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Fern Hill School - Oakville ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Fern Hill School - Oakville community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Traditional
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Fern Hill - Oakville says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Fern Hill School encourages independent thinking and cultivates individual talents in a supportive classroom environment. Students are encouraged to explore their unique interests while developing academic skills. We are dedicated to academic excellence and we nurture the development of self-confident and positive contributors. The enriched curriculum, taught by subject-specific teachers, stimulates and challenges students to demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards learning and to achieve their personal best. Fern Hill creates learning environments that are engaging and diverse; where talented, dedicated faculty and students are encouraged to interact in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Students are well prepared for the future in a manner that enables them to discover the joys of learning and the importance of community.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Traditional Math
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
Fern Hill students develop a love of numbers at an early age. Our individualized program allows each student to be challenged at an an appropriate level to master fundamental skills before moving on to the next concept. Students develop not only computational skills but also critical thinking abilities and reasoning techniques. Those with a passion for mathematics work beyond the grade expectation and in Grade 8, these young mathematicians have the opportunity to graduate with an accredited high school credit in the Grade 9 Principles of Mathematics course.. Math contest preparation for Grade 3 to 8 students equips them for the challenges of the Math Centrum Canada-wide competitions.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Fern Hill students practice mental math techniques for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, making calculators unnecessary as a regular tool. In Grade 7 and 8, our laptop program provides access to calculating tools that complement the advanced concepts being studied.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Phonics-intensive
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
Students in Preschool are introduced to letters and numbers using fun, engaging materials. Pre-printing exercises are also introduced and fine motor skills are developed, Junior Kindergarten students improve competency with the printing process. They begin blending letter sounds and reading begins. Reading really begins to take flight in Senior Kindergarten with students working on individualized programs based on their progress with phonetic decoding and vocabulary strength.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
Assessments are completed by the teachers on an ongoing basis.
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Writing
Writing approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Equal balance
Fern Hill - Oakville has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
Subject-specific Language teachers work with students to develop their abilities to express themselves through creative writing, poetry and journal writing. This enables them to present their experiences, emotions and imaginative minds through properly structured written pieces. Concepts of sentence structure, punctuation, spelling and paragraphing are continually improved upon in preparation for essay writing in later grades.
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Science
Science approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Expository
Fern Hill - Oakville has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
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 Fern Hill - Oakville: Traditional
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
Across all grades, our literature program is designed to be dynamic and engaging, incorporating theatrical and creative activities, such as performing scenes from plays or creating artistic responses to texts. We make cross-disciplinary connections by linking literature with history, art, and current global issues, allowing students to see the broader relevance of what they read. A strong emphasis on discussion and debate helps students refine their critical thinking and communication skills, while student choice and independent reading encourage them to explore literature that interests them and develop autonomy as readers. Through this multifaceted approach, we inspire a deep appreciation for literature and its power to connect, challenge, and transform.
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 Fern Hill - Oakville: Core Knowledge
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Perennialism
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Equal Balance
Fern Hill - Oakville has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
This information is not currently available.
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 Fern Hill - Oakville: Equal Balance
Fern Hill - Oakville 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 Fern Hill - Oakville says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Light integration
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
While regular computer classes in our technology lab are scheduled for all grades, it is Grade 6 before students begin integrating laptops into their daily routines. Even then, we still embrace traditional routines of spelling tests, cursive writing, grammar lessons and even the value of a well crafted hand written note.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
Our Phys-Ed program teaches drills and skills needed to become adept with a rotation of sports throughout the school year. In Grade 4, students may begin representing the school in a variety of PSAA ( Private Schools Athletic Association) tournaments that include soccer, cross country running, basketball, floor hockey, softball, flag football, ultimate frisbee, and track and field.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Not Ontario curriculum
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Fern Hill - Oakville has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Fern Hill - Oakville says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Academic
Fern Hill - Oakville has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Fern Hill - Oakville says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Preschool class provides a safe and welcoming learning space for children who turn 3 by December 31st. Their busy and interactive days are filled with our early reading and numeracy program, along with an introduction to Mandarin, French, Music, Drama, and Phys.Ed. JK and SK build on this foundation, introducing writing and blending sounds so that reading blossoms and number sense becomes second nature. Very much a part of our school, our youngest students are active participants in school events and performances which creates anticipation and excitement about coming to school each day.
Language
Learn about Fern Hill School - Oakville's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Fern Hill - Oakville offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Accelerated
Fern Hill - Oakville has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Fern Hill - Oakville says about their curriculum pace:
Students work ahead of grade level in core subjects such as Math, Language and French. We combine the best traditional teaching methods with an individualized approach to engage young minds and harness the power of each child’s individual learning style.
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 Fern Hill - Oakville says about their flexible pacing:
Students work at their individual level with subject-specific teachers supplementing and enriching the program to meet the needs of each student.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Fern Hill - Oakville: Rigorous
Fern Hill - Oakville has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Fern Hill - Oakville says about their academic culture:
As our youngest students begin what can be an eleven-year journey at Fern Hill, we greet them with an environment where they feel welcome and safe and where they quickly start to learn who they are and that they are capable of trying anything. The confidence that quickly develops in these early years allows them to stretch their own expectations of what they can accomplish. As they grow, so do our expectations for academic performance as do the opportunities we provide for broader learning. Our students confidently move on to excellent high schools, well-prepared both academically and socially.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Fern Hill - Oakville says about their developmental priorities:
Our goal is to nurture well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals who are prepared to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Our developmental priorities focus on intellectual growth, character building, leadership development, and a lifelong love of learning.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Fern Hill - Oakville offers No support
Fern Hill - Oakville offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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 |
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 and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 Fern Hill - Oakville says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Fern Hill - Oakville students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fern Hill - Oakville | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Fern Hill - Oakville 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 | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
