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Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at STS: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
STS has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
STS 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 STS: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What STS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, students thrive in a culture of academic excellence. Students are empowered in their learning and strive to exceed their own expectations for achievement. STS supplements the standard Alberta Education curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Programme beginning in the Elementary with the IB Primary Years Programme, moving to Middle School with the IB Middle Years Programme and ending with the IB Diploma Programme in Senior School. Excellence in teaching and learning is fostered through critical thinking and inquiry. Throughout our students' years at STS, we focus on new and effective practices, incorporating current research and literature into all of our courses. We educate our students in an environment that combines state of the art technologies, outdoor experiential education with opportunities to develop the individual as a whole.
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 STS: Equal Balance
STS has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What STS says:
The STS math curriculum balances traditional skill acquisition with real-world application. Examples of real-world application include applying knowledge of exponents to pay-it-forward challenges, using statistical analysis to debate climate change, and turning learning about profit margins to running ones own mini-business.
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 STS: Balanced Literacy
STS has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What STS says:
Elementary students work closely with their homeroom teachers and our Early Literacy Instructor to assess, build, and challenge reading skills. Students use multiple learning tools and approaches to build reading fluency including high-frequency site words, phonics, one-on-one reading with teachers and peers and iPads among others.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What STS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at STS: Equal balance
STS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What STS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at STS: Inquiry
STS 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 STS: Traditional
STS has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What STS 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 STS: Expanding Communities
STS has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What STS says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at STS: Pragmatism
STS has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What STS says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at STS: Communicative
STS has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What STS 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 STS: Creative
STS 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 STS says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at STS: Heavy integration
STS has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What STS says:
Technology is woven into the curriculum from Grade 1 on. Our 1-to-1 laptop program begins in Grade 6 with school provided laptops. Grades 10-12 students use laptops and/or tablets of their choice. Students in Grades 7-9 are required to take courses in design which includes engineering, architecture, digital media, and robotics.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What STS says:
The Athletics Program at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is consistent with our mission. Character and leadership are the cornerstones of our program and we look for ways to enhance them at every opportunity. Character is developed through successes and failures in team and individual sports including basketball, badminton, volleyball, field hockey, rugby, cross country running and track and field. It is through these athletic endeavours that students learn the values of sportsmanship and co-operation as well as determination and perseverance towards a common goal.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
- English Literature HL
Group 2 (Language B)
- French SL
- Spanish SL
- French ab initio SL
- Spanish ab initio SL
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
- Economics HL
- History HL
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
- Chemistry SL
- Chemistry HL
- Biology HL
- Physics SL
Group 5 (Mathematics)
- Mathematics SL
Group 6 (The Arts)
- Music SL
- Theatre SL
- Visual Arts SL
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at STS: Alberta curriculum
STS has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Alberta curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
STS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What STS says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at STS: Academic
STS has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What STS says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Kindergarten at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an innovative, collaborative and inquiry-based program that instills a joy and love for life-long learning. It promotes the development of the whole child in a safe and nurturing learning environment. We believe each day should be filled with laughter, shared stories and learning experiences so their unique talents will emerge and flourish.
Language
Learn about Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
STS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School'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.
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School operates as an online school.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year | 9 to 12 | 20 | Sep 01, 2024 — Jun 30, 2025 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What STS says about their course format:
Distance: We're offering the best of both worlds with either an online-only program, or a mostly-online program with one day a week together in person at the STS campus and Platform Calgary.
Asynchronous: Choose from more than 17 different individual single-course offerings that can be completed at your own pace.
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 STS: Standard-enriched
STS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What STS says about their curriculum pace:
The International Baccalaureate Programme (PYP, MYP, and DP) provides a framework for enrichment at all grade-levels.
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 STS says about their flexible pacing:
STAND School - hybrid learning; we have created a pathway for you to continue learning in the way you do best – without sacrificing the importance of in-person collaboration.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at STS: Rigorous
STS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What STS 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: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What STS says about their developmental priorities:
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) inspires compassionate, curious, and creative global citizens who lead with courage. We are a diverse community where students pursue lives of purpose, flourishing emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
STS offers Full-time Dedicated Class
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
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 STS says:
Families applying to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School will be ask to provided any documentation related to previous IPP supports or psychological-educational testing. This information will be used during admission to determine if the level of accommodations and supports required match our program offerings.
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 STS 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, STS students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 6 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 STS 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 | K to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | K to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | K to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | K to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 12 |
