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Olivet School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Insider community voices
Hear directly from Olivet School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Olivet School: Traditional
Olivet School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Olivet School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Caring Atmosphere Promoting Personal Growth The caring educational atmosphere is a vital part of learning at the primary levels. Achieved through attentive, loving teaching, small class sizes, and firm standards of behaviour, our hope is to give young children the experience of a gentle extension of the home. This atmosphere provides them with the predictability and stability to form a base of confidence, honesty and considerate behaviour as they grow into adulthood. Learning Current Curriculum Integrated with Religious Values Christian values and standards of behaviour and philosophy are woven into everything we do at Olivet. Our teachers choose to make their careers at Olivet because they love the opportunities to engage students with important religious questions while pursuing studies in today’s Ontario curriculum. Through this enriched approach to curriculum Olivet is a leader in character development; the kind which guides a student through his or her whole life.
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 Olivet School: Traditional Math
Olivet School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Olivet School says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Olivet School: Balanced Literacy
Olivet School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Olivet School says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Olivet School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Olivet School: Equal balance
Olivet School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Olivet School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Olivet School: Equal Balance
Olivet School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
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 Olivet School: Traditional
Olivet School has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Olivet School says:
This information is not currently available.
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 Olivet School: Core Knowledge
Olivet School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Olivet School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Olivet School: Equal Balance
Olivet School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Olivet School says:
French is introduced from kindergarten onward. Our program is built around the acclaimed AIM method, which moves students rapidly into conversational French rather than just filling out worksheets and conjugating verbs. The students learn gestures to reinforce new vocabulary and build towards performing a French play at the end of the year. This program produces amazing results; one of the most important being that students enjoy, rather than dread their language classes.
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 Olivet School: Creative
Olivet School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Olivet School says:
The Olivet music program starts in kindergarten and lays a solid foundation of delight as well as competency in music. Starting with basic songs, rhymes and percussion instruments at the younger levels and working towards reading, writing and performing music on a range of Orff instruments, Olivet students receive an inspiring, creative and thorough background in music. Our Christmas concert and Spring Music night whole-school concerts are a highlight for parents and extended families. Drama and dance are integrated into our French and music programs for the students in Grades 1 to 5, in our French Show in the spring and musical production near the end of the school year. Dance is further supplemented as part of the physical education program. In the Kindergarten class, students memorize and perform poems and short skits throughout the school year for the rest of the school.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Olivet School: Light integration
Olivet School has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Olivet School says:
At Olivet, we believe that children learn best from people, not machines. Technology is a tool, but it isn’t a substitute for hands-on learning. Even in our upper-year classrooms, most work is completed by hand. When deemed appropriate by the teacher, students have access to a classroom laptop. They use it for the given task and return it to the teacher when they finish.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Olivet School says:
Students are introduced to age appropriate physical activities as per the Ontario Curriculum. At Olivet School we introduce students to a wide range of games and sports, develop coordination; ball skills and fitness; instill qualities of teamwork and perseverance; and include lots of fun. Our emphasis is on participation, skill development and enjoyment rather than competition.
Religious Education
What Olivet School says:
Scripture Studies begins in grade three, supplementing morning worship and Bible verse memorization, which take place in the younger classrooms. Our studies have an academic component, considering the scope of impact the Bible has on history, given that it is the most widely published, translated and distributed book in the world. We take a systematic, detailed exploration of the text, bringing it to life through skits and projects. But the Bible is also a religious text, and so we work with students to read it in an applied fashion. In this case, our guiding question becomes “how does each story help us become better people in our lives today?” In Matthew 22.26-40, Jesus said that the two great commandments, on which all of scripture hangs, are to “love the Lord above all and the neighbour as ourselves” – these two commandments provide the lens for our applied reading of the Bible.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Olivet School: Not Ontario curriculum
Olivet 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:
Olivet School has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]Olivet School has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What Olivet School says:
We encourage kindness and acceptance of all people. We teach age-appropriate concepts of consent and often connect these lessons to character development and the golden rule. In kindergarten, for example, we use language such as: “We listen when our friends say no or stop. If someone doesn’t want to play a game or asks us to stop doing something that’s bothering them, we respect their feelings.” We also promote self-respect, healthy decision-making, and sound judgment in all areas of life.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Olivet School: Play-based
Olivet School has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What Olivet School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Kindergarten is treated as a transition year to the formal education process. The children work on number, colour, shape and language skills, these are balanced with lots of attention on social development among peers and teachers. We introduce foundational ethical ideas: helpfulness, teamwork, caring for the environment, respectfulness and safety. Kindergarteners are taught about heaven, the presence of a loving Creator, and the constant care He provides through angels and parents.
Language
Learn about Olivet School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Olivet 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 Olivet School: Standard-enriched
Olivet School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Olivet School says about their curriculum pace:
Olivet's small classroom size provides an unparalleled low teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring each student's needs are met each day. Teachers are able to meet high educational goals while ensuring that students consistently achieve their potential.
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 Olivet School says about their flexible pacing:
Olivet's amazing teacher-student ratio ensures each child gets the attention they need with specialist teachers teaching music and French starting in Kindergarten. When young children are placed in a two- or three-grade learning environment that mirrors family grouping, their learning is compounded by socializing with children of various ages.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Olivet School: Supportive
Olivet School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Olivet School says about their academic culture:
Olivet teachers are able to set and achieve high standards for their students that exceed the Ontario Curriculum. Along with academics, the focus of learning at Olivet is the development of positive life attitudes such as self-acceptance and kindness towards others. At Olivet we know that memorizing math facts, and rules of spelling and writing create a firm foundation for a successful academic future. As well, learning how to be a good person sets the foundation for life.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Olivet School says about their developmental priorities:
“By their fruits you will know them.” — Matthew 7:16 At Olivet, this passage, along with other Biblical teachings, the Ten Commandments, and the Golden Rule, form the foundation of our approach to educating the whole child. We are committed not only to nurturing academic excellence but to cultivating hearts and character. Our students grow to be not only intelligent but also kind, caring, and compassionate individuals.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Olivet School offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
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 Olivet School says:
Exceptional children who are able to play and learn alongside typical children are accommodated in a variety of ways at Olivet. More serious learning or behavioural difficulties are best addressed in an educational facility specifically suited to the child's needs.
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 Olivet 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. 5, Olivet School students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivet School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins |
What Olivet School 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. 4 to Gr. 5 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 5 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 5 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 5 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 5 |
