The Giles School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Giles: Progressive
Giles has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at Giles: French National Curriculum
What Giles says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The Giles School has created a strong program that supports infinite possibilities for growth and development. Founded on the concept of early enriched learning within a bilingual setting, the academics at The Giles School challenges students with enriched standards. Students engage in a fully French immersion setting from PK to Grade 3. One-to-one French lessons for French beginners from Grades 1 to 8 are offered as part of the day tuition. Mandarin programming begins in JK. Baby yoga are integrated in the day schedule for PK to Grade 1. Students experience extensive field trips and benefit from artists in residence. Coupled with intense expectations, the Giles Community is committed to the whole child. Love and individualized attention ensures the well-being and success of each student. We aim to awaken the mind, quicken the spirit and stir the heart. Students in Grade 4 through 8 also take a weekly leadership course focusing on character education, the ideals of the United Nation and service learning.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Giles: Equal Balance
Giles has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Giles says:
Students engage in hands on learning while using the Singapore Math program as a resource throughout their course work at The Giles School. The Mathematics Program is particularly rigorous as we set expectations typically two grades ahead of the provincial norms. Students apply measurement and data units, in particular within projects. All students present their own Science Fair projects which demonstrate many math applications, as well. Students also participate in Maths competition every year.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
At the Giles School, all students work with the Singapore math textbooks and workbooks to support the accelerated curriculum,
Calculator policy:
Students are used often to check manual calculations.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Giles: Balanced Literacy
Giles has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Giles says:
Students in pre-kindergarten focus on letters, sounds and simple words. By JK and SK, students focus on reading and writing sentences, and in Grade 1 students read French paragraphs and short stories. New French learners focus on words and sentences at first - and then move to reading short paragraphs and stories after they have mastered basic vocabulary and French conjugation.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Giles says:
We use the Canadian Test of Basic Skills annually.
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Writing
Writing approach at Giles: Equal balance
Giles has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Giles says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Giles: Equal Balance
Giles has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]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 Giles: Equal Balance
Giles has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Giles 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 Giles: Expanding Communities
Giles has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Giles says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Giles: Equal Balance
Giles has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Giles says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Giles: Equal Balance
Giles has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Giles 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 Giles: Creative
Giles 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 Giles says:
We offer photography, and older grades produce their own podcasts which are broadcasted every month.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Giles: Medium integration
Giles has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Giles says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Giles says:
The school focuses on teaching dominant movement patterns that students master so they can apply in competitive and recreational athletics.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Giles: Not Ontario curriculum
Giles has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Giles has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]Giles has a approach Progressive (as opposed to Traditional approach).[Show: About Progressive?]What Giles says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Giles: Play-based
Giles has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Giles says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
As a French immersion school, The Giles School introduces French as the core language in preschool (age 2). Children learn French through playful interaction involving stories, games, songs and other stimulating activities. A safe, intimate and nurturing classroom environment encourages children to take risks when speaking French and students’ efforts are consistently motivated by patient, positive reinforcement.
Language
Learn about The Giles School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Giles is a multilingual school with English, French, Spanish, Mandarin as the primary language of instruction
English - 30% | French - 50% | Spanish - 10% | Mandarin - 10% |
Language of enrolment include: English
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Giles: Accelerated
Giles has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
What Giles says about their curriculum pace:
The Giles School academic program sets expectations that exceed the Ontario Ministry of Education standards by one or more grades. The Mathematics Program was designed for students to work at least two grade levels. Our students achieve exceptional results on the Canadian Test of Basic Skills.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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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 Giles says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Giles: Supportive
Giles has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Giles says about their academic culture:
The Giles School is built on a foundation that supports being international, innovative and inclusive. Students and staff come from many different backgrounds and by working in a small classroom setting, they are able to have a supportive learning experience where the teacher is in regular contact with the students and his or her work. We survey our students, staff and parents each year to be sure we are making a difference in their lives. We believe to be "World Ready", we must provide a wealth of experiences that includes a context for planning and implementing service learning projects. In this way we are both rigorous and supportive.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Giles says about their developmental priorities:
The Giles School offers a special leadership program that focuses on the multiculturalism, character education and service learning. Given our school aims to support a French and English bilingual culture, it is important to pay attention to cultures internationally. Service learning, therefore, is where character is applied at the school, local and global levels. The Giles Leadership course aims to prepare young people for success in high school, college, work and life. Students work with The Leader in Me text book, resources that will serve them throughout their lives.
Special needs support
Giles offers No support
Giles offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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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 |
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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 |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 Giles says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Giles students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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Giles | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
Site Average | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins |
What Giles says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
The Giles School offers 4 competitive sports and 6 recreational sports.
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Running
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
The Giles School offers 20 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Giles says about their extracurricular activities:
- Giles Competitive Robotics Team
- The Giles School is a member of the Small Schools Athletic Federation (SSAF).
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: The Giles School
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