A new educational program called the Primary Learning Community (K-3) will be launched at Airport Elementary School in the next school year, Comox Valley Schools announced Monday (Jan. 13).

"This new dynamic program offers a unique blended learning experience that integrates school, place, and home-based environments to foster holistic development in young learners," a release from the district says.

The program will be open to learners throughout the district, and will offer some unique features for participating students.

The goal of the program is to inspire children through play-based and place-based learning. This will help enable exploration, creativity, and authentic engagement with their surroundings.

"Students will build strong, positive relationships with their teacher and peers over multiple years, creating a nurturing environment that supports social, emotional, and cognitive growth," the release says.

Play-based learning is a hands-on, personalized approach to learning that helps foster critical and creative thinking. It also helps prioritize the students' well-being. Grounding students' learning in place helps connect the children with their community and local environment. It also helps provide for meaningful outdoor learning opportunities.

The program will offer a blended learning schedule. On Mondays, students will have home-based learning activities, Tuesdays and Thursdays will be indoor and outdoor experiences at Airport Elementary. On Fridays, students will travel to various locations in the Comox Valley to learn in the community and environment.

This program will also feature an professional learning demonstration component. This gives educators an opportunity to learn from, observe and engage with the new, transformative teaching practices.