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Hamilton District Christian High ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at HDCH: Traditional
HDCH has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What HDCH says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Education at Hamilton District Christian High is imaginative, innovative and Christ-Centred. This is achieved through Project-Based Learning. At the core of Project-Based Learning is that real-world problems capture students’ interest and provoke serious thinking as the students acquire and apply new knowledge in a problem-solving context. Students collaborate on meaningful projects creating opportunities for groups of students to gather information, think critically, be creative and communicate in order for them to answer challenging questions or solve complex problems.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| 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 HDCH: Equal Balance
HDCH has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HDCH says:
We use Project Based Learning and Discovery Problem Solving that both focus on the application of math and using the problem-solving process to discover and make sense of new content. We use PBL to connect math to life outside of school to help our students gain a deeper insight into the role of math in careers, personal financial literacy, in our local communities. We also look at how math is discovered in the created order, such as in nature. Students have access and use technology as they study math. Our teachers are intentional to incorporate mathematical tools. Students will find a balance of these approaches mixed with traditional instruction.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Students may be permitted to use a calculator based on teacher permission. Students will need a scientific calculator.
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Science
Science approach at HDCH: Equal Balance
HDCH has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
HDCH uses project based learning, laboratory experiments, sustained inquiry and other more traditional pedagogical practices in the science program. Students acquire the skills necessary to design and carry out scientific inquiries. Labs are equipped with modern technology and equipment. Students are encouraged to engage with the curriculum from a Christian worldview which results in a call to stewardship of all areas of creation.
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 HDCH: Equal Balance
HDCH has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HDCH says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at HDCH: Equal Balance
HDCH has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HDCH says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at HDCH: Equal Balance
HDCH has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What HDCH says:
This information is not currently available.
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 HDCH: Equal Balance
HDCH 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 HDCH says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at HDCH: Medium integration
HDCH has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What HDCH says:
Students have free access to 250 computers and chromebooks throughout the school. We have 5 3-D printers, a laser cutter, and a suite of virtual reality and robotics options. Once students learn how to use these learning tools, they are encouraged to use them as they wish, for both school and other projects.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What HDCH says:
In the Physical Education Department at Hamilton District Christian High, we focus on each student’s Total Health as a child of God. We recognize that each area of a person’s health affects the others, that taking care of Physical Health is a great way to help manage all other areas of health, and that our Spiritual Health is the foundation for the rest of our health. We teach the concepts of Physical Literacy to encourage students to be confident and competent in all types of movement. Our students experience a variety of activities in different settings, including traditional and non-traditional sports, low organization and creative games, and fitness activities. We encourage our students to make goals for the present and goals for the future. Through all this, we hope to meet the goal of our Physical Education program which is to help our students live healthy and active lifestyles.
Religious Education
What HDCH says:
The Bible is like a fine herb. Unless you rub it between your fingers, you cannot appreciate its full flavour. Here at Hamilton District Christian High, we give students bounded freedom to wrestle with scripture. Student questions can be explored with vigour, and a variety of interpretations are discussed as students learn to read the Bible for themselves. We have a wide variety of Christian traditions represented in our community, so our Bible classes do not present a single doctrinal view, but do equip students to better study scripture and apply it in their own situation. In this sense, we promote Biblical literacy with an expectation of transformation. An education in the Bible should anticipate and equip for a life of learning and deepening faith. Therefore our students learn to seek meaning in the Bible using the varied skills taught in our Bible classes.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at HDCH: Ontario curriculum
HDCH 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:
HDCH has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]HDCH has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What HDCH says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Hamilton District Christian High's languages of instruction and enrolment.
HDCH offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at HDCH: Standard-enriched
HDCH has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What HDCH says about their curriculum pace:
Through Project Based Learning (PBL) students gain knowledge & skills by working for an extended time to investigate & respond to an authentic & complex challenge. PBL develops deeper learning competencies required for success.
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 HDCH says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at HDCH: Supportive
HDCH has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What HDCH says about their academic culture:
We do not do things "to" students, nor do we do things "for" students. We do things "with" students. We have high expecations, and also offer high levels of support.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
What HDCH says about their developmental priorities:
Our Mission - to cultivate character through learning for a life of service to God. Our Vision - to see all HDCH graduates become a faithful presence in the community that they serve.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
HDCH offers Resource Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
What HDCH says about their special need support:
HDCH welcomes learners of all kinds, with the caveat that we are a small school with some limitations of resources. For example, we offer a Lifeskills Pathway for student with severe cognitive ability, however we have a low capacity of 5 students for that class due to its high resource needs. Our older school building is undergoing on-going accessibility upgrades, but these may not always serve students with complex physical needs. We undergo a careful and kind process to determine what the students needs are, matching these with our resources, to ensure a wonderful fit. We have a Christian Mental Health Counsellor on staff, 2 days a week, providing social-emotional support.
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 HDCH says:
We would not advise a family against de-enrolling their child at our school if they had a clinically diagnosed learning disability that became apparent while studying at HDCH, so long as we were able to accomodate their needs.
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 HDCH says about their gifted learner support:
We are highly focused on helping students grow and stretch, while also ensuring they spend time with peers and interect socially. HD does not offer online learning of any type; this is in keeping with our desire to be in relationship and community with students. Gifted students are encouraged and supported to extend their learning, with teachers offering guidance and encouragement to do so.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, HDCH students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDCH | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What HDCH 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 | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
