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Albert College ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Albert College community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Albert College: Traditional
Albert College has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
International curriculum & programs at Albert College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Albert College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Albert College exceeds the standards set by the Ontario curriculum at every grade level. Students study with like-minded individuals who are encouraged to aim higher and succeed. Our graduates are well-prepared for post-secondary studies. Armed with knowledge and confidence, students graduate from Albert College determined and driven to take on the challenges that lie ahead in their post-secondary studies and beyond. Albert College is an Advanced Placement school, offering three courses taught by our faculty, and the option for students to write all AP exams.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Albert College: Equal Balance
Albert College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Albert College says:
At Albert College, students are provided with the traditional skills through both a procedural approach as well as inquiry-based learning. They expand upon their understandings of concepts through collaborative discussions in 'thinking classrooms.' Teachers are keen on making sure that students have the necessary tools to show their understandings by using appropriate assessment techniques to ensure greater appreciation for metacognitive processes.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Elementary school students use Jump Math as well as other online resources. We also use Nelson Mathematics throughout the Middle School. Teachers in the Senior School provide instruction based on a wide variety of resources tailored to the students' needs.
Calculator policy:
Graphing calculators are required throughout Grades 9 to 12.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Albert College: Phonics-intensive
Albert College has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Albert College says:
At Albert College, we provide a phonics-intensive program, specifically at the younger ages (JK to Grade 1). We then switch to a balanced literacy approach. We supplement our already rich offerings with carefully selected programs that cater to various age levels in a differentiated manner.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Albert College says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Albert College: Equal balance
Albert College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Albert College says:
Our phonics-intensive program goes hand-in-hand with our writing program. As students learn to read, they also practice writing with a kinaesthetic approach that transfers to pen and paper writing. More formal lessons in printing and cursive writing continue into the elementary grades where students are exposed to writing in various genres. They are also provided with many opportunities to cultivate their creative writing skills through imaginative free-writing.
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Science
Science approach at Albert College: Equal Balance
Albert College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Teachers favour an inquiry-based approach for teaching most curricula, including the sciences, as Albert College provides the necessary equipment to perform a deep/hands-on investigation into questions based around scientific concepts.
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 Albert College: Equal Balance
Albert College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Albert College says:
Being a school that emphasizes an academic stream, Albert College makes a concerted effort to ensure that students build the skills necessary to critically think about literature and write well-formulated essays on a variety topics.
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 Albert College: Expanding Communities
Albert College has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Albert College says:
Our social studies program consistently focusses on the value of understanding various types of communities—from local community organizations to examining Canada's impact in the global community. We use the Ontario curriculum as a guide to direct inquiry-based learning opportunities but we often diverge to explore topics that are related to the students' interests.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Albert College: Equal Balance
Albert College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Albert College says:
At Albert College our teachers strive to build a passion for Social Studies through telling vivid stories that also build an appreciation for diverse perspectives. One topic will be looked at through a variety of lenses and visible thinking tools are used extensively along the way to help students create a working template to negotiate material.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Albert College: Equal Balance
Albert College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Albert College says:
In our Junior School students are first introduced to French in our Kindergarten program to foster a curiosity and love for learning another language. Starting from Grade 1, the AIM method is utilized to help students build French mastery through song, drama, and movement. This approach blends nicely into the neurolinguistic approach that is offered our Middle and Senior School. We also have an extensive ESL program for students requiring support in their English Language Development from Grades 7 to 12.
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 Albert College: Equal Balance
Albert College 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 Albert College says:
THE ARTS PROGRAM ENABLES STUDENTS TO BECOME CREATIVE, CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS. Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 participate and engage in artistic instruction. All classes are led by faculty, specialized artists and instructors and are tailored to each student’s abilities to ensure a challenging program. Specialized courses are offered at the Senior School for credit. School-wide events and drama productions, musical performance opportunities and art exhibits provide students the opportunity to share their talents and build their confidence in all areas of the arts. Students are exposed to the arts either in class or during Arts Period - a unique program that is offered three times per week, in addition to regular arts classes.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Albert College: Medium integration
Albert College has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Albert College says:
At Albert College, we have online working expectations through which students can seamlessly shift from being in-person to being at a distance as a learner. Digital citizenship concepts and understandings are integrated into our offerings as required for various age groups. The understandings are developed through class-wide and school-wide expectations and discussions.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Albert College says:
Our athletes are coached by a dedicated group of staff and faculty members that are highly certified in their respective sports and tireless in their dedication and enthusiasm. Students are given the opportunity to play on a team, refine their skills, try new things and develop a healthy, active lifestyle. Our athletes compete regularly against teams from the Conference of Independent Schools and those in our local associations. Each term there is a wide range of athletic opportunities. Some are competitive, some developmental and some simply recreational. Specialized courses at the Senior School provide the students with an academic credit.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP World History
- AP Computer Science A
- AP English Literature and Composition
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Albert College: Ontario curriculum
Albert College has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Albert College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Albert College says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Albert College: Play-based
Albert College has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What Albert College says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
In Pre-Kindergarten children need a warm, inviting, accepting and supervised program that will stimulate their growth and development and maintain their curiosity about learning. PK students experience active, experiential learning through play and a comprehensive, integrated curriculum of carefully-planned and child-centred daily activities. The purpose of the PK program is to focus on the development of the whole child – physical, social, emotional, and intellectual – in preparation for early and ongoing success in our formal Junior and Senior Kindergarten.
Language
Learn about Albert College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Albert College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Albert College: Standard-enriched
Albert College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Albert College says about their curriculum pace:
Our school values an inquiry-based, experiential learning approach and we aim to provide students opportunities using differentiated instruction that addresses a spectrum of needs, including opportunities for enrichment.
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 Albert College says about their flexible pacing:
Albert College uses learning platforms that provide the students with the opportunity to explore the curriculum and monitor their learning progress at their own pace under the guidance and support of their teachers.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Albert College: Rigorous
Albert College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Albert College says about their academic culture:
Our focus is on an academic curriculum with the ultimate goal that students obtain an acceptance to a post-secondary program of their choice. Students are regularly recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Albert College says about their developmental priorities:
Albert College grads are global citizens who are confident, open minded leaders of character and are prepared for post secondary education and life. Albert College grads are creative, inquisitive and innovative thinkers with a love and excitement for learning. Albert College grads are collaborative learners with a strong foundation for their ongoing educational journey. Albert College grads are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, exhibiting empathy and humility in their dealings with one another and with the world around them. Albert College grads are self-motivated problem solvers, aware of issues both locally and globally, who honour others similarities and differences and act with honesty and integrity while striving for a safe and welcoming community for all.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Albert College offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
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 Albert College says:
We work with families to assess the needs of our students and we follow up on the recommendations and accommodations to provide the best support possible.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 Albert College says about their gifted learner support:
At Albert College we strive to meet all of the needs of our students through differentiated instructions. This means that if a student demonstrates proclivities towards certain areas, they are provided creative and engaging learning opportunities to pursue those talents.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Albert College students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert College | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Albert College says about their flipped classroom policy:
Teachers post lessons on our LMS in advance of class. At times there will be information posted that must be reviewed prior to class to ensure that the necessary learning has occurred prior to the instructional lesson.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
