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Académie St-Laurent Academy ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Académie St-Laurent: Progressive
Académie St-Laurent has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What Académie St-Laurent says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our youngest Daycare students (10 months - 3 years) follow the principles of How Does Learning Happen? - an Ontario Ministry of Education inquiry-based approach, which builds on children's interests and is directed by educators observations of their learning. Learning is documented and shared regularly with parents. Parents are an important part of the learning community and we invite them to extend learning at home. Parents are also invited to Open Houses regularly to participate in their child's learning. Our progressive Elementary & Secondary curriculum offers every student what they need to succeed; filled with hands on activities, regular field trips, and enriched projects, students are engaged and school becomes a challenging and fun part of life. With the Ontario Curriculum in mind, we differentiate our teaching and our assessment to meet the needs of each individual student. Multiple Intelligences are recognized, assessment is progress-oriented, and cross-curricular themes integrate subjects for learning connections. At St-Laurent Academy learners are active participants, problem solvers, and planners.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Académie St-Laurent: Equal Balance
Académie St-Laurent has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
Math is taught with all learning modalities in mind, and differentiated for individual student success. We enjoy math conversations, visual math, hands-on activities as well as traditional math learning.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Jump Math, because of its scaffolded and spiral nature works for learners at both ends of the spectrum. Our students love the Smart Board integrated lessons. Students also have Mathletics accounts for online practice and international competition!
Calculator policy:
Calculators are used regularly to support student learning.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Académie St-Laurent: Phonics-intensive
Académie St-Laurent has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Académie St-Laurent: Equal balance
Académie St-Laurent has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Académie St-Laurent: Inquiry
Académie St-Laurent has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]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 Académie St-Laurent: Equal Balance
Académie St-Laurent has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Académie St-Laurent 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 Académie St-Laurent: Core Knowledge
Académie St-Laurent has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Académie St-Laurent: Equal Balance
Académie St-Laurent has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Académie St-Laurent: Equal Balance
Académie St-Laurent has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Académie St-Laurent 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 Académie St-Laurent: Equal Balance
Académie St-Laurent 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 Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Académie St-Laurent: Medium integration
Académie St-Laurent has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Académie St-Laurent says:
Beginning at 18 months of age, students at St-Laurent Academy have physical education EVERY day. We believe active bodies support active minds, and that creating the habit of daily fitness activities at an early age sets students up for a healthly and active lifestyle. Phys Ed is presented in our full-sized gymnasium 4 days a week, and once weekly we travel to the Ottawa Athletic Club for a number of non-traditional activities like tennis, squash, racketball, spinning, yoga, and swimming. Our Preschoolers also have a weekly swimming or skating sessions.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Académie St-Laurent: Not Ontario curriculum
Académie St-Laurent has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]What Académie St-Laurent says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Académie St-Laurent: Academic
Académie St-Laurent has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Académie St-Laurent says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Kindergarten approach is academically oriented, with our teachers ensuring that students at this age receive time for direct-instruction every day! We also offer time every day for play-based learning and physical education daily. Our small classroom size allows for plenty of one-on-one attention, and close and secure relationships are built.
Language
Learn about Académie St-Laurent Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Académie St-Laurent is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
| English - 80% | French - 20% | ||||||||
Language of enrolment include: English
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Académie St-Laurent: Standard-enriched
Académie St-Laurent has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Académie St-Laurent 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 Académie St-Laurent says about their flexible pacing:
Students are sometimes grouped to work with children at similar levels. At other times stronger students are given opportunities to "teach" with groups of lower performing students. In this sense students are learning with peers, but also learning about collaboration. Students are also grouped by learning style as well.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Académie St-Laurent: Rigorous
Académie St-Laurent has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Académie St-Laurent 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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Académie St-Laurent says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What Académie St-Laurent says about their special need support:
St-Laurent Academy is a school for all kinds of learners. Students who are successful at St-Laurent Academy are of Average to Superior Intelligence, are motivated and engaged learners, who enjoy and value the learning process. Some of these students may not have been able to demonstrate their knowledge or intelligence in a traditional school setting; however, with teachers who understand how they learn, school is once again engaging and challenging, and each success builds upon the last. The majority of our students with special needs are dyslexic, and we support them with a scaffolded Orton-Gillingham remediation program in one-on-one sessions. Students having gone through these programs at St-Laurent Academy go on to be very successful in University and College Programs - often on the Honour Role. Our approach at St-Laurent Academy has prepared them well - giving them the self-esteem and tools to continue learning throughout life.
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 Académie St-Laurent says:
Our Resource Coordinator oversees the development of Individual Education Plans for both identified and non-identified students. Accommodations are suggested to ensure students are experiencing academic success, while leveling the playing field. We have Orton-Gilligham based dyslexia remediation options for students with language learning disabilities - 85% of our IEP's are for dyslexia, which often comes with very high intelligence, sometimes unevenly placed by subject. Average to gifted learners and dyslexic students are well supported by differentiation and Multiple Intelligences Theory to acheive to their best potential at St-Laurent Academy.
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 Académie St-Laurent says about their gifted learner support:
Each gifted learner is very different. Often gifted learners have uneven intelligence profiles with great strengths in some areas, and weaknesses in others. In consultation with our Director of Resource, an individual education plan will be created for each student, putting into place the appropriate strategies to help each student best succeed.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Académie St-Laurent students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Académie St-Laurent | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 0 mins | 1 mins | 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 |
What Académie St-Laurent 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 | 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 |
