Unisus School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
    • Mathematics: Equal Balance
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Inquiry
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies : Thematic
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Creative
    • Computers and Technology: Heavy integration
    • Physical Education:
    • IB Diploma courses: 19 courses
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Not British Columbia curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Play-based
  • Curriculum Pace: Student-paced
  • Academic Culture: Supportive
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate
    [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 Unisus (IB World) School: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    Unisus (IB World) School has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

    Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Progressive - 28%
      Traditional - 42%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Montessori - 10%
      Reggio Emilia - 1%
      Waldorf - 2%
    

    Unisus (IB World) School has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary curriculum.

    Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

    What Unisus (IB World) School says: Our program: STEAM focused education Our trans-disciplinary focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) will prepare our students to take on leadership roles driving change and innovation. Inquiry-based curriculum We believe our students should have strong foundational skills. They should be global minded and collaborative thinkers. It is also important for our students to express their creativity and pursue their curiosity. Our approach: Our interdisciplinary inquiry based approach to learning is enabled by application of proven state-of-the-art technology to learning. Students are inspired to learn and to excel in areas of interest. As part of our effort to educate global thinkers and leaders, competency in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese will allow our students to communicate with over 90% of the global population. We offer these languages starting from kindergarten. Unisus School a fully approved International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme school and IB Diploma Programme School. We are currently awaiting full designation for our MYP Programme but teach in this capacity.

    International Baccalaureate offered:

    Program	offered
    Primary Years
    Middle Years
    Diploma program
    Career-related program

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Equal Balance
      Mathematics approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Equal Balance

      Unisus (IB World) School has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 66%
        Traditional math - 30%
        Discovery math - 4%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: We stress on problem-solving techniques but also use traditional approach to help solve math problems

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Balanced Literacy

      Unisus (IB World) School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

      [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

      Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 56%
        Phonics-intensive - 42%
        Whole language - 2%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: Phonics is used in the lower grade while we use whole language reading program in the high school years.

      DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Equal balance

      Unisus (IB World) 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 - 83%
        Systematic approach - 9%
        Process approach - 8%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: We focus on basic writing skill as well as creative writing.

    • Science Inquiry
      Science approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Inquiry

      Unisus (IB World) School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Inquiry?]

      Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Inquiry - 23%
        Expository - 5%
        Equal balance - 72%
      

      Teaching approach: We used IB framework to teach science well discovery and research are important aspect of learning.

      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 Unisus (IB World) School: Equal Balance

      Unisus (IB World) 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 - 19%
        Social justice - 4%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: We emphasis social justice but the curriculum also touche on contemporary and classic literature.

    • Social Studies Thematic
      Social Studies approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Thematic

      Unisus (IB World) School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

      [Show: About Thematic?]

      The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Thematic - 30%
        Core knowledge - 43%
        Expanding communities - 27%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: IB PYP and MYP program emphasis on theme-based units of inquiry learning.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Equal Balance

      Unisus (IB World) 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 - 84%
        Perennialism - 6%
        Pragmatism - 10%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: IB framework emphasis on both perennialism and pragmatism learning

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Equal Balance

      Unisus (IB World) 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 - 65%
        Audio-lingual - 2%
        Communicative - 33%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: Balance approach is the most effective way to learn foreign language.

    • Fine Arts Creative
      Fine Arts approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Creative

      Unisus (IB World) 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 - 36%
        Receptive - 2%
        Equal balance - 62%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: Our mission is to foster creative thinker and therefore art is one subject where students can freely express their creativity.

    • Computers and Technology Heavy integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Heavy integration

      Unisus (IB World) School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Medium integration approach).

      [Show: About Heavy integration?]

      A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Heavy integration - 33%
        Light integration - 19%
        Medium integration - 48%
      

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: In our high school program, all students are required to own an ipad air as their technology tool. Programs and applications are taught where students gain skill in coding, robotics, animation, VR and AR.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Unisus (IB World) School says: Physical Ed integrates Outdoor Education in our program. We encourage students to be the stewart of our planet. We start our outdoor program as early as preschool age so that students enjoy the outdoor to balance their busy life. Our students are encouraged to complete the Duke of Edinburgh gold, silver, or bronze program. Archery is another sport we focused on so that students can compete nationally.

    • IB Diploma courses 19 courses
      Group 1 (Language A)

      • English Literature SL

      • English Literature HL

      Group 2 (Language B)

      • Spanish SL

      • Spanish HL

      • Spanish ab initio SL

      • Mandarin ab initio SL

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • Geography SL

      • History HL

      • Information Technology in a Global Society SL

      • Psychology SL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL

      • Chemistry HL

      • Biology SL

      • Biology HL

      • Physics SL

      • Design Technology SL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematical Studies SL

      • Mathematics SL

      Group 6 (The Arts)

      • Film SL
    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Not British Columbia curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Not British Columbia curriculum

      Unisus (IB World) School has a Not British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

      [Show: About Not British Columbia curriculum?]

