Neuchâtel Junior College

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Traditional
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education:
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: Indirect Support
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Traditional
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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    Curriculum approach at NJC: Traditional

    NJC has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 15%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Progressive - 17%
      Montessori - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    What NJC says: Applicants are those who seek to challenge and advance themselves through a transformational experience of personal and intellectual growth. Students attend exclusively for the pre-university year, be it for Grade 12 or a gap year of enrichment. We offer Ontario Grade 12, university-preparatory curriculum as well as Advanced Placement (AP). All instruction and life on campus is in English, yet students live as Europeans in the French-speaking, Swiss town of Neuchâtel.

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at NJC: Traditional Math

      NJC has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Traditional Math?]

      Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional math - 34%
        Discovery math - 33%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      What NJC says: Neuchatel Junior College assembles a body of excellent students together. The MHF and MCV courses follow the Ontario ministry of education guidelines, but there is room for some remediation and enrichment. We run an after school math club for several months to help prepare students for the Euclid math contest from the University of Waterloo. Ten students participated in this contest in April 2016 and the results were very good, especially for a school of our small size.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at NJC: Equal Balance

      NJC has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Expository - 34%
        Inquiry - 33%
      

      Teaching approach: The approach to teaching science at NJC is to engage students with the scientific concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology through a variety of activities including, (but not limited to) laboratory experiments, demonstrations, video presentations, field trips, class discussions, and research projects. The European environment provides the opportunity to connect both with European scientific organizations such as CERN (Conseil Européen de Recherche Nucléaire) as well as local organizations (ex. Musée de l’histoire naturelle et le Jardin Botanique – both in Neuchatel.) These experiences allow students to see first-hand that science lives beyond the classroom and to meet international scientists and ask questions about their work/careers. The students at NJC have been very enthusiastic in their pursuit of such opportunities and it has allowed for frequent follow-up discussions within the classroom.

      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 Equal Balance
      Literature approach at NJC: Equal Balance

      NJC has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Traditional - 34%
        Social justice - 33%
      

      What NJC says: The approach to teaching literature is closely connected to the trips the school offers, both optional and compulsory. Since many students choose to participate in school excursions to either Krakow, Poland, or Munich, Germany, where they will visit Auschwitz or Dachau, it is fitting that two of the works we teach are connected to the Holocaust.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at NJC: Equal Balance

      NJC has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Perennialism - 34%
        Pragmatism - 33%
      

      What NJC says: Humanities is not a dry academic exercise. It’s real life, and people are living it right now. At NJC we have a double focus on developing core skills — formulating questions, research and analysis, critical thinking, essay composition, debate and rhetoric — and applying knowledge and understanding to current affairs: for example, finding similarities and differences between the current situation in the Middle East and the 16th Century European Wars of Religion. Our numerous field trips throughout Europe and beyond lie at the core of our program: students are expected to relate classroom learning to extramural experience. Teachers draw on a broad repertoire of instructional methods, from traditional chalk-and-talk to student-led explorations, Harkness tables, primary source analysis, debates – variety is the spice of learning! Students have many opportunities to pursue topics of personal interest, and then demonstrate and reflect on their learning in formats of their choice.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at NJC: Equal Balance

      NJC has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Audio-lingual - 34%
        Communicative - 33%
      

      What NJC says: Teaching French is greatly facilitated in the French part of Switzerland. We use the town of Neuchâtel to organise many cultural trips for all classes to emphasize using the language in authentic contexts. Excursions are differentiated according to French level. For the intermediate to advanced, we do a guided tour of the Castle and visit the permanent exhibition about the millennium of the city of Neuchâtel in the Musée d’art et d’histoire. For beginners, we visit the local market and various shops and cafés where the students need to manage in the target language. We always refer to students’ pension life experiences—living with local Swiss Families—and teach vocabulary that is relevant and practical. We also focus on current events in Switzerland and European countries using written or oral media sources. For Ontario curriculum credit classes, the programs are accentuated by the themes of the school trips.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at NJC: Creative

      NJC has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Creative?]

      Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Creative - 33%
        Receptive - 34%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What NJC says: The Visual Arts course offers pre-university training while exploring diverse aspects of the Arts. Students work on different units during the semester, one of them being of their own choice. Students are encouraged to explore creativity and train their skills. Each unit is closely linked with art history, and, frequently illustrated with field trips. Students are encouraged to link their own work with styles and movements mainly found in the last 150 years and to gain a strong critical sense in order to evaluate their own work. Individual research in art history, theory of art, and studio processes are meant to help students acquire originality and individuality in their creation. They are encouraged to evaluate their own creation and define its inner specificities that will help them improve the quality of communication as artists.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at NJC: Medium integration

      NJC has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

      [Show: About Medium integration?]

      Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Medium integration - 33%
        Light integration - 34%
        Heavy integration - 33%
      

      What NJC says: Our classrooms are equipped with Smartboards and staff are allocated laptop computers for instructional purposes. Students benefit from the expertise of our trained staff in 21st century differentiated instruction methodology.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What NJC says: Not applicable.

    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education
      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      NJC has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What NJC says: Not applicable.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at NJC: Standard-enriched

    NJC has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Standard-enriched - 34%
      Accelerated - 33%
      Student-paced - 33%
    

    What NJC says: Our curriculum is enhanced with educational travel that support overall Ministry expectations. Students travel to historic sites throughout Europe with professional guides offering extensive local knowledge to support in-class teaching.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	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 NJC says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at NJC: Rigorous

    NJC has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About Rigorous?]

    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 50%
      Supportive - 50%
    

    What NJC says: We offer university-level academic courses with an option to select from a rich variety of Advanced Placement exams. We are a university-preparatory school with expectations of high academic performance to meet entrance requirements for the best universities and programs around the globe.

  • Developmental priorities Intellectual
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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    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: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    What NJC says: We strive to create a community of confident independent global citizens through a life-changing educational experience. Living abroad with a French-speaking Swiss pension family assists with the acquisition of linguistic abilities in the target language. Our students foster independence and responsibility for themselves as they prepare for the next phase of their lives in their post-secondary destinations.

  • Special needs support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    Summary: NJC is able to accommodate many different learners and those with psychological educational assessments are offered all the possible accommodations on our campus. We have a quiet learning space for students who need a distraction-free zone, we are also able to provide extra time and use of technology. We have tutorial support within the community and therapeutic services are available via our medical team affiliated with our school.

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (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.

      Dyscalculia

      This 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.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This 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 Deficit

      A 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.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers 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 Syndrome

      On 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 syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This 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 syndrome

      This 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.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled 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 Depression

      This 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 anxiety

      This 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 thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This 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.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This 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 palsy

      his 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 dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This 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.

      Blindness

      Visual 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."

      Deafness

      Hearing 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 Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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    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.)

    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 NJC says: Gifted learners will find themselves in an academically challenging environment. Students can opt from a variety of AP (Advanced Placement) exams with the potential to earn a university-level credit while still in high school. Students can also seek out leadership positions, for example, within our Student Council and Model UN program.

  • Language English
    NJC offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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    In grade Gr. 12, NJC students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	12
    NJC	160 mins
    Site Average	107 mins

    What NJC says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Report Card Policy
    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 12 to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 12 to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 12 to Gr. 12

• Extracurriculars

  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

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  What NJC says:

  • "This year, I hiked up the Swiss Alps during the summer and skied back down them during the winter."- Declan Seviour '14

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 10
  Recreational sports: 20

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

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  Clubs offered

  Neuchâtel Junior College offers 12 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  

• Tuition & Financial Aid

  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

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  	12
  Boarding	SF 30,000 / semester

  
  

  What NJC says about their tuition: Tuition includes all academic instruction. Full room and board ( homestay). orientation trip, University placement and counselling services. Technology use and IT support. Local transportation pass. Residence permit. Banquets and graduation. Does not include: travel to Switzerland, additional travel.

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  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	10%
  Average aid package size	$10,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	10%
  Total aid available	$60,000

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline  (Repeats annually)

  More information:

  www.njc.ch/page/admission/tuition--awards

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  Interview Supplementary Essays Application File Review Apple Financial Third-Party Review

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  Merit based Scholarships

  Neuchâtel Junior College does not offer merit-based financial awards.

• Enrollment

  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 12 to Gr. 12	Coed	Homestay	75

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	75
  Average class size	14
  % of international students (total enrolment)	10%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	5

  Student Distribution:

  	12
  Homestay Enrollment	N/A
  Class Size	70

• Admission

  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

  ---

  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		N/A
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay		N/A

  Homestay students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: $225
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What NJC says:

  • Admission Application Form
  • Character Reference Letter
  • Official Transcript
  • Report Card
  • Student Essay
  • Application Fee

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: N/A

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Boarding Homestay
  

  ---

  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	12
  Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	0
  Homestay Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	0

  Type of student NJC is looking for:
  Neuchâtel Junior College selects on the basis of their academic performance, character, interests, talents and potential. Successful applicants are those who seek to challenge and advance themselves through a transformational experience of intense personal and intellectual growth. The College favours applicants who respond positively to new challenges and who express sufficient maturity, international curiosity and personal responsibility.

• University Placement

  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	70
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	1%
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	N/A

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  Queen's University																				19%
  Western University														13%
  McGill University													12%
  Dalhousie University								7%
  University of Toronto						5%

  % of Graduates

  
  

  • Canada 28 universities
    • Acadia University
    • Bishop's University
    • Brock University
    • Carleton University
    • Concordia University
    • Dalhousie University
    • Laurentian University
    • McGill University
    • McMaster University
    • Mount Royal University
    • Queen's University
    • Ryerson University
    • Simon Fraser University
    • St. Francis Xavier University
    • Thompson River University
    • Trent University
    • University of Alberta
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Guelph
    • University of King's College
    • University of Ottawa
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Victoria
    • University of Waterloo
    • Vancouver Island University
    • Western University
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • York University
  • United States 11 universities
    • Boston College
    • Boston University
    • DePaul University
    • Drexel University
    • Georgetown University
    • Michigan State University
    • New York University
    • Parsons School of Design
    • Purdue University
    • School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
    • University of Southern California
  • International 6 universities
    • King's College London
    • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    • University of Edinburgh
    • University of Geneva
    • University of Neuchâtel
    • University of St Andrews

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • Neuchâtel Junior College
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Neuchâtel Junior College Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    53% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    15% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    17% - Business/Commerce
    15% - Fine and Performing Arts
    0% - Applied Health Sciences
    0% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    0% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    25% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    24% - Business/Commerce
    4% - Fine and Performing Arts
    14% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships

  Mentorship Program	N/A
  University counseling

• Principal's Message

  Mr. Andrew J. Keleher, Head of School

  BA, BEd, MEd

  One characteristic of all good students is an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Our unique school, perched on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in the beautiful Swiss town of the same name, is ideally suited to students of this kind. Students come to us eager to learn more about the world around them; drawn to change, they sense that the world has more to offer them if they could just step outside the boundaries of their local experiences. Neuchâtel Junior College exists for these types of students at this pivotal time in their lives, and here, they learn about themselves as much as they learn about the world. 

  In 1956, NJC’s visionary Founder, Leonard Wilde, knew that, “To be a leader today, one must travel the world.” This enduring idea is just as – if not more – relevant today. As much as our students have likely travelled to places with their families before, in most cases, they have not gone on an extended, independent journey. The Neuchâtel experience offers a view to the world beyond childhood borders, and our trips are integrated with the curriculum to make the learning experience richer and fuller. The fact that students have chosen this journey to NJC sets them apart both geographically and personally from where they began, thereby transforming them well beyond the potential of any single school trip experienced before.

   Over the course of many months, our students explore centres of Western European civilization, which helped to shape our own culture, giving them knowledge of the past with which to consider the future. They visit unfamiliar and exotic places to gain an insight into the similarities and differences of other cultures in this increasingly global community. Inspired by NJC’s program, our students also learn that they can have a positive impact on each place they visit. This may be through participation in a service rip, involvement in a Model UN activity, or by helping to make our school community a better place through personal character, talent, ideas and leadership. All of this they experience while immersed in their studies, surrounded by inspiring teachers and classmates, and living with a local Swiss, French-speaking family. This formula, unique in the world for over 60 years, consistently opens minds, broadens perspectives, and inspires graduates to make their place in the world more meaningful and purposeful.

  Who is best suited to attend Neuchâtel Junior College? I would encourage you to take advantage of this transformational experience if you are willing to meet two very important expectations. You must come prepared to work hard in your academic studies and be curious about the world around you; these are prerequisites so that you will be able to apply your newfound knowledge, confidence, independence and leadership in your chosen university, in the career that you wish to pursue, and throughout your life.

  I look forward to meeting you soon. A bientôt!

  

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