Trinity College School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Traditional
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies : Core Knowledge
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Advanced Placement courses: 26 courses
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: No Support
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Traditional
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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    Curriculum approach at Trinity College School: Traditional

    Trinity College School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 43%
      Liberal arts - 18%
      Progressive - 27%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 1%
    

    What Trinity College School says: As our families and students appreciate, a high school diploma is only the beginning step towards achieving long-term goals of post-secondary education and career advancement. Our academic program is an opportunity for our students to show that they are capable of managing deadlines and completing specific tasks, which are important skills for any post-secondary program. Academic programming has been carefully designed to prepare students for the challenges of university study, and the wide range of courses, in addition to the School’s emphasis upon learning skills and a personal approach to learning, reinforce our compelling academic vision. We strive to provide opportunities to bring out the very best in every TCS learner by helping students balance their individual aptitudes, the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and university admission requirements. 

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at Trinity College School: Traditional Math

      Trinity College School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Traditional Math?]

      Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional math - 28%
        Discovery math - 3%
        Equal balance - 69%
      

      What Trinity College School says: Although TCS primarily takes a traditional approach to mathematics, critical thinking and the application of concepts and skills is emphasized in each course and at each grade level. Mathematics teachers are highly collaborative and develop course lessons and materials in teams. Students are also expected to work collaboratively and learn the importance of practice, critique and revision when working toward mastery. Students may avail themselves of a variety of learning supports including the use of the ‘Math Learning Center’ which is open to students throughout the academic day and three evenings each week. The use of technology (including graphing calculators, online interactive graphing tools and video lessons) is embedded in daily lessons and on assessments. Students with a passion for mathematics are encouraged to challenge themselves by sitting the University of Waterloo mathematics contests that run throughout the academic year.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: Mathematics courses primarily use the McGraw-Hill Ryerson published textbooks, designed for the Ontario curriculum. Some exceptions include AP Calculus (Stewart. Single Variable Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 7th edition) and AP Statistics (Bock, Velleman, De Veaux, STATS Modeling the World, 4th Edition).

      Calculator policy: Students are required to use the Ti-84 series of graphing calculators. Students learn course specific calculator skills during lessons and may use them on assessments, including the final exam. Calculators with ‘QWERTY’ keyboards are not permitted.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at Trinity College School: Equal balance

      Trinity College School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

      [Show: About Equal balance?]

      Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 82%
        Systematic approach - 10%
        Process approach - 8%
      

      What Trinity College School says: At TCS, writing is used to harness and develop the power of self-expression. Texts studies serve as models for students’ own writing and to stimulate their creative faculties. There is a focus across disciplines on using language with precision and clarity, and incorporating stylistic devices appropriately and effectively. For example, in the AP Language & Composition course, students not only deconstruct the rhetorical and literary merit of pieces, but learn how to craft their own compelling arguments. In the lower grades we specifically teach grammar and vocabulary is taught through literature.

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at Trinity College School: Equal Balance

      Trinity College School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 73%
        Expository - 5%
        Inquiry - 22%
      

      Teaching approach: The science program at TCS has been developed such that students learn the essential content and skills that will prepare them for the challenges of the next grade level, beginning from Grade 9 and leading to AP courses. Grade 9 and 10 science classes introduce students to the disciplines of chemistry, physics and biology and explore the interrelationships between science, technology, society and the environment. There is a focus on student-directed approaches to inquiry to give them greater ownership in the experimental process and collaboration with lab peers. The importance of fair, unbiased experimental designs to test hypotheses is underscored, as is the proper graphing and written form of displaying and explaining data. Grade 11 and 12 science students will continue to refine these skills as they engage with more in-depth content. Problem solving and analysis skills are emphasized in order to further develop their critical thinking.