      The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

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

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      Unisus (IB World) 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 Unisus (IB World) School says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • IB Diploma courses

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based
    [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

    Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Unisus (IB World) School: Play-based

    Unisus (IB World) School has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

    [Show: About Play-based?]

    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Play-based - 23%
      Montessori - 25%
      Waldorf - 3%
      Reggio emilia - 8%
      Academic - 41%
    

    What Unisus (IB World) School says: Pre-K OUTDOOR EDUCATION At our Pre-K Outdoor Education Programme, we believe that children are naturally resourceful, imaginative, intelligent, and inquisitive beings who thrive in a natural setting. Each day the children are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and our responsibilities related to its preservation. Children are provided with extended periods of time for working, playing and learning in a variety of areas of interest, thus creating an atmosphere that extends learning and encourages in-depth studies. By adapting to the natural pace of the children we allow them to explore their interests to the fullest.

  • Curriculum Pace Student-paced
    [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 Unisus (IB World) School: Student-paced

    Unisus (IB World) School has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).

    [Show: About Student-paced?]

    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Student-paced - 24%
      Standard-enriched - 59%
      Accelerated - 17%
    

    What Unisus (IB World) School says: Students are provided with extended periods of time for working, playing and learning in a variety of areas of interest, thus creating an atmosphere that extends learning and encourages in-depth studies. By adapting to the natural pace of the students we allow them to explore their interests to the fullest.

    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 Unisus (IB World) School says about flexible pacing: Learning at Unisus is personalized. Each student's learning plan is carefully tailored to the need and interests of each student with lesson planning guided by IB and BC Curriculum. IB takes the approach to teaching and learning to the next level.

  • Academic Culture Supportive
    [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 Unisus (IB World) School: Supportive

    Unisus (IB World) School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

    [Show: About Supportive?]

    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Supportive - 51%
      Rigorous - 49%
    

    What Unisus (IB World) School says: NURTURING A LOVE OF LEARNING AND CREATIVITY We instill a love of learning and encourage each student to express their creativity through the arts, music, and physical activity. We develop a spirit of inquiry and foster learning through strong sets of habits and skills, We teach students to know themselves; to be reflective, independent, At Unisus, student’s education is personally tailored to their unique abilities and interests.•, we provide innovative programs that blend inquiry and student-driven learning.

  • Developmental priorities Intellectual
    [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: Intellectual

    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    What Unisus (IB World) School says: The IB curriculum is renowned at post-secondary institutions worldwide. We offer an enriched environment with small classes, a personalized approach, and a STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) that integrates languages, arts and culture, technology and outdoor education. Balance of academics, sports, culture, outdoors and extracurricular Our innovative programs of inquiry and student-driven learning blend technology, arts and culture and the outdoors.

  • Special needs support No 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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    Unisus (IB World) School offers No support

    Unisus (IB World) School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    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

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    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 In-class adaptations
    [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.

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    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: 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 Unisus (IB World) School says: As an IB school focussing on inquiry based education, our teacher leaders offer great opportunities for gifted educational opportunities.

  • Language English
    Unisus (IB World) School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: This information is not currently available.
  • 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.

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    In grade Gr. 12, Unisus (IB World) School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    Unisus (IB World) School	0 mins	0 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	160 mins	160 mins
    Site Average	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	69 mins	80 mins	97 mins	107 mins

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

    What Unisus (IB World) School says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • 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. 8 to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	JK to Gr. 12
    Academic achievement reporting	JK to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	JK to Gr. 7

• 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 Unisus (IB World) School says:

  • Our sports academies are high performance based in Basketball, Hockey, Dance, and Skiing. We have multiple clubs, in Golf, Rock Climbing, and other sports based on interest.

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 6
  Recreational sports: 17

  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

  Unisus School offers 9 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 Day (Domestic) Boarding (Domestic: out of province) Boarding (International)

   

  	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$12,500							$15,500
  Day (Domestic)				$13,500
  Boarding (Domestic: out of province)								$43,950
  Boarding (International)								$51,500

  
  

  What Unisus (IB World) School says about their tuition: Boarding and tuition are priced as one unit, covering highest quality farm fresh food, evening and weekend activities, 24 hour/7 day support and guidance. Education is provided by the highest quality staff, trained in the IB, often with international experiences. Teachers nurtured by our incredible administration, working with staff and students to provide greatest possible experience and success.

  ---

  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  2nd child (sibling)	all students	$500

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	1 to 11
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	10%
  Average aid package size	$3,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	30%
  Total aid available	$100,000

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline

  More information:

  www.unisus.ca

  Application Details:

  Please contact [email protected] for further information

  ---

  Merit based Scholarships

  • Community Action ServiceOther
    Amount: $5,000

    Deadline: 03/31/2020

    ---

    Eligibility Details: Students grade 8 to 10—

    Applicants are asked to apply and submit all report cards and recommendations and complete the assessment before making the application for a scholarship.  Please email [email protected] for further information.

