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Appleby College:
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades Gr. 7 TO Gr. 12 — Oakville, ON (Map)


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Appleby College ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS

Curriculum Liberal Arts

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Appleby College: Liberal Arts

Appleby College has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Liberal Arts?]

Our Kids definition: Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

Compare Appleby College's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Liberal arts - 14%
  Traditional - 39%
  Progressive - 34%
  Montessori - 11%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 1%

International curriculum & programs at Appleby College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What Appleby College says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Appleby offers a distinguished curriculum. A diverse range of required components provides students with stimulating challenges and the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and values. Our progressive curriculum provides students with the opportunity to discover and research topics of interest through inquiry-based learning, and focuses on critical-thinking, individual potential, self-discipline, respect, responsibility and commitment, spiritual and moral development, democratic principles, personal health and fitness, environmental awareness and stewardship, the role of gender, ethnicity, race and culture in building rich, diverse communities, and student-centred experiences creating leadership opportunities. Students are exposed to a rich variety of developmental experiences which serve to prepare them for futures in which they will be valued leaders and contributors to global communities. The defining characteristic of an Appleby education is the mandatory participation in each of its core curricular components, leading to an Appleby College Diploma and Ontario Secondary School Diploma upon graduation. Appleby develops young men and women of personal integrity, who are prepared for university, societal change, responsible involvement and leadership in their local, national and global communities.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Appleby College: Equal Balance

    Appleby College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare Appleby College's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 70%
      Traditional math - 25%
      Discovery math - 5%

    What Appleby College says:

    The mathematics program at Appleby College provides a solid foundation for the study of mathematics at the university level. Students develop fundamental skills and an understanding of applied mathematical concepts utilizing a variety of tablet-based software applications, preparing them to further explore and visualize mathematical relationships. From a common enriched curriculum at the Middle One level, students follow a path that prepares them for the diverse mathematics courses they may encounter in university. For students interested in taking Advanced Placement courses in Calculus (AB and BC) or Statistics in their senior years, a vertically integrated Advanced Placement stream of courses is available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    All students are required to have a non-graphing, scientific calculator. The required model is the CASIO fx-991MS. Note: Phones and other hand-held electronic devices that have calculator applications and calculators with graphical displays are not a substitute as they are not allowed in tests and examinations.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Appleby College: Equal Balance

    Appleby College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare Appleby College's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 27%

    Teaching approach:

    The study of science allows a student to make a personal search for the logical patterns that explain the behaviour of the universe. Scientific study also develops skills in thinking and problem-solving, developing the overall academic abilities of each student. Lessons on the scientific method can also be applied to other areas of study and to many aspects of life. Appleby’s Science and Technology program provides students with the opportunity to develop the attitudes and skills of scientific thinking, helping them make sense of the rapidly expanding technological world. These skills enable students to understand the major concepts of science, how the concepts were developed and how they are used to explain the behaviour of the natural world.


    Treatment of evolution:

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

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology
  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at Appleby College: Equal Balance

    Appleby College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare Appleby College's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 76%
      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 3%

    What Appleby College says:

    The Appleby English program prepares students for the study of university English and develops competence in speaking, written expression and reading that is instrumental in the pursuit of other disciplines. Students follow a structured curriculum from Middle One to Senior Two. The Appleby program is literature-based, with emphasis on the integration of a critical awareness of language and media. Thus, the aim is to achieve a balance of these elements in the student’s oral and written expression. All courses concentrate on developing the students’ abilities to understand and convey information; to evaluate and present facts and opinions; to express experience, emotions and imagination; to manipulate conventions such as paragraphing, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling; to recognize implicit meaning; and to cultivate an awareness of style.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit
  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Appleby College: Equal Balance

    Appleby College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare Appleby College's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 83%
      Perennialism - 7%
      Pragmatism - 10%

    What Appleby College says:

    The study of Social Sciences is an integral part of the Appleby curriculum. In the early years, classes aim to develop an awareness of the wider community, an imaginative interest in the past and a respect for the relationship between people and their environments. Progressively, the student is introduced to Canadian heritage and geography, religion and spirituality, and a host of optional subjects. Students may choose from courses in geography, history and religion, as well as accounting, economics, philosophy and political science. Students are taught increasingly sophisticated analytical and critical-thinking skills, with particular emphasis on integrating modern educational technologies and effective research methods into all levels of study. Programs place a particular emphasis on teaching an appreciation for each student’s role and responsibilities in Canadian life and the development of a strong global perspective.