      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 Equal Balance
      Literature approach at Trinity College School: Equal Balance

      Trinity College School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 77%
        Traditional - 20%
        Social justice - 3%
      

      What Trinity College School says: English courses at Trinity College School are designed to enhance students’ abilities to critically analyze and appreciate literature through the study of a wide array of novels, plays, poems, and short stories. Students focus not only on what a literary text means but also how a text conveys that meaning. Students are taught to use academic language coherently and confidently as well as to select reading strategies best suited to particular texts and particular purposes for reading. Our courses are thematically based and expose students to works ranging from the Elizabethan era to the 21st Century. Unique opportunities offered in our department include a Grade 10 cross-curricular English and History Travel Education course; AP Language and Composition; AP Literature and Composition; and a selection of Grade 12 courses that focus on a common subject, including Holocaust Literature, African Literature, Middle Eastern Literature, and Alienation Literature.

    • Social Studies Core Knowledge
      Social Studies approach at Trinity College School: Core Knowledge

      Trinity College School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).

      [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

      Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Core knowledge - 42%
        Expanding communities - 26%
        Thematic - 32%
      

      What Trinity College School says: In addition to teaching course content, a particular focus in our social studies curriculum is helping our students to be knowledgeable and discerning consumers of information, including both online and textual resources. Students are taught specific skills for developing and refining research questions. We also work to develop proper research techniques and skills for verifying and authenticating online information. Students are also given various opportunities to communicate their knowledge, in spoken, written and multimedia formats.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Trinity College School: Equal Balance

      Trinity College School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 85%
        Perennialism - 6%
        Pragmatism - 9%
      

      What Trinity College School says: The delivery of the social sciences and humanities at Trinity College School seeks an equal balanced approach between perennialism and pragmatism. Fostering a strong theoretical understanding of the relationship between politics, culture, and the economy offers a staging point to critically analyse the issues of the day from a Canadian and global context. Students have an opportunity to explore current public debates about social justice issues and social policy. They critically examine the links between economic and social class disparities; religion; human rights; race, racism, and anti-racism, gender and sexuality; health and education; and environmental concerns on a local and global level. Students receive a solid foundation in research methods and theories, building their analytical skills in order to properly prepare them to contribute to making the world a better place, which is in keeping with our mission.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at Trinity College School: Equal Balance

      Trinity College School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 64%
        Audio-lingual - 2%
        Communicative - 34%
      

      What Trinity College School says: Fluency in the languages and cultures studied at TCS is critical training for contemporary citizenship. Literacy is the aim, one that affords connection preparing students for the 21st century. Languages, both classical and modern, challenge students to blend critical thinking, analytical practices, and performative advocacy in ways that highlight the interplay of curricular application and extension. A variety of efforts are made to facilitate cross-disciplinary study stemming from student interest in topics that encourage collaborative, creative thinking using a cultural framework. Language is the tie that binds communities affording students the occasion both to learn how to speak and how to listen.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at Trinity College School: Creative

      Trinity College School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Creative?]

      Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Creative - 37%
        Receptive - 2%
        Equal balance - 61%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Trinity College School says: The Arts are driven by passion, imagination, creativity, discipline, energy, and joy. This is what we work with every day to produce artistic thought, feeling, and action through music, drama, and visual art. We love what we do and we do it well. Our students graduate with a life-long love of the arts and a deep understanding of culture and their place in it.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Trinity College School: Medium integration

      Trinity College School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

      [Show: About Medium integration?]

      Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Medium integration - 48%
        Light integration - 18%
        Heavy integration - 34%
      

      What Trinity College School says: The Computer Studies Department is partitioned into two streams, Communications Technology and Computer Science. Within each stream, students develop skills that allow them to explore the fundamentals and use of computers, and applications within, and apply their skills to produce varied and creative work. The Communications Technology stream emphasizes the creative process, and how technology aids in the development of unique products. Digital graphic design, photography, sound production and videography are the primary concepts of these courses, each implementing rigorous critique and focusing on the design life cycle. Within the Computer Science stream, students gain a deeper understanding of computers, and learn how computers can be manipulated to solve real-world problems. Areas of investigation include program design, computer hardware, algorithm analysis, big data, robotics, and electronics. While exploring these streams, students gain a better understanding of the power of computers, and learn to maximize their use in today’s world.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Trinity College School says: At TCS, health and physical education (HPE) is mandatory in grade nine. Courses are offered at all grade levels, including focus courses such as large group games (grade 10) and outdoor education (grade 11). Two grade twelve course options exist with Intro to Kinesiology, and Fitness Leadership. Teachers in the HPE department are experts in the field of healthy active living and many are high level coaches. More importantly, the teachers in HPE department are caring individuals, who strive to see students achieve personal achievements, reach goals and have fun during the experience. The knowledge and skills acquired in HPE courses at TCS provides students with the physical literacy and health literacy they need to lead healthy, active lives.

