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Toronto STEM School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at TSS: Progressive
TSS has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What TSS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We focus on mathematics, science, and engineering studies by supporting those who seek admission into such post-secondary disciplines. We value small classes to facilitate close relationships and to best support the needs of our individual learners. We offer: - University Pathway Program - Hands-On Learning - IELTS Preparation Sessions (for international students) - Fast Track Courses - One Field Trip per month - Enthusiastic teachers certified by Ontario College of Teachers
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Troubled Teens, Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at TSS: Traditional Math
TSS has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What TSS says:
We aim to offer students a taste of what lies ahead. For many students graduating from high school, it isn't obvious, for example, how their math courses will relate to physics and chemistry courses encountered in their post-secondary studies. We value foresight in our teaching methods so that students become proactive learners who accurately predict what concepts and skills await them in future courses.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Nelson and Mcgraw Hill
Calculator policy:
We do not recommend calculators for grades 10 and below; however, all students are allowed to use scientific calculators for tests and exams.
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Science
Science approach at TSS: Equal Balance
TSS has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Our goal is to offer these students a taste of what lies ahead. For the student graduating high school, it isn't obvious how their math courses relate to physics and chemistry courses. We would like to paint a clear picture of the relationship between these courses to give students a head-start on their university careers. What isn't standard about our courses is the view ahead our instructors offer. Our tech workshops are a key component to this philosophy.
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 TSS: Traditional
TSS has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What TSS says:
We teach literature primarily through a "Reader Response Theory" approach, where students are empowered to discover meanings from texts through their subjective experience as unique readers with differing identities and backgrounds. Through this method, we enact inquiry-based learning, where students are prompted with questions to help them delve into texts and develop their critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to become reflective independent thinkers who confidently express their views on literature with clarity and persuasion. This approach encompasses the belief that there is not one correct interpretation of a text, but rather many possibilities. We see our students become active learners, engaged with a text and with their peers through discussion, rather than passively listening to the teacher. In addition to our reader response approach, we also teach elements of literature so that students have foundational knowledge to refer to in their interpretations.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at TSS: Equal Balance
TSS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What TSS says:
We use a student-centred learning approach in our humanities and social science classes, where students are encouraged to research topics of personal interest and choose project directions suited to their individual preferences. By facilitating projects and activities centred on students' freedom of choice, we see learners become genuinely invested in their own education journey. We incorporate inquiry-based practices to help students become critical thinkers and cultivate their motivation in delving further into class concepts.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at TSS: Equal Balance
TSS has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What TSS says:
We offer French, German, Latin and Spanish courses to reinforce the importance of global citizenship. We encourage students to expand their perspective by learning any one of these foreign languages. These courses are also available at AP level.
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 TSS: Creative
TSS has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What TSS says:
We offer music courses at TSS. The technology element is essential since our instructors use up-to-date methods of digital sound mixing techniques.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at TSS: Heavy integration
TSS has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What TSS says:
Students analyze algorithms for effectiveness. They investigate ethical issues in computing and further explore environmental issues, emerging technologies, areas of research in computer science, and careers in the field.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What TSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Art History
- AP Music Theory
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics 2
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Psychology
- AP Research (Second part of the AP Capstone program)
- AP Seminar (First part of the AP Capstone program)
- AP Statistics
- AP Spanish Language
- AP Spanish Literature
- AP United States History
- AP World History
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP Computer Science A
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Environmental Science
- AP European History
- AP French Language
- AP Government and Politics: Comparative
- AP Government and Politics: United States
- AP Human Geography
- AP Latin
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at TSS: Not Ontario curriculum
TSS 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:
TSS has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]TSS has a approach Progressive (as opposed to Traditional approach).[Show: About Progressive?]What TSS says:
We do not teach sex-ed through direct instruction; rather, we approach this topic through conversations instigated by student inquiries.
