Briercrest Christian Academy

• Curriculum Traditional
  [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 Briercrest: Traditional

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

  [Show: About Traditional?]

  Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Traditional - 44%
    Liberal arts - 16%
    Progressive - 27%
    Montessori - 11%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What Briercrest says: At Briercrest Christian Academy, a Christian perspective is infused in everything we do. We provide a private Christian school experience while offering the best of public education. Since BCA holds associate status with Prairie South School Division our curriculum is held to provincial standards and graduates meet all provincial regulations to receive a Saskatchewan High School Diploma. In addition to the Saskatchewan credit requirements, students take a Christian Ethics class at every grade level. As well, students in our Reach Ahead track have the option of taking Briercrest College courses. While our primary focus is academic, Briercrest Christian Academy places a significant emphasis on co-curricular activities. We offer numerous athletic, fine arts, and service opportunities with the majority of our students involved in one or more co-curricular activity. This is an integral part of what we do at BCA as we support students to grow holistically. We specifically enable students to participate in a wide variety of activities with our unique semester system involving six periods per day and three terms per year.

  Approach:

  Focus	Religious-based
  Academic	Christian (Non-denominational)

  If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
  If you want to learn more about Christian education, check out our comprehensive guide.

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance
    Mathematics approach at Briercrest: Equal Balance

    Briercrest 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 - 30%
      Discovery math - 4%
    

    What Briercrest says: Students begin math in Grade 9 focusing on basic skills and preparation for further studies. In Grade 10 students choose between Workplace and Apprenticeship, which is highly interactive and uses work related examples as much as a possible, and Foundations and Pre-Calculus, which focuses on building concepts and foundational learning. Grade 11 and 12 students take one of three pathways in Mathematics. Workplace and Apprenticeship is designed for entry into the majority of the trades or directly to the work force. Foundations is designed for entry into post-secondary programs without theoretical calculus. Pre-Calculus is designed for entry into post-secondary with theoretical calculus.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy: A TI-83 plus Calculator is required for math classes in Grade 12, including Pre-Calculus and Calculus. It is also helpful for Physics in Grade 12 but it is not required.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at Briercrest: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    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.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 6%
      Inquiry - 26%
    

    Teaching approach: At BCA, science is taught with a biblical perspective from a conservative Christian tradition. Our faith is highly integrated to our study and practice of science. Students examine a range of philosophies and disciplines with a focus on giving students sound logical foundation for believing that the Christian viewpoint is compatible with science.

    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 Briercrest: Equal Balance

    Briercrest 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 Briercrest says: As curriculum is planned, the themes for each grade are specifically chosen to be relevant and engaging for that age group. Students in grade 9 learn about unusual characters, friendship, and fairness as they study literature. In Grade 10, the themes of the unknown, challenges, decisions, and the environment are at the forefront. The selection of works in Grade 11 are centered around the themes of recollection and anticipation. Grade 12 students will study literature based on the diverse voices within Canada and around the world. Works will be drawn from both Christian and secular sources in an effort to portray a wide variety of response to the human condition and experience. It is intended that the exploration of various worldviews from a Christian perspective will prepare students for the world beyond the classroom, as well as postsecondary education.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Briercrest: Equal Balance

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

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 9%
      Pragmatism - 9%
    

    What Briercrest says: This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    What Briercrest says: This information is not currently available.

  • Fine Arts Creative
    Fine Arts approach at Briercrest: Creative

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

    [Show: About Creative?]

    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.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Creative - 39%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 59%
    

    Program offers:

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

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Briercrest says: Our goal is to engage students in a wide variety of mediums and develop skill through practice. Students benefit from the larger Briercrest community through guest teachers, mentors, and increased opportunities. Briercrest has a long history of excellence in the arts, including a large Christmas production, two summer musical productions per year, a pottery guild, a recording arts studio, and numerous musical recitals (vocal and instrumental).

