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St. Margaret's School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at St. Margaret's School: Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate
St. Margaret's School has a Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional, International Baccalaureate Candidate?]
St. Margaret's School has a International Baccalaureate Candidate approach to supplementary curriculum.
IB Candidate School is an official term used to identify schools that have applied to IBO for permission to teach one or more of the IB Programmes.
International curriculum & programs at St. Margaret's School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What St. Margaret's School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At St. Margaret’s School, we empower every girl to set her own course and shape her own future. We offer a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and represents an inquiry-based method of teaching and learning. Traditional separations between subject areas are bridged to forge deeper exploration and understanding of broad topics. In this inquiry-based model, valuable attributes of creativity and critical thinking are emphasized. As an international centre for girls’ learning and leadership, we offer rich resources and challenges to support each student's development as an individual, and a global-minded citizen. Academics at SMS are amplified by extensive experiential learning offerings spanning leadership, service, and wellness/athletics to build up confidence, perspective, and life skills. A spirit of life-long learning is shared between students, families, and faculty: our annual professional development and family workshop series shares the latest scholarship in brain development, teaching methods, and educational trends. Through this innovative approach our curriculum evolves and continues to be relevant as we engage our entire community in issues affecting girls today.
International Baccalaureate Candidate 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. Margaret's School: Equal Balance
St. Margaret's School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Margaret's School says:
SMS strives to infuse students with confidence, enthusiasm, and a passion for mathematics. Through a rigorous program, students are provided a spectrum of opportunities to reach their full potential regardless of whether or not their career goals require high-level math for entry to university.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at St. Margaret's School: Balanced Literacy
St. Margaret's School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What St. Margaret's School says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What St. Margaret's School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at St. Margaret's School: Equal balance
St. Margaret's School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What St. Margaret's School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at St. Margaret's School: Equal Balance
St. Margaret's School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
We are the only girls STEM-X school in Canada.
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. Margaret's School: Equal Balance
St. Margaret's School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Margaret's School 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. Margaret's School: Expanding Communities
St. Margaret's School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What St. Margaret's School says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at St. Margaret's School: Equal Balance
St. Margaret's School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Margaret's School says:
We believe in developing the whole student / whole girl and therefore offer an equal balance of perennialism and pragmatism in our humanities and social science program. We focus on teaching big ideas through critical thinking, and logic to support the inquiry-based learning approach here at SMS. We also provide hands-on, real-world learning opportunities through simulations, field trips, and expert guest speakers. In this way students can apply, create true meaning from, and connect more deeply to the content, with the goal of creating informed, curious, and active citizens.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at St. Margaret's School: Equal Balance
St. Margaret's School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What St. Margaret's School says:
Our International English Language (IEL) program prepares students to graduate confident in the English language and to achieve success at universities and colleges in Canada, the US, and other parts of the world. Depending on their English ability, international students may begin the program in dedicated IEL classes or enter regular classes with additional support. Progress through the IEL Program is flexible and dependent on student achievement. Each student is provided with a level of support matching her individual needs and abilities, and each student advances through the program at her own pace. Classes are taught by experienced English Language teachers who teach every subject from an IEL perspective. This means the challenge of learning English does not impede success in other subjects. IEL classes are designed to help students adapt to a Canadian classroom and develop learning strategies that prepare them to succeed in the regular classroom.
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. Margaret's School: Creative
St. Margaret's School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Creative?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What St. Margaret's School says:
Starting from our youngest girls in Early Learning, arts education is a priority at all levels of the school, developing appreciation, skill, and creativity. The Arts Program at SMS offers outlets for self-expression and the development of creative interests. It also encourages appreciation for art and builds awareness of art in everyday life. There is an intimacy of knowledge that comes through the study of art; students learn how to observe, listen, and become more thoughtful and reflective. There are a variety of opportunities for performance throughout the year, both within the school and in the community including adjudicated festivals. Each year in the month of May, we celebrate the arts with Fine Arts Week, which involves days of back-to-back events including dramatic productions, an art show, and performances by the choir and band.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at St. Margaret's School: Medium integration
St. Margaret's School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What St. Margaret's School says:
SMS students are welcomed to on campus maker labs and coding camps as well as encouraged to participate in advanced competitions where they develop technology based solutions for real world problems.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What St. Margaret's School says:
The benefits of an active and balanced lifestyle are well documented: students who are active on a daily basis are healthier and perform better academically than their inactive peers. Physical activity is essential to the overall health and wellness of our students and an integral part of each student’s learning experience. There is truly something for everyone and every level of ability: opportunities to compete, play on a team for fun or participate in recreational activities. SMS provides opportunities for daily physical activity through physical education, athletics teams, club sports, intramurals, house challenges and outdoor recreation.