  • Foreign Languages

    Communicative

    Foreign Languages approach at Appleby College: Communicative

    Appleby College has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Communicative?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Appleby College's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Communicative - 33%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%

    What Appleby College says:

    The Language and Culture Department consists of French, German, Mandarin, Spanish and Arabic. French is a compulsory subject from Middle One to Upper Two (2D or 3U) and students are required to take an additional international language of their choice in Upper One. A highlight of the program is the Middle Two International Languages course. Students explore a round robin comprised of Mandarin, German, Spanish, and Arabic while also continuing the French program. This introductory program focuses on the cultural aspects of the languages through the use of basic conversational skills. Exchanges - Students studying modern languages have the exceptional opportunity to participate in language-based exchange programs to Québec, France, Spain, South America, China, and Germany. While totally immersing themselves in the language and the culture of the country, students follow a full program of studies at the host school. These exchanges greatly enhance the students’ fluency and comprehension.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL
  • Fine Arts

    Creative

    Fine Arts approach at Appleby College: Creative

    Appleby College has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Appleby College's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Creative - 33%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Appleby College says:

    The performing arts - dance, drama, and music - present opportunity and challenge as individual academic courses. In conjunction with the visual and media arts, students, teachers, the school, and the community benefit from creative, expressive, and performance opportunities. Music and Visual Arts are required courses of study in the Middle School, and students must choose at least one credit in Music, Visual Arts, or Drama in Upper One. Students pursuing elective courses in all four streams have the opportunity to take History of the Arts, a university-level AP course. Each of the disciplines involve practical, theoretical, and presentation elements and the courses are designed for a wide range of student interests and abilities, including those students who wish to pursue university arts programs.

  • Computers and Technology

    Heavy integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Appleby College: Heavy integration

    Appleby College has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    Our Kids definition: A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Compare Appleby College's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Heavy integration - 30%
      Light integration - 18%
      Medium integration - 52%

    What Appleby College says:

    Appleby’s classrooms are designed to enable exceptional teaching and engaged learning, seamlessly integrating wireless capabilities with EPSON projectors and interactive televisions in the classroom. Appleby classrooms provide a modern integrated learning and lecture environment complete with audio, video, and programmable lighting all controlled through a touch panel. While faculty can teach from anywhere in the classroom, mobile seating allows for flexible seating arrangements, supporting collaborative learning, as well as independent, student-centred lesson design. Innovation plays a key role in the Appleby experience. Today, the majority of student school work is accessed, completed and submitted on their pen-based Fujitsu tablet. Using Microsoft OneNote, teachers and students are able to write, sketch, organize and edit information in their own digital “binder”. While teachers can “see” each student’s section, students can only access their own section or that of their group (if working on a collaborative project).


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design
  • Physical Education

    What Appleby College says:

    The Health and Physical Education Department combines the Physical Education and Northward Bound programs. The aim of the department is to ensure Appleby students have healthy minds and bodies. Health and Physical Education gives students a platform with which to develop lifelong health and fitness learning. The Health and Physical Education program provides students with opportunities to improve their personal fitness, sport skills and an understanding of healthy living principles and is compulsory for Middle One to Upper One students. Students enjoy access to Appleby’s athletic facilities including the playing fields, gymnasium, squash courts, tennis courts, weight training room, cardio room, pool and arena. The Northward Bound program is mandatory in Upper One and Upper Two. The program’s emphasis on outdoor skills, fitness and leadership skills complements and enriches the students’ Physical Education studies.

