Leaving to Learns
Traditional Leaving to Learn: An Overview
At Maples Met School, we embrace the powerful concept of "Leaving to Learn," as championed by Elliot Washor and Dennis Littky in their work with Big Picture Learning. "Leaving to Learn" is based on the idea that deep, meaningful learning often happens beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. When students are given the opportunity to explore the world, connect with mentors, and engage in real-world experiences, they gain knowledge, skills, and confidence in ways that are authentic and transformative.
This approach encourages students to pursue their interests through internships, community projects, and experiential learning opportunities. Each experience is designed around the student's passions and goals, supported by advisors and mentors who help guide their learning. By connecting academic expectations to real-world contexts, students develop agency, purpose, and a clearer vision for their future.
At Maples Met, Leaving to Learn is more than a model—it’s a mindset. It aligns with our commitment to personalized, student-driven education that prepares young people not just for graduation, but for life. Whether through working in a professional environment, engaging in community-based initiatives, or taking part in off-campus learning experiences, our students learn by doing, thinking, reflecting, and contributing to the world around them.
Extended Stay Leaving to Learn: A Deeper Dive into Real-World Learning
At Maples Met School, we offer Extended Stay Leaving to Learns, an evolution of the “Leaving to Learn” model developed by Elliot Washor and Dennis Littky of Big Picture Learning. These experiences take students beyond the classroom and into the world for extended periods of time—where they engage deeply with a topic, community, or environment.
Unlike single-day field experiences, Extended Stay Leaving to Learns immerse students in richer, more sustained learning. Whether it's spending a week at a sustainability centre, taking part in a cultural exchange, or attending a science and research camp, students leave school to dive into real-world experiences that allow for meaningful inquiry, skill-building, and reflection. These opportunities are carefully designed to align with students’ interests and learning goals, offering both academic and personal growth.
Students work with advisors and mentors to plan their experience, document their learning, and connect it back to their larger academic goals and personal interests. At Maples Met, Extended Stay Leaving to Learns are a vital part of our commitment to student-driven, real-world education—providing opportunities to learn deeply, engage purposefully, and grow as individuals and citizens.