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Glen Briar Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Summary
- Curriculum
Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate - Preschool/K Curriculum
Play-based - Language
English - Curriculum Pace
Student-paced - Academic Culture
Rigorous - Developmental priorities
Balanced - Special needs support
Full-time Dedicated Class - Gifted learner support
Dedicated class; in-class adaptations
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Glen Briar Academy: Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate
Glen Briar Academy has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate?]
Glen Briar Academy has a International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to supplementary curriculum.
IB Candidate School is an official term used to identify schools that have applied to IBO for permission to teach one or more of the IB Programmes.
What Glen Briar Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Enriched academics become the medium for students to learn to problem-solve, think critically, research, process large amounts of information, and work both individually and in teams. Our curriculum is designed to challenge minds and promote innovative thinking. This ensures that our students not only posses the knowledge they need, but also the skills that will allow them to effectively and confidently share, modify and implement it both in and out of the classroom.
International Baccalaureate Candidate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Glen Briar Academy: Equal Balance
Glen Briar Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Our Mathematics curriculum provides students with balanced exposure to formal process, open and guided inquiry as well as meaningful hands on practice. Lessons and activities are designed to challenge the mind and apply concepts, thereby creating a continuum of learning that is solid, cohesive and cumulative. At the Intermediate grades, strong focused is placed on seeing math as a language that is a relevant part of every student's life. Geared by a combination of notational work and practical application, students have ample opportunity to explore the purpose of math in the world around them. Group work promotes problem solving and team work skills.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
A variety of texts and supplementary materials are used. Additionally, all our learning spaces are equipped with purposeful manipulatives, varied resources and engaging technology to support our students in their learning.
Calculator policy:
The use of calculators is at the discretion of the teacher.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Glen Briar Academy: Phonics-intensive
Glen Briar Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Literacy is key to learning, and the primary years at Glen Briar Academy are all about giving the students the tools to access and understand text, whether it be oral, written or media. A daily literacy block with focus on phonemics, comprehension and writing, gives students the tools they need to read, write, infer and retell through a variety of traditional and innovative media.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Glen Briar Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Glen Briar Academy: Equal balance
Glen Briar Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Students are encouraged to develop and reflect on their thinking through writing. A focus on vocabulary and grammar allows students to confidently tackle these tasks, while developing a deep love and understanding of literature, and nurturing a personal voice as an author.
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Science
Science approach at Glen Briar Academy: Inquiry
Glen Briar Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Our Science curriculum puts great emphasis on the benefits of discovery. Through group inquiry, students become key players in the structure and specific content of their scientific study. While tackling subjects of interest and acquiring pertinent skills, students feel engaged and motivated to further expand their 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 Glen Briar Academy: Equal Balance
Glen Briar Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Our literature program focuses on the in depth analysis and manipulation of text and literary features. Our students are exposed to and are encouraged to study pieces of literature from a wide variety of cultures and time periods. The focus is not placed only on retelling, summarizing, reflecting and inferring the information from the text read, but also on exploring contemporary issues and the ways in which they affect and influence us and the people around us. Additionally, through literature, students are provided with the tools needed to develop an informed view and opinion, to identify biases and influences, and to evaluate the reliability of the information provided.
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 Glen Briar Academy: Thematic
Glen Briar Academy has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Through our social studies program, students are exposed to the wider world around them, teaching them to appreciate, compare and relate to the varied cultures that stand past their immediate environments and time. Students are encouraged to reflect on, manipulate and apply their knowledge to create presentations and media works that elaborate on these topics.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Glen Briar Academy: Pragmatism
Glen Briar Academy has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
At the Intermediate level, Social Studies includes the exploration of Geography and History. These subjects are taught in a way that promotes student reflection and relevant application of concepts and theories, allowing students to become productive citizens and meaningful participants in the local and global community.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Glen Briar Academy: Communicative
Glen Briar Academy has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Our Foreign Language Program focuses on fostering and developing a love of the both the particular language and culture, as well as an understanding of the way it can fit into our lives as Canadian citizens. Our curriculum focuses on language acquisition, communication, proficiency, and our classes our taught by certified and experienced teachers who provide scaffolded instruction at all stages of the language acquisition process. Our program provides individualized support across the curriculum, allowing student interest and compentency to flourish while developing critical communication skills. This individualized support includes teachers identifying effective learning/teaching approaches for each child, targeting individualized intelligences, and customizing tasks accordingly.
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 Glen Briar Academy: Creative
Glen Briar Academy has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Glen Briar Academy says:
Recognizing that many students better learn, explore and represent their thoughts and ideas through artistic expression, our cross curricular approach allows this discipline to be incorporated into all subject areas, thereby developing skills of interpretation and presentation within a variety of contexts.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Glen Briar Academy: Medium integration
Glen Briar Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Glen Briar Academy says:
Digital literacy is an important element of our program, as it is a necessary skill for all students in order to be prepared for the future. The use of computers and technology are seamlessly integrated into our lessons and activities, without being the focus of our lessons. They provide an aid, but not a replacement, in teaching the fundamental skills needed for students to be successful. Furthermore, students are taught the value of the use of technology as well as as understanding of the drawbacks it has on our daily lives.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Glen Briar Academy says:
Our Physical Education program enables students to develop an appreciation of participating in a healthy and active lifestyle. Collaborative and individual tasks promote confidence and participation skills, not only in this subject area, but across the curriculum.
Sex and health education
What Glen Briar Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Glen Briar Academy: Play-based
Glen Briar Academy has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What Glen Briar Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Kindergarten program offers a world of wonder and learning through hands on play, discovery and guided experimentation. The Kindergarten curriculum at Glen Briar Academy was created with the specific aim of providing children with a balanced environment that is both nurturing and challenging. Inquiry and play-based learning guides students through units that integrate and explore all curricular areas in a meaningful, relevant and dynamic way .
Language
Learn about Glen Briar Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Glen Briar Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Glen Briar Academy: Student-paced
Glen Briar Academy has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What Glen Briar Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Our small class sizes provide individualized attention, allowing our teachers to meet the needs of a diverse range of learning styles, including those who might be struggling, as well as students who are exceptional learners and need a greater challenge in the classroom.
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 Glen Briar Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Glen Briar Academy: Rigorous
Glen Briar Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Glen Briar Academy says about their academic culture:
Enriched academics become the medium for students to learn to problem-solve, think critically, research, process large amounts of information, and work both individually and in teams. Our small class sizes are set to provide more individualized attention, allowing our teachers to meet the needs of a diverse range of learning styles, including those who might be struggling, as well as students who are exceptional learners and need a greater challenge in the classroom.
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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Glen Briar Academy says about their developmental priorities:
At the core of our ethos is the student and his/her development as a whole person. We strive to create individuals who are, and will always be: capable learners, confident participants, successful contributors as well as aware and responsible citizens.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Glen Briar Academy offers Full-time Dedicated Class
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
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: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
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 Glen Briar Academy 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, Glen Briar Academy students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Briar Academy | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Glen Briar 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 | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