    • Advanced Placement courses 26 courses
      AP Art History

      AP Music Theory

      AP Physics 1

      AP Physics 2

      AP Psychology

      AP Research (Second part of the AP Capstone program)

      AP Seminar (First part of the AP Capstone program)

      AP Statistics

      AP Spanish Language

      AP Studio Art: Drawing

      AP World History

      AP Biology

      AP Calculus AB

      AP Chemistry

      AP Chinese Language and Culture

      AP Computer Science A

      AP English Language and Composition

      AP English Literature and Composition

      AP Environmental Science

      AP European History

      AP French Language

      AP German Language

      AP Government and Politics: Comparative

      AP Japanese Language and Culture

      AP Latin

      AP Microeconomics
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Trinity College School: Ontario curriculum

      Trinity College School has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      Trinity College School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What Trinity College School says: TCS follows the Ontario curriculum, including healthy sexuality components. Our teachers are experienced in talking about the sensitive issues surrounding sexual health and well-being. Modern issues affecting teens are often complex and need to be discussed in a safe and inclusive environment. The TCS community is an open and inclusive community, this extends to our practices as educators in the classroom.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at Trinity College School: Standard-enriched

    Trinity College School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Accelerated - 17%
      Student-paced - 25%
    

    What Trinity College School says: TCS is proud to be one of the first schools in Canada selected to offer the innovative Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma™, a two-year program of study for Grade 11 and 12 students that focuses on critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, and research skills in a cross-curricular context.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	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 Trinity College School says about flexible pacing: With an average class size of 15 students, TCS provides a highly personal approach to learning. Students are supported inside and outside the classroom with dedicated faculty and substantial extra-help opportunities. All Senior School courses have a robust online learning management system to support student achievement.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at Trinity College School: Rigorous

    Trinity College School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About Rigorous?]

    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 51%
      Supportive - 49%
    

    What Trinity College School says: Trinity College School offers a broad and rigorous curriculum in which students may concentrate in areas of personal interest. At TCS, education is collaborative, rich in discussion, and writing-intensive. We believe that learning is an active process that fosters habits of the heart and mind while challenging all students to communicate effectively and to think both critically and creatively.

  • Developmental priorities Balanced
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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    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 Trinity College School says: TCS has always been keenly involved in character development, as reflected in our mission, “developing habits of the heart and mind for a life of purpose and service.” Given the challenges facing our planet today, we know our students will be called upon to lead their communities, their colleagues, their cause and, in some cases, their countries. If we are to best prepare our students to meet these challenges, we must inspire them to become leaders of character, purpose and vision.

  • Special needs support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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    What Trinity College School says about their special need support: Students with clinically diagnosed learning disabilities can be successful at Trinity College School if they do not require modifications to the curriculum and if they are engaged learners willing to accept strategies and supports from their teachers. Generally, these students have LDs that are moderate in nature. Students who surface as having academic challenges while at Trinity College School, are provided with additional academic assistance, learning seminars, and strategies. If initial supports do not improve the status of student achievement, the school may recommend a full psycho-educational assessment to investigate the nature of the academic challenge.

    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

    ---

    Summary: Students with Identified Learning Disabilities (full psycho-educational assessment no more than 3 years old) or other diagnosed needs, are supported through additional support programs such as Learning Strategies Courses, or Academic Support periods. Their test/exam accommodations are based on the recommendations in the psycho-educational assessment. They may include; Extended time, use of a laptop or scribe, alternative, distraction-reduced environment or additional breaks. TCS does not modify the curriculum.

