Fulford Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS

Pedagogies and subject courses:

• Mathematics

  Equal Balance

  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?]

  These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

  Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 67%
    Traditional math - 27%
    Discovery math - 6%
  

  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 Grade 7–12 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.

• Writing

  Systematic approach

  Writing approach at Fulford Academy: Systematic approach

  Fulford Academy has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).

  [Show: About Systematic approach?]

  The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.

  Writing at schools on OurKids.net:

    Systematic approach - 10%
    Process approach - 12%
    Equal balance - 78%
  

  What Fulford Academy says:

  Our writing process consists mainly of students learning the basics of writing and then expanding on these skills through consistent practice. We do our best to make sure that whatever our students are writing about topics that are directly applicable to their own lives, but then also apply best practices such as peer and self-editing and review.

• Science

  Equal Balance

  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?]

  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 - 70%
    Expository - 5%
    Inquiry - 25%
  

  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

  Equal Balance

  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?]

  These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

  Literature at schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 75%
    Traditional - 22%
    Social justice - 3%
  

  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.

• Social Studies

  Expanding Communities

  Social Studies approach at Fulford Academy: Expanding Communities

  Fulford Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).

  [Show: About Expanding Communities?]

  The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.

  Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net:

    Expanding communities - 28%
    Core knowledge - 40%
    Thematic - 32%
  

  What Fulford Academy says:

  All of our Social Studies courses are all-encompassing. While our students are studying History, they are also relating this to Geography and Sociology and vice versa. At the same time, while we make sure to cover the contents of the Ontario curriculum, we also make sure to include applicable real-world situations and studies. For example, if there is a world or local event happening that the students are interested in, but it is not part of the curriculum, we will always make time to integrate it into the courses. Students who are interested and can apply what they are learning directly to their lives, will also be motivated.

• Humanities and Social Sciences

  Equal Balance

  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?]

  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 - 8%
    Pragmatism - 10%
  

  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

  Equal Balance

  Foreign Languages approach at Fulford Academy: Equal Balance

  Fulford Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

  [Show: About Equal Balance?]

  These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

  Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 63%
    Audio-lingual - 3%
    Communicative - 34%
  

  What Fulford Academy says:

  The French language is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Canada. All middle school students get at least 1 hour of French instruction each day. Once students have entered into secondary school, they are required to take French in at least grade 9, with additional years of French language instruction available if numbers are sustainable.

• Fine Arts

  Equal Balance

  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?]

  These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

  Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net:

    Equal balance - 65%
    Receptive - 2%
    Creative - 33%
  

  
  

  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

  Heavy integration

  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?]

  A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

  Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net:

    Heavy integration - 31%
    Light integration - 17%
    Medium integration - 52%
  

  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 incorporate STEAM (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. Special focus is placed on developing skills in computer programming (coding), robotics, media arts (video creation and editing), 3D design and printing, and mathematical modeling (through Desmos). We strongly believe that these tools allow us to provide information to students in as many different ways as possible while allowing them to express their own talents and interests.

  
  

  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

  Ontario curriculum

  Sex and health education approach at Fulford Academy: Ontario curriculum

  Fulford Academy has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

  [Show: About Ontario 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 - 60%
    Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 40%
  

  
  

  Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

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

  [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

  By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

  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.