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The Learning Common ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at The Learning Common: Progressive
The Learning Common has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What The Learning Common says about their overall curriculum and approach:
50% of The Learning Common’s curriculum focuses on the development of hard skills in Reading and Math as these are essential skills an individual requires to function in today’s world and beyond. Our effective and proven methodology has been a mainstay of our successful business and thus, is a fundamental piece of our school’s curriculum. Literacy and numeracy are fundamental skills that lead to more positive social emotional, employment, and educational outcomes. 50% of The Learning Common’s curriculum is grounded in Scandinavian teaching approaches and focuses on soft skill development in critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Our peer-to-peer learning and facilitation techniques work to develop the necessary soft skills for navigating the industries of the future.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Special needs |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at The Learning Common: Equal Balance
The Learning Common has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Learning Common says:
At The Learning Common, we use multi-sensory teaching methods that effectively help learners to process and retain information. We believe in moving from the basic to complex learning objectives and have students master foundational and fundamental skills in numeracy. We provide opportunities for students to make real world connections and learn about concepts that they will be using outside the classroom. We are proponents of STEAM and STEM education and have dedicated a full day of STEAM and STEM learning each week.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We use JUMP math, and Orton-Gillingham based strategies within our math curriculum.
Calculator policy:
We do not have a calculator policy. They will be used in circumstances where required and based on needs of the students.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at The Learning Common: Phonics-intensive
The Learning Common has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What The Learning Common says:
At The Learning Common, we are trained in the methods and strategies found within the Orton-Gillingham based approach. Over the last 3 years, we have taught many learners to read and write using the multi-sensory, direct teaching approaches, and systematic scope and sequence found in Orton-Gillingham. This remedial literacy approach helps to teach the fundamentals of language and is incredibly effective.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What The Learning Common says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at The Learning Common: Systematic approach
The Learning Common has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What The Learning Common says:
At The Learning Common, we are trained in the methods and strategies found within the Orton-Gillingham based approach. Over the last 3 years, we have taught many learners to read and write using the multi-sensory, direct teaching approaches, and systematic scope and sequence found in Orton-Gillingham. This remedial literacy approach helps to teach the fundamentals of language and is incredibly effective.
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Science
Science approach at The Learning Common: Equal Balance
The Learning Common has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
We encourage an equal balance of research and inquiry based learning methods. We are dedicated to STEAM and STEM curriculum and believe the skills and strategies learned within this curriculum is important in the future of our ever-changing job market.
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 The Learning Common: Equal Balance
The Learning Common has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Learning Common says:
Looking at classical forms of literature as a means of creating a historical narrative is important in understanding where we are today. Using a combination of both socially conscious and progressive literature with the traditional texts help to create a well-rounded impression of literature's timeline and impact on society.
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 The Learning Common: Thematic
The Learning Common has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What The Learning Common says:
Our Social Studies curriculum is grounded in themes of Social Impact, Sustainability, Discovery, and Reflection. We will be looking at these areas from various historical and current day lenses. What does history mean in the context of today? What are the political, anthropological, and sociological narratives of our past that have led us to the present?
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at The Learning Common: Equal Balance
The Learning Common has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Learning Common says:
Our Social Studies curriculum is grounded in themes of Social Impact, Sustainability, Discovery, and Reflection. We will be looking at these areas from various historical and current day lenses. What does history mean in the context of today? What are the political, anthropological, and sociological narratives of our past that have led us to the present?
Foreign Languages
What The Learning Common 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 The Learning Common: Equal Balance
The Learning Common 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 What The Learning Common says:
We do not offer any specific courses in fine arts, however, the arts are woven throughout our curriculum and included in every unit of focus. Students will have access to teachings in dance, drama, music, visual arts, and design.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at The Learning Common: Medium integration
The Learning Common has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What The Learning Common says:
We believe that students need to be able to navigate the language of the computer both effectively and proficiently. This means reading, comprehension, and research skill development. Our students need to understand where information is coming from, why it's being made accessible, and how it can be used for their futures. Technical skills in computers and a virtual platform are fundamental to a young person's future.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What The Learning Common says:
Each day students have 2, 30 minute sessions of what we call motion learning. This includes walking, hiking, skipping, dancing, yoga, and exercise. Students retain 20% more information when they do some sort of physical activity before embarking on their learning. We have one session of motion learning in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at The Learning Common: Ontario curriculum
The Learning Common 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:
The Learning Common has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What The Learning Common says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about The Learning Common's languages of instruction and enrolment.
The Learning Common offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at The Learning Common: Student-paced
The Learning Common has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What The Learning Common says about their curriculum pace:
Our specialized teaching strategies and methodology meets the needs of individual learners. Through both formal and informal assessment we are able to identify gaps in knowledge and work systematically to remediate areas of weakness.
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 The Learning Common says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at The Learning Common: Supportive
The Learning Common has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What The Learning Common says about their academic culture:
Our academic culture is student-centred. We teach learners the hard and soft skills necessary for navigating a future of life-long learning where they will have to create their own value in the world. As educators, we inspire ideas and nurture creativity and innovation, however, we want students to gain autonomy over their educational experience and journey.
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 The Learning Common says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
The Learning Common is a Special needs school
Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.
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 The Learning Common says:
We specialize in providing effective remedial education for learners with exceptionalities such as Dyslexia, Aspergers, and ADHD/ADD. Our teachers are equipped with the strategies and approaches of Orton-Gillingham and understand how to create a positive and comfortable educational environment for students who are struggling 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: This information is not currently available.
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 The Learning Common says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