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (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.

      Dyscalculia

      This 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.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This 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 Deficit

      A 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.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers 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 Syndrome

      On 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 syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This 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 syndrome

      This 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.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled 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 Depression

      This 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 anxiety

      This 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 thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This 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.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This 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 palsy

      his 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 dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This 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.

      Blindness

      Visual 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."

      Deafness

      Hearing 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 Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support No Support
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

    ---

    Dedicated gifted programs:

    Program	offered
    Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
    Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

    Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

    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 Trinity College School says: At TCS, students who are diagnosed ‘Gifted’ through a psycho-educational assessment, are not provided specific program modifications, rather they are encouraged to explore extended, enriched, pre-AP/AP courses, and the AP Capstone Diploma. It is felt that TCS’ broad, comprehensive, and extended curriculum provide challenging opportunities for students of all abilities.

  • Language English
    Trinity College School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

    ---

    In grade Gr. 12, Trinity College School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    Trinity College School	30 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	120 mins
    Site Average	35 mins	40 mins	53 mins	57 mins	69 mins	80 mins	97 mins	106 mins

    This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

    What Trinity College School says about their flipped classroom policy: Students have access to robust, online learning materials from their teachers through the School’s learning management system. For example, in mathematics, teachers have created course-specific training videos that students can watch to solidify understanding of key concepts.

  • Report Card Policy
    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

    ---

    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12
    Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12

• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

  ---

  What Trinity College School says:

  • TCS athletics offers both competitive and recreational programs. The competitive program consists of 18 sports with 46 teams while the recreational program consists of racquet sports (badminton and squash), outdoor games (basketball, road hockey, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, beach volleyball, cricket), fitness activities, gymnastics and equestrian. Competitive teams play in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and in recent years a number of teams have had success both at the CISAA championships and OFSAA; Sr Boys Rugby- CISAA Gold Medalists 2015, CAIS Champions 2015, Jr Boys Hockey- CISAA Silver Medalists 2015, Swimming- CISAA Women's Champions 2015, 14 OFSAA medals 2012-2015, Tennis- Girls CISAA Champions 5 out of past 10 years, 4 OFSAA medals in past three years, Cross Country- CISAA Men's Champions 2013, Badminton- CISAA COED Champions 2014 and 2015, Volleyball- Sr Girls CISAA Champions 2009 and 2010, OFSAA Bronze Medalists 2010

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 22
  Recreational sports: 19

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

  ---

  Clubs offered

  Trinity College School offers 25 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

  ---

  Day Boarding (Domestic) Boarding (International)

   

  	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$25,750		$27,250		$36,000
  Boarding (Domestic)					$45,000	$59,750
  Boarding (International)					$68,500

  
  

  What Trinity College School says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	5 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	33%
  Average aid package size	$20,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	33%
  Total aid available	$2,500,000

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline  (Repeats annually)

  More information:

  https://www.applefinancialservices.ca/

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  TCS awards over $3 million dollars in financial assistance annually. The majority of this budget is awarded in the form of “need-based” bursaries to families who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of attending TCS. To be considered, families need to complete a financial assistance application with Apple Financial Services, an independent third-party. Apple Financial will provide the School with an unbiased evaluation of an applicant’s financial resources and ability to fund their child’s education. Senior School students may receive a bursary amount of up to 50% of annual tuition. Junior School students may receive a bursary amount of up to 25% of annual tuition. The annual financial assistance budget is fixed, and during the course of the year it becomes exhausted as bursaries are granted. The sooner a family completes an application with Apple Financial Services, the better the chance of receiving financial assistance. Families will be required to complete the Financial Application process each year. The student’s performance both academically and as a citizen of the School will also be considered. For more information on the bursary program at TCS, please click here. To complete your application with Apple Financial Services and be considered for a need-based bursary

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  • Canadian Families Boarding Incentive ProgramOther
    Amount: $57,000

    Deadline: Rolling

    ---

    Eligibility Details: Students grade 9—

    TCS offers a $57,000 incentive for all Canadian boarding students entering Grade 9.

