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St. Clement's Early Learning School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from St. Clement's Early Learning School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at SCELS: Progressive
SCELS has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What SCELS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The SCELS curriculum is carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. Therefore, every child at SCELS has an individual program plan created through ongoing assessment and observation by the classroom teacher(s). As a result, we provide our students with engaging learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas. Our goal is to create a total learning environment where all the children of St. Clement’s Early Learning School experience educational success.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at SCELS: Equal Balance
SCELS has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What SCELS says:
The Learning Carpet, a floor grid consisting of 100 squares, promotes kinesthetic learning of many important concepts in mathematics, as well as mapping skills and language activitie. It is used in all five program levels at St. Clement’s Early Learning School. Mathematical learning at St. Clement’s Early Learning School includes games, activities and materials that provide a foundation for understanding mathematical concepts. Math is included in our daily routine, as well as into other school related activities. For example: Attendance Calendar Weather Chart Number Line Creative Activities All teaching staff have a background in teaching math concepts in several different ways. This is important because some children have various strengths and our teaching staff teaches to their strengths. We provide the children with ample opportunities to practice various math concepts throughout their day.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Other tools used to teach math to the children are time, age, addresses, phone numbers, cooking and measurement. Learning addition, subtraction, counting and shape recognition doesn’t have to be boring at all!
Calculator policy:
We do not currently have a calculator policy.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at SCELS: Balanced Literacy
SCELS has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What SCELS says:
SCELS offers a multi-sensory approach to Language. This includes Jolly Phonics/Grammar, Handwriting Without Tears and various support programs. Our Language program is based on a Balanced Literary approach. Jolly Phonics/Jolly Grammar: Our Jolly Phonics program provides a structured learning tool which the children really enjoy. This phonics program introduces 42 main letter sounds, followed up with activity sheets and games for reading and spelling. Each letter is taught with a story and related actions for the children to perform. Jolly Grammar is an extension of the Jolly Phonics program. This program teaches a wide variety of language forms including the parts of speech, plurals, punctuation and the tenses past, present and future. It also teaches various spelling rules, including defining aspects such as short vowels.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What SCELS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at SCELS: Equal balance
SCELS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What SCELS says:
Handwriting Without Tears: This unique program’s purpose is to make handwriting an automatic and natural skill for children of all ability levels. Children who can write well, with ease and confidence, enjoy school more and feel more pride in their work. Handwriting Without Tears makes handwriting fun and easy to learn.
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Science
Science approach at SCELS: Inquiry
SCELS has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Our science program at SCELS puts a strong emphasis of the scientific method. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore and engage with material, solve problems and reflect upon their results. Science and social studies lessons are supplemented with a variety of hands-on projects, experiments, field trips and workshops to maximize student involvement and understanding.
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 Social Studies
Social Studies approach at SCELS: Expanding Communities
SCELS has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What SCELS says:
Social Studies lessons are supplemented with a variety of hands-on projects, experiments, field trips and workshops to maximize student involvement and understanding.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at SCELS: Equal Balance
SCELS has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What SCELS says:
All of the children at SCELS take part in our French program. Children in half-day programs have French once a week and those in full-day programs have French twice per week. French is taught orally for our Nursery and Kindergarten students. The children are introduced to concepts like colours, numbers, animals, holidays and cultural understanding. In the Primary Program, a written component is included.
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 SCELS: Equal Balance
SCELS 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 SCELS says:
Music: Each Thursday, Michael Anderson, a veteran early childhood educator, spends the day providing an enriched musical experience for the children. Mr. Anderson draws on music from around the world and uses a wide variety of instruments such as the Conga, Talking Drum, Koto, Tabla and Tibetan Singing Bowls. Dramatic Arts: Drama is integrated into a variety of subject areas to enhance student learning, enhance presentation skills and spark creativity and self expression. Visual Arts: Students at SCELS are given the opportunity to explore and create with a variety of artistic mediums. Students develop their creativity, spatial awareness and fine motor skills through drawing, painting, collage, sculpting and mixed media. Our visual arts activities often correspond to curriculum areas to help students broaden their understanding of the material and appeal to visual and hands-on learners.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at SCELS: Light integration
SCELS has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What SCELS says:
Children are exposed to the use of computer technology within the classroom throughout the week.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What SCELS says:
All of our programs include physical education in addition to outdoor and gross motor development. Children take part in gross motor activities daily. Gross motor development will include running, jumping, using objects in different ways, balancing, etc. Physical education takes place one or two times a week, depending on whether a child is registered in the half-day or full-day program. The children are taught specific skills such as ball handling and eye-hand coordination, with a focus team building and healthy living. Specialized coaches are brought in to teach skills and concepts associated with different sports in a fun, supportive and non-competitive environment. Yoga at SCELS is an excellent way to teach the children a universal method to self-regulate and ready their brains and bodies for learning. Yoga is first introduced in the Nursery program and is practiced up to Grade Two.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at SCELS: Not Ontario curriculum
SCELS 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:
SCELS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What SCELS says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at SCELS: Academic
SCELS has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What SCELS says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The SCELS curriculum is carefully designed with the understanding that each child is unique. Therefore, every child at SCELS has an individual program plan created through ongoing assessment and observation by the classroom teacher(s). As a result, we provide our students with engaging learning experiences aimed at building and enhancing their skills in all developmental areas. Our goal is to create a total learning environment where all the children of St. Clement’s Early Learning School experience educational success.
Language
Learn about St. Clement's Early Learning School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
SCELS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at SCELS: Student-paced
SCELS has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What SCELS says about their curriculum pace:
St. Clement’s Early Learning School takes a balanced approach to table work and academic learning. We believe children need to be challenged daily at a level appropriate to the individual child.
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 SCELS says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at SCELS: Supportive
SCELS has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What SCELS says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
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: Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
What SCELS says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
SCELS offers Resource Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
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 SCELS says:
At SCELS we classify each child with a special need as unique. We conduct thorough observations and interviews to determine if the school can meet the child's needs. SCELS has an Early Intervention team that includes a Speech and Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. Our Early Intervention team will follow the progress of the child and continue to make recommendations and give strategies to the child and family while at the school. The optimal goal at SCELS is to get the child ready for their next learning environment, promote Independence, problem solving and understand of how the child learns.
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 SCELS says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 2, SCELS students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCELS | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins |
What SCELS 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 |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 2 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 2 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 2 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 2 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 2 |
