Great Lakes Christian High School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at GLCHS: Liberal Arts
GLCHS has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What GLCHS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We believe in educating the whole child. In this pursuit, our teachers work collaboratively with one another, the students, and parents to encourage and train students for growth academically, emotionally, socially, physically, creatively, and spiritually. We are a community of learners from Ontario and different areas of the world. Learning to listen to one another is a critical step to understanding one another. Our academic goal is to continue providing excellent opportunities for learning that lead to high acceptance rates to universities and colleges. We have small class sizes and most of our teachers are Specialists or hold a Graduate Degree in their subject area. In September 2018, we moved to a one-to-one device model. We are incorporating technology as a tool for learning, to practice responsible digital citizenship, and to explore ways to use technology for Kingdom service.
Approach
Focus | Religious-based |
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Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
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 GLCHS: Traditional Math
GLCHS has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at GLCHS: Equal Balance
GLCHS 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 GLCHS: Equal Balance
GLCHS has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at GLCHS: Equal Balance
GLCHS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at GLCHS: Equal Balance
GLCHS has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at GLCHS: Equal Balance
GLCHS 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 GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at GLCHS: Heavy integration
GLCHS has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What GLCHS says:
Our physical education program includes activity-based classes for grades 9 through 12. Teachers include sports, skills-building, team building, cross-conditioning, hiking, and a wide variety of co-operative games in their lesson planning. At the senior level, students are encouraged to build on their leadership training, in a leadership education course. Some students may also elect to take a senior level Kinesiology course to support their pathway in the Health Sciences field.
Religious Education
What GLCHS says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at GLCHS: Ontario curriculum
GLCHS has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
GLCHS has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]GLCHS has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What GLCHS says:
We approach health and sexuality from a biblical perspective and a Christian worldview.
Language
Learn about Great Lakes Christian High School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
GLCHS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at GLCHS: Standard-enriched
GLCHS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What GLCHS 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 GLCHS says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at GLCHS: Rigorous
GLCHS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What GLCHS 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 GLCHS says about their developmental priorities:
Our focus is to discover and develop the talents and gifts of our students, whether in the class room, on the playing field, through co-curricular activities, music, drama, or service. We follow three practices that inform all our interactions with each other: Practice Integrity, Practice Loving Your Neighbour As Yourself, and Practice Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Our goal is to graduate students who are equipped well academically and who are willing to serve in every area of their lives.
Special needs support
GLCHS offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
What GLCHS says about their special need support:
We are happy to accommodate students in terms of the types of assignments, the number of assignments, and the forms of assessment used in class. Students who have an IEP are welcome to give oral answers, to have access to a scribe, and/or to use talk to text technology. Students who are struggling socially have ready access to their Principal, Vice Principal, and Guidance Counselor. We sometimes refer students who are struggling more significantly or are making poor choices to a local, trusted health professional.
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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 GLCHS says:
We work with a child's IEP to provide accommodations as needed. While our teachers have boundless supplies of care, our help is limited to accommodations in the classroom, on assignments, and on assessments. Students with IEP's are under the supervision of the Principal who will work to support student learning by providing a quiet study area, technology support, study skill building, and regular communication with home and other care providers for the student.
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 GLCHS says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, GLCHS students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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GLCHS | 60 mins | 60 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 111 mins |
What GLCHS 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 | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
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
Great Lakes Christian High School offers 10 competitive sports and 12 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Downhill skiing
- Ice Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Great Lakes Christian High School offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What GLCHS says about their extracurricular activities:
- Roller Coaster Design Competition - Gold
- Cross country and Track running, Basketball and Badminton teams have enjoyed recent success
- Annual drama productions involve a variety of skills and bring our community together
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Great Lakes Christian High School
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