St. Andrew's College ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at St. Andrew's College: Traditional
St. Andrew's College has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at St. Andrew's College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What St. Andrew's College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Over 100 years of experience teaching boys has shown us that our students benefit when teachers prioritize organization, support active engagement with the topic at hand, and empower boys to work toward authenticity. Teachers at St. Andrew's design their courses to reflect both the Ministry of Education's curriculum and our beliefs that all students need to work in a collaborative environment where critical thinking is expected and a growth mindset is fostered. Our overarching mission statement suggests that being well-rounded is at the heart of the St. Andrew’s classroom experience, and boys are encouraged to seek breadth in their course selection. Advanced Placement courses are offered for those boys who seek to accelerate their learning in a particular field of study. Most importantly, we know that how a boy feels about his teacher has a direct impact on his capacity to learn; the positive rapport between students and teachers is tangible in the hallways, classrooms, and on the playing fields at SAC.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at St. Andrew's College: Traditional Math
St. Andrew's College has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What St. Andrew's College 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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Writing
Writing approach at St. Andrew's College: Equal balance
St. Andrew's College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at St. Andrew's College: Equal Balance
St. Andrew's College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
The Science department strives to develop lifelong learners who are interested in understanding the world around them, are capable of generating their own questions, and have the skill set to find their own answers. Our courses are geared toward utilization and application of knowledge vs. acquisition of knowledge. To achieve this we include numerous inquiry-based labs (approximately 350 experiments across nine course offerings and 30 class sections), collaborative problem solving activities, critical thinking exercises, and student driven learning. All of our courses make an effort to contextualize the curriculum to make it relevant and meaningful to the students. We do this purposefully; we want to encourage our students to develop a natural curiosity in the sciences so they themselves strive for greater knowledge rather than having them feel that they just have to meet the basic curricular objectives of the course.
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 St. Andrew's College: Equal Balance
St. Andrew's College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at St. Andrew's College: Core Knowledge
St. Andrew's College has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at St. Andrew's College: Equal Balance
St. Andrew's College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at St. Andrew's College: Equal Balance
St. Andrew's College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at St. Andrew's College: Equal Balance
St. Andrew's College 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 St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at St. Andrew's College: Heavy integration
St. Andrew's College has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at St. Andrew's College: Ontario curriculum
St. Andrew's College 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:
St. Andrew's College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What St. Andrew's College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about St. Andrew's College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
St. Andrew's College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
St. Andrew's College'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.
St. Andrew's College offers online courses to students.
Course format
Type | Offered |
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Distance | |
Asynchronous | |
Synchronous |
Academic support and services
Type | Offered |
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Dedicated teacher per course | |
Exam proctoring | |
Student progress tracker | |
Regular office hours | |
Additional support | |
Study groups | |
Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at St. Andrew's College: Standard-enriched
St. Andrew's College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What St. Andrew's College 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 St. Andrew's College says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at St. Andrew's College: Rigorous
St. Andrew's College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What St. Andrew's College says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What St. Andrew's College says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
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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 |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 St. Andrew's College says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, St. Andrew's College students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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St. Andrew's College | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins | 73 mins | 85 mins | 101 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What St. Andrew's College 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 | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | 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
St. Andrew's College offers 24 competitive sports and 12 recreational sports.
- Archery
- Curling
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Cross-country skiing
- Cycling
- Downhill skiing
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Lacrosse
- Mountain biking
- Rugby
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
St. Andrew's College offers 25 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What St. Andrew's College says about their extracurricular activities:
- SAC's Arts/Co-curricular Plus Program (ACPlus) is an after-school option for Upper School students to pursue their passions.
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