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Northmount School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Northmount School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Northmount School: Liberal Arts
Northmount School has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Liberal Arts?]
What Northmount School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Northmount School is an independent boys preparatory school (JK-8) grounded in the Catholic tradition. It helps students achieve their greatest academic potential in a supportive environment which emphasizes character development, values and service, leading to a meaningful, balanced and fulfilling life.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Roman Catholic) |
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.
If you want to learn more about Catholic education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Northmount School: Traditional Math
Northmount School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Northmount School says:
Northmount School for Boys uses the Saxon Math program that works on building, reviewing and learning new challenging math skills in a modern context that is focused on boys learning.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Saxon Math
Calculator policy:
Scientific calculators are introduced to boys in grades seven and eight.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Northmount School: Balanced Literacy
Northmount School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Northmount School says:
Reading is taught from the K level through the primary program. Focused is on engendering a love of reading. Phonics decoding and comprehension skills are the focus of the primary division. Literature studies are central to the rest of the grades.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Northmount School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Northmount School: Equal balance
Northmount School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Northmount School says:
Students are taught to write by the exposure to good literature, the scaffolded structure of assignments and the exposure to age appropriate exemplars.
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Science
Science approach at Northmount School: Equal Balance
Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
The boy scientific education is taught through both the teaching of theory and the inquiry based hands-on experimentation in a lab setting.
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 Northmount School: Equal Balance
Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Northmount School says:
The boys are exposed to a wide variety of literature from a wide variety of sources. We offer a wide variety of sources that is boy- centric. Our literature program is cross curricular integrated with our social studies program.
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 Northmount School: Core Knowledge
Northmount School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Northmount School says:
The basis of our program is a core knowledge but is organized with themes running through it that is co-ordinated with our literature program. Social justice is a key focus of the school and is not relegated to our social studies program.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Northmount School: Perennialism
Northmount School has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What Northmount School says:
Northmount students enjoy learning about the history and geography of the world around them. In the Senior Division, students will learn about exciting and important world issues, politics, and economics. They will learn about the important events that shaped modern day Canada, from First contact with European settlers through to New France, British North America and then Confederation. This journey is filled with inquiry, discovery, and interactive learning experiences. With the study of important and relevant historical events, as well as of current economic and political issues, students begin to learn valuable lessons and skills of how to be positive contributors of Canadian society. Field trips also form an integral part of the course – boys get to explore the real world as they learn the theory in the classroom.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Northmount School: Equal Balance
Northmount School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Northmount School says:
Our French program emphasis listening, interpreting, writing, and producing original French works.
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 Northmount School: Equal Balance
Northmount School 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 Northmount School says:
Our visual arts begins on the expressive scale and develops into a more disciplined approach as the student matures.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Northmount School: Light integration
Northmount School has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Northmount School says:
Technology is scene as a tool to enhance learning in the curriculum rather than a discipline rather than itself.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Northmount School says:
We believe strongly that the boys have daily physical education classes, with skill development, co-operative play and personal fitness as highlights.
Religious Education
What Northmount School says:
We deliver our school program through the Images of God Series( K-5), Faith and Life Series (6&7), Pure Manhood (Gr. 8) and Theology of the Body. We reinforce our values and religious traditions through daily assemblies and weekly mass, a school wide mentoring program.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Northmount School: Not Ontario curriculum
Northmount School 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:
Northmount School has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]Northmount School has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What Northmount School says:
Northmount School recognizes the sensitivity that comes with many of the health and sex education topics. The school has developed age appropriate health units as part of its Physical Health and Education Program.With regards to sexuality, the school works closely with parents to educate the boys appropriately and to have a healthy perspective of love and relationships in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Theology of the Body program is a key resource for this curriculum.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Northmount School: Academic
Northmount School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Northmount School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The main focus of the Kindergarten program is for boys to develop a love of learning. Furthermore, the boys are given an excellent academic, athletic, artistic, social, and spiritual foundation. Northmount has an energetic and talented group of teachers that strives to individualize its instruction and programs. Teachers enrich student learning as well as provide additional help and encouragement when needed. It is so well developed that by the end of senior kindergarten our boys read, write and do mathematics at a Grade 1 standard, which sets them well on the path towards academic success.
Language
Learn about Northmount School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Northmount School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Northmount School: Accelerated
Northmount School has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Northmount School says about their curriculum pace:
Kindergarten are taught to read, write, and do mathematics at a Grade 1 level. Throughout the grades, math and science courses are a grade level ahead. Recognizing that students come to Northmount with different backgrounds, our individualized instruction allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within this accelerated setting.
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 Northmount School says about their flexible pacing:
Northmount's CASTLE Program is there to increase the stride in a students' learning pace. The CASTLE Program is an individualized instruction which allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within our enriched and accelerated academic setting.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Northmount School: Rigorous
Northmount School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Northmount School says about their academic culture:
At Northmount School for Boys, the key to mastery of fundamental skills stems from the ability to tailor the curriculum so that it is personally relevant and engaging. We recognize that each student comes to us from a different background and as such our individualized instruction allows each boy to achieve their greatest potential within our enriched and accelerated academic setting.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of 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 Northmount School says about their developmental priorities:
We offer an advanced curriculum rooted in the Catholic tradition. Our students will become men who are competent and confident leaders; strong in both mind and body. They develop into contributing citizens with a moral conscience.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Northmount School offers No support
Northmount School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What Northmount School says about their special need support:
At Northmount School for Boys, we recognize the diverse learning needs of our community. For that reason, we proudly offer the CASTLE Program: a centre of enrichment and support. The acronym, CASTLE, stands for: Character, Academics, Athletics, Arts, Strengths (social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual), Toward, Leadership and Excellence. These are all traits that we hold in the highest of regard and truly believe that every one of the students in our charge can reach his greatest potential in each and every one of these areas. Sometimes though, we know additional help and resources may be needed; hence we have the CASTLE Program! The CASTLE Program is truly essential for Northmount as it helps address the needs of our students who are gifted, underachieving, ESL, or have other unique learning styles.
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 Northmount School says:
Northmount school makes every effort to support a boy through his educational journey. Moderate individualization of instruction allows us to make some accommodation. We recognize the diverse learning needs of our community. For that reason, we proudly offer the CASTLE Program: a center of enrichment and support. The CASTLE Program is truly essential for Northmount as it helps students achieve their full potential.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 Northmount School says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Northmount School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northmount School | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Northmount School says about their flipped classroom policy:
Staff are encouraged to flip there class rooms as is co-ordinates with the topic being taught.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
