Glenmore Christian Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at GCA: Traditional
GCA has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What GCA says about their overall curriculum and approach:
In partnership with supportive, involved parents, the goal of our educational team is to develop well-educated, faith-filled youth in a creative, active and nurturing environment. With a focus on high academic standards and using an enriched, balanced academic curriculum, our two dedicated principals work alongside our team of specialist educators to ensure your children are receiving the highest quality education.
Approach
Focus | Religious-based |
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Academic | Christian (Missionary Alliance) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at GCA: Traditional Math
GCA has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What GCA says:
Basic facts are still emphasized.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Students don't use calculators until Junior High.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at GCA: Balanced Literacy
GCA has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What GCA says:
Students are assessed twice a year in Elementary using a standardized reading assessment to measure growth.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What GCA says:
Fountas and Pinnell
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Writing
Writing approach at GCA: Equal balance
GCA has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at GCA: Equal Balance
GCA has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]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 GCA: Traditional
GCA has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at GCA: Expanding Communities
GCA has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at GCA: Pragmatism
GCA has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at GCA: Communicative
GCA has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at GCA: Creative
GCA 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 GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at GCA: Medium integration
GCA has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What GCA says:
In Elementary, Computers and Technology fit in the light integration category, but in Junior High, it is Heavy Integration.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What GCA says:
From K-Grade 5, students are engaged in physical activity on a daily basis. We have specialized phys ed teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 9.
Religious Education
What GCA says:
Starting from Kindergarten, GCA offers a Biblically integrated curriculum that is infused in all subjects taught. Our full curriculum is Biblically infused.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at GCA: Alberta curriculum
GCA has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Alberta curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
GCA has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]What GCA says:
Health and personal life skills are taught from Kindergarten to Grade 9, and a Biblically integrated Family Life Education begins in Grade 4 with the introduction of puberty.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at GCA: Academic
GCA has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What GCA says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Kindergarten program has a strong focus on literacy and numeracy with goals of having students able to read and write for grade one.
Language
Learn about Glenmore Christian Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
GCA offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at GCA: Standard-enriched
GCA has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What GCA says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 GCA says about their flexible pacing:
Students have a variety of options on how they can showcase their learning.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at GCA: Rigorous
GCA has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What GCA says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What GCA says about their developmental priorities:
We desire to be recognized as a Christian school that maintains high academic standards with graduates who become responsible citizens, worldview thinkers, and have a commitment to Christian service. We value “arts” and “athletics” each as a medium to build within our students a sense of self-worth, supporting each one to discover his/her God-given gifts.
Special needs support
GCA offers No support
GCA 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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What GCA says:
This information is not currently available.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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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 GCA says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 9, GCA students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
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GCA | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
Site Average | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins | 74 mins |
What GCA says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | K to Gr. 5 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 9 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 5 |
Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 9 |
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
Glenmore Christian Academy offers 4 competitive sports and 5 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Field Hockey
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Glenmore Christian Academy offers 13 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What GCA says about their extracurricular activities:
- GCA's Track and Field Team (Gr 7-9) have been CISAA League Champions for over 25 years under Coach Ken Miller, and have broken records in numerous events.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Glenmore Christian Academy
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