Ottawa Christian School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at OCS: Liberal Arts
OCS has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What OCS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
What OCS says: Our programs are designed to create authentic and rigorous learning experiences for all students. Based on the Ministry of Education’s expectations, they are also supplemented by a variety of curriculum resources, such as Christian Schools International (CSI). Our classrooms foster high quality student work—putting less emphasis on the amount of material memorized and more on making connections, thinking through issues, and solving problems. We encourage students to be reflective leaders of their own learning, supporting them to produce high-quality work as they complete their daily learning activities, set individualized goals, create projects, and author presentations. We encourage self-assessment, creativity, collaboration, effective communication, and critical thinking. Our vision is to educate children, equipping them for a life of faithful Christian discipleship and service.
Approach
Focus | Religious-based |
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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 OCS: Equal Balance
OCS has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Grades 1 and 2 - PRISM math program Grades 3 to 6 - JUMP Math program Grades 7 and 8 - Math Makes Sense and PRISM math program
Calculator policy:
OCS encourages mastery of facts before using calculators.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at OCS: Balanced Literacy
OCS has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at OCS: Equal balance
OCS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at OCS: Equal Balance
OCS 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 OCS: Equal Balance
OCS has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at OCS: Thematic
OCS has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at OCS: Equal Balance
OCS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at OCS: Communicative
OCS has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at OCS: Creative
OCS 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 OCS says:
OCS offers several leadership teams in the areas of dance, drama and creative movement. Music classes consist of choir periods, music theory and instruments including recorder, ukulele, violins, brass and percussion.
Computers and Technology
What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Religious Education
What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
What OCS says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at OCS: Academic
OCS has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What OCS says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
What OCS says: OCS is a place where students live joyfully and celebrate the excitement of learning. We provide a stimulating, rich and safe environment in which children can develop spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. Each child is recognized as a unique individual, and is encouraged to learn about and experience God's world, to discover and develop their talents, and to interact with others in a caring, Christian manner. Our kindergarten programs are a balance of investigation, exploration, guided practice, and explicit instruction. Our Junior and Senior Kindergarten students enjoy numerous engaging activities that integrate learning with real-life contexts.
Language
Learn about Ottawa Christian School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
OCS is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
English - 70% | French - 30% |
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at OCS: Standard-enriched
OCS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What OCS says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 OCS says about their flexible pacing:
Our focus on differentiation allows for students to be educated in their optimal learning zone (challenged and not frustrated).
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at OCS: Supportive
OCS has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What OCS says about their academic culture:
We come along side our students in achieving their individual academic goals.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
What OCS says about their developmental priorities:
We believe that faith and learning go hand in hand as we focus on developing the whole child - academically, physically and spiritually.
Special needs support
OCS offers No support
OCS offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What OCS says about their special need support:
We use the Barton Reading and Spelling Program to address dyslexia and reading disabilities. Students also have access to the Assistive Technology Program called Google Read and Write. Small group and individual instruction is available for students to work at their own pace and address their areas of need. This includes academic and social/behavioural needs. The Learning Support Room is a place where students can go to receive additional support as required, such as body breaks, brain breaks and academic support. Occupational, physical and speech therapy are provided through LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) on a limited basis. Parents have the option of funding a private speech therapist and/or NILD therapist who will work with students during the school day.
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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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What OCS says:
If we find during regular student assessments that a student has lagging skills in a particular area, we address this through in-class support (teacher or EA) and/or direct teaching sessions in our Learning Support Room.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
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.
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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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 OCS says about their gifted learner support:
Enrichment is provided through differentiation and additional activities such as math club, chess club, ukulele club and more.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, OCS students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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OCS | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins |
What OCS says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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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 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Ottawa Christian School offers 4 competitive sports and 5 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Field Hockey
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Ottawa Christian School offers 6 clubs and extracurricular programs.
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