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Halton Waldorf School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Halton Waldorf School: Waldorf
Halton Waldorf School has a Waldorf approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Waldorf?]
What Halton Waldorf School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
How will your child benefit from a Waldorf education? Our students are not rushed through childhood by academic expectations that exceed their developmental stages. Instead, our teachers cultivate a life-long love of learning with an academic curriculum that is developmentally-appropriate and includes engaging, hands-on activities. Our children learn by doing, figuring out problems and finding opportunities while building respectful relationships in an environment that highly values individuality. What does this look like in a classroom? Our students are engaged both physically and cognitively with projects that strengthen the logical and creative sides of the brain. They do not sit still for long stretches of time or use screen technology that limits creativity and learning capacity by doing the work for them. Our students also spend a lot of time outdoors for projects, recess breaks, and on field trips. Our property includes over five acres of forest and provides unique opportunities to engage children in hands-on learning.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Halton Waldorf School: Equal Balance
Halton Waldorf School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
As a core main lesson subject, the key concepts of mathematics are taught by the class teachers. To broaden children's knowledge, the main lesson concepts are repeated in different ways by subject teachers during their lessons in art, woodworking, handwork, French and German. In the early grades, students experience an inherent understanding of numbers, both qualitative and quantitative. The four mathematical operations are worked on with rigorous practice and through imaginative stories, drawing pictures, movement and song. This knowledge is deepened in the higher grades with increasing complexity, timetabled skills classes and regular assessment supporting ongoing skill development and preparedness for grade nine mathematics in public school.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Our classrooms do not use screen technology because we believe it compromises a child's potential to learn for themselves and develop problem-solving skills.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Halton Waldorf School: Balanced Literacy
Halton Waldorf School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
Our curriculum is based on a fundamental belief that childhood should not be rushed and therefore we do expect children to read before they are developmentally ready. Our early childhood programs emphasize learning through play and provide a nurturing environment rich with stories, plays, songs and poetry to foster a love of language and the power of stories. Hearing advanced and complex language from teachers helps young children have an understanding of phonetics, rhythm, plot, setting, and story structure. These are all key to story comprehension so that children deeply understand language and love to read rather than memorizing patterns of letters. Grade one students work on clear speech with daily recitations of poems, tongue twisters and songs. Every day includes written and oral reviews of the previous day’s lessons. Some children will learn to read in grade one but for others this may happen in grades two or three.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Halton Waldorf School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Halton Waldorf School: Equal balance
Halton Waldorf School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
The Waldorf curriculum places a strong emphasis on hand-writing skills particularly on cursive writing which begins in grade three. Students fill their lesson books with handwriting and illustrations regarding their new knowledge about the focus subjects such as ancient cultures, botany, physiology or physics. This requires a deep understanding of each topic in order to summarize and illustrate what was learned. In grade one students are introduced to letters, and learn the vowels and consonants, often through story images. They also learn phonics and the writing of short sentences. In grade two, students compose abbreviated stories from folktales, begin learning grammar and punctuation, short and long vowel sounds, vowel and consonant blends, and word families.
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Science
Science approach at Halton Waldorf School: Inquiry
Halton Waldorf School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Waldorf emphasizes sense-based science. Awareness of the world depends on our capacity to sense and pay attention to the phenomena surrounding us. It also depends on the student being able to organize the world into an understandable experience. In grades one to five students develop an awareness of their environment and their relationship to it through the study of zoology, botany, gardening and farming. This is facilitated through hands-on activities and experiences and these important sensory experiences develop capacities for later observations and the development of scientific concepts. In later grades, the development of concepts calls for flexibility as well as rigour of thought at a time when students are trying to consciously make sense of their world. Building the foundation for these capacities is the goal of the sciences taught in grades six, seven and eight including physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy and meterology.
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 Halton Waldorf School: Equal Balance
Halton Waldorf School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
Literature programs are rooted in the humanities and through experiential learning in multiple subject lessons. Our comprehensive approach discusses fundamental concepts, universal and cultural themes to encourage intellectual flexibility, creative thinking, independent judgement, and moral discernment. The cultural context of stories is further explored with practical work, field trips and theatrical productions. The chosen literature for each grade reflects the childrens' developmental stages and offers lessons to be learned that are directly related to their own evolving awareness of the world and their place within it.
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 Halton Waldorf School: Core Knowledge
Halton Waldorf School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
Our social studies are a balance of the Core Knowledge and the Expanding Communities approaches. In geography, we foster an understanding of the students' own surroundings and an awareness of different cultures and human conditions throughout the world. We give the picture of earth and civilization as being inseparable and sharing a need for sustainability. The school's diversity offers an opportunity for abundant first-hand knowledge of many cultures. The teaching of history lives strongly in story-telling, bringing vivid images and using biographies to illustrate specific eras and the role played by individuals in the context of geography, technological, economical and cultural developments. Students also experience historical eras through music, art, poetry and field trips.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Halton Waldorf School: Equal Balance
Halton Waldorf School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
As students move into and adjust to early adolescence in grades seven and eight, teachers nurture their growing capacity for independent critical thought and encourage them to creatively express themselves. They are given biographies of striving individuals who made an impression on the world and took responsibility for their actions. The elements of reasoning and self-reflection are steadily emerging at this age and the curriculum supports this development. The history curriculum covers the Middle Ages, Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, and from the 17th century to modern times focusing on the profound social consequences of the revolutions of several eras. Studying world geography brings together physical, cultural, spiritual, and political conditions to create a vivid picture of the earth as a totality. Our membership in the global community of Waldorf schools supports this perspective.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Halton Waldorf School: Equal Balance
Halton Waldorf School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
Students experience a different view of the world and humanity through learning other languages. Differences are expressed in tenses, tonal elements, sounds of vowels and consonants, rhythm, vocabulary and sentence structure. Learning another language contributes to a more complete experience of civilization and the world. It complements individual development by practicing perseverance and strengthening the capacity of observation, flexibility in thinking, and interest in other cultures. German is studied from grades one to five. French begins in grade one and because public school students take French in grade nine, there is a stronger emphasis on French in grades seven and eight. Foreign language teachers work with class teachers to address pedagogical questions and to coordinate with the main lesson work.
