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Crescent School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Crescent School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Crescent School: Progressive
Crescent School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
International curriculum & programs at Crescent School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Crescent School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
A Crescent education is academically rigorous, exciting, fulfilling, relevant and broad. We exceed the overall and specific expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education and then enrich each subject level to challenge our students. Our curriculum is taught by highly motivated teachers who have the competencies essential for boys to flourish. They understand that establishing a relationship with a boy unlocks the door to his learning and engages him in his character development. We offer an optional Advanced Placement (AP) program for mathematics, sciences, English, French, geography and economics. This allows our Upper School students to earn university credits or placement into a second-year university course. All of our curricular and co-curricular activities reflect "The Crescent Way" - they are closely aligned to our mission, vision and values and are responsive to boys' unique interests, capacities and aspirations.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Crescent School: Traditional Math
Crescent School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Crescent School says:
In Grades 3-6, our math curriculum is one grade-level ahead of the Ontario Ministry of Education expectations. It combines daily math drill and problem-solving activities with the Math Makes Sense textbook series and Crescent School-created math curricula. In Grades 9-12, we strive to challenge and support a wide range of aptitudes and abilities. Our program is streamed in Grade 9 into regular and enriched math. Students in the regular stream are given a strong foundation. Extra help is easily and widely available. Most of our students take two of the three Grade 12 math courses. For students in the enriched stream, there is a heavy emphasis on problem solving and math contests, leading to the opportunity to take AP Statistics and AP Calculus.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Math Makes Sense, MathPower Series, Functions 11 (Nelson), Enriched Functions/Relations (Harcourt), Data Management 12 (McGraw-Hill), Advanced Functions 12 (McGraw-Hill), Calculus & Vectors ((McGraw-Hill Ryerson), Single Variable Calculus (Brooks/Cole)
Calculator policy:
Regular stream: non-graphing scientific calculators are always permitted and a graphic calculator is permitted in certain courses. Enriched stream: TI-83 and 84 are recommended and any calculator allowed on AP exams is permitted in Grade 12 courses.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Crescent School: Balanced Literacy
Crescent School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Crescent School says:
Crescent School begins at Grade 3. We offer an enriched, balanced literacy program to all of our students. A variety of reading tests are used to ascertain each student's individual reading level in order to create a personalized literacy curriculum.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Crescent School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Crescent School: Equal balance
Crescent School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Crescent School says:
For Grades 3-6, Crescent School's writing program is an enriched curriculum. In addition to teacher-created materials, we use the "Step Up To Writing" program. Cursive writing is taught in Grade 3.
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Science
Science approach at Crescent School: Equal Balance
Crescent School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Crescent School's science curriculum is a balance between expository- and inquiry-based learning, with more emphasis on inquiry wherever possible.
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 Crescent School: Equal Balance
Crescent School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Crescent School says:
...
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 Crescent School: Core Knowledge
Crescent School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Crescent School says:
...
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Crescent School: Equal Balance
Crescent School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Crescent School says:
...
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Crescent School: Equal Balance
Crescent School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Crescent School says:
Crescent School's foreign language curriculum is based on a teaching philosophy known as the "action-oriented approach." Students are given real-life scenarios in which they learn the language through social interaction (rather than focusing primarily on grammar rules and fill-in-the-blank exercises). This approach imparts vocabulary and grammar rules within the context of the scenario. The scenarios are complemented with materials such as newspaper articles or videos. In addition, the language being learned is used as the language of instruction. Our foreign language curriculum also strives to instill an interest in the cultures to which the languages are tied. Students in Grades 8 to 12 prepare for the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française), an internationally recognized exam that is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
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 Crescent School: Equal Balance
Crescent School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Crescent School says:
At Crescent, students of all ages are encouraged to take creative risks and explore their artistic abilities. We produce three major drama productions each year in the school's professionally equipped theatre, giving students experience with acting, production and theatre-management roles. In our visual arts program, students are exposed to a broad range of forms, genres and styles. The experience of making art is central to the curriculum. Crescent's music program offers individual and group lessons in a range of musical disciplines. These include senior and junior choirs, chamber choirs, a senior string ensemble, a strings academy, wind bands, a guitar ensemble and chamber groups. Students perform at assemblies, recitals and concerts. Students also perform in music festivals, competitions and performance tours. Crescent also offers a strong media arts/multimedia technology program.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Crescent School: Medium integration
Crescent School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Crescent School says:
...
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Crescent School says:
We want our students to appreciate healthy active living, and to understand how living a healthy, active life can enhance all aspects of their lives. We expose them to many different types of athletic activities and exercise, so each student can find something they enjoy doing that they can choose to participate in all their life.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Physics 1
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Chemistry
- AP Computer Science A
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Human Geography
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Crescent School: Ontario curriculum
Crescent School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Crescent School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Crescent School says:
Crescent School follows the Ontario Ministry of Education’s curriculum guidelines which include the updated Health Curriculum released in February 2015. We want our students to have accurate information so they can make the most educated decisions for themselves when the time comes.
Language
Learn about Crescent School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Crescent School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Crescent School: Standard-enriched
Crescent School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Crescent School says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 Crescent School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Crescent School: Rigorous
Crescent School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Crescent School says about their academic culture:
At Crescent, we exceed the overall and specific expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education and then enrich each subject level to challenge our students. Our boys are given ample opportunity to develop as innovative, inquisitive and creative learners. They are celebrated for both their work and their work ethic, and guided academically and emotionally on the journey to becoming a Man of Character.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Crescent School says about their developmental priorities:
At Crescent School, we seek to build good men who make responsible choices and lead honorable lives, while encouraging our students to pursue high academic achievement and taking care of their wellbeing.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What Crescent School says about their special need support:
Crescent School welcomes students with exceptional identifications if they can manage the learning expectations with accommodations. Academic support is offered by our learning support specialists in all three divisions of Crescent School, and social-emotional support is offered by our two school social workers.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Crescent School says:
Crescent School offers a rigorous academic curriculum. Students with diagnosed exceptionalities have IEPs with accommodations, but the expectation is that all students at Crescent School will manage the learning expectations on the curriculum.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration
The main focus is on acceleration. This means that all students work at a much quicker pace than public school peers (usually working at least one grade-level ahead).
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 Crescent School says about their gifted learner support:
Crescent School offers gifted learners support in the form of inclusive practices: special custom arrangements made for advanced learners who otherwise remain in the regular classroom,
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Crescent School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent School | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
| Site Average | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Crescent School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
