ArtsCalibre Academy

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• Curriculum Progressive, Reggio Emilia
  [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.

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  Curriculum approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Progressive, Reggio Emilia

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

  [Show: About Progressive, Reggio Emilia?]

  Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Progressive - 27%
    Traditional - 44%
    Liberal arts - 15%
    Montessori - 12%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  ArtsCalibre Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to secondary curriculum.

  Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).

  What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Students are continually encouraged to build on their naturally creative capacities -- to think unconventionally and embrace all perspectives in order to become more productive and compassionate members of their local and global communities. ArtsCalibre Academy's programs surpass the BC Ministry of Education Curriculum, with many added elements designed to build confidence and advanced social skills. Our curriculum is based on many proven philosophies and approaches, including The Leader In Me, MindUp and Handwriting Without Tears.

  Approach:

  Focus
  Arts: Acting • Dance • Performing arts • Music • Visual arts

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance
    Mathematics approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 66%
      Traditional math - 29%
      Discovery math - 5%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Fostering numeracy skills through a hands on approach using manipulatives and exploratrory methods, Stories, music and various other activities are used on a regular basis to teach math in a way that meets the needs of our diverse learners,

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: We use a variety of textbooks and supplemental materials so that we can differentiate and individualize our lessons.

    Calculator policy: Calculators are used for some activities, but not on a regular basis. Students in grade four are permitted to use calculators to check their answers on the Foundational Skills Assessment Tests as outlined by the Ministry of Education.

  • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
    Early Reading approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Balanced Literacy

    ArtsCalibre Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

    Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

      Balanced literacy - 56%
      Phonics-intensive - 42%
      Whole language - 2%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: There's nothing else in this world that sparks the imagination, stimulates your thinking, and takes you through experiences that you might not otherwise experience as reading does. Our program is very simple, straight forward, step-by-step, and it can be used to teach even very young children to read. There are different phonics methods, and our program is a systematic synthetic phonics program. The other key component is phonemic awareness, and I like to refer to phonemic awareness and synthetic phonics as the two pillars of our reading program.

    DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: We have various reading assessment tools that we use to continue to cater to each child's individual needs.

  • Writing Equal balance
    Writing approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Equal balance

    ArtsCalibre Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 80%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 11%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: The Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum draws from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory tools and strategies. The program follows research that demonstrates children learn more effectively by actively doing, with materials that address all styles of learning. We also use a thematic approach to our curriculum and children are given opportunities to express through writing.

  • Science Inquiry
    Science approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Inquiry

    ArtsCalibre Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Inquiry?]

    Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Inquiry - 25%
      Expository - 5%
      Equal balance - 70%
    

    Teaching approach: Reinforcing science and supplementing traditional instruction methods through creative means such as role playing, manufacturing instruments, etc. - See more at: http://www.artscalibre.ca/elementary#sthash.VFuWiIVc.dpuf

    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 Equal Balance
    Literature approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 23%
      Social justice - 4%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Developing strong reading, comprehension, writing and speaking skills through books, poems, music, dance and imaginative play. - See more at: http://www.artscalibre.ca/elementary#sthash.VFuWiIVc.dpuf

  • Social Studies Thematic
    Social Studies approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Thematic

    ArtsCalibre Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Thematic - 30%
      Core knowledge - 44%
      Expanding communities - 26%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Thematic teaching is a way of teaching and learning whereby many areas of the curriculum are connected together and integrated within a theme. It allows learning to be more natural and less fragmented than the traditional way, where a school day is time divided into different subject areas. It allows literacy to grow progressively, with vocabulary linked and with spelling and sentence writing connected. The result is that children have more fun and are actively involved; they will develop learning skills more quickly as each one is connected and reinforces the other. The children will be highly motivated. - See more at: http://www.artscalibre.ca/elementary#sthash.pfz6QKya.dpuf

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
    Foreign Languages approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Equal Balance

    ArtsCalibre Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 62%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 36%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Arts Calibre Academy offers a French program in our timetable where children explore the language in the same ArtsCalibre philosphy. We also offer extra curricular Spanish classes. All classes are differentiated, so that students are encouraged to further develop their love of languages,

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance
    Fine Arts approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Equal Balance

    ArtsCalibre Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 60%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 39%
    

    Program offers:

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

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: We use the Arts as a vehicle to deliver the BC curriculum in a hands on, experiential environment. All of the disciplines are infused into our program. We offer small group and individual piano lessons. For the upper grades we also offer small group violin lessons. The students have two opportunities to mount a musical or drama presentation that includes all students in the school.

  • Computers and Technology Light integration
    Computers and Technology approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Light integration

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

    [Show: About Light integration?]

    Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Light integration - 20%
      Heavy integration - 32%
      Medium integration - 48%
    

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: We use technology to further enhance the learning environment of ArtsCalibre Academy.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Physical Education is an important component of our program. We want to equip our students with the tools to be fit for life. We offer swimming every week with the opportunity to train with our swim team that meets right after our scheduled lessons. We also have a fantastic program that is run by our staff specialist. We have ongoing support from experts in the field of fitness that come and work with our students.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education British Columbia curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: British Columbia curriculum

    ArtsCalibre Academy has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]

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

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Follows provincial curriculum - 54%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 46%
    

    Approach to sex and health education:

    ArtsCalibre Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    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.

