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Sunnybrook School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
- Insider community voices
- Facts and analysis
- Qualitative insights
- There is a small, inclusive community with a personalized touch.
- The faculty are dedicated and nurturing.
- The academics are innovative and rigorous.
- Student agency and ownership are nutured.
- There is focused expertise on early education.
- The school community is inclusive and connected.
- Life skills and independent learning are nurtured.
- The academic program is enriched and hands on.
- There's a commitment to continuous improvement.
- There's a focus on holistic development and goal-setting.
- There's a commitment to excellence and future success.
- The classrooms are collaborative and dynamic.
Insider community voices
Hear directly from Sunnybrook School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Sunnybrook School: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Sunnybrook School has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
Sunnybrook School has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
What Sunnybrook School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Sunnybrook School is an IB Primary Years Program (IBPYP) school; we offer a global curriculum in a local context. We are committed to offering an engaging learning experience, and we encourage our students to learn with enthusiasm and commitment. French, Music, and Physical Education classes complement the regular classroom. We have a strong literacy focus, including both skills and a love of reading. Our school library is a hub of inquiry, offering various traditional and electronic research opportunities.
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 Sunnybrook School: Equal Balance
Sunnybrook School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Sunnybrook School says:
The Singapore Math curriculum approaches numeracy concepts and skills in a balanced way. The emphasis on inquiry and conceptual understanding is complemented with rigour in applying skills and knowledge in mathematics. Singapore Math takes the learners from using hands on manipulatives to solve math problems to a step using pictorial representation of the problem before expecting students to find their answers using mental math. This unique pictorial step provides an additional tool for students who have a developing understanding of concepts, but are not yet ready to solve problems in their heads. Through Singapore Math, our students learn to love working with numbers, solving problems, and seeing the world through the lens of mathematics.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Singapore Math books and supporting materials
Calculator policy:
Students use calculators when appropriate.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Sunnybrook School: Balanced Literacy
Sunnybrook School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Sunnybrook School says:
Learning to read is the primary task of elementary school. It is important when designing a reading program to remember that young children acquire reading skills at different paces. Therefore we have developed a literacy program that takes this into consideration, while having high expectations of all learners. We begin with reading readiness at the beginning of JK, including teaching concepts of print, exposure to the written word, opportunities to write at their level and a great deal of exposure to literature.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Sunnybrook School says:
We use DRA's to ensure accountability in our teaching, and to measure the success of our reading program over time.
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Writing
Writing approach at Sunnybrook School: Process approach
Sunnybrook School has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What Sunnybrook School says:
Writing and reading are integrated in teaching young learners. Our students are encouraged to write about their learning and their experiences as early as possible. Through the 6 + 1 Writing Traits program our students learn specific skills and develop an understanding of the elements of good written communication. Specific writing, spelling and grammar skills are taught more systematically as students move into the older grades.
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Science
Science approach at Sunnybrook School: Inquiry
Sunnybrook School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Science is taught in the IB Units of Inquiry. In these units students are encouraged to experiment, explore, ask questions, and seek answers to scientific questions. The units are carefully planned to include scientific content and ideas, encouraging students to become critical thinkers and inquirers.
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 Sunnybrook School: Equal Balance
Sunnybrook School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Sunnybrook School says:
Our Library program fosters a love of literature of all genres. Literature for the classroom is usually chosen to correspond to the IB Units of Inquiry. These units often have a social justice component, and selections are made to support the learning and allow students to make connections and develop understandings of their world through literature. Selections for younger students are made to maximize their skills acquisition and enjoyment of reading in the early years.
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 Sunnybrook School: Thematic
Sunnybrook School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Sunnybrook School says:
The social studies curriculum framework in the IB PYP emphasizes a conceptual approach to content. Units of Inquiry are organized in to explore specific content (i.e. government, transportation, migration) in both broad conceptual and more specific content related ways. Students learn to explore topics through guided inquiry and research.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Sunnybrook School: Communicative
Sunnybrook School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Sunnybrook School says:
Language is the gateway to culture and comfort speaking in another language opens opportunities. In the early years French is taught daily in an engaging interactive way, with an emphasis on oral communication skills. Older students read and write in French as well. We make extensive use of technology and student iPads in our French program. We offer French daily from Jk to GR 6.