  • Advanced Placement courses

    24 courses
    • AP Art History
    • AP Physics 1
    • AP Physics 2
    • AP Psychology
    • AP Research (Second part of the AP Capstone program)
    • AP Seminar (First part of the AP Capstone program)
    • AP Statistics
    • AP Spanish Language
    • AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
    • AP Studio Art: Drawing
    • AP United States History
    • AP World History
    • AP Biology
    • AP Calculus AB
    • AP Calculus BC
    • AP Chemistry
    • AP Chinese Language and Culture
    • AP Computer Science A
    • AP English Language and Composition
    • AP English Literature and Composition
    • AP French Language
    • AP German Language
    • AP Human Geography
    • AP Macroeconomics
  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Appleby College: Ontario curriculum

    Appleby College has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare Appleby College's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 59%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 41%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    Appleby College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Appleby College says:

    This information is not currently available.

Language English

Learn about Appleby College's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Appleby College offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Appleby College: Standard-enriched

Appleby College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

Compare Appleby College's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 56%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 26%

What Appleby College says about their curriculum pace:

To qualify for the Appleby College Diploma, students complete courses extending beyond the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Appleby also offers the innovative Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone diploma as well as 24 AP courses in various subjects. Accelerated French and mathematics is offered in Grades 7-8 and 9-10.


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 Appleby College says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Appleby College: Rigorous

Appleby College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

Compare Appleby College's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 49%
  Supportive - 51%

What Appleby College says about their academic culture:

Academics at Appleby are based on a rigorous university preparatory curriculum. A diverse range of required components provides students with stimulating challenges and the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and values. The achievement: preparation for university and life. Upon graduation students earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the Appleby College Diploma. In addition to the OSSD requirements, the Appleby College Diploma has even more rigorous academic and significant co-curricular requirements. Appleby is also the first boarding school in North America to offer an integrated global education programme culminating with the Appleby College Diploma with Distinction in Global Leadership.

Developmental priorities Intellectual

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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 Appleby College says about their developmental priorities:

Appleby College develops students of personal integrity, who are prepared for university, societal change, responsible involvement and leadership in their local, national and global communities. Joining Appleby from more than 50 countries, our students explore the meaning of character and leadership in the context of our global society as demonstrated in hallmark programmes such as the Global Leadership Diploma, Intercultural and Service Learning, and Residential Life. The defining characteristic of an Appleby education is the mandatory participation in each of its core curricular components, leading to an Appleby College Diploma upon graduation.

Special needs support No support

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

Appleby College offers No support

Appleby College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

What Appleby College says about their special need support:

N/A

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (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.
    Dyscalculia
    This 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.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This 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 Deficit
    A 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.
  • Developmental
    Autism
    Refers 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 Syndrome
    On 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 syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This 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 syndrome
    This 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.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled 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 Depression
    This 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 anxiety
    This 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 thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This 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.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This 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 palsy
    his 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 dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This 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.
    Blindness
    Visual 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."
    Deafness
    Hearing 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 Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

What Appleby College says:

Appleby College is dedicated to providing supports and accommodations to students who have received a medical diagnosis related to their learning exceptionalities and/or mental health and wellness. The focal point of these supports is the school’s Student Success Centre (SSC) which provides the necessary supports for those students to have access to official accommodations: those with a Learning Difference (LD) in Reading, Writing or Mathematics, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Stress and Anxiety, Executive Functioning, English Language Learners (ELL) and other medical conditions. The SSC also supports those students who have suffered head traumas or concussions and are on Appleby’s Return to Learn (RTL) Protocol.


Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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 Appleby College says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, Appleby College students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

789101112
Appleby College60 mins60 mins90 mins120 mins120 mins160 mins
Site Average54 mins59 mins76 mins88 mins104 mins112 mins

This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

What Appleby College says about their flipped classroom policy:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Habits and behaviour reportingGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 7 to Gr. 12

Extracurricular Activities

While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

Sports offered

Appleby College offers 16 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.

