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Académie Internationale Westboro International Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Académie Internationale Westboro International Academy community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Westboro International: Traditional
Westboro International has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Westboro International says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Westboro Academy offers a rigorous academic program built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Students are expected to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who can collaborate with others and work towards a common goal. We build a strong community that fosters a culture of learning and celebrates differences. By using the Ontario English curriculum, and the French first language curriculum from Québec, we ensure a truly bilingual learning environment. Junior and Senior Kindergarten are full-day programs taught in French only. The program from grades 1-8 places equal emphasis on French and English. Our students are privileged to learn from dedicated and trained specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, and Health and Physical Education. Our class sizes are small, and there is only one class per grade. With an average of 15 students per class, our students have more opportunities and are given more attention. Our students love learning and are challenged academically.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Westboro International: Equal Balance
Westboro International has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Westboro International: Phonics-intensive
Westboro International has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Westboro International: Equal balance
Westboro International has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Westboro International: Inquiry
Westboro International has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Westboro International: Equal Balance
Westboro International has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Westboro International: Expanding Communities
Westboro International has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Westboro International: Equal Balance
Westboro International has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Westboro International: Equal Balance
Westboro International has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Westboro International: Equal Balance
Westboro International has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Westboro International: Medium integration
Westboro International has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Westboro International says:
Through the Physical Education program, Westboro Academy aims to foster and develop a life-long love of sport and healthy and active living. We have a strong inclusionary approach to athletics where all students participate equally, regardless of skill or experience. We do not have try-outs for teams. Students are encouraged to participate to their full capacity and to develop skills. Westboro Academy experiences great success in inter-school althletics and remains highly competitive within the league, within the context of a non-competitively focussed approach.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Westboro International: Not Ontario curriculum
Westboro International has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Westboro International has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Westboro International says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Westboro International: Academic
Westboro International has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Westboro International says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our students are exposed to French, right from the beginning. We offer a full day Junior and Senior Kindergarten program although no prior experience with French is necessary. Children develop the base they need for a strong foundation in the bilingual program that starts in grade 1. At Westboro Academy, we encourage the intellectual, emotional and creative capacities of the children while instilling strong values, social skills and a sense of self. We make it a priority to provide an environment for our youngest students that is warm and nurturing, stimulating and engaging, and one where they can grow to meet their full potential.
Language
Learn about Académie Internationale Westboro International Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Westboro International is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
| English - 50% | French - 50% | ||||||||
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Westboro International: Standard-enriched
Westboro International has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Westboro International says about their curriculum pace:
Small class sizes and an emphasis on differentiated instruction means that each child can reach their full academic potential in a rigorous academic context.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Westboro International says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Westboro International: Rigorous
Westboro International has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Westboro International says about their academic culture:
The rigorous academic program is built on a truly bilingual model for learning. Achieving personal excellence with a strong work ethic, and reaching your best in a supportive environment are keys to success. Indeed, we believe that it is within a supportive environment that academic rigour can thrive and grow. Academic growth and achievement are key priorities for our school, and our reputation for academic excellence is strongly embedded.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Westboro International says about their developmental priorities:
Each student deserves to achieve their very best. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong study skills in preparation for high school and life-long learning.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What Westboro International says about their special need support:
At Westboro International Academy, we embrace a variety of learning profiles and are committed to supporting students as long as we can meaningfully meet their needs within the scope of our small-school environment. Each learner’s particularities and educational requirements are thoughtfully reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure we can provide an experience that is both appropriate and enriching.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Westboro International says:
Westboro Academy is an enriching learning environment for students of various abilities and with a variety of learning styles. The program is rigorous and challenging, yet support and accommodations are regularly made available for those that need it. Because educational needs are never a one size fits all approach, these are dealt with one a case by case basis as needs arise.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Westboro International says about their gifted learner support:
Westboro International Academy is home to many gifted learners. Our small classes and emphasis on differentiated instruction mean that students can each be challenged at their own level. Students who demonstrate an aptitude a willingness to go beyond the curriculum in a given subject are given the opportunity to do so.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Westboro International students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westboro International | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Westboro International says about their flipped classroom policy:
Older students are provided with a 30 minute homework period at a minimum of three times per week to work on their homework at school, and with access to their teachers to ask questions.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
