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The Sterling Hall School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from The Sterling Hall School community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at The Sterling Hall School: Progressive
The Sterling Hall School has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive?]
What The Sterling Hall School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
In our inquiry-based learning environment, we develop the whole boy. We provide enrichment opportunities where appropriate and strategies for success for all of our students. Known by every member of the faculty and staff, each boy is supported in all aspects of school life as he develops and discovers his unique interests and love of learning. SHS’ low student-to-teacher ratio allows academic specialists to facilitate how your son learns best. At SHS, boys are taught to collaborate and create partnerships to enhance problem-solving abilities, social interactions and group learning, whether working through the steps of a challenging equation, brainstorming structural ideas or working with a teacher in the Guided Reading program. Small groups are proven to be highly effective and many classrooms are arranged in pods to ensure collaborative work is achieved. Assessment is integral to improving the educational experience. We provide boys with clear achievement markers to reach their goals. This enables student self-assessment and goal setting culminating in student-led conferences as boys pursue areas of passion and interest.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at The Sterling Hall School: Equal Balance
The Sterling Hall School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
We use an innovative approach based on Singapore Math in our Primary and Junior Divisions. Singapore Math is a teaching method based on Singapore’s national math curriculum. It is designed to connect math learning to a great variety of learners and its framework focuses on an in-depth understanding of essential math skills with a special emphasis on problem solving. The program emphasizes mastery of foundational skills on the well-tested assumption that higher levels of math learning require a students’ deeper understanding of math as a basis of success. Singapore’s three step learning model of concrete, followed by visual representation, followed by the more abstract (questioning and solving written equations) has become a finely tuned method for math learning in many educational jurisdictions worldwide.
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 The Sterling Hall School: Balanced Literacy
The Sterling Hall School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
Guided Reading has become a proven method of helping boys use and develop strategies to read with greater independence and fluency. Each boy in Grades 1 – 3 receives direct support from a reading teacher as he reads and processes texts at increasingly challenging levels of difficulty. Reading teachers work with small groups of boys ( 6 or 8 boys) reading at a similar ability. Guided reading tends to deliver greater enjoyment of reading over the long term, because it helps boys to construct meaning from what they read and to master an understanding of increasingly complex words and grammatical structures. Interaction with their teacher and reading peers keeps boys' confidence with reading intact and evolving as they learn.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What The Sterling Hall School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at The Sterling Hall School: Equal balance
The Sterling Hall School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at The Sterling Hall School: Equal Balance
The Sterling Hall School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Boys revel in our active, hands-on inquiry - a mainstay of Sterling Hall School science curriculum. Experiences are enhanced by adhering to a scientific method, in which boys become increasingly autonomous through their years at our school. Their experiential learning is deepened through a strong foundation in science concepts and thought. In addition to traditional classroom experiences, our boys enjoy the use of project-based learning challenges, opportunities for group and independent research and learning through experiments. Through innovative academic practices and boy-focussed programming, students are inspired and empowered to engage deeply in the sciences. We know that boys need to have strong relationships with their teachers in order to learn. Old Boys have even come back to SHS in their free time to pursue independent inquiry projects, accessing the resources of beloved teachers and our up-to-date learning environments and tools.\n
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 Sterling Hall School: Equal Balance
The Sterling Hall School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
Guided Reading has become a proven method of helping boys use and develop strategies to read with greater independence and fluency. Each boy in Grades 1 – 3 receives direct support from a reading teacher as he reads and processes texts at increasingly challenging levels of difficulty. Reading teachers work with small groups of boys ( 6 or 8 boys) reading at a similar ability. Guided reading tends to deliver greater enjoyment of reading over the long term, because it helps boys to construct meaning from what they read and to master an understanding of increasingly complex words and grammatical structures. Interaction with their teacher and reading peers keeps boys\' confidence with reading intact and evolving as they learn.