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
- AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
- AP Calculus AB
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Human Geography
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at St. Margaret's School: British Columbia curriculum
St. Margaret's School has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
St. Margaret's School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What St. Margaret's School says:
Students need the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their health and well-being. Sexual health is an important component of healthy, active living, and sex-ed requires a broader framework that expands beyond an understanding of physiology and reproduction alone. Our comprehensive approach to sexual health education incorporates aspects such as the development of positive self-image and the development of rewarding and equitable interpersonal relationships.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at St. Margaret's School: Play-based
St. Margaret's School has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What St. Margaret's School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
At St. Margaret's School, our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programmes foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning through inquiry, play, and exploration. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme Candidate School*, we are strengthening an approach that encourages students to ask questions, think critically, and make meaningful connections across their learning. Small class sizes allow teachers to know each child as an individual, providing personalized support while nurturing academic, social, and emotional growth. Learning extends beyond the classroom through outdoor experiences, creative expression, and collaboration, helping young learners build the confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose that prepare them for the years ahead.
Language
Learn about St. Margaret's School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
St. Margaret's School 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. Margaret's School: Standard-enriched
St. Margaret's School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What St. Margaret's School says about their curriculum pace:
The benefits of a small school include our ability to customize instruction approaches to ensure each girl receives challenges and support she needs to excel while maintaining a high academic standard in the classroom, enriched by projects and partnerships in the broader community.
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. Margaret's School says about their flexible pacing:
Multi-age classrooms in our International Language program allow students to advance at their own pace to ensure student success in both English language and subject courses. Independent study is promoted through our Program of Distinction and dedicated time the weekly timetable to pursue inquiry-based projects and areas of passion.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at St. Margaret's School: Rigorous
St. Margaret's School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What St. Margaret's School says about their academic culture:
For over 100 years, SMS has built an international reputation of high academic achievement, but that is only part of our story. Our extensive learning support program, guidance, experiential programs, and ability to tailor to individual learning needs helps each girl reaches her potential. Successful graduation and admission to university is actually a very short term goal for our students. By embedding in our students a an appetite for life-long learning, a love of service, philanthropy, healthy habits, and strong values we ensure each girl has the skills to succeed in her studies, career, and in life.
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. Margaret's School says about their developmental priorities:
When we talk to parents there’s a common thread to their hopes and dreams for their daughter: more important than marks, they want their daughters to be happy and confident in being themselves. A balanced approach is the only way to build strong girls: head, heart, spirit, and body. Our students are academically strong, creative, and critical thinkers; emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others; socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change their community for the better; strong and active individuals, in tune with the joys of movement, sport, and wellness.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What St. Margaret's School says about their special need support:
Our Learning Support team engages learners at the extremes of the learning spectrum, providing additional help in a skill or subject where a student is struggling, or creating enriched opportunities for exceptional students. The goal is to provide the support and challenges needed by each student individually so that they may experience success at their own level.
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. Margaret's School says:
Our Learning Support team is dedicated to providing the necessary support and challenges needed by each SMS student. We work closely with all prospective families during the admissions process to ensure they are choosing a school or program able to provide the right support for their child's learning needs, including students with learning disabilities.
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 St. Margaret's School says about their gifted learner support:
Our Learning Support team engages learners at the extremes of the learning spectrum, providing additional help in a skill or subject where a student is struggling, or creating enriched opportunities and mentoring for exceptionally students. The goal is to provide the support and challenges needed by each student individually so that they may experience success at their own level.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, St. Margaret's School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Margaret's School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins | 160 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 |
What St. Margaret's School 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. 4 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 3 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 3 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