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 Sunnybrook School: Equal Balance
Sunnybrook School 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 Sunnybrook School says:
The arts are integrated in our IB transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Music is taught by a specialist, with a dance and drama component. In the arts students are given opportunities to express their knowledge and ideas in various ways; they learn Art, learn about Art and learn through Art. We produce a musical that involves every student in the school from grades 1-6. Every child acts, sings and dances in the musical held at the end of each year. Students use many instruments like recorder, boom whackers, Orff instruments, bells, melodicas and learn to read music and prepare for band in the middle years.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Sunnybrook School: Heavy integration
Sunnybrook School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Sunnybrook School says:
Technology is pervasive in our students' lives. Our goal is to give teachers the tools to guide young people in using it in innovative, constructive and meaningful ways. Sunnybrook School has a 1:1 iPad program for all students from SK to Grade 6. Combined with traditional methods of learning technology is used for communication, connection, creativity and collaboration. Digital literacy and digital citizenship are integrated into our curriculum.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Sunnybrook School says:
Regular Physical Education classes combine team and individual sports to teach the skills for a healthy lifestyle. We focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness and health. Classes such as rock climbing, swimming, curling, kung fu, cross country running, field sports and net sports are held. Teams are offered as we are part of the SSAF and compete against other schools.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Sunnybrook School: Ontario curriculum
Sunnybrook School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Sunnybrook School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Sunnybrook School says:
We follow the guidelines of the Ontario Curriculum in our sex-ed curriculum. It focuses on self-awareness and healthy relationships.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Sunnybrook School: Academic
Sunnybrook School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Sunnybrook School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Sunnybrook School offers a balanced, stimulating and enriched kindergarten curriculum. The core of the JK and SK curriculum is based on the IB PYP, Singapore Math and our own unique literacy program. We enrich this with French, Music, Phys Ed and Library. Play time indoors and on our playground round out the kindergarten experience. The program is designed to stimulate children’s creativity, build early academic skills, and develop communication and social skills. At Sunnybrook School, kindergarten sets the foundation for a love of learning with trusted adults, great friends, a cheerful physical environment and stimulating, engaging learning.
Language
Learn about Sunnybrook School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Sunnybrook 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 Sunnybrook School: Standard-enriched
Sunnybrook School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Sunnybrook School says about their curriculum pace:
Sunnybrook has high academic standards for all students, following the IB PYP curriculum model and Singapore Math. Learning in the PYP is inherently enriched and at SBS it is accelerated in many ways. Reading and writing expectations surpass provincial guidelines, and most of our students reach our literacy benchmarks.
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 Sunnybrook School says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Sunnybrook School: Supportive
Sunnybrook School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What Sunnybrook School says about their academic culture:
As an elementary school beginning at JK we are more supportive than rigorous. However, as our students approach the higher grades the emphasis on the skills and knowledge shifts with their greater maturity, and in preparation for middle school. Beginning in SK we have benchmarks for reading and math, allowing us to differentiate for different student needs.
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 Sunnybrook School says about their developmental priorities:
As an IB school, Sunnybrook has a focus on global citizenship. To that end we work with our students develop the skills, dispositions and knowledge to help them understand themselves and others, and the issues they will face in our ever-changing world. Learning in all domains develops a well rounded, balanced individual, ready to contribute to community and society.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Sunnybrook School offers Resource Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
What Sunnybrook School says about their special need support:
Sunnybrook has an enriched curriculum and students must be able to handle the curriculum. SBS offers accommodations for students with mild learning disabilities. We want each child to be successful.
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 Sunnybrook School says:
The Sunnybrook curriculum is accelerated and enriched, and some of our students find it challenging. Our teachers differentiate where possible to accommodate different learning levels. These students may receive extra support on a withdrawal basis, however, we do not specialize in teaching 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: 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 Sunnybrook School says about their gifted learner support:
The SBS curriculum is accelerated and enriched, and the IB PYP offers open ended learning experiences. These make it possible to offer further enrichment to gifted students within the classroom context. The Singapore Math program includes a wide array of enrichment opportunities for advanced students.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 6, Sunnybrook School students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnybrook School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins |
What Sunnybrook 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. 1 to Gr. 6 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 6 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 6 |