Language
Learn about Toronto STEM School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
TSS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Toronto STEM School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Toronto STEM School offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year | 9 to 12 | 8 | Aug 30, 2021 — Jun 20, 2022 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What TSS says about their course format:
Synchronous: At TSS, we believe in hard work. Therefore, generating a platform and hoping students do the work is not the optimal way of learning. Instead, our staff and teachers designed online live learning in order to get students engaged in real-time video conferences. This way, students get the benefit of being in a virtual class, ask questions, share work, ask for other students’ opinion, discuss ideas with peers and even get immediate feedback as opposed to be left alone with a ton of work online!
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
What TSS says about their academic support and services:
Dedicated teacher per course: Our teachers also take further steps and make themselves available to answer students’ questions by text or video whenever they need help.
Student progress tracker: For those doing AP, we use Advanced Placement progress checks. For regular Ontario courses, students follow our own Learning Goals Tracking system.
Regular office hours: Staff are obligated to answer questions at the end of the day. They won't leave school until the very last student gets their response!
Additional support: Up to 60 minutes after our school day: Monday - Thursday
Study groups: Study groups has been designed for students to make sure they don't miss out on peer learning during the Covid era.
Special needs support: This varies based on student's IEP. It ranges from using technology to accommodations and modifications. Our qualified teachers respond to individual student's needs on a case by case basis.
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at TSS: Student-paced
TSS has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What TSS says about their curriculum pace:
We invest substantial time with each student to provide and receive feedback on their individual needs. To meet such needs, we facilitate projects where students take ownership of the learning process based on their personal pace and preferences. As a result, our students become active and independent learners.
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 TSS says about their flexible pacing:
To accommodate different schedules, we offer correspondence courses where students earn credits through online platforms that allow flexible pacing, suited to individual needs. Additionally, we provide evening and night classes for students occupied during the day, or for those who simply prefer to be in school after typical hours.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at TSS: Supportive
TSS has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What TSS says about their academic culture:
We set high standards to prepare our students for success in their post-secondary education journeys while simultaneously nurturing the curiosity and liveliness of our students by encouraging a learning process that is not based on rote learning or dominated by direct instruction. The academic culture we promote is one of COMMUNITY and APPROACHABILITY, where we seek to eliminate the barriers between teachers and students that are often found in the public school system. We aim to do more than simply impart knowledge on students; we aim to build relationships founded on mutual trust and respect.
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 TSS says about their developmental priorities:
Our faculty is comprised of teachers who prioritize - intellectual development - emotional intelligence - social awareness - physical wellness - spiritual resourceful Through these differences, our students are exposed to various teaching philosophies and practices that ultimately bring them a balanced experience. We aim, both individually and collectively, to offer our students a wide-lensed perspective of these multiple modes of development. Extra-curricular activities are key in order to help students develop a better sense of belonging to school community. Arts, Math, Games, Drones and Language Clubs are available on a weekly basis for students.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
TSS offers Full-time Dedicated Class
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
What TSS says about their special need support:
The accommodations and modifications we apply to the learning process for our special needs students is derived from communication, observation, and interaction. Educational support staff and our social worker are ready to help students inside and outside classroom. Our small class sizes allow us the time and energy to understand our students on a deeper level so that changes to instructions, projects, activities, and teaching strategies can be made to help maximize the receptivity of our learners to reach their full potential.
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 TSS says:
We very much value the individuality of each student, and with that, comes the recognition that each individual learner is comprised of distinct needs. We aim to meet these needs through one-one-one interactions, positive feedback and conferences where each student is fully supported and accommodated during his/her learning process. Our small class sizes and our support staff allow ample attention to be given to each learner so that tailored teaching strategies can be applied to provide the highest quality of student-centered education.
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.
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 TSS says about their gifted learner support:
We introduce students to a variety of Engineering Workshops. We'd like students to build not only mental memory of ideas, but also muscle memory for application.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, TSS students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSS | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
| Site Average | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What TSS says about their flipped classroom policy:
Teachers spend at least an hour after school helping with homework. Students may stay at school and seek teachers' help in order to either finish or do most of their homework while they are still at school.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
