Indirect Support:
Pear Tree School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Pear Tree School: Progressive
Pear Tree School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What Pear Tree School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Pear Tree School’s progressive model emphasizes hands-on, student-centered, theme and project-based learning. It includes a balanced mix of academics, integrated subjects, physical skills, socioemotional development and seamless integration of technology. Taking a whole child approach means Pear Tree School nurtures academic, social-emotional, and physical development. Integral to this is Pear Tree's healthy hot lunch program, cooking and food education, as well as its rigorous physical education program, which includes martial arts, swimming, yoga and ice skating. We believe in and apply: + Integrated subjects (through theme-based learning and project-based learning) + Hands-on learning + Student-centered learning + Collaboration + Creativity + Technology + Real-life application / Entrepreneurship The methodologies delivered by Pear Tree's outstanding masters-qualified teachers offer an engaging approach to the B.C. curriculum that develops well-rounded children who can be happy and successful in all aspects of life.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Pear Tree School: Equal Balance
Pear Tree School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Pear Tree School says:
Math is a skills-based subject (in contrast to science and social studies, which are more knowledge-based). Math skills are to be used, not simply memorized. As such, at Pear Tree School, math skills embedded within themes; they are tied to social studies (quantities, statistics), science (weights, speeds, measurements), and business (financial literacy). As such, students at Pear Tree learn math in context. Math at our school is connected to real life and is truly meaningful. At the same time, working with real-life numbers means that it is challenging! Consequently, math at Pear Tree is more engaging and more challenging than traditional math classes.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We don't use textbooks. As we teach through themes, all of our math is taught in context. This means that it is more realistic and more challenging than traditional math classes.
Calculator policy:
We balance the use of calculators. It is important for students to have a conceptual understanding of math in order to know whether the data output from a calculator is logical, as well as to know what information to input.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Pear Tree School: Balanced Literacy
Pear Tree School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Pear Tree School says:
Like math, language arts is a skills-based subject. Traditional approaches to reading and writing involve practicing such skills with no real purpose beyond mastering those skills. Reading and writing are skills to be applied, and that’s exactly what we do at Pear Tree School! At Pear Tree, reading and writing skills are interwoven into every part of our themes. We don’t use textbooks. Instead, students constantly read both fiction and non-fiction books related to the themes. From these books, their range of vocabulary goes beyond high-frequency words to include very technical language specific to the themes. Pear Tree students quickly develop truly amazing reading and writing skills for their ages from becoming familiar with these words over a semester and having constant opportunities to practice!
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Pear Tree School says:
We do formal reading and writing assessments at the beginning of every term.
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Writing
Writing approach at Pear Tree School: Equal balance
Pear Tree School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Pear Tree School says:
Like math, language arts is a skills-based subject. Traditional approaches to reading and writing involve practicing such skills with no real purpose beyond mastering those skills. Reading and writing are skills to be applied, and that’s exactly what we do at Pear Tree Elementary! At Pear Tree, reading and writing skills are interwoven into every part of our themes. We don’t use textbooks. Instead, students constantly read both fiction and non-fiction books related to the themes. From these books, their range of vocabulary goes beyond high-frequency words to include very technical language specific to the themes. Pear Tree students quickly develop truly amazing reading and writing skills for their ages from becoming familiar with these words over a semester and having constant opportunities to practice!
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Science
Science approach at Pear Tree School: Inquiry
Pear Tree School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Like anything, you only learn something by actually doing it. Pear Tree School is very creative in finding ways for its students to learn about science in a safe, engaging, hands-on approach. One way that we do this is through cooking and cooking science. At the higher grades, students will even be introduced to molecular gastronomy. At least half of our themes are inspired by science topics.
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 Pear Tree School: Social Justice
Pear Tree School has a Social Justice approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Social Justice?]What Pear Tree School says:
At Pear Tree School, we are constantly training our students to use critical thinking and critical literacy skills. As such, it is important for us to use a variety of texts that require such skills. We use a mixture of texts, such as picture books, graphic novels, poetry, short stories, and novels. These texts will also be chosen because of their relevance to the theme that were are studying.
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 Pear Tree School: Expanding Communities
Pear Tree School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Pear Tree School says:
We use an integrated skills, theme-based approach to our programs. As such, we don't study social studies in isolation. At the same time, our themes are much more meaningful that such topics as 'food'. Overall, we follow a similar pattern to the B.C. curriculum in focusing on the individual student and their immediate environment, and then expanding to large communities as the students get older. This is a more meaningful and empowering way to learn about the world.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Pear Tree School: Pragmatism
Pear Tree School has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Pear Tree School says:
We use an integrated skills, theme-based approach to our programs. As such, we don't study social studies / the humanities in isolation. At the same time, our themes are much more meaningful that such topics as 'food'. Overall, we follow a similar pattern to the B.C. curriculum in focusing on the individual student and their immediate environment, and then expanding to large communities as the students get older. This is a more meaningful and empowering way to learn about the world.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Pear Tree School: Communicative
Pear Tree School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Pear Tree School says:
Pear Tree School introduces French studies from Grade 2 onwards. Our approach is to recognise that language and culture are one and the same thing. Language isn't a grammatical construct; it is a cultural construct. As such, we always study languages in cultural context. This helps our students to understand authentic language use, French-speaking cultures, and common body language.