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 Halton Waldorf School: Equal Balance
Halton Waldorf School 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 Halton Waldorf School says:
The aim of the visual arts program is to support the students’ physical and emotional development and to enrich their academic work through painting, drawing and modelling. Grades 1 to 5 have art lessons once a week reflecting the subject of the main lesson. Artistic work permeates all facets of the main lesson and many subject lessons. As students progress through grades 6 to 8 all artistic work becomes more refined and detailed reflecting the development of the students and the curriculum. By the end of their grade 8 year students have the opportunity to work with a variety of artistic material and gain a comfort level in the artistic realm.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Halton Waldorf School: Light integration
Halton Waldorf School has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
For the age of our students, the transfer of knowledge and the development of capacities for learning are closely connected to the teacher, not technology. Working with an oral tradition, personal relationships and human interaction are enhanced and the subject becomes alive for the student through the interest, engagement and knowledge of the teacher. This approach allows for the emotional, intellectual and physical engagement of the student and the strengthening of their perseverance and will. For their ages, a computer is considered impersonal compared to the connection they feel to the material when it is experienced in music, poetry, science experiments, story-telling and creating their own main lesson books by hand. Students in the upper grades are given the opportunity to use the internet and other resources for research projects. Other media are occasionally used to provide a visual impression or illustration related to a main lesson.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Halton Waldorf School says:
Physical movement is closely tied to neurological development and forms a fundamental component of a Waldorf curriculum. In the early grades, stepping, rhythm, clapping and recitation are part of the daily routine during main and subject lessons. Movement classes include activities and games to strengthen individual balance, spatial awareness, gross motor muscles and fine motor movements. In the upper grades, students take part in skiing and snowboarding at a local ski hill and use a rented gym where team sports are taught. Grade 5 participates in the Greek Olympics in New York State and grade 8 students have swimming and springboard diving lessons. In grade 7 and 8 an annual basketball tournament is held in Toronto with neighbouring Waldorf Schools. Starting as early as preschool, our students spend abundant time outside in our natural playground which includes 5 acres of forest with trails.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Halton Waldorf School: Not Ontario curriculum
Halton Waldorf School 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:
Halton Waldorf School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Halton Waldorf School says:
The sex education curriculum comes into the unit of physiology in grade 7 and 8 where all the systems of the body are studied. Topics as outlined in the previous sections are covered.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Halton Waldorf School: Waldorf
Halton Waldorf School has a Waldorf approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Waldorf?]
What Halton Waldorf School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Children and parents make an immediate connection to the nurturing environment of our early childhood classrooms. Teachers and assistants enhance the deep sense of wonder, joy and imagination of young children with enriching stories and activities. We support cognitive engagement through play, the true ‘work’ of the child, to create a love of learning, problem-solving skills and creativity. Social skills are developed through group activities, often outdoors in our natural playground and forest trails. Our preschool is licensed by the provincial government and catered lunches are provided to full day kindergarten and preschool students.
Language
Learn about Halton Waldorf School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Halton Waldorf School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Halton Waldorf School: Standard-enriched
Halton Waldorf School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Halton Waldorf School says about their curriculum pace:
We are accredited by AWSNA and our globally recognized curriculum maintains a steady pace that covers topics in depth. Our methodology immerses children in learning by engaging them cognitively and physically, resulting in the creative and logical sides of the brain being developed in a balanced manner.
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 Halton Waldorf School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Halton Waldorf School: Supportive
Halton Waldorf School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Halton Waldorf School says about their academic culture:
We do not see school culture as needing to be exclusively either rigorous or supportive. Our culture is rigorous but also balanced with respect and support for the three stages of childhood development. This means our academic expectations revolve around the specific needs of each stage and do not require students to be rushed through childhood. Our children are engaged with activities of interest that are relevant to their current development needs. At each stage, our teachers aim to provide balance for the child's gifts and challenges, cultivating an enthusiasm for learning and an age-appropriate interest in the world.
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.
What Halton Waldorf School says about their developmental priorities:
The Waldorf curriculum and teaching methods are designed to nurture intellectual flexibility, creative thinking, independent judgement, moral discernment, refined written and oral communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Children will have the same teacher over several years, sometimes from grade one to grade eight, to allow a deeper support and understanding of each student's needs. It is the goal of a Waldorf teacher to cultivate a sense of wonder and to inspire children to embrace life with enthusiasm, initiative, and purpose.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Halton Waldorf School offers No support
Halton Waldorf School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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 |
What Halton Waldorf School says:
Based on classroom observation, discussions with class teachers and initial assessment activities, our educational support teacher works one-on-one with students several times a week for areas of need or challenge. We also offer therapeutic classes, at extra cost, in art and eurythmy. Through a combination of physical movement and spoken verses, eurythmy focuses on individual needs to support emotional or physical imbalances. Art therapy can address physical, developmental or emotional challenges and may include water colour painting, drawing or sculpting. When a student needs both therapeutic eurythmy and art therapy the therapists communicate on a regular basis.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of 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 Halton Waldorf School 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, Halton Waldorf School students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| PS | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halton Waldorf School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Halton Waldorf School 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 |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
