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SLI The Sidney Ledson School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Traditional
The Sidney Ledson School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What The Sidney Ledson School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our approach to teaching is an early introduction to reading, learning, and critical thinking which develops an interest, curiosity, an out-of-the-box thought process, and thirst for more knowledge. Students find themselves working at advanced grade levels, not defined or limited by boundaries, and constantly seek challenges. Our enriched academic curriculum is a stimulant for growing minds through the grades, and in the final year at the school, students are prepared for entry to the most sought after schools through the test preparatory program for IB, TOPS, GIFTED, and SSAT. Our nurturing teachers and conducive school environment, coupled with small class sizes offer the advantage of individualized learning and the opportunity for the children to express themselves, lead, excel and develop a self-confidence that they will carry through.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Gifted |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Equal Balance
The Sidney Ledson School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sidney Ledson 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 The Sidney Ledson School: Balanced Literacy
The Sidney Ledson School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What The Sidney Ledson School says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What The Sidney Ledson School says:
GORT
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Writing
Writing approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Equal balance
The Sidney Ledson School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What The Sidney Ledson School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Equal Balance
The Sidney Ledson 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 The Sidney Ledson School: Equal Balance
The Sidney Ledson School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sidney Ledson 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 The Sidney Ledson School: Expanding Communities
The Sidney Ledson School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What The Sidney Ledson School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Equal Balance
The Sidney Ledson School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sidney Ledson School 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 The Sidney Ledson School: Equal Balance
The Sidney Ledson School 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 Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What The Sidney Ledson School says:
Equal balance of "Expressive" and "Disciplined"
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Heavy integration
The Sidney Ledson School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What The Sidney Ledson School says:
Our students can code in HTML and CSS, understand and implement the basics of Python, Javascript, and R, and also employ the foundation skills of directing machine learning training - beginning in Grade 1! More basic computer literacy skills, such as typing and presentation development, as well as block-based coding, are also included from as early as Kindergarten and Preschool.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What The Sidney Ledson School says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Not Ontario curriculum
The Sidney Ledson 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:
The Sidney Ledson School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What The Sidney Ledson School says:
The school policy is to leave discussions pertaining to procreation to the parents of the children whenever they feel the child is ready for this discussion. Should the child have questions for the teachers regarding the subject, the teacher will offer a brief explanation in a scientific manner related to biology.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Academic
The Sidney Ledson School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What The Sidney Ledson School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Supplementing the enriched academic program, our Pre-school and Kindergarten classes engage in various intelligence raising and memory enhancement activities. An introduction to French, Kinder Music, Drama, Piano, Chess, and hands-on science workshops instills in our young students the early quest for knowledge.
Language
Learn about SLI The Sidney Ledson School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
The Sidney Ledson School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
SLI The Sidney Ledson School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
SLI The Sidney Ledson School operates as an online school.
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Accelerated
The Sidney Ledson School has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What The Sidney Ledson School says about their curriculum pace:
Maintaining a low student-teacher ratio for individual attention, coupled with constant reinforcement of concepts learned, promotes a strong semantic foundation and accelerated development of skills for success.
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 The Sidney Ledson School says about their flexible pacing:
Every child starting the school is assessed in the first few days to determine the their abilities in all subject matters. Following this, the student is issued remedial, reinforcement, and /or advanced material to ensure understanding and smooth progress.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at The Sidney Ledson School: Supportive
The Sidney Ledson School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What The Sidney Ledson School says about their academic culture:
There is an inextricable interplay between rigour and support, with celebration attributed to efforts over accolades.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What The Sidney Ledson School says about their developmental priorities:
The school's developmental priority is to promote and nurture social, intellectual and academic growth. Starting from the Preschool class, and all the way to the Grade 6 class, our focus is to not only nurture self-awareness and leadership abilities in students, but to also encourage them to embrace their hard work in building a mindset primed for natural high achievement.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
The Sidney Ledson 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 The Sidney Ledson School says:
Our teachers are trained to identify and follow a strategy-development protocol in partnership with parents and on-site specialists for the purpose of navigating developmental exceptionality that typically accompany high IQ (high-functioning Autism and ADHD). Due to the accelerated academics at all grade-levels, our program is not recommended for students with intellectual or other learning disabilities.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What The Sidney Ledson School says about their gifted learner support:
Founded by a member of Mensa (the world's oldest and largest high IQ society), and currently overseen by a member of Mensa Canada's national Gifted Youth Committee, our program serves to engage and challenge gifted students.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 6, The Sidney Ledson School students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| PS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sidney Ledson School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins |
What The Sidney Ledson 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 | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 6 |
