Kelowna High School Will Offer Grade 12 Yoga Class

One Kelowna High School will be rolling out the yoga mats all the way to graduation.

Now that the course has been approved by the Board of Education, Yoga and Wellness 12 will be available to Kelowna Secondary School students.

The course was developed by teacher Lea Ivanitz at École Kelowna Secondary in December 2015 and will offer four credits at the end of 120 hours of class.

The prerequisite is Yoga and Fitness 11 or previous yoga experience, as assessed by the teacher.

According to the course proposal, on the Okanagan School District Website, the course was developed to offer students a deeper understanding of the practice and principles of yoga. They will get the chance to expand their knowledge of pranayama techniques and mudras, better their physical practice, increase their knowledge of yogic eating and practice meditation.

The section on yogic eating will cover the effect different foods have on the body and mind, making healthy food choices, and the benefits of eating local and organic and knowing where your food comes from. Local vendors will visit the classroom with information and samples for students.

The course will finish with students practicing Baptiste Power Yoga, one of the most rigorous styles.

According to the submission, the purpose of the course is to provide an opportunity for self-discovery, and to encourage students to undergo physical and personal growth in a calm space.

“With the ever growing existence of anxiety and depression amongst youth, this is a practical and relevant course for high school-aged students,” reads the proposal.

Students will work on goal setting, and should find improved strength, flexibility, and endurance.

The class will also review terminology and postures throughout the course.

Teachers wanting to add this class to their repertoire must have completed a Yoga Alliance Certified training course, plus a minimum of 40 hours of related workshops and experience in at least three styles of yoga.

The Board of Education approved the BAA Course Proposal for Yoga & Wellness 12 at Kelowna Secondary School during a public meeting on February 24th.

The course is part of the Graduation Program, established in 2004, which authorizes Boards of Education to offer locally relevant courses, giving students adequate choice of classes and flexibility in their timetables.