Banbury Crossroads Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Banbury Academy: Progressive
Banbury Academy has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
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Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Banbury Academy: Equal Balance
Banbury Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Banbury Academy says:
Introduction of new concept(s) (Providing Context) - Exploration exercise/activity (Discovery) - Teach steps/skills required (Traditional) - Practice Skills and Extrapolate on those skills Prioritizing discovery math for students who are anxious, but slowly we even out the ratio as they gain confidence and ability
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Grade 7 - 9 Math Makes sense Preferred; Math Focus available Grade 10 - Foundations of Pre-Calc + Math 10 (Pearson Grade 11-12 - Precalculus 11/12 (McGraw Hill/Nelson)
Calculator policy:
Calculators are always permitted. An understanding of the steps needed is required - not their ability to carry out simple arithmetic. With this pressure off, most students develop a capacity for simple mental mathematics. Grade 7-9: Scientific Calculator Grade 10 - 12: Graphing Calculator
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Banbury Academy: Phonics-intensive
Banbury Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Banbury Academy says:
We use a Phonics Intensive program as established in the new Alberta curriculum. It is based on the science of reading, is systemically taught, and has built-in interventions. We use literature to stimulate ideas and teach specific concepts of, and when reading
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Banbury Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Banbury Academy: Equal balance
Banbury Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Banbury Academy says:
We use an Equal Balance program for writing. The systematic approach as presented int the new Alberta Curriculum for teaching specific concepts but the allowance for individual expression and for engaging in meaning writing.
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Science
Science approach at Banbury Academy: Equal Balance
Banbury Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
During Elementary, inquiry is mainly used to encourage curiosity, engagement and skill development, as well as critical thinking. Where needed to support understanding of concepts, expository learning will occur with direct instruction. As students get older, more direct teaching occurs to introduce concepts, then inquiry will be used to develop understanding further. In High School, more explicit teaching is used to ensure diploma preparedness
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 Banbury Academy: Traditional
Banbury Academy has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Banbury Academy says:
Students interest are usually included when considering what literature to read
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 Banbury Academy: Expanding Communities
Banbury Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Banbury Academy says:
Combination of expanding and thematic as students are asked to apply and learn empathy while applying different cultural practices (foods, clothes, traditions). Mainly project based to allow students to bring in their own experiences.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Banbury Academy: Equal Balance
Banbury Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Banbury Academy says:
Focus on knowledge and application and critical thinking of past events. As well as their application to todays economic, social and political landscapes. Again projects play a heavy role as students are encouraged to apply past experiences to build empathy and make connections to social studies topics. Additionally students are encouraged to and taught to bring in their opinions and defend them in a way they see fit, projects, essays, speeches, debates, etc.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Banbury Academy: Communicative
Banbury Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Banbury Academy says:
We focus on the communicative method giving students the chance to use the language in real life situations. I also introduce games to make learning fun and engaging and allow natural language development
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 Banbury Academy: Creative
Banbury Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Banbury Academy says:
Students are introduced to multiple medias and encouraged to explore skills in creating in them.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Banbury Academy: Medium integration
Banbury Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Banbury Academy says:
Most students use computers for large portions of their work, although not mandatory, meaning research skills , understanding the need to fact check is incorporated into the curriculum. Learning different ways of presenting information is encouraged
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Banbury Academy says:
-Encourage participation - A variety of new and unique field trips to introduce activities they may not have thought of before as well as community offerings. - Focus on skill development with main goal of being safe and fun so students are comfortable to try new things - Team work and collaboration
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Approach to sex and health education:
Banbury Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Banbury Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Banbury Crossroads Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Banbury Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Banbury Academy: Standard-enriched
Banbury Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Banbury Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Student's do get some say in the pace they are going, working with their teacher to ensure they never feel like they are falling behind
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 Banbury Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Banbury Academy: Supportive
Banbury Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Banbury Academy says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Banbury Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Banbury Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
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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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 Banbury Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Banbury Academy students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Banbury Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins |
Site Average | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
What Banbury Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 1 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 1 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
Banbury Crossroads Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 0 recreational sports.
Clubs offered
Banbury Crossroads Academy clubs and programs information not available.