Upper Middle School

Grades 8-9

Discover a World Where Education Meets Purpose

Welcome to Pear Tree School – where purposeful education cultivates extraordinary futures.

At Pear Tree School, we’re not just another school; we’re a beacon for redefining what education can be.

Nestled in the heart of the Kitsilano community, our Grade 8-9 program is designed to ignite passion, inspire action, and instill a profound sense of purpose in every student.

Why Choose Pear Tree School?

Imagine an education that transcends textbooks and fosters real-world connections every day. At Pear Tree School, we transform learning with our pioneering Pear Tree Method – a harmonious blend of thematic learning, interdisciplinary studies, and a holistic approach to student development. Here, education is about discovering your “Why” and preparing for the “What’s Next.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Our mission is to craft a learning journey that nurtures intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and ethical leadership. The Pear Tree Method isn’t just our approach; it’s our promise to ensure every student not only excels academically but thrives in life. Through project-based learning and real-world applications, we equip our students with the essential skills to navigate and shape the future.

36 Transformative Outcomes

Beyond academic excellence, our students master life skills that set them apart: from critical thinking to creative problem-solving, from emotional intelligence to ethical leadership. Our program promises 36 transformative outcomes, preparing Pear Tree students to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Core Values: The Heartbeat of Pear Tree School

Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Excellence are the cornerstones of Pear Tree School. These values illuminate our path, guiding every lesson, project, and community engagement, shaping students into conscientious, global citizens.

Grade 8-9 Program Overview

At Pear Tree School, we believe education should empower students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Our Grade 8-9 program builds on previous learning by fostering greater independence, problem-solving, and leadership.

Through theme-based and project-based learning, students explore complex ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and make interdisciplinary connections across subjects. Whether conducting science experiments, debating social issues, designing innovative projects, or applying math to real-life situations, students develop a deeper understanding of core academic concepts while refining their analytical and creative thinking skills.

As they grow, students also build strong social and emotional skills, learning to navigate teamwork, take initiative, and develop resilience in the face of challenges. Small class sizes and personalized instruction ensure that every child receives the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

By making learning engaging, rigorous, and relevant, our Grade 8-9 program prepares students for the transition to high school school years, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and curiosity to succeed in school and beyond.

Opportunities That Excite and Inspire

Our students delve into a world brimming with opportunities:

Extended Trips: From environmental stewardship in the Canadian wilderness to cultural immersions abroad, our trips broaden perspectives and deepen understanding.
Innovative Projects: Tackling real-world challenges, students showcase their creativity and ingenuity, readying them for real-life problem-solving.
Community Engagement: Service and collaboration are at our core, empowering students to make meaningful impacts

Curriculum Overview

At Pear Tree School, we take learning beyond textbooks by integrating subjects into real-world themes. This theme-based learning approach makes education more engaging, meaningful, and practical for students in Grades 8-9, fostering curiosity and deeper understanding.

Over a two-year cycle, students explore 16 diverse themes, each combining core subjects such as:

📖 Literacy – Strengthening reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through real-world applications.
🔢 Mathematics – Applying numbers, patterns, measurement, and problem-solving to hands-on, practical scenarios.
🌍 Science & Social Studies – Investigating the world through experiments, projects, and discussions about people, places, and the environment.
🎨 ADST & The Arts – Encouraging creativity, innovation, and design thinking through artistic and hands-on projects.
🏃‍♂️ Physical Education – Developing movement, coordination, and teamwork skills to support overall health and well-being.

By connecting learning across multiple subjects, students not only gain knowledge but also learn how to apply it to real-life situations. This holistic, interdisciplinary approach helps students think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Term 1 Themes (Year 1 of 2)

Identity

Flight

Molecular Gastronomy

Sample Grade 8-9 Schedule

A soft start eases students into the school day, reducing stress and fostering a calm, focused environment for learning.

A 1-hour P.E. session with our own P.E. teacher at Connaught Park.

These guitar classes are led by our dedicated music teacher.

All students take part in our Healthy Hot Lunch Program. Our menu for this month is, as follows:

Monday: Creamy potato and veggies soup with bacon and cheese
Tuesday: Chickpea and spinach soup with bread
Wednesday: Salmon curry pasta
Thursday: Jambalaya with rice
Friday: Dan Dan noodles

Students take a 45-minute break at Connaught Park, rain or shine.

There, they have access to the playground, as well as the sport fields.

There is a 10-minute walk there and back, which the students do every day.

Beyond Academics

Daily Physical Education

Grade 8-9 students at Pear Tree move and play every day in our daily one-hour P.E. program, setting the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle.

Developmentally-Appropriate Activities: Students build essential gross motor skills (jumping, running, balancing) through activities like gymnastics, obstacle courses, and ball games.
Fun, Confidence, and Teamwork: Through structured games and play-based exercises, children develop self-confidence, coordination, and cooperation.
Multi-Sport Exposure: Students get an introduction to parkour, ice skating, and other physical activities, helping them discover what they love.
Whole-Child Benefits: P.E. is about more than movement—it improves focus, behavior, and self-regulation in the classroom, too!

Hot Lunch Program

At Pear Tree School, our Grade 8-9 students benefit from our Healthy Hot Lunch Program, ensuring they get the nutrition they need to focus, play, and grow.

Kid-Friendly, Nutrient-Rich Meals: Our lunches are thoughtfully crafted with balanced, seasonal, and local ingredients, designed in collaboration with a holistic nutritionist and prepared by our in-house Red Seal chef.
Introducing Healthy Eating Habits: We encourage Grade 8-9 students to try new foods and learn the importance of a balanced diet, making mealtime a learning experience.
Catering to Dietary Needs: Whether your child requires gluten-free, vegetarian, or other special accommodations, our program ensures allergies and dietary preferences are met safely.
Connection to Learning: Food is integrated into theme-based learning, where students explore cooking, nutrition, and food science in ways that make sense for their age.

Co-Curriculars (optional)

For our grade 8-9 learners, after-school programs aren’t just extra—they’re essential to exploring interests and developing new skills!

Designed for Early Learners: Co-curriculars introduce creativity, movement, and problem-solving through activities like storytelling, music, art, building, and STEM games.
Social-Emotional Learning: Activities are designed to boost confidence, patience, and teamwork, helping students make friends and feel part of a community.
Rotating Options: Choices change each term, but may include cross country, art, performing arts, coding, chess, robotics, basketball, and martial arts.
Exploration without Pressure: Grade 8-9 co-curriculars are about having fun, trying new things, and growing in a supportive space.

Before & After School Care

Pear Tree School offers a supervised, fee-based Before and After School Care Program to support parents with busy schedules. This program is available to all students, with flexible registration options for any combination of days.

Before School Care

🕢 7:30 – 8:00 am | $10 per day

A calm, supervised environment to ease into the school day.

After School Care

🕞 3:30 – 5:00 pm | $25 per day

What Parents Say About Us

“Pear Tree School is a forefront leader in childhood education.”

Vanja

“Pear Tree School provides an environment where children are welcomed and supported.”

Katherine

“Pear Tree School is what 21st century education should be.”

Ivy

“Pear Tree School fosters children's love for learning and helps them grow as confident, responsible and kind people.”

Irina

“Pear Tree students are learning to think deeply and critically about the big issues of our day.”

Kate

“Pear Tree's project-based learning approach is practical and impactful.”

Zahra

Experience the Pear Tree School Difference

Eager to see what sets Pear Tree School apart?

Dive deeper into our world. Schedule a visit to witness how we’re transforming education and nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.

At Pear Tree School, we’re not just preparing students for the next test – we’re preparing them for life. Be part of this thrilling educational journey.

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