    ArtsCalibre Academy's approach to sex-ed: We have developed our program in collaboration with the BC Ministry of Education and the Island Health Authority. It is a continually evolving program that caters to the needs of our students.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Early Reading

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Preschool/K Curriculum Reggio Emilia
  [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

  Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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  Preschool/K Curriculum approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Reggio Emilia

  ArtsCalibre Academy has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).

  [Show: About Reggio Emilia?]

  Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
  If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.

  Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Reggio emilia - 6%
    Play-based - 20%
    Montessori - 29%
    Waldorf - 2%
    Academic - 43%
  

  What ArtsCalibre Academy says: ArtsCalibre Academy's overall goal is to provide children with all the skills necessary to excel throughout their scholastic futures, while firmly instilling in them a lifelong desire to learn. The Arts are the creative vehicle for this process. Preschool students will acquire all the skills necessary for Kindergarten. Among the many programs built into our curriculum are Handwriting Without Tears and Stephen Covey's The Leader In Me. We use an exploratory and inquisitive approach to engage our children. Einstein put it so eloquently: "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."

• 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.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Standard-enriched

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

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  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.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 57%
    Accelerated - 16%
    Student-paced - 27%
  

  What ArtsCalibre Academy says: This information is not currently available.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	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 ArtsCalibre Academy says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

• Academic Culture Supportive
  [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.

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  Academic Culture approach at ArtsCalibre Academy: Supportive

  ArtsCalibre Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

  [Show: About Supportive?]

  A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Supportive - 52%
    Rigorous - 48%
  

  What ArtsCalibre Academy says: Across all disciplines, ArtsCalibre Academy accommodates children's natural openness to learning with our experiential, theme-based approach. This enables us to deliver outstanding instruction across all subjects: Language Arts - Developing strong reading, comprehension, writing and speaking skills; Mathematics - Building skills through practical application; Social Studies - Teaching history, geography and international cultures; Science - Reinforcing science and supplementing traditional instructional methods through creative means; Health - Leading by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle; Physical Education - Promoting fitness through traditional sports and culturally diverse activities; Languages - Developing vocabulary, conversational skills and an understanding of the underlying culture.

• Developmental priorities Balanced
  [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.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

  "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Social

  The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."

  What ArtsCalibre Academy says: This information is not currently available.

• 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.

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  ArtsCalibre Academy offers No support

  ArtsCalibre Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  Academic Support:

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

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Type	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  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

• Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
  [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.

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  Dedicated gifted programs:

  Program	offered
  Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
  Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

  Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

  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 ArtsCalibre Academy says: In a nutshell: our goal is to enable all our students to "find their genius" within a creative environment. We believe that every child possesses extraordinary abilities in one or more forms, and we use customized approaches to help them find and develop these interests and strengths.

• Language English
  ArtsCalibre Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• 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.

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  In grade Gr. 6, ArtsCalibre Academy students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	PS	JK	1	2	3	4	5	6
  ArtsCalibre Academy	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins
  Site Average	2 mins	6 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	30 mins	35 mins	40 mins

  What ArtsCalibre Academy 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.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	K to Gr. 6
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Preschool to Gr. 6
  Academic achievement reporting	K to Gr. 6
  Habits and behaviour reporting	K to Gr. 6
  Parent-teacher meetings	JK to Gr. 6

Walk through the doors of ArtsCalibre Academy at 7:30 AM, and you will see the teachers there busily preparing for the day.  At 8:45 the doors open to our students, and they all enter beaming in anticipation of what the day holds for them.

But what is beyond those smiles?  What is so special about our approach to education – the strong integration of the Arts into our curriculum?  Why ArtsCalibre Academy?

The reasons are many, and widely and credibly documented.  Years of research demonstrate that Arts education is closely linked to almost everything that we say we want for our children, and demand from our schools: academic achievement, social and emotional development, engagement and equal opportunity.  Involvement in the Arts is associated with strong gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking and verbal skills.  Arts enriched learning can also dramatically improve motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork.

Why are our children so excited to come to school every day?  The intrinsic stimulation and pure pleasure of an Arts enriched experience do more than enhance a child's learning.  They connect him or her more deeply to the world, and open them up to new ways of seeing it – creating a foundation for forging strong social bonds and building community.

Combine these benefits with Stephen Covey's "The Leader in Me" Program, the “MindUP” Approach, and elements of so many other effective philosophies and tools that we embrace…and we feel that we truly have a “Win-Win” situation.

When I asked one of our Grade Five students what it is about ArtsCalibre Academy that she likes, she said "We are not taught to our grade, we are taught to our ability and skills.  We are encouraged to challenge ourselves in every area."  Another student reported “I don’t know…it just feels good.”  Simple words – but to me they are profound and reaffirming.

Inspired, and want to know more?  Please visit our website for a closer look at our programs, and feel free to contact us any time.  I would welcome the opportunity to personally answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Sandra Walton

Principal and Founder

ArtsCalibre Academy