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 Pear Tree School: Creative
Pear Tree 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 Pear Tree School says:
Fine arts are integrated into every aspect of our program. Therefore, Pear Tree School students are continually learning about and using fine arts. We often work with external professionals who are able to support our classroom teachers with specialised art skills. At the same time, our classroom teachers ensure that any art learned is done so in context to make it meaningful and useful!
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Pear Tree School: Medium integration
Pear Tree School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Pear Tree School says:
Technology is seamlessly integrated into all of our programs. We want our students to become adept at using technology in meaningful ways, i.e. for creativity and productivity. The use of technology increases as students reach higher grades. Obviously, in the younger grades, there is much less use, as there are other development priorities.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Pear Tree School says:
At Pear Tree School, our daily Physical Education Program is directly tied to our whole-child education approach. Through our Physical Education Program we develop your child's academic, social-emotional and physical performance every school day. Physical + Improved physical fitness + Skill and motor skills development Socio-Emotional + Teaches self discipline + Facilitates development of student responsibility for health and fitness + Influence moral development, leadership, cooperate with others + Stress reduction – an outlet for releasing tension and anxiety + Strengthened peer relationships + Improve self-confidence and self-esteem + Respect - for your body, classmates and teammates + Experience in setting goals Academic + Subject integration (science, math, social studies) + Through sports, we study about physiology, psychology, nutrition, problem solving, and strategy + Exercise helps to strengthen and stimulate your brain. Increased fitness = improved academics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Pear Tree School: British Columbia curriculum
Pear Tree School has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Pear Tree School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Pear Tree School says:
Child safety, welfare, and self-empowerment are our key reasons for teaching sex education from kindergarten. While the content of sex ed classes changes as students get older, they will learn about the human body, about tolerance, about STDs, about myths, about (in)appropriate body contact, and about responsible decision making.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Pear Tree School: Academic
Pear Tree School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Pear Tree School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Pear Tree School’s Early Years Program sets the foundations for your child’s education and the rest of their life. Our (M.Ed-educated) teachers are here to offer your child a warm welcome to grade school through creative, hands-on learning that centres students’ social, emotional, physical and academic well-being and nurtures their unique interests and abilities. Your child will shine, as their confidence, curiosity and love of learning grow with us in a small, intimate classroom setting.
Language
Learn about Pear Tree School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Pear Tree 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 Pear Tree School: Student-paced
Pear Tree School has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What Pear Tree School says about their curriculum pace:
Pear Tree School's themes connect education to real life at all times. While we follow the BC curriculum, we go beyond it. We differentiate learning and use individualized goal-setting to ensure that all students are constantly progressing.
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 Pear Tree School says about their flexible pacing:
Pear Tree School's combined-grade approach means that our students have access to a greater range of academic potential and influence.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Pear Tree School: Supportive
Pear Tree School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Pear Tree School says about their academic culture:
We strive for our students to become exceptional, well-rounded individuals. This means that we work with our students on both their strengths and weaknesses. With the support of our masters-qualified teachers, we expect our students to continually try to do better, to become the best that they are capable of, and to take pride in the quality of the work that they create.
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 Pear Tree School says about their developmental priorities:
Pear Tree School creates well-rounded individuals. We don't view one attribute as more important than another. Through our unique education method, we continuously develop our students academic, socio-emotional, and physical skills.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Pear Tree School offers No support
Pear Tree School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What Pear Tree School says about their special need support:
Pear Tree School prides itself on being an inclusive environment. We attract a tremendous range of families and demographics who all share our common goal for a progressive, whole-child education. Pear Tree does not receive any government funding, including special needs funding. This means that any specialized or intensive in-class support must be paid for by the family. Some aspects of our learning methodologies and requirements may be unrealistically challenging for students with certain levels of needs. This can include the need for strong literacy skills, executive functioning skills, collaborative skills, and critical thinking skills.
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 Pear Tree School says:
At Pear Tree School, we avoid the use of labels (e.g. 'gifted', 'ADHD', 'ESL', etc). We find that labels generally have a negative, long-term impact on students. Our learning method engages all forms of learners, while also challenging them to try other approaches. Our teachers are not specialised or trained in special needs or 'giftedness', nor do we qualify for funding for this.
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 Pear Tree School says about their gifted learner support:
Pear Tree School provides a whole-child approach. As such, we do not focus exclusively on a child’s current strengths or their current weaknesses. We aim for all of our students to be well-rounded, so that no matter what path they choose in life, they will be happy and successful.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Pear Tree School students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pear Tree School | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 58 mins |
What Pear Tree 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 |
|---|---|
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 8 |
| Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | K 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
Pear Tree School offers 1 competitive sports and 17 recreational sports.
Competitive offered Recreational offered
all sports]
- Ultimate
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Ice Skating
- Martial Arts
- Rugby
- Running
- Sailing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Pear Tree School offers 14 clubs and extracurricular programs.
Clubs offered Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
Math Club
Online Magazine
Outdoor Education
Photography
Poetry/Literature club
Robotics club
School newspaper
Science Club
Student Council
Yoga
Animation
Art Club
Chess Club
Drama Club
What Pear Tree School says about their extracurricular activities:
- What other schools call 'extracurricular', Pear Tree School embeds into its daily program. However, we offer a range of after-school clubs for different age groups each semester. Contact us for more details.
