Robert Land Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Robert Land Academy: Traditional
Robert Land Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Robert Land Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Robert Land Academy boarding school offers a unique and highly structured learning and living environment in which many of the distractions responsible for boys not achieving marks in keeping with their potential are eliminated. Emphasis is placed upon the development of habits conducive to the development of self-care and routine, and the academic skills required for success in post-secondary environments. Small class sizes and extensive provision for remediation in numeracy and literacy skills combine with a coaching philosophy of teaching designed to elicit from boys their personal best. The Academy’s program invariably results in dramatic academic improvements and measurable success. A healthy diet, regular exercise and monitored study halls combine with a rigorous academic program to provide challenge, encouragement and academic self-direction.
Approach
Focus | Special needs |
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Military | Special needs , Troubled Teens |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Robert Land Academy: Traditional Math
Robert Land Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Robert Land Academy says:
At Robert Land Academy, foundational courses target core areas of literacy and numeracy. Through the identification of actual grade level performance and diagnostic testing, academic remediation and upgrading, and specific individualized programs, boys can master the academic requirements necessary for the successful completion of their courses of study. At Robert Land Academy, foundational courses target core areas of literacy and numeracy. Through the identification of actual grade level performance and diagnostic testing, academic remediation and upgrading, and specific individualized programs, boys can master the academic requirements necessary for the successful completion of their courses of study. Remediation includes computer based instructional instruments such as Kahn Academy and the JUMP program for elementary grades.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
The use of calculators is restricted until such time as curriculum expectations require them. They are not employed in junior grades in order to ensure mastery of basic math skill sets.
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Writing
Writing approach at Robert Land Academy: Equal balance
Robert Land Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Robert Land Academy says:
At Robert Land Academy, foundational courses target core areas of literacy and numeracy. Through the identification of actual grade level performance and diagnostic testing, academic remediation and upgrading, and specific individualized programs, boys can master the academic requirements necessary for the successful completion of their courses of study.
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Science
Science approach at Robert Land Academy: Equal Balance
Robert Land Academy 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 Robert Land Academy: Equal Balance
Robert Land Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Robert Land Academy 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 Robert Land Academy: Core Knowledge
Robert Land Academy has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Robert Land Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Robert Land Academy: Equal Balance
Robert Land Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Robert Land Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Robert Land Academy: Equal Balance
Robert Land Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Robert Land Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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 Robert Land Academy: Equal Balance
Robert Land Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What Robert Land Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Robert Land Academy: Light integration
Robert Land Academy has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Robert Land Academy says:
Computers are provided together with monitored and restricted internet access. Personal computers and electronic devices are not allowed so as to remove potential sources of distraction.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Robert Land Academy says:
Physical education is an integral part of the school's overall program and is seen as a means to promote both mental and physical health.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Robert Land Academy: Ontario curriculum
Robert Land Academy has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Robert Land Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Robert Land Academy says:
Compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements is in place.
Language
Learn about Robert Land Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Robert Land Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Robert Land Academy: Standard-enriched
Robert Land Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Robert Land Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Specific programming is provided to help students address the situation where they find themselves behind academically or previously placed in streams precluding university or college admission.
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 Robert Land Academy says about their flexible pacing:
Specific programming is provided to help students address the situation where they find themselves behind academically or previously placed in streams precluding university or college admission.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Robert Land Academy: Rigorous
Robert Land Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Robert Land Academy says about their academic culture:
Senior academic years are focused upon post-secondary options and being able to be in a position by the end of high school where options and range of choice can be maximized.
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 Robert Land Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Robert Land Academy is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
What Robert Land Academy says about their special need support:
The school's high level of structure and reduction of distractions combined with an inclusive philosophy whereby special needs students can be incorporated with smaller regular classes has proven to be effective. The Academy's standard program represents in itself an overall accommodation to many boys' needs and learning priorities.
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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 Robert Land Academy says:
Many applicants to the school have been identified with a learning disability. The admission's process involves an interview and screening model to assess suitability of students to the program offered.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 Robert Land Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Robert Land Academy students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Robert Land Academy | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 113 mins |
What Robert Land Academy 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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Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
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
Robert Land Academy offers 7 competitive sports and 13 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Martial Arts
- Mountain biking
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Clubs offered
Robert Land Academy offers 13 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Robert Land Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Boxing
- Automotive Club
- Army Cadets
- Music Club
- Rock Climbing
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Robert Land Academy
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