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The Sycamore School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at The Sycamore School: Liberal Arts
The Sycamore School has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Liberal Arts?]
What The Sycamore School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our progressive liberal arts program aims to deepen the learning experience while strengthening skills and exciting a passion for learning in a creative, collaborative environment. We focus on building opportunities for success and provide a stimulating intellectual environment where students can shape their academic goals. We work with family teams for anxious and stressed students and develop personalized academic plans for students experiencing school refusal that has compromised their success in traditional schools. The High School program, leading to the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) for which our school is authorized to grant credits on behalf of the Ministry of Education, is based on the courses offered toward the OSSD as outlined in the Ministry document entitled Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12, Policy & Program Requirements. Each course is presented in a manner that accommodates individual learning needs at a pace that supports student success.
Approach
| Focus | Special needs |
|---|---|
| Academic | Troubled Teens |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at The Sycamore School: Equal Balance
The Sycamore School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sycamore School says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Textbooks are used as reference, not followed as curriculum delivery systems.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are used as a tool; not as a crutch.
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Science
Science approach at The Sycamore School: Equal Balance
The Sycamore School 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 The Sycamore School: Equal Balance
The Sycamore School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sycamore School says:
Choices of Literature are based on individual choice with teacher approval of relevance to curriculum expectations. Current literature in all genre is explored. Reading, writing, analysis and thought are presented as means of enjoyment in learning.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at The Sycamore School: Equal Balance
The Sycamore School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sycamore School says:
Since student choice and interest is germane to the success of their learning experience, current thought and discovery is examined within the appropriate historical perspective. Content is explored through various lenses especially those of the indigenous peoples of the world.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at The Sycamore School: Communicative
The Sycamore School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What The Sycamore School says:
In response to student interest, many First Nations Languages may be offered. Oneida and Lunaape languages have been well received by First Nations and non First Nations students.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at The Sycamore School: Equal Balance
The Sycamore 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 The Sycamore School says:
Practicing artists become part of the teaching/guiding program in Visual Arts.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at The Sycamore School: Medium integration
The Sycamore School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What The Sycamore School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What The Sycamore School says:
Our Healthy Active Living Plan is focused on building opportunities for health and wellness that can last a lifetime. We approach fitness from an outdoor education platform that enables youth to engage with nature and creates a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom walls.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at The Sycamore School: Not Ontario curriculum
The Sycamore School 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:
The Sycamore School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What The Sycamore School says:
This education is offered as part of relevant curricula rather than a separate subject; students are free to open discussion in any class and with staff.
Language
Learn about The Sycamore School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
The Sycamore School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
The Sycamore 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.
The Sycamore School offers online courses to students.
What The Sycamore School says about their course flexibility:
Students may register at any time and must complete the course within 12 months. All students working toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma are required to complete 2 online courses as part of their graduation requirement.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year | 11 to 12 | 2 | Oct 01, 2022 — Aug 30, 2023 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What The Sycamore School says about their course format:
Distance: Students may choose to take the online courses offered at any time between September-August yearly.
Asynchronous: Day students may choose to be online for live-streamed class from 9am-3:30pm daily
Synchronous: Day students may choose to be in class from 9am-3:30pm daily
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 |
What The Sycamore School says about their academic support and services:
Dedicated teacher per course: All courses are available to be live-streamed in real time each day if students prefer learning from home.
Special needs support: These groups are arranged as requested and/or indicated by the teacher and/or students.
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at The Sycamore School: Student-paced
The Sycamore School has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
[Show: About Student-paced?]
What The Sycamore School says about their curriculum pace:
Students choose one course per semester; based on needs, their course may continue beyond the scheduled time and the teacher works privately with them to complete at their own pace and tailoring assignments to their learning style.
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 Sycamore School says about their flexible pacing:
Students may choose open prerequisite subjects from other grade levels based on interests and/or special abilities. Assignments and evaluation techniques are tailored to specific learning strengths; for example oral exams or quizzes or power point instead of essay.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at The Sycamore School: Supportive
The Sycamore School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
What The Sycamore School says about their academic culture:
Our aim is for our students to meet their graduation requirements at their own pace, within the expectations of Ontario Secondary School curriculum in a positive manner that is meaningful and memorable for the individual .
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: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What The Sycamore School says about their developmental priorities:
The Sycamore School's Trillium Teaching method has been designed to enable students to develop personal resilience, discernment and empathy so that they can bring a sense of purpose and strength to their future.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
The Sycamore School offers Full-time Dedicated Class
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
What The Sycamore School says about their special need support:
Accommodations: preferential seating, computer use, lighting alternative, reduced sensory stimuli if possible, Use of headphones/music when appropriate, Cue transitions, Breaks, Using timers/planners, self-monitoring Additional: Written/Verbal explanations, Visual cues, supportive peer placement, reduce/minimize distractions, address fragrance sensitivity, increase distance between desks, alternative workspace, direct instruction, simplified format, smaller, chunked amounts of work, repetition of information, scribing, note sharing, focus prompts, verbal/visual signals to begin, positive reinforcement, peer assistants, responses given privately, mind mapping, use graphic organizers, hands-on materials/activities, manipulatives, dramatization of information, note taking instruction, teacher modelling for notebook organization, active participation, acceptable alternatives; provision of video tutorials, extended time, alternative locations or formats, large print, one question per page, increased line spacing; Providing a designated reader, headphones/music, visual tracking tools , space to stand, recording devices to capture oral responses and encouraging verbal and/or graphic responses
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 Sycamore School says:
High school aged students typically may have previously diagnosed learning disabilities; The Sycamore School will refer students to an appropriate clinician for assessment and/or renewed assessment as indicated. The Sycamore School offers accommodations to students with learning disabilities who are able to work toward achievement of graduation requirements with minimal support. Small classes may be the support that individual students need.
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.
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 Sycamore School says about their gifted learner support:
The Sycamore School offers students the choice to design their own learning, assessment & evaluation of course expectations, to participate in early university course work where appropriate, and to integrate learning through interdisciplinary course design. Students may also choose to work with a university student mentor organized by the Sycamore School or to begin private lessons in areas of interest and/or ability.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, The Sycamore School students perform an average of 30 mins of homework per night.
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sycamore School | 0 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins |
| Site Average | 58 mins | 73 mins | 85 mins | 101 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What The Sycamore School says about their flipped classroom policy:
Students learn about the topic AT school and also do the "homework" AT school with teacher guidance. Occasionally at home they may be required to read or view supporting material.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
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 Sycamore School competitive and recreational sports information not available.
Clubs offered
The Sycamore School clubs and programs information not available.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: The Sycamore School
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