students and the community are enjoying the new middle school.
