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St. Jude's Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at St. Jude's Academy: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
St. Jude's Academy has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
St. Jude's Academy 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.
International curriculum & programs at St. Jude's Academy: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What St. Jude's Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The aim of all International Baccalaureate Programmes is to develop "inquiring, knowledgeable and caring" internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance
St. Jude's Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
At SJA, we believe that the best learning in mathematics comes from creative exploration. However, we still see the value in some traditional approaches in math. We ensure that the most useful traditional methods are carried forward into our discovery model. With this blended model, we have seen the greatest increase in mathematical ability and retention. For our Lower School math curriculum, we use Math Makes Sense workbooks and textbooks. We effectively combine an inquiry approach with a practical approach. Our students memorize addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts as required by their grade-level specific math curriculum.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We use Math Makes Sense workbooks and textbooks for Lower School (JK to Grade 6) students.
Calculator policy:
Specific to each grade level, as per IB policies.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at St. Jude's Academy: Balanced Literacy
St. Jude's Academy has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal balance
St. Jude's Academy has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at St. Jude's Academy: Inquiry
St. Jude's Academy has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Our teaching approach to Science follows the IB approach, specific to each grade level.
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. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance
St. Jude's Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Jude's 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 St. Jude's Academy: Expanding Communities
St. Jude's Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance
St. Jude's Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance
St. Jude's Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Jude's 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 St. Jude's Academy: Equal Balance
St. Jude's 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 Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at St. Jude's Academy: Medium integration
St. Jude's Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What St. Jude's Academy says:
Learn about our Physical Education program for Lower School (JK-6) students by copying and pasting this link: https://stjudesacademy.com/student-life/lower-school-jk-6/athletics/ and learn about Physical Education for Upper School students (Grades 7-12) by copying and pasting this link: https://stjudesacademy.com/student-life/upper-school-7-12/athletics/
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
- English Literature SL
- English Literature HL
Group 2 (Language B)
- French SL
- French HL
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
- Business and Management SL
- Business and Management HL
- Economics SL
- Geography SL
- History SL
- History HL
- Information Technology in a Global Society SL
- Information Technology in a Global Society HL
- Philosophy SL
- Philosophy HL
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
- Chemistry SL
- Chemistry HL
- Biology SL
- Biology HL
- Physics SL
- Physics HL
- Design Technology SL
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL
Group 5 (Mathematics)
- Mathematical Studies SL
- Mathematics SL
- Mathematics HL
- Further Mathematics HL
Group 6 (The Arts)
- Theatre SL
- Visual Arts SL
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at St. Jude's Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
St. Jude's Academy 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:
St. Jude's Academy has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What St. Jude's Academy says:
We take a simplistic, biological approach to the matter of human sexuality.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at St. Jude's Academy: Academic
St. Jude's Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What St. Jude's Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The SJA Kindergarten Program provides a solid academic foundation of reading, writing and math. Our students are introduced to French daily for 30 minutes. JK and SK students also enjoy daily Music and Art. Our Kindergarten students also benefit from: reciting poems an in-school science fair & contest in-school spelling bee an oral competition Show n' Share presentations From an early age, SJA students begin to discover that the world is a fascinating place. Field trips, performances, and community service are creatively integrated into the academic curriculum at every level.
Language
Learn about St. Jude's Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
St. Jude's Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at St. Jude's Academy: Standard-enriched
St. Jude's Academy has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What St. Jude's Academy says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 St. Jude's Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at St. Jude's Academy: Rigorous
St. Jude's Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What St. Jude's Academy says about their academic culture:
We believe that students can learn and thrive within the IB model. The focus on fundamentals and individualized approach ensures student success.
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 St. Jude's Academy says about their developmental priorities:
Equal attention is paid to a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social, and physical.The focus on fundamentals and individualized approach ensures student success while our Phys. Ed, Arts, and language specialists nurture the whole student.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
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 St. Jude's Academy says:
SJA has partnered with Oakwood Academy, an individualized education school, to offer private school for students who have learning difficulties. Please see Oakwood Academy for further information.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 St. Jude's Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, St. Jude's Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Jude's Academy | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 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. Jude's Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
IB learners bring questions and sources of curiosity to the classroom where together we explore the learning and foundations of related subjects.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
