Teaching Boys to Self-Advocate

It’s well known that one of the Georgian catch phrases is “best version.” Faculty and staff are constantly working to ensure that by the time each boy graduates, he is well on the way to becoming the best version of himself. Lesser known, however, is that in the Learning Centre, the teachers are actively working to help boys understand their learning style, and develop the confidence needed to self-advocate and become their best academic version.
“Every student has a unique learning style. It is our goal to make sure each boy understands how he learns and what he needs to do to be successful,” said Laura McPhedran, Senior School Learning Centre Coordinator. “The role of the Learning Centre is to help boys leverage their strengths, understand their learning needs and develop the confidence required to ask for help. It’s not just about academics – it’s about self-exploration and understanding their learning style.”

The Learning Centre is a happening, fast-paced place with an aura of calm. The three teachers in the Senior School – Laura McPhedran, Cathie Gryfe-Seeley and Nathan Crowe never know how their day will unfold. Their mandate is to support all boys in the Senior School in developing their learning skills. They act as the liaison between students, teachers, parents, outside professionals and school administration. Grade 12 students frequently ask for support editing their personal statements for university applications while younger students are organizing and completing their daily work. In addition, a vibrant peer tutor program for both Junior and Senior School students is hosted in the space.

“We also support teachers when they design special lessons or activities where an extra set of hands are needed” said Ms. McPhedran. “It is an honour to be asked into a classroom and yet another way we can support every student in the Senior School.”

The Junior School Learning Centre works slightly differently, but the focus is still on self-advocacy. 

“We definitely want the boys to be better self-advocates. It’s important that they understand how they learn, what they need and how to ask for it,” said Kelley Fitzpatrick, Grade 7 & 8 Learning Strategist. “I spend a lot of time in classrooms, understanding who benefits from a little extra support.”

Janet Stephenson, Grade 3-6 Learning Strategist, spends time in classrooms, but she will also bring a group of children over to the Learning Centre to work with them more closely. Both Janet and Kelley write Individual Education Plans (IEP) and work with teachers to support the learning needs of students. “We advocate for the boys,” said Janet. “Kelley and I are the voice for the student who learns differently.” 
Back