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St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at SJASL: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
SJASL has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
SJASL has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
What SJASL says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake, the Seawolf symbolizes the spirit that shapes our community—curiosity in learning, strength in connection, and courage in leadership. Rooted in Indigenous legend and West Coast symbolism, the Seawolf reflects balance, adaptability, and respect for both land and sea. Our curriculum embodies this spirit. Through the International Baccalaureate framework and our outdoor learning pathways, students develop resilience, global awareness, and a strong sense of purpose. We blend academic excellence with hands-on, experiential learning so students not only understand the world but actively engage with it. Guided by our values of Courage, Integrity, and Caring, “The Seawolf Way” defines our approach: • The Explorer – experiential and holistic learning • The Leader – excellence and innovation • The Pack – community and wellbeing Every student belongs to the Seawolf Pack—a supportive, inclusive environment where relationships matter and every learner is known, challenged, and encouraged. Our mottos capture our identity: Curious by nature. Empowered to act. Stronger together
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Nature-based |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at SJASL: Traditional Math
SJASL has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What SJASL 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
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
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
What SJASL 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
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
What SJASL 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
Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
Group 2 (Language B)
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
Group 5 (Mathematics)
Group 6 (The Arts)
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at SJASL: British Columbia curriculum
SJASL has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]What SJASL says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake's languages of instruction and enrolment.
SJASL offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, French, Mandarin
Online Learning
St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake'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. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake offers online courses to students.
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 SJASL: Standard-enriched
SJASL has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What SJASL says about their curriculum pace:
Our enriched curriculum extends beyond the IB framework, integrating outdoor education, leadership development, and experiential learning. Students explore real-world connections through nature, community engagement, and creative inquiry, fostering academic excellence alongside personal growth, balance, and global perspective.
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 SJASL says about their flexible pacing:
Our flexible pacing allows students to progress according to their individual strengths and readiness. With small class sizes and personalized support, learners may advance in areas of strength or receive additional guidance where needed, ensuring both challenge and balance within the IB framework and our enriched academic program.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at SJASL: Rigorous
SJASL has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What SJASL says about their academic culture:
At St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake, our academic culture is rigorous, challenging students to reach their full potential through high expectations, personal responsibility, and meaningful engagement. As an IB school, we encourage students to think critically, inquire deeply, and approach learning with curiosity and purpose. Rigour, however, is paired with strong support. Every student is known, guided, and encouraged through individualized attention, advisory structures, and a caring learning environment. We value effort, reflection, and growth just as much as achievement, ensuring students build both confidence and competence. Our goal is for every learner to be inspired, stretched, and supported — prepared not only for university, but for thoughtful, courageous leadership in the world.
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 SJASL says about their developmental priorities:
At St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake, we aim to develop well-rounded, thoughtful, and capable young people who thrive academically while growing as balanced individuals. Our philosophy emphasizes the whole child: intellectual curiosity, emotional resilience, physical wellbeing, and positive social engagement. Through the IB framework and our Seawolf values of Courage, Integrity, and Caring, students learn to think critically, act compassionately, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We challenge them to explore ideas, understand multiple perspectives, and engage with the world confidently and ethically. Our goal is to shape learners who are inquisitive, grounded, adaptable, and ready to lead with purpose—young people who know themselves, care for others, and approach life with curiosity and courage.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
SJASL offers No support
SJASL offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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 |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
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 SJASL says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
