Mennonite Collegiate Institute ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at MCI: Traditional
MCI has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What MCI says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At MCI our goal is not simply to teach high school curriculum. Our programs are designed to inspire students to excel, to reach, and to lead. As a comprehensive, holistic school, MCI helps students of diverse abilities and interests to become all they can be both in and out of the classroom. In addition to excellent academic, athletic, and social opportunities, all MCI students experience spiritual formation as they study the Bible, participate in hands-on service and attend daily chapel time. All provincial curriculum requirements of Manitoba Education for grades 9 – 12 and high school graduation are taught at MCI.
Approach
Focus | Religious-based |
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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 MCI: Equal Balance
MCI has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What MCI says:
Each mathematics teacher has his or her own classroom dynamic and structure. Our methods are rooted in traditional learning and an understanding of fundamental math skills. Inquiry activities and problem-based lessons are integrated throughout the courses as is appropriate for students' needs and abilities.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at MCI: Equal Balance
MCI has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
All of our science teachers have years of experience in their content areas. Our students have the opportunity to study biology, chemistry and physics. Using experiments as learning tools, our courses invite students to apply the scientific method of problem-solving to a variety of situations.
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 MCI: Equal Balance
MCI has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What MCI says:
In each of our ELA courses students encounter a variety of texts in both contemporary and "classic" styles, the study of which always emphasizes the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
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 MCI: Equal Balance
MCI has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What MCI says:
Given MCI’s emphasis on faith, service, and peacemaking, courses in the humanities and social sciences emphasize contemporary experiences and real-world problems. With a firm grounding in the way the past continues to shape the present, students are engaged with relevant questions about the condition of communities at home and around the world.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at MCI: Equal Balance
MCI has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What MCI says:
MCI offers French to students each year at a variety of levels. Students who take part all 4 years will graduate with a strong understanding and ability to communicate in the language.
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 MCI: Creative
MCI has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What MCI says:
We aim to foster and develop each student’s God-given inclination towards creativity and their capacity for aesthetic response. From our school-wide choir to classes on dance, visual arts, concert band, theatre tech, and Worship Band to our annual musical theatre production, our students have many chances to discover and develop their artistic gifts in the classroom and co-curricular settings. Our Fine Arts programs accommodate all levels, from beginners to experienced artists and musicians. Students at MCI are provided with a safe space to learn, grow, build confidence in their abilities, develop leadership skills, and help them become independent musicians and artists.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at MCI: Heavy integration
MCI has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What MCI says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What MCI says:
Our athletics program focuses on developing individual and team skills in a variety of sports. Focus is also given to health concepts such as fitness, nutrition and lifestyle, and interpersonal skills.
Religious Education
What MCI says:
All students are expected to participate in Bible classes appropriate for their grade level. The purpose of the curriculum is to promote knowledge of the Bible and church history, assist students in finding their identity within a Christian worldview, to poster practical discipleship in servanthood, stewardship, peace and responsibility for humanity.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
What MCI says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Mennonite Collegiate Institute's languages of instruction and enrolment.
MCI offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at MCI: Standard-enriched
MCI has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What MCI says about their curriculum pace:
Being a small school, our staff are able to tailor teaching to specific student needs.
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 MCI says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at MCI: Supportive
MCI has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What MCI says about their academic culture:
We offer students a comfortable, safe and caring environment to learn and grow. Our size makes it possible for students to receive the attention and encouragement they need to thrive.
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 MCI says about their developmental priorities:
Our purpose is to educate young people in an Anabaptist Christian context, seeking to develop their God-given potential in terms of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Our aim is that our students accept Christ as Lord and that they be disciples who express Christian hope by serving others, promoting peace, and providing Christ-like leadership within the church community and secular world.
Special needs support
MCI 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 MCI says about their special need support:
We strive for all students to develop the strategies they need for academic progress through high school and beyond. We combine classroom experience with current education research and knowledge, for effective student support. We believe building relationships with students is key to their success.
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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 MCI says:
This information is not currently available.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What MCI says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, MCI students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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MCI | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What MCI 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 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | 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
Mennonite Collegiate Institute offers 10 competitive sports and 3 recreational sports.
- Curling
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Cycling
- Golf
- Ice Skating
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Mennonite Collegiate Institute offers 4 clubs and extracurricular programs.