    For more details, visit:www.tcs.on.ca/canadianboarding
    

  • Cirne National ScholarshipsAcademic
    Amount: $50,000

    Deadline: 02/09/2018

    ---

    Eligibility Details: —

    The scholarship is merit-based and includes full-tuition for the duration of the recipients’ studies in the boarding school program at TCS. 

    
    
• Enrolment
  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 5 to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	290
  Group 2	Gr. 9 to Gr. 12	Coed	Boarding	280

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	570
  Average class size	12 to 16
  % of international students (total enrolment)	30%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	45
  Five-day boarding program offered	No
  % in boarding (grade-eligible)	37%

  Student Distribution:

  	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	13	19	29	43	93	116	138	133
  Boarding Enrollment					48	70	81	82
  Class Size	15	15	15	14	15	15	14	14

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

  ---

  Application

  Admissions Assessments:

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		5 - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		5 - 12
  Entrance Essay

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: Rolling
  Boarding students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: N/A

  ---

  Fees:

  Application fee: N/A
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What Trinity College School says:

  Admission Requirements

  Admission to TCS is based on:

  • The candidate's academic record.
  • The candidate's performance on our aptitude tests or the SSAT.
  • The School's assessment of the candidate's character.

  How to Apply

  There are eight essential pieces of information that must be received by the School before a candidate's file will be considered for admissions:

  1. Online Parent Questionnaire
  2. Student Questionnaire
  3. Current Teacher Recommendation
  4. Personal Recommendation
  5. Two School Reports (the most recent school report and the final report for the previous year)
  6. Application Fee $150 (Click here for the Credit Card Authorization Form)
  7. SSAT or OLSAT Aptitude Test (can be done online)
  8. Personal Interview, preferably in person but can be conducted by phone or online

  Send to:

  Admissions Office
  Trinity College School
  55 Deblaquire Street North
  Port Hope, ON, L1A 4K7
  Canada

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 75%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day Boarding
  

  ---

  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	16 - 18 (100%)	0	10 - 15 (100%)	0	15 - 20 (100%)	0	0	0
  Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate)					35 - 40 (75%)	25 - 30 (75%)	20 - 25 (60%)	4 - 8 (40%)

  Type of student Trinity College School is looking for:
  Trinity College School take a holistic view during the admissions process to determine a candidates suitability for our program in an effort to determine fit in three broad categories, academics, extra curriculars and community. Applicants that can demonstrate that they will thrive in our challenging university program, participate in athelitcs, arts and extra curricular programing as well as be a positive member of our caring community are likely to gain entry and thrive at TCS.
• University Placement
  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	126
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	24%
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	5

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  Queen's University															14%
  University of Toronto													12%
  Western University										9%
  Trent University								7%
  Wilfrid Laurier University					4%

  % of Graduates

  
  

  • Canada 20 universities
    • Acadia University
    • Bishop's University
    • Brock University
    • Carleton University
    • Concordia University
    • Dalhousie University
    • McGill University
    • McMaster University
    • OCAD University
    • Queen's University
    • Ryerson University
    • Trent University
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Guelph
    • University of Ottawa
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Waterloo
    • Western University
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • York University
  • International 16 universities
    • Chinese University of Hong Kong
    • Durham University
    • Erasmus University Rotterdam
    • Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
    • Newcastle University
    • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    • University College Dublin
    • University College London
    • University of Bristol
    • University of Edinburgh
    • University of Leeds
    • University of Liverpool
    • University of Mannheim
    • University of Queensland
    • University of St Andrews
    • University of Warwick

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • Trinity College School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Trinity College School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    41% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    14% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    22% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    10% - Applied Health Sciences
    0% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    8% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    13% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program
  University counseling

  What Trinity College School says:

  • Our five most popular university destinations this year were: Queen's, University of Toronto, Western, Trent and Wilfred Laurier
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