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 Sterling Hall School: Expanding Communities
The Sterling Hall School has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
Conceptual understandings learned through the social sciences are universally experienced by students through their years at SHS. Continuity and change, historical significance, ethics, perspective, cause and consequence and factual evidence are lenses through which our students experience and learn about their own communities and those around the globe. Our boys enjoy learning engagements that ignite their curiosity and require them to practice critical and creative thinking in social studies. Sterling Hall boys are ignited by the opportunity to engage in relevant, age-appropriate issues and share learning with authentic audiences. SHS boys are known for their exemplary community citizenship, a key criteria in how and what they learn in social studies. It is not unusual to find boys taking action from their learning and reaching out into their community to help. \n
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at The Sterling Hall School: Equal Balance
The Sterling Hall School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at The Sterling Hall School: Equal Balance
The Sterling Hall School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
We provide engaging second language instruction suitable for the age and stage of each boy. In JK - Grade 5, students benefit from oral repetition in which they participate actively and receive immediate feedback. Using the Accelerated Integrative Method (AIM), students build a foundation through role play, dramatizations, rehearsal of gestures and related vocabulary. This active method of learning a second language that mimics first language development increases risk taking, a skill that leads to greater language acquisition. Boys further develop their thinking and communication in the Grade 6-8 French program. In addition to explicit grammar instructions, they enthusiastically debate, role play, and collaborate on projects and presentations for authentic audiences. Throughout the years of study, SHS students are encouraged to communicate only in French. Technology enhances learning, providing access to the greater French community. Our goal is to develop our students’ love and appreciation for language learning.
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 Sterling Hall School: Creative
The Sterling Hall School 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 The Sterling Hall School says:
Unique to our school, our Visiting Artists Program offers Sterling Hall boys the opportunity to meet, observe and interact with a professional Canadian artist. This interpersonal connection adds life to our curriculum and lets our students observe artistic excellence and achievement first-hand.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at The Sterling Hall School: Medium integration
The Sterling Hall School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What The Sterling Hall School says:
Our Athletics Program is specifically designed for boys in their formative years. Boys receive daily physical education as well as many co-curricular athletics opportunities. As a small school, we are able to offer athletics activities for each boy, from the newest player to the competitive athlete, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Boys of all skill levels can try a new sport, strive competitively and enjoy inclusive team play with classmates and friends. The main goals of our athletics program are to help boys develop physically, socially and emotionally, build positive relationships with their teachers and peers, develop a lifelong ability to make healthy lifestyle choices and foster a love for physical activity.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at The Sterling Hall School: Ontario curriculum
The Sterling Hall 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:
The Sterling Hall School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What The Sterling Hall School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at The Sterling Hall School: Academic
The Sterling Hall School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What The Sterling Hall School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Kindergarten is the beginning of an exciting learning journey for children and their families. We welcome our youngest learners by offering a safe, supportive and stimulating environment in the Kindergarten classrooms. This is a time of discovery, growth and wonder when we foster independence, self-help skills, confidence and a love for learning. The foundational program follows a rigorous curriculum to ensure that students are well-prepared for entry into Grade 1 while also providing opportunities for learning through play-based exploration and inquiry. Students engage in activities that are hands-on and that offer opportunities for differentiated learning.
Language
Learn about The Sterling Hall School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
The Sterling Hall 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 The Sterling Hall School: Standard-enriched
The Sterling Hall School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What The Sterling Hall School says about their curriculum pace:
We provide a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, and innovative academic practices that are geared to how boys learn. We equip boys with the learning skills, work habits and academic strengths they need to succeed in their educational careers and beyond.
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 Sterling Hall School says about their flexible pacing:
With our focus on individual attention to accommodate different learning styles, The Sterling Hall School provides every opportunity for students to be successful. Academic Success helps students with varying abilities achieve their academic goals.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at The Sterling Hall School: Rigorous
The Sterling Hall School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What The Sterling Hall School 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.
What The Sterling Hall School says about their developmental priorities:
Our core value of Sterling Character states that we value and develop confidence and resilience, kindness and respect, with the courage to advocate for oneself and for others. We aim to instil in each of our graduates a strong moral and performance character that will equip him to be a capable contributor and leader within his communities and an outstanding world citizen.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
The Sterling Hall School offers No support
The Sterling Hall School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or 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 |
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 Sterling Hall School says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, The Sterling Hall School students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sterling Hall School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What The Sterling Hall 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 |
|---|---|
| Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 8 |
