London International Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at LIA: Traditional, International Baccalaureate
LIA has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
LIA has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
What LIA says about their overall curriculum and approach:
London International Academy (LIA) is certified in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education to offer academic courses from grades 9 to 12. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School Diploma to all successful students. An optional program offered at LIA places a strong focus on STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, we also have several clubs with a STEM focus.
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
Program | Offered |
---|---|
Primary Years | |
Middle Years | |
Diploma program | |
Career-related program |
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
---|---|
Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at LIA: Discovery Math
LIA has a Discovery Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Discovery Math?]What LIA says:
The most effective approach to teaching math will depend on the students' specific needs and the curriculum's goals. Teachers may use a combination of different methods to meet the needs of all their students.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Winplot PowerPoint presentation www.graphsketch.com DESMOS Graphing Kahoot.com Canton, B. et al., McGraw-Hill Ryerson. Kognity Gstore Oxford university press
Calculator policy:
Exams allow using calculators for certain portions of the exam or problems. Students may use a calculator for arithmetic calculations or solving a complex equation; some exams may prohibit using calculators altogether, especially for problems designed to test a student's mental math skills or ability to perform calculations by hand.
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Science
Science approach at LIA: Equal Balance
LIA 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 LIA: Traditional
LIA has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What LIA 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 LIA: Equal Balance
LIA has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What LIA says:
“Humanities and the social sciences take on a more pragmatic approach at London International Academy, with students often exploring the “bigger picture” of major social theories and social issues through both research-based projects and collaborative presentations that focus on the historical question of “How did we get here?” and “Where are we going?” as a society. The emphasis is on the student as a learner, and the aim is to focus on how their perspectives shape their understanding of the world around them and that of humanity as a species. It is through this student-centred approach that we strive to understand our modern world with all of its continuous fluctuations and shifts so that our learners will be able to meet these changes best and, ideally, become a positive force that might just be able to impact where we will go in the future.”
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at LIA: Communicative
LIA has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What LIA 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 LIA: Equal Balance
LIA 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 LIA says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at LIA: Medium integration
LIA has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What LIA says:
LIA’s initiative on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) includes an integrated, interdisciplinary series of programs that provides students the opportunity to explore advanced technology fields at the high-school level. The STEM Club at LIA is one of the Elite Programs that encourages students to explore trends and techniques in STEM related fields, and promotes experiential-based learning, which allows students to earn practical, hands-on experience to use technology to solve real-world problems. We’ve built a FIRST Robotics (FRC) team since 2015. Except for the yearly FRC robotics competition, the STEM Club also have group/individual projects related to 3D design & 3D printing, mechanical engineering, and software/application development. The STEM Club also support academic competitions in STEM fields, which include a variety of math, science and computing competition.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What LIA says:
This information is not currently available.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
- English language and literature SL
Group 2 (Language B)
- Mandarin ab initio SL
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
- Business and Management SL
- Business and Management HL
- Economics SL
- Economics HL
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
- Chemistry SL
- Chemistry HL
- Biology SL
- Biology HL
Group 5 (Mathematics)
- Mathematics HL
Group 6 (The Arts)
- Visual Arts HL
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at LIA: Ontario curriculum
LIA 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:
LIA has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What LIA says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about London International Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
LIA offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at LIA: Standard-enriched
LIA has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What LIA 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 LIA says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at LIA: Rigorous
LIA has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What LIA says about their academic culture:
In a safe, supportive environment, LIA will provide learning and living opportunities for all students to strive to realize excellence, their personal potential, and to develop an understanding of social responsibility and respect for individual and cultural differences. Our professional and highly motivated staff will challenge student thinking so they they will grow in knowledge through inquiry and quality learning, and foster interest and love of science, technology, and the arts.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What LIA says about their developmental priorities:
London International Academy students will be successful, powerful learners who will strive to be global citizens. Our students have an understanding of social responsibility, and respect for individual and cultural differences. Our students celebrate cultural diversity and individual differences.
Special needs support
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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 LIA says:
Each semester, teachers will indicate at-risk students and provide additional tutoring and counselling support.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
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 LIA says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, LIA students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LIA | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 113 mins |
What LIA 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 |
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
London International Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 11 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Running
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
London International Academy offers 18 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What LIA says about their extracurricular activities:
- we believe extracurricular activities are extremely important to having a well- rounded school experinece and feel that students who work hard deserve to have some fun and become more familiar with canadian culture
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: London International Academy
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