  ---

  Alumnus	Grad Year	Accomplishment
  Ian Binnie	1957	Puisne Justice (Associate Justice) of the Supreme Court of Canada
  William Bridges	1879	Major General for the Australian Army. Key to the establishment of Austrailia's Royal Military College. Served as Chief of General Staff. Killed in action in WWI.
  Edgar Bronfman, Sr.	1947	Businessman and noted philanthropist. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Bill Clinton, and the Legion of Honour from the Government of France.
  Peter Jennings	1956	Journalist and news anchor, dominating American evening news through ABC's "World News Tonight"
  Archibald Lampman	1879	The Canadian Encyclopedia says he is "generally considered the finest of Canada's late 19th-century poets in English."
  Yann Martel	1981	Man Booker Prize-winning author. Best known for "The Life of Pi", the #1 international bestseller made into a Hollywood movie.
  Mark McKinney	1977	Comedian and actor, best known for "The Kids in the Hall". Starred in Saturday Night Live.
  Lew Cirne	1988	Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur and tech pioneer. Founder and CEO of Wily Technology and, later, New Relic. Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Finalist (California).
  Peter Raymont	1968	Award-winning Canadian filmmaker and producer. His documentary, "Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Roméo Dallaire," won multiple awards, including a 2007 Emmy.
  Ian Brown	1972	Award-winning Canadian journalist and author.
  William Osler	1867	Physician and one of four founding professors of John Hopkins Hospital, (John Hopkins University School of Medicine).
  Charles Taylor	1949	Award-winning and internationally-studied analytic philosopher. Domestically, Taylor was influential in debates around Quebec nationalism.
  Ben Chapdelaine	1997	Quarterback for the McMaster University Marauders. Recipient of the Hec Creighton Trophy awarded to the most outstanding Canadian football player in Canadian University Sport.
  Sebastian Goulet	1989	Canadian national swim team member and former captain of the Syracuse University varsity swim team.
  Sydney Kidd	2010	Member of the Western University women's varsity hockey team which won the CIS national championship in 2015. Currently rostered with the New York Riveters of the NWHL.
  Kyle Nichols	1994	Canadian national rugby team member from 1996-2002. Played in 27 international matches scoring a total of 10 tries.
  Toni Soderholm	1997	Long time European professional hockey player from Helsinki, Finland. Won a silver medal with the Finnish national team at the 2007 IIHF world championships in Moscow.
  Samantha Widmer	2004	An eight time Cayman Islands national golf champion, she also won a coveted America’s trophy at the Junior British Open (2001).

• Principal's Message
  Stuart K. C. Grainger, Headmaster

  MBA, MEd, BEd

  For more than 140 years, Trinity College School (TCS) has been internationally recognized for excellence in educating young people. It is no surprise that our challenging and encouraging environment has helped TCS graduates gain entrance to top universities around the world, and that our alumni are leaders in their communities. But this is just half the story.

  TCS has always been keenly involved in character development, as reflected in our mission, “developing habits of the heart and mind for a life of purpose and service.” Given the challenges facing our planet today, we know our students will be called upon to lead their communities, their colleagues, their cause and, in some cases, their countries. If we are to best prepare our students to meet these challenges, we must inspire them to become leaders of character, purpose and vision.

  At TCS we think that the quality of character determines the quality of leader. As such, we challenge our students to establish worthy goals and to act to good purpose. We cultivate integrity in our students. We encourage honest and constructive conduct. And, on the strength of our people, our programme and our place, we help to develop leaders who are broad-minded, intelligent, thoughtful and confident.

  If you are considering Trinity College School as a destination, I trust that this Web site will provide you with many of the details you desire.

  However, in order to truly experience the strong, supportive community that is TCS, I would like to extend an open invitation to visit us in person. I can promise you that the caring and energizing environment that we foster and enjoy will prove unique from any other school you may have visited.

  I very much look forward to welcoming you to campus.

  Sincerely,

  Stuart K.C. Grainger
  Headmaster

  
• In the News
  

  October 6, 2020
  TCS' long service employees honoured

  The Edwin Nash Garden honours the late Edwin Nash, TCS’s longest-serving employee (1920-1987).
  Read full article

  
  

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• Associations
  

  

  

  
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