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Villanova College ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Villanova College community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Villanova College: Traditional
Villanova College has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Villanova College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Villanova College is an independent, Catholic school committed to the Augustinian values of unitas, veritas and caritas