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Fulford Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Fulford Academy: Progressive
Fulford Academy has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
International curriculum & programs at Fulford Academy: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Fulford Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Fulford Academy applies the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics + Arts. Our students engage in cross-curricular studies that involve coding, robotics, mechanical design and engineering problem solving as an integral part of their learning. This unique and effective approach is applied across universities in Europe and we are leading the way in the future of education by offering it as the core of our curriculum. This type of learning gives the student a high-level perspective on how to solve a problem by using 2 or more approaches from different areas of study, giving them an advantage to apply deeper thinking when working on projects at school, and will apply this process throughout their education career all the way into the boardroom, the science lab and beyond.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Fulford Academy: Equal Balance
Fulford Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Fulford Academy says:
At Fulford Academy, we believe that students in mathematics learn best when the content of the math course, regardless of level, is integrated into the problem-solving model. Whenever possible we strive to present students with real-world problems that relate to the mathematical concepts they are learning each day. Our students explore situations using experimentation and other hands-on methods of gathering data and connect the calculations and problem-solving strategies they are using to the mathematical concepts outlined by the Ontario Curriculum. Our teachers work hard to ensure the mathematics is practical, engaging and applicable to a wide variety of life pathways. We work hard to ensure our students have the foundation and skills they need to be good problem-solvers in whichever future they choose. This open and engaging classroom style ensures that all students are able to contribute and fosters a positive and successful mathematics experience.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
When texts are needed our program uses the Nelson Education family of texts. We also rely on other multimedia tools such as Khan Academy, Desmos, Geogebra and other interactive mathematics tools.
Calculator policy:
All Grades 9–12 students are expected to bring a scientific calculator (with features such as ,x , x2, and the primary trigonometric function sine, cosine and tangent) to every Math class. For grades 9 - 12, a graphing calculator is an asset, but not a requirement.
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Science
Science approach at Fulford Academy: Equal Balance
Fulford Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Fulford Academy’s science classes are hands-on and interactive. Students use an inquiry-based approach to learn essential skills and content. This approach gives students the opportunity to learn the scientific method by applying it to solve real problems. Emphasis is placed on developing safe work habits, collaboration skills and analytical abilities. Students are encouraged to show what they have learned through a variety of different forms and media, for example, videos, traditional lab reports, photo-journals, presentations, etc. This learning is reinforced by traditional lessons teach specific concepts and vocabulary clearly and directly. Students also explore areas of personal interest through research projects, guided discussions and readings.
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 Fulford Academy: Equal Balance
Fulford Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Fulford Academy says:
Literature can play an integral role in many courses as a lens for exploring real-world issues against the backdrop of fiction. Students learn to examine links between fictional and literal concepts, using literature as a framework to find meaning and to make their voices heard in unique and personal ways. Literature also provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn contextually, building their vocabulary and their mastery of grammar and figurative language based on the structures they encounter in various texts.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Fulford Academy: Equal Balance
Fulford Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Fulford Academy says:
When it comes to teaching humanities and social studies, it is important to approach the classroom with understanding. The idea that what has come before is important to understanding the present and the future. Teaching the foundations of the humanities and the social sciences, encourages students to think critically not only about the past, but also the present and future. Challenging students to look at the world through a new lens, for better understanding, and it is through this understanding, the classroom becomes more inclusive, more understanding, and more compassionate for all learners.
Foreign Languages
What Fulford Academy 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 Fulford Academy: Equal Balance
Fulford Academy 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 Fulford Academy says:
Creativity is of critically important in the arts, there is always something new to try, a new an idea to apply, or a new understand to build on. Students are encouraged to take risks in the arts, challenging their limits to see what they are truly capable of. Art gives students the freedom of expression, by teaching the fundamentals and encouraging their own self-expression, students are able to make new connections and new experiences. By experimenting in the arts students may find their passion in something new and different. The arts classroom not only encourages individual expression, but also collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Fulford Academy: Heavy integration
Fulford Academy has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Fulford Academy says:
Fulford Academy embraces technology in the classroom for the delivery of material to students (and their parents), and for assessment and evaluation purposes. All students at Fulford have, or are provided with, a laptop or Chromebook to have constant access to course material (like instructional videos, teacher-made notes, or tutorials). All teachers strive to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics learning through technology-based tools, and students are continuously encouraged to present their learning in as many different ways, and using as many different technologies, as they would like.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Fulford Academy says:
In Physical Education we focus on being safe and active throughout the student’s lifetime. Studies have shown that many of the activities that we are introduced to in our youth are likely to be a part of our adult life. We introduce a variety of sports and activities that they could continue as they get older such as baseball, basketball, soccer, badminton, swimming, volleyball, skating and curling. Many communities offer these sports in the form of recreational leagues for both children and adults. We usually start by introducing rules and equipment so that they understand how to play. This is followed by demonstrations of proper technique and skill building activities so that they can avoid injury. We finish by playing the sport so that they can get a feeling for the flow of the game. As the students progress into higher grades we introduce a fitness component.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Fulford Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Fulford Academy 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:
Fulford Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Fulford Academy says:
Our Sexual Education unit within Health focuses on teaching students to think ahead about sexual health, consent and their own personal limits; Preventing pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections; Factors affecting gender identity and sexual orientation and supports for people; and basic relationship skills and strategies. Students will be guided through these topics and then will be asked to demonstrate their understanding through presentations, skits, and/or poster projects.
Language
Learn about Fulford Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Fulford Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Fulford Academy's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Fulford Academy offers online courses to students.
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What Fulford Academy says about their course format:
Asynchronous: Offering online courses for grades 9 to 12, students are able to learn from home with the freedom, flexibility, and support they need. Using an “asynchronous model,” Fulford Academy online students enjoy the privileges of a dynamic academic environment with the convenience and flexibility that online learning provides. Our experienced educators provide engaging, dynamic, and varied lessons to our online learners through a flexible and supportive format.
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Fulford Academy: Standard-enriched
Fulford Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Fulford Academy 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 Fulford Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Fulford Academy: Supportive
Fulford Academy has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Fulford Academy says about their academic culture:
We are a very supportive environment where we do our best to accentuate the strengths of the students while also building up the areas where they may need enrichment.
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.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Fulford Academy says about their developmental priorities:
We strive to create an environment where we are consistently enriching both the student’s Intellectual and Social intelligences.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Fulford Academy offers Withdrawal Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
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 Fulford Academy says:
Due to our small learning environment and attention to teacher training, students automatically receive extra attention when any need arises. If the teachers can manage all of the needs of the students in the classroom then this is done, if more attention is needed, local professionals are brought in to assist the student, their families, and the teachers.
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 Fulford Academy says about their gifted learner support:
Gifted learners are given ownership over their education. As long as they are accomplishing the classroom requirements, they are encouraged early on to research and plan their own projects based on their own interests and needs.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Fulford Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulford Academy | 90 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Fulford Academy 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. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
