Unisus School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Summary
Curriculum
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).
Unisus (IB World) School has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary 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.
International curriculum & programs at Unisus (IB World) School: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Unisus (IB World) School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
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, and Spanish will allow our students to communicate with over 90% of the global population. We offer Spanish starting from junior 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 |
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Primary Years | |
Middle Years | |
Diploma program | |
Career-related program |
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
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?]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.
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Early Reading
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?]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.
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Writing
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?]What Unisus (IB World) School says:
We focus on basic writing skill as well as creative writing.
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Science
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?]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
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?]What Unisus (IB World) School says:
We emphasis social justice but the curriculum also touche on contemporary and classic literature.
Social Studies
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?]What Unisus (IB World) School says:
IB PYP and MYP program emphasis on theme-based units of inquiry learning.
Humanities and Social Sciences
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?]What Unisus (IB World) School says:
IB framework emphasis on both perennialism and pragmatism learning
Foreign Languages
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?]What Unisus (IB World) School says:
Balance approach is the most effective way to learn foreign language.
Fine Arts
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?]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
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?]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
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
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?]Approach to sex and health education:
Unisus (IB World) School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Unisus (IB World) School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
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).
What Unisus (IB World) School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Unisus IB World School Junior Kindergarten At UNISUS, we believe that igniting a love for learning and a passion for making a positive impact starts at the beginning of each child’s education. The structured, play-based approach of our Early Years Program encourages the natural wonder and curiosity in each child and introduces the youngest members of our UNISUS community to a lifelong journey of learning. The Early Years Program is currently available for learners ages 3 - 5 years.
Language
Learn about Unisus School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Unisus (IB World) School offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: This information is not currently available.
Online Learning
Unisus School's online learning approach and offerings. Learn about this school's online programs and courses offered, its course formats, and its teaching and learning approaches.
Unisus School offers online courses to students.
Course format
Type | Offered |
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Distance | |
Asynchronous | |
Synchronous |
Academic support and services
Type | Offered |
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Dedicated teacher per course | |
Exam proctoring | |
Student progress tracker | |
Regular office hours | |
Additional support | |
Study groups | |
Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
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).
What Unisus (IB World) School says about their curriculum pace:
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
Type | Offered |
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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 their 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
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).
What Unisus (IB World) School says about their academic culture:
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
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 about their developmental priorities:
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
Unisus (IB World) School offers No support
Unisus (IB World) School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
Type | Offered |
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Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
Type | Offered |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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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 about their gifted learner support:
As an IB school focussing on inquiry based education, our teacher leaders offer great opportunities for gifted educational opportunities.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Unisus (IB World) School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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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 | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins | 73 mins | 85 mins | 101 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Unisus (IB World) School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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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 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Unisus School offers 2 competitive sports and 20 recreational sports.
- Archery
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cross-country skiing
- Cycling
- Downhill skiing
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Martial Arts
- Mountain biking
- Running
- Sailing
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
Unisus School offers 19 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Unisus (IB World) School says about their extracurricular activities:
- CREATIVITY Create, make, design, write, choreograph, organize, and implement. The Arts are an integral element to nurture creativity and the advancement of cognitive function. We provide rich visual and performing arts experiences to develop artistic skills and creative expression for students in all grades.
- Unisus offers a robust after school activity program called C.A.S.E. - Creativity, Activity, Leadership Through Service and Enrichment The UNISUS school C.A.S.E. program takes our students on an enriched and challenging journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to pursue their passions and interests, both as an individual and in a team setting. Students have the opportunity to discover and deepen their talents and interests outside the classroom through a broad range of after-school activities designed to complement and extend the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Activities offered each term will enrich students' lives by strengthening their creative and analytical thinking, aesthetic sense, physical development, social interaction, and leadership skills. C.A.S.E. is open to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
- ACTIVITY Move, play, elevate, persevere, and grow. We affirm the development of each student's intellectual and physical aspirations through a comprehensive/growing athletic program. Our student-athletes become skilled goal-oriented team players through discovery and display of physical effort, sport and physical skill development, and time management of studies and athletic activities (which also has positive impacts on academic achievement)
- LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE Support, help others, teach, communicate, build awareness, and raise funds. We challenge students to develop new skills, learn more about themselves, and make a difference in the communities in which they live and learn through: Students focus on questions of perception rather than the specifics of geography or language by exploring multiple ways knowledge can be combined, comprehended, and applied in the world. Taking on roles as leaders, collaborators, or mentors within individual initiatives or school or community organizations, students learn about various needs and disparities, both locally and globally, and learn how to best take action. Communication, organization, and collaboration skills are all benefits of leadership through service.
- ENRICHMENT Elevate, evolve, question, experience, and amplify. Our enriched approach to education offers various activities in and out of the classroom, providing focus and encouragement through: Experiential learning: Classrooms are a foundation for learning, giving students the tools to build and apply. Hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom solidify and extend the concepts taught in the classroom. Active engagement: Students receive the means to enhance social interaction, self-confidence, and leadership.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Unisus School
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