German International School Toronto ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Summary
- Curriculum
Progressive, International Baccalaureate - Preschool/K Curriculum
Play-based - Language
bilingual / dual-immersion - Curriculum Pace
Standard-enriched - Academic Culture
Supportive - Developmental priorities
Balanced - Special needs support
No support - Gifted learner support
No Support - Extracurriculars
Available
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at GIST: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
GIST has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
GIST has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
International curriculum & programs at GIST: German National Curriculum
What GIST says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our curriculum is a synthesis of content and competency based pedagogy. It is enriched with subject matter from the Ontario curriculum, but its content, processes, methods, and assessments primarily focus on the German curriculum, as defined by the federal state of Thuringia. Academic proficiencies are coupled with competencies directed at developing students’ skills (studying, motivating, partnering, and participating) and their personal attributes (relating, cooperating, and communicating).
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
Program | Offered |
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Primary Years | |
Middle Years | |
Diploma program | |
Career-related program |
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at GIST: Equal Balance
GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What GIST says:
We follow the curriculum of math as defined by the German curriculum of the state of Thuringia.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at GIST: Phonics-intensive
GIST has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at GIST: Equal balance
GIST has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at GIST: Equal Balance
GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
STEAM_MINT @ GIST follows the teaching principle of research-based learning and offers the opportunity to go deeper into inquiry based learning, ask questions, collect ideas and hypotheses, try things out and carry out experiments, observe and describe, record and discuss results. The students receive a comprehensive education in a learning environment that combines scientific work with scientific and humanistic knowledge.
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 GIST: Equal Balance
GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
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 GIST: Expanding Communities
GIST has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at GIST: Equal Balance
GIST has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at GIST: Communicative
GIST has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What GIST 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 GIST: Equal Balance
GIST 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 GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at GIST: Medium integration
GIST has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What GIST says:
In line with their age, students should engage in physical activity. Our goal is for students to realize that exercise is fun, brings a sense of achievement, and increases personal well-being to the point where they are intrinsically motivated to participate in sports. In addition, our sports activities lead to a strengthening of the sense of belonging within the group, which has a positive effect on the students' social behavior.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
Group 2 (Language B)
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
Group 5 (Mathematics)
Group 6 (The Arts)
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at GIST: Not Ontario curriculum
GIST 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:
GIST has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What GIST says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at GIST: Play-based
GIST has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What GIST says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Kindergarten program is based on a traditional German model of discovery, examination, and the development of personal skills as they relate to oneself and others. The program is delivered in an atmosphere of caring, understanding, and compassion. Subjects that will become traditional tenets of elementary school are carefully and slowly introduced. The Kindergarten program is also enriched with aspects of Ontario’s Inquiry Based Learning Model. Its emphasis on the joy of new experiences and early learning strategies like conversation, sharing, and imagining play a significant role in our students’ growth as inquisitive and inspired learners.
Language
Learn about German International School Toronto's languages of instruction and enrolment.
GIST is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, German as the primary language of instruction
English - 50% | German - 50% |
Language of enrolment include: English, German
Language immersion include: German immersion
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at GIST: Standard-enriched
GIST has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What GIST says about their curriculum pace:
Beyond Grade 4, traditional Canadian course constructs like Social Studies and Science become specialized courses. These include Chemistry, Physics, and Biology and History, Social Science, Geography, International Relations and Economics, and Politics. The in-depth content of these courses would place any reintegrating student at the top of their class.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 GIST says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at GIST: Supportive
GIST has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What GIST says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
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 GIST says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
GIST offers No support
GIST offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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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 |
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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
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 GIST says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 10, GIST students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
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GIST | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins |
What GIST says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
---|---|
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 9 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 10 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 10 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
German International School Toronto offers 0 competitive sports and 3 recreational sports.
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
German International School Toronto offers 5 clubs and extracurricular programs.
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