     

    For more details, visit:www.unisus.ca
    

  • Well rounded with high academics and sportsAcademic
    Amount: $10,000

    Deadline: 03/31/2020

    ---

    Eligibility Details: Students grade 9 to 11—

    Applicants are asked to submit their application online along with their two years report card.  After the applicant completes the assessment and is admitted to Unisus, the applicant will apply for a scholarship.  Please email [email protected] for more information.

    For more details, visit:www.unisus.ca
    

  • Merit BasedSports
    Amount: 50%

    Deadline: Rolling

    ---

    Eligibility Details: Students grade 7 to 12—

    These merit based scholarships are for UNISUS students we feel that would add positively to the community and school.

    ---

    Application Details:

    Contact the school for more information at [email protected]

    For more details, visit:www.unisus.ca
    
• 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	JK to Gr. 12	Coed	Day	180
  Group 2	Gr. 8 to Gr. 12	Coed	Boarding	50

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	230
  Average class size	Varies
  % of international students (total enrolment)	15%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	8
  Five-day boarding program offered	Yes
  % in boarding (grade-eligible)	27%

  Student Distribution:

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	15	N/A	15	18	18	18	18	20	20	30	30	20	20	10
  Boarding Enrollment										5	10	10	10	5

• 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		PS - 11
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		K - 11
  Entrance Essay		7 - 11

  Application Deadlines:

  Day students: Rolling
  Boarding students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  ---

  Fees:

  Application fee: N/A
  Registration fee: $500
  Deposit: $500

  What Unisus (IB World) School says:

  Please visit www.unisus.ca and apply online.  All applicants will be date and time stamped.  As our classes are at capacity in many grades, only full applicants will be considered for the wait list if applicable.

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 70%

  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	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	15 (90%)	0	15 (95%)	5 (80%)	5 (80%)	5 (80%)	5 (80%)	4 (80%)	5 (80%)	5 - 10 (80%)	5 - 10 (70%)	5 - 10 (70%)	5 - 10 (60%)	2 - 5 (25%)
  Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate)										5 (80%)	5 - 10 (70%)	5 - 10 (70%)	5 - 10 (60%)	2 - 5 (25%)

  Type of student Unisus (IB World) School is looking for:
  We intake different types of students to make the class dynamic. We do not only look at academics but what makes each student special. Students who are excited and motivated to learn is what we are looking for.
• 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	N/A
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	N/A

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	N/A
  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)	N/A

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  This information is not currently available.

  Areas of Study

  • Unisus School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Unisus School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

  This information is not currently available.

  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
    14% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program	N/A
  University counseling

• Principal's Message
  Roger Marino, Head of School

  Masters in Education Leadership

  Unisus School was founded on the desire to create an exceptional learning institution in the heart of the Okanagan. Significant resources have been utilized to ensure that from the beginning, Unisus is offering a world-class curriculum with dedicated and engaged teachers. To grow a new school takes patience, but we are sure that within a few short years Unisus will be recognized as a top BC School. 

  This growth requires dedication and perseverance, but perhaps it is the early arrivals to the school who benefit the most. We are still small and we can pay a great deal of attention to each student’s needs. Every child is known by all the staff. There is a great sense of community – and an entrepreneurial spirit of families who are benefiting from the strong learning environment.

  The school is based on a few sound principles. First, our location and site create wonderful outdoor education opportunities. We will continue to develop this part of our curriculum so that students in all grades gain an appreciation of the environment and a sense of adventure as they try new activities.  

  Second, the collective experience of the founding team is rooted in the International Baccalaureate, the world’s top educational framework. We are on target to be fully authorized in all 3 programs in the shortest possible time: We are already a candidate school for both the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. We all believe that the overall philosophy of the IB provides us a global foundation.

  It is that international experience that is our third focus. Our Senior School will attract students from around the world, who will stay in a new and welcoming residence facility. They will learn using proven innovative strategies that pay attention to independence and engagement. We are developing partnerships with schools around the world so that our outlook goes well beyond Summerland. The mix of local and international students will create a unique global perspective. 

  You can also see that we are putting an emphasis on math, science, engineering and technology, while at the same time understanding that students need strong foundations in humanities and the arts. Indeed, the IB itself ensures that students have a well-balanced education.

  We believe that our mission is to prepare our students for an increasingly unknown future. We will create thinkers who can analyze information and determine what is useful, and what is not. Our graduates will have developed a personal and independent approach to their learning, and will be able to approach problems and issues from a variety of perspectives, and through critical and creative thinking, come up with inventive solutions. 

  All of this is in a very nurturing environment. All of us care about each and every student, and want to engage with parents as partners in this journey through primary and secondary education. 

  In the end, it is the quality of the teaching staff that makes the difference. We have been looking globally for the best teachers possible, and you will experience their special contributions on a daily basis. They have taught all around the world, and are trained as International Baccalaureate practitioners. The culture is collaborative and supportive, striving for excellence through constant reflection and commitment to modern approaches to teaching.

  We welcome you to explore this site, and contact us for a visit. We hope you will be part of this exciting journey.

  Dr. James McConnell

  
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