  • Computers and Technology Medium integration
    Computers and Technology approach at Briercrest: Medium integration

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

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Medium integration - 47%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 31%
    

    What Briercrest says: This information is not currently available.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Briercrest says: Our Physical Education program supports student achievement of curricular outcomes through inquiring for healthy decision making, balancing the dimensions of wellness and well-being, embracing a comprehensive school community health approach, incorporating service learning, and designing a personal plan for well-being. We construct understanding through inquiry. Inquiry learning provides students with opportunities to build knowledge, abilities, and inquiring habits of mind that lead to deeper understanding of their world and human experience. Students who engage in inquiry construct knowledge and deep understanding rather than passively receiving information, encounter alternative perspectives and differing ideas that transform prior knowledge and experience into deep understandings, are directly involved in the discovery of new knowledge rather than passively receiving information, transfer new knowledge and skills to new circumstances, and take ownership and responsibility for their ongoing learning and master of curriculum content and skills.

  • Religious Education 11 to 25% of curriculum

    What Briercrest says: All students from grade 9–12 are enrolled in Christian Ethics class for which they get Saskatchewan course credit. Students are in CE class on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Wednesdays and Fridays students attend Chapel which rotates through a schedule of small groups, high school chapels, and Briercrest chapels that include our college and seminary. Additionally, twice a year we have Spiritual Emphasis Week that features morning and evening chapels focused on individual growth and increased community. Our Director of Discipleship gives leadership to these events, plans service projects, and mentors students.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education Saskatchewan curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at Briercrest: Saskatchewan curriculum

    Briercrest has a Saskatchewan curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Saskatchewan 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:

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

    [Show: About Fairly value-based?]

    Sex is sometimes taught from a particular moral or ethical standpoint. Sometimes particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) are invoked when teaching sex and related issues .

    Briercrest has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    This includes a range of positions. A traditional approach might, for example, go as far as emphasizing the nuclear family and complete abstinence from sex before marriage. Alternatively, this approach might simply involve placing less emphasis on sex outside of the context of marriage and more emphasis on abstinence. Or finally, it might just involve focusing less on sex outside of the context of marriage.

    Briercrest's approach to sex-ed: Our sex education is delivered in leveled, grade-appropriate formats across our academic, co-curricular, and student life programs. It is designed to be holistic in approach, acknowledging the whole person by learning about how sexually-focused aspects relate to overall well-being. Our goal is to include inter-connected layers of sexual health, relational health, cultural and ethnic diversity, and Christian faith. We explore how sex and sexuality affect friendships, romantic relationships, family relationships, and our relationship with God.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Religious Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• 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 Briercrest: Standard-enriched

  Briercrest 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 - 56%
    Accelerated - 16%
    Student-paced - 28%
  

  What Briercrest 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 Briercrest 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 Briercrest: Supportive

  Briercrest 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 - 53%
    Rigorous - 47%
  

  What Briercrest says: This information is not currently available.

• Developmental priorities Spiritual
  [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: Spiritual

  The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

  What Briercrest says: Our heartbeat is to offer a Christ-centered, Bible-based, and ministry-focused education that prepares students to excel academically, relationally, spiritually, and professionally. Briercrest Christian Academy is a launch pad of holistic growth, personal development, educational encouragement, and discipleship that invites our students to strive for excellence in every area of life.

• Special needs support Indirect 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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  Briercrest offers Indirect Support

  Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.

  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: This information is not currently available.

  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 Briercrest says: This information is not currently available.

• Language English
  Briercrest offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• 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	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
  Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12

At Briercrest Christian Academy, we are committed to providing students with an educational experience that will develop every aspect of their being to their fullest potential. Jesus teaches us that His greatest commandments are to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind … [and to] love your neighbour as yourself'" (Matthew 22:36, NIV). We believe that God has called us to address the whole person through a program of strong academics, varied extracurricular options, and intentional spiritual nurturing. This is the kind of education that can change you, and then change your world through you.

As a body of learning, we are part of each student's journey of faith and career preparation – not just a destination point. Briercrest Christian Academy, an important facet of Briercrest College and Seminary, provides a unique learning environment where students enjoy spiritual, academic, and extracurricular activities that enables us more fully to walk this journey with them.

It is our deepest hope and prayer that this unique school will become a place where you can be called closer to faith and, in turn, draw your world closer to Christ.