Greenwood College School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Greenwood: Progressive
Greenwood has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at Greenwood: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Greenwood says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Greenwood’s high-challenge, high-support model encourages academic engagement and growth for every student. We have high expectations for each student, and our personalized support helps students to meet those high expectations. Our teachers take time to understand every student’s unique personality, strengths and learning style, using that knowledge to develop a fully personalized learning experience that sets up each student for engagement and success.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Greenwood: Equal Balance
Greenwood has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Greenwood says:
Greenwood offers specialized math programs.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Students are taught to use calculators in math and business classes.
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Science
Science approach at Greenwood: Equal Balance
Greenwood has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Science instruction includes a mix of knowledge acquisition and inquiry-based learning at all grades and course levels.
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 Greenwood: Traditional
Greenwood has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Greenwood says:
Students analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Greenwood: Equal Balance
Greenwood has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Greenwood says:
Humanities and social sciences courses at Greenwood include Food & Culture (Grade 11), Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology (Grade 11), World Religions and Belief Traditions: Perspectives, Issues, and Challenges (Grade 11), Challenge and Change in Society (Grade 12) and Philosophy: Questions and Theories (Grade 12).
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Greenwood: Communicative
Greenwood has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Greenwood says:
French classes are required for students in Grades 7, 8 and 9, and are offered as electives in Grades 10, 11 and 12.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Greenwood: Creative
Greenwood 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 Greenwood says:
Students apply the elements and principles of design when exploring the creative process through drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. Students use the critical analysis process to reflect on and interpret art within a personal, contemporary and historical context.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Greenwood: Heavy integration
Greenwood has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Greenwood says:
Greenwood is designed for the digital native, with technology and collaboration tools fully integrated into our program. Students work on laptops throughout the day; students can purchase a laptop through the school or select their own learning device through the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Greenwood says:
Exercise Science is offered as an optional course at Greenwood, while regular physical education classes are paired with Outdoor Education experiences throughout the year.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Environmental Science
- AP French Language
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Greenwood: Ontario curriculum
Greenwood 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:
Greenwood has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Greenwood says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Greenwood College School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Greenwood offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Greenwood: Standard-enriched
Greenwood has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Greenwood says about their curriculum pace:
We help students to develop deeper learning using the “three Cs”: customization and technology, choice and challenge, and community. This approach ensures that every student is challenged at exactly the right level -- and in exactly the right way -- to encourage continued academic growth.
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 Greenwood says about their flexible pacing:
Differentiated instruction allows students to learn in a variety of different ways based on their challenge and support needs (e.g. teacher-directed, self-paced, small-group discussion, collaborative).
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Greenwood: Rigorous
Greenwood has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Greenwood says about their academic culture:
Greenwood’s high-challenge, high-support model encourages academic engagement and growth for every student. We have high expectations for each student, and we offer personalized support to help them meet those expectations.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Greenwood says about their developmental priorities:
Greenwood aims to help students develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to lead a fulfilling life and reach their full potential. We believe that character is composed of four elements – intellectual, moral, civic and performance character. By instilling these elements of character in our students, we know they will graduate ready to be confident, competent, ethical, and engaged members of society.
Special needs support
Greenwood offers Withdrawal Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
What Greenwood says about their special need support:
Support is dependent upon students’ individual needs. For example, if a student is finding a particular class especially challenging, support would be given by the classroom teacher. If there is a pattern amongst many classes, the student's Adviser would facilitate a more fulsome intervention. This intervention will involve strategies such as enlisting parent/guardian support, supporting the growth of academic and executive functioning skills, and organizing an extra help schedule. Student supports and intervention progressively involve more people as needed.
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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 Greenwood says:
Access to Greenwood's Student Success Centre (SSC) is included in each student's tuition fees. After reviewing a psychoeducational report and seeking parent/guardian and teacher input, we may recommend that a student with a learning difference carry a reduced course load so they can access SSC support. Students who do so receive a timetabled period in the SSC where they earn a Learning Strategies credit. Grade 12 students in need of SSC support can enrol in the Transition Skills Program, a non-credit course.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 Greenwood says about their gifted learner support:
Students needing more challenge can access extension opportunities on a class-by-class basis; students may also have the option to work ahead in a particular unit or course and to deepen their learning with additional content when the course or unit is complete.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Greenwood students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Greenwood | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 53 mins | 58 mins | 73 mins | 85 mins | 101 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Greenwood says about their flipped classroom policy:
Homework time is set on an individual basis by students' Advisers.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 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
Greenwood College School offers 17 competitive sports and 1 recreational sports.
- Ultimate
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Mountain biking
- Rugby
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Greenwood College School offers 23 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Greenwood says about their extracurricular activities:
- There are extracurricular opportunities at Greenwood for any interest, from arts to academics, offered through our Clubs program. Highlights include our Junior and Senior plays, band and choir, student leadership and House system, and Jack Chapter. We offer more than 40 athletics teams, with 80% of the student body participating in at least one sport.
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