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Lycée international de Calgary ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Lycée international de Calgary community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Lycée Calgary: Traditional
Lycée Calgary has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
International curriculum & programs at Lycée Calgary: French National Curriculum
What Lycée Calgary says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Lycée international de Calgary encourages students to develop an appreciation for learning while also nurturing their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical potential. We teach a core set of academic skills and offer an enriched curriculum, including the French curriculum and Spanish instruction from Grade 6 onwards. Student assessment is based primarily on testing, and an emphasis is placed on knowledge acquisition and theoretical and academic learning, with the main focus being on cultivating the intellect of our students.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Lycée Calgary: Traditional Math
Lycée Calgary has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Our mathematics program provides our students with a strong knowledge and mastery of the fundamental basic skills that students are able to draw upon when faced with solving more complex problems.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We use a combination of approved resources from France and Alberta.
Calculator policy:
Scientific calculator use in Grades 6 -12.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Lycée Calgary: Balanced Literacy
Lycée Calgary has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Our early reading program blends phonics instruction in French and English, with guided reading, and leveled literacy focusing on individual abilities and needs.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Lycée Calgary says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Lycée Calgary: Equal balance
Lycée Calgary has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Our students benefit from a blended approach when it comes to our writing program. Students are provided with many opportunities to create authentic pieces which highlight their acquired skills and creativity.
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Science
Science approach at Lycée Calgary: Equal Balance
Lycée Calgary has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Our students benefit from two curricula, the French Ministry of Education and Alberta science curricula. In primary school, the study of science focuses on units of inquiry, for example, robotics and the solar system. Starting in Grade 6, science is taught as a specialized subject, leading to biology, chemistry, and physics study in later years.
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 Lycée Calgary: Equal Balance
Lycée Calgary has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Lycée Calgary says:
From Kindergarten to Grade 12, our students receive daily instruction in French and English. Our English program follows the Alberta English Language Arts curriculum which provides students with rich experiences with literacy.
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 Lycée Calgary: Thematic
Lycée Calgary has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Starting in Grade 2, students receive formal instruction in social studies. Following the Alberta curriculum, Social Studies uses a thematic approach to expose young minds to local, national, and international issues. Our students also benefit from the French Ministry of Education curriculum which starts formal instruction in history and geography in Grade 3.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Lycée Calgary: Equal Balance
Lycée Calgary has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Our students benefit from studying social studies and history/geography. The combination of these subjects provides students with a strong background to draw upon while contemplating contemporary issues.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Lycée Calgary: Equal Balance
Lycée Calgary has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Our students start formal instruction in Spanish in Grade 6. This provides our students with the opportunity to develop skills in a third language. Spanish instruction focuses on the interest of teenagers and the contents follow the recommendations set out in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ESL instruction is also offered.
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 Lycée Calgary: Equal Balance
Lycée Calgary 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 Lycée Calgary says:
Our Fine Arts program provides our students with the opportunity to unleash their creativity. Formal instruction in Music and Art starts in Grade 1 and continues until Grade 9.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Lycée Calgary: Medium integration
Lycée Calgary has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Lycée Calgary says:
Technology plays a role in all our programs. From the early years to high school, we promote good digital citizenship skills and the integration of technology to enhance student learning.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Lycée Calgary says:
Our Physical Education program blends the best of France and North America and is an integral part of our program. Students learn traditional North American and European sports. Our students benefit from our state of the art indoor climbing wall.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Lycée Calgary: Not Alberta curriculum
Lycée Calgary has a Not Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Alberta curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Lycée Calgary has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Lycée Calgary says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Lycée Calgary: Academic
Lycée Calgary has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Lycée Calgary says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Lycée international de Calgary offers a full-time Preschool and Kindergarten Program for children aged 3 to 5. Our program is more than a daycare: it is a transformative bilingual education. Through games, discovery, artistic activities and a range of diverse exercises, children learn to express themselves, they acquire a broader vocabulary and discover the written word. The main goal of the Preschool/Kindergarten Program is for the child to acquire rich, organized language and to be understood by others and prepares them for the next step in their education.
Language
Learn about Lycée international de Calgary's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Lycée Calgary is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
| English - 30% | French - 70% | ||||||||
Language of enrolment include: English, French
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Lycée Calgary: Student-paced
Lycée Calgary has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What Lycée Calgary says about their curriculum pace:
Supportive environment where dedicated teachers ensure every child feels valued, safe & inspired to reach their full potential. With our distinctive program, we inspire and empower every student to excel and embrace academic & personal challenges, to explore interests & nurture talents, to celebrate diversity & foster community.
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 Lycée Calgary says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Lycée Calgary: Rigorous
Lycée Calgary has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Lycée Calgary says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
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.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Lycée Calgary says about their developmental priorities:
Lycée international de Calgary fosters a challenging, transformative bilingual education in a multicultural environment, bringing out excellence in every student. We allow students to develop the skills necessary to be responsible, dynamic citizens, capable of playing an important role in the future of the world, locally and globally.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Lycée Calgary offers No support
Lycée Calgary 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 |
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 Lycée Calgary says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Lycée Calgary students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycée Calgary | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Lycée Calgary 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 | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