  Competitive offered          Recreational offered
all sports]
  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Ultimate
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

Clubs offered

Appleby College offers 23 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Clubs offered           Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
  Foreign Language Club
  Habitat for Humanity
  Jazz Ensemble
  Math Club
  Musical theatre/Opera
  Ballet and Classical Ballet
  Online Magazine
  Outdoor Club
  Outdoor Education
  Paintball
  Photography
  Poetry/Literature club
  Radio club
  Robotics club
  Round Square
  School newspaper
  Science Club
  Scouting
  Student Council
  Yearbook
  Yoga
  Animation
  Art Club
  Astronomy Club
  Audiovisual Club
  Band
  Chess Club
  Choir
  Community Service
  Computer Club
  Dance Club
  Debate Club
  Drama Club
  Environmental Club

What Appleby College says about their extracurricular activities:

  • In May 2015, Appleby's Varsity Girls' Soccer team defeated Villanova College 3-2 in the final game of the season, becoming the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) champions.
  • Senior One student Jakob Nielsen captured gold in Varsity Boys' Singles Tennis at the the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Championships.
  • Appleby's Under-14 Boys' Rugby team won gold becoming Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) champions with a final score of 19-12 against Ridley College.
  • Appleby's Integrated Science Club recently visited the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, which provides state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation for science research. It was a great hands-on learning experience for the students.
  • Appleby was well represented in the Conference of Independent Schools (CIS) as many students participated in the CIS music, dance and drama festivals. As well, students from the Senior Music classes performed at St. Martin of Tours Church for Senior Music Night.
  • The Varsity Girls' Field Hockey Team won gold at the 2014 Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Finals, this is the second year in a row that they won, and this is the third title in four years.
  • In May the co-ed mixed doubles team of Thomas Zhang and Vivian Yin won the gold medal at the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Championship Tournament.
  • On June 3, 11 Upper Two students took part in the Rugged Maniac Mud Run in Kitchener. This was part of their summative assessment for PAF 20 (Healthy Active Living and Personal Fitness Activities). The students worked hard throughout the year to create and implement a fitness plan with the ultimate goal of taking part in the run. It was a beautiful sunny day and the students completed the 5km 29-obstacle course in under 90 minutes.
  • The Appleby College Model United Nations (ACMUN) co-curricular hosted the 11th annual conference in April 2016.
  • Appleby’s Under-14 Boys’ D2 Rugby, Junior Boys’ D1 Rugby and Varsity Boys’ D1 Rugby team members smiled with Blue Dog pride as they became the 2016 CISAA Champions.
  • Appleby’s Varsity Girls’Soccer team overcame Villanova College 4-3 in the championship game while playing on home field, becoming the 2016 CISAA Champions.
  • On May 30, Appleby’s Under-14 Girls’ Tennis team finished second overall in the Under-14 Girls’ Doubles Division in the CISAA Championships.
  • Senior Two student Jakob Nielsen captured the Open Boys’ Singles OFSAA Championship gold medal while Senior One students Alyssia Watkin and Jon Karakas took home bronze medals in High Mixed Doubles.
  • Appleby’s Varsity Girls’Softball team defeated St. Clements with a final score of 10-7 earning them the title of 2016 CISAA Champions.
  • From June 1-3 in Belleville, Upper One student Immy Govan and Upper Two student Ibrahim Ayorinde attended the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Track and Field Championships. Ibrahim won silver in the Junior Boys 100m with a time of 10.86 and silver in the Junior Boys 200m race with a time of 22.19. Immy placed 5th in the Midget Girls 200m race with a time of 26.21.
  • On May 26 members of Appleby's Senior Vocal classes travelled to Toronto to enjoy workshops at the Toronto Vocal Arts Festival, the largest a cappella festival in North America. Students sang with Grammy-winning New York Voices in workshops focusing on vocal jazz, blues improvisation and gospel singing. The focus on a cappella singing built on vocal concepts learned in the senior vocal program, and also introduced new jazz stylistic ideas that will continue to be a focus next year.

THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Appleby College

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