The Sacred Heart School of Montreal

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What school says: .

Mathematics Traditional Math

Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Learn about the different mathematics approaches  

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• What school says: The overall objective of the Mathematics programme is to produce problem solvers, using mathematical reasoning and communication. At all levels the assessment of Mathematics is based on two competencies, these being Solves a Situational Problem and Mathematical Reasoning. The content of every course is divided into Algebra and Arithmetic, Geometry, and Probability and Statistics. The accelerated programme moves advanced Mathematics students through the secondary school curriculum in four years instead of five, allowing them to complete AP Calculus in Secondary V.

• Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

• Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

Science

• Teaching approach: Science plays an integral role in our daily lives, and is constantly changing and expanding. Our science programme grants students the opportunity to reach their full potential. Students are exposed to a range of topics in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science. Constructivist and cooperative methods of learning are used in order to provide the best learning environment and to accommodate different learning styles. Students learn the value of rigorous intellectual inquiry, through both laboratory and theoretical work. They become aware of both the positive and negative effects of science on society, and of the relationships between science and other disciplines, with a focus on technology. This awareness will help them to become critical and self-assured thinkers and to make informed decisions on matters involving science.

• Topics covered in curriculum:

  Subject	= offered
  Biology
  Chemistry
  Ecology
  Geology
  Meteorology
  Physics
  Physiology
  Zoology

• Treatment of evolution:

  Evolution as consensus theory
  Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
  Evolution is not taught

Literature Traditional

In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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• What school says: The English Language Arts programme promotes the love of learning by encouraging students to deepen their appreciation of literature and their understanding of language encountered in media texts. Students engage in open and respectful discussion of a wide range of ideas, including major ethical and moral dilemmas faced by humankind. The choice of literature and the topics of discussion and debate encourage intellectual development and a habit of reflection.

Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance

These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Learn about the different humanities and social sciences approaches  

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• What school says: The mission of the Social Sciences Department is to foster a thoughtful understanding of the context, infrastructures, ideas, and forces that shape the modern world. Through a multi-disciplinary programme that comprises geography, economics, history, politics and citizenship, students learn about people and places, their power and potential, in the past and present. Our aim is to prepare students for further study and citizenship by combining scholarly insight and practical application. This will enable students to acquire a refined sense of ethical purpose and a heightened appreciation of humanity and its institutions.

Foreign Languages Communicative

The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
Learn about the different foreign languages approaches  

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• What school says: The globalization of our modern world has made ease of communication and general cultural awareness increasingly important. A knowledge of languages gives students not only the ability to communicate orally and in writing, but also the opportunity to discover and explore the world’s cultural diversity, whether through literature or the print and electronic media, or through interaction and exchange with individuals in their immediate community and around the world.

Studying a foreign language is required until:   11

• Languages Offered: • French • Spanish • ESL

Fine Arts Creative

Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
Learn about the different fine arts approaches  

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• Program offers:

  Subject	= offered
  Acting
  Dance
  Drama/Theatre
  Graphic Design
  Music
  Visual Arts

• Visual studio philosophy:

  Expressive
  Disciplined

• What school says: The Arts are an integral part of our society and our life experiences and are therefore an essential part of a well-rounded education. They open the door to artistic sensitivity, creativity, and the exploration of a student’s talents and interests. They further develop leadership skills, self-confidence,creative thinking and approaches to problem solving as well as provide the means to explore various mediums of personal and artistic expression. Each discipline combines theoretical understanding with a variety of practical applications in both individual and group settings. Historical, cultural and individual perspectives place the arts within a broader context; and students learn to analyze the role of the arts in the past and present and to recognize their power as both a catalyst for, and a recorder of, social change.

Computers and Technology Medium integration

Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Learn about the different computers and technology approaches  

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• What school says: With the introduction of Chromebooks for all students. technology has become fully integrated into our daily curriculum. Indeed, each student starts the day by reading the \'Daily News\' which appears as the homepage when first opening up their Chromebook.\n\nEach class also has a \'Google Classroom\', a virtual classroom, which teachers can use to place learning material, evaluations or otherwise engage with the students in discussion and classwork. A majority of work is now handed out, worked upon and returned to the teacher in a digital format.\n\nUsing the collaborative tools available through the use of the Google for Education program, students can work in groups, share notes and work on the same document even when at home or in different classrooms.\n\nTechnology is used to keep students engaged in various ways.

• Program covers:

  Subject	= offered
  Computer science
  Robotics
  Web design

Physical Education

• What school says: In addition to giving students the opportunity to increase their level of physical fitness and raise their awareness of healthy lifestyle choices, the physical education programme fosters values that are an integral part of a Sacred Heart education: teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, respect for themselves and for others, and a spirit of community.

Religious Education We have one or two required religion courses.

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• Approach to teaching religious and secular curricula

  Completely segregated We completely segregate or separate secular and religious curricula. We don't teach them together or combine them in any ways.
  Mostly segregated We mostly segregate or separate secular and religious curricula. We teach very few, if any, secular and religious subjects together, and we don't combine them in any significant ways.
  Completely integrated We completely integrate the secular and religious curricula. We combine the teaching of religious and secular subjects for the entire, or almost the entire, day. Almost all of our units integrate secular and religious instruction.
  Mostly integrated We have a highly integrated curriculum. We integrate most of our religious and secular subjects. We teach a few secular and religious subjects on their own, though.
  Not applicable This doesn't apply to us because we don't have a religious curriculum.

• Approach to teaching religion

  Scripture as literal Our religious scripture is a factual text that is literally the word of God. Our task is to understand it and clarify its meaning.
  Scripture as interpretive Our religious scripture, while the word of God, is open to interpretation and discussion.

• What school says: The courses in Ethics and Religious Culture at The Sacred Heart School of Montreal are oriented to the Catholic tradition of the school while respecting the multicultural and religious diversity of our school community. The overall objective of the Religion Department is to help each student develop the awareness and skills to respond with compassion and wisdom to the people and situations that they will encounter in their lives.