Beyond Classrooms returns with hands-on learning across Kingston

The program transforms museums, galleries, heritage sites and community spaces into immersive learning environments.

BGC South East is continuing Beyond Classrooms, giving students hands-on learning experiences at museums, heritage sites and community spaces across the region.

Students across Kingston and the surrounding area will continue learning outside traditional classrooms as BGC South East expands its Beyond Classrooms program for the 2026-27 school year.

BGC South East announced Wednesday that it will continue operating Beyond Classrooms Kingston, a program that transforms museums, galleries, heritage sites and community spaces into immersive learning environments.

The initiative allows students to spend a week exploring curriculum topics through hands-on activities, inquiry-based learning and collaboration. Developed with educators and local cultural organizations, the program is designed to complement the Ontario curriculum while building skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity and civic engagement.

Activities include artifact analysis, journaling, collaborative projects and discussions with community experts.

Rosie Gatenby-Broeders, Supervisor of Education at BGC South East, said the program gives students a unique opportunity to connect with Kingston’s history, culture and community through meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.

The program’s continuation is supported in part by funding from the City of Kingston Heritage Fund and the Kingston and Area Association of Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites.

BGC South East is encouraging teachers and schools interested in participating during the upcoming school year to reserve a week for their class and learn more about the program.