Mr. A. Bakx: M. Sc., M. Ed.
Grade 11 & 12 Homeroom, G4 to G12 Sciences

Mr. Bakx grew up and received his academic and professional training in the Netherlands. He holds Master's degrees in chemical engineering (cum laude) and education, both from Delft University of Technology. Since 2000, he has taught courses in chemistry, physics, earth science, general science, and most recently biology. Since immigrating into Canada in 2004, Mr. Bakx has truly enjoyed his new home's great outdoors, its opportunities and peoples. He lives in Summerland with his wife, two children, and two cats.

In his teaching Mr. Bakx encourages students to express individual interests and strengths, and to experience success in their learning process. This involves a flexibility in his choice of learning materials and assessment strategies. Mr. Bakx believes that school should be more like life. Thus he is committed to connecting the science curriculum to the 'real' world and students' everyday lives. In order to achieve this, Mr. Bakx regularly discusses current issues using media such as newspapers, magazines, and Internet. Moreover, he involves students in real applications of curriculum content. Examples are the Glenfir Native Plant Garden project and the school's composting programme. Ideas for future projects include starting and operating a community garden, and preparing a proposal for wind, solar, or geothermal energy solutions for the school.

Obviously, Mr. Bakx believes his teaching should prepare his students for the future. Students' future lives will all be different, but most likely will involve working in an environment that requires continual learning and adaptation. Their future society will most likely face challenges of oil depletion and climate change. Therefore - rather than presenting specialist knowledge of separate disciplines - Mr. Bakx' teaching emphasizes scientific and ecological literacy. Its main objective is for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the natural processes that enable and shape life on Earth, and of the impacts that human activities and technologies have on these natural processes. Ultimately it is Mr. Bakx hope that his students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to and prosper in a sustainable society.