Indirect Support:
Niagara Christian Collegiate ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Niagara Christian Collegiate community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at NCC: Traditional
NCC has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What NCC says about their overall curriculum and approach:
As a school community, NCC supports students as they pursue academic growth and achievement in preparation for post secondary education. This preparation begins in our middle school program which offers a unique combination of discovery and inquiry-based learning alongside more traditional approaches in mathematics and language. This combination prepares students exceptionally well to transition into NCC's more traditional secondary school. NCC is focussed on providing our students with every opportunity for success and this success-centric approach is integral to our program. High expectations for learning are placed upon students and this is accompanied by a high level of support by our caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic faculty.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at NCC: Equal Balance
NCC has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What NCC says:
We endeavour to inspire a love for mathematics and to prepare students for university studies in Math.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
\"Foundations of Mathematics\"\n\"Functions and Applications\"\n\"Functions\"\n\"Calculus and Vectors\"\n\"Data Management\"\n\"Advanced Functions\"\n
Calculator policy:
Graphing calculators and technological tools are encouraged and utilized in class.
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Writing
Writing approach at NCC: Process approach
NCC has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What NCC says:
"Education is the key to success for young students. As an educator, we motivate students by ascertaining their educational strengths and abilities and discovering what truly inspires them. We intend to create a stimulating learning environment that encourages a community of learners, while fostering individual confidence in each student in order for all students to reach their full potential. Students learn best when actively engaged in lessons and provided with multiple instructional modalities. When students make connections to past experiences they will not only retain information longer, but they will also master material and become more confident with their own abilities. Anthony Haughton, NCC Middle School Lead Teacher
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Science
Science approach at NCC: Inquiry
NCC has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
It is the goal of the science department here at NCC to engage every student through inquiry and problem-based learning. There is no better way for a student to become passionate about science than to engage in hands-on trial and error. In our science curriculum, we employ a healthy mix of written problem solving and practical investigations.
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 NCC: Traditional
NCC has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What NCC says:
Literature students are encouraged to engage with texts using active reading and listening strategies and to respond to texts critically and reflectively. Students are taught to use the terminology of various genres to consider how a text's formal features are used to communicate meaning. When communicating in writing, students consider rhetorical situation to write for specific purposes and audiences. Students develop their oral communication and presentation skills through small-group and seminar-style discussions. An important emphasis on critical thinking and analysis means that students learn to trust their own thinking and consider texts from multiple perspectives to develop and defend their arguments.
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 NCC: Core Knowledge
NCC has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What NCC says:
Our PBL program is a hybrid of all three approaches combined. With a focus on 21st-century learning skills communication, collaboration and critical thinking students engage in authentic learning projects where they take on the roles of historians, geographers, and scientists working to solve real-world problems. Students in our program are challenged to take on leadership roles and creatively present curricular content through authentic learning exercises.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at NCC: Equal Balance
NCC has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What NCC says:
The humanities help us understand others through their languages, histories, and cultures. They foster social justice and equality. And they reveal how people have tried to make moral, spiritual, and intellectual sense of the world. The humanities teach empathy. And finally, the humanities encourage us to think creatively. They teach us to reason about being human and to ask the important questions about our world.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at NCC: Communicative
NCC has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What NCC says:
All students can become successful language learners who appreciate the value of learning a second or additional language. Students can use the international language to communicate and interact in a variety of social settings. Students learn to appreciate and acknowledge the interconnectedness and interdependence of foreign languages in the global community. Students will understand the importance of valuing language diversity and of learning another language for personal, professional, and social reasons. All language learners will develop the skills that will enable them to engage in lifelong language learning and cultural exploration for personal growth and for active participation in society.
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 NCC: Equal Balance
NCC 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 NCC says:
At Niagara Christian Collegiate the visual arts and music programs play an integral role on campus. The visual arts program focuses on the refinement of students artistic skills and knowledge in the visual arts. At NCC we try to encourage students to work through the creative process while exploring different media and giving students several creative opportunities. We have our own arts council which has been involved in several competitions, juried art shows, and National Youth Arts Week. The music program focuses on developing well-rounded musicians who can sight-read, improvise and compose. The program offers instruction in winds, brass, percussion, piano and vocal. Annually, we present two showcase concerts and compete in local competitions. Our new facility offers four soundproof practise rooms where students can practise their own music and collaborate with friends.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at NCC: Heavy integration
NCC has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What NCC says:
In Computer Science, students are able to explore how computers play a major part in 21st Century life. They begin in Grade 10 with understanding and "building" computers as well as learning the societal impacts of using computers for various activities. Our Grade 11 curriculum focuses on programming Robots while gaining experience programming in "C". The Grade 12 curriculum integrates what they have learned in the past and moves forward to understanding a new programming language, "C#".
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What NCC says:
The physical education department at Niagara Christian Collegiate equips you as a student to embrace and articulate a Christian perspective of physical activity and stewardship of the body that enables lifelong service to God. At NCC, physical education is based on the vision that the knowledge and skills students acquire in the program will benefit them throughout their lives and enable them to thrive by helping them develop physical and health literacy. Physical Education allows a student to acknowledge God's amazing creation of the human body and encourages continuous development and a commitment to lead healthy, active lives that glorify God.
Religious Education
What NCC says:
As a Christian school, we value the role and place of God in all that we do. Formally, students at NCC take mandatory Christian Lifestyle Classes in grades 6-10 followed by worldview courses in grades 11 and 12. In grades 6-10, the courses focus on basic knowledge of scripture, with a narrative understanding of scripture as a key goal. In the senior grades, NCC students will engage with aspects of culture that require us to develop and exercise our worldview and apologetic abilities. Students select three topics per year that range from Leadership and Relationships to Media Engagement and Current Events. Our goal is to ensure that each student at NCC has an opportunity to engage with and seek after Truth both in the classroom and in the world.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at NCC: Not Ontario curriculum
NCC has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
NCC has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]NCC has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What NCC says:
At NCC, we believe that sexuality is a function of our bodies, minds, and souls. Therefore, for sexuality to be taught correctly, it must be taught within the context of a Biblically holistic approach. Our teachings are developmentally appropriate and addressed with sensitivity and respect for individual differences. NCC equips students with the knowledge to make sound decisions about matters affecting their health and well-being with Christ-centric teachings.
Language
Learn about Niagara Christian Collegiate's languages of instruction and enrolment.
NCC offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at NCC: Standard-enriched
NCC has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What NCC says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 NCC says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at NCC: Rigorous
NCC has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What NCC says about their academic culture:
NCC's rigorous academic program is designed to prepare students for success at the post-secondary level. Each year, graduates of our program are not only admitted into competitive university programs but are highly successful within them. While our culture is one of rigour, it is also marked by personal care and attention as each student is supported by faculty to achieve at the highest level possible. Our goal is to ensure that NCC students achieve high standards while cultivating a life-long love of learning and intellectual exploration.
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 NCC says about their developmental priorities:
NCC seeks to develop young men and women who are prepared to excel academically, equipped to live a life of service to others, and empowered with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
NCC 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.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What NCC says:
NCC is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience to any student regardless of his or her unique circumstances and abilities. The school has a staffed resource department able to offer a full package of accommodations and modifications to a very select number of students per school year. To determine our ability to support your child, please contact our Enrollment office.
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 NCC 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, NCC students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCC | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
| Site Average | 44 mins | 56 mins | 61 mins | 76 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What NCC says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 6 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 6 to Gr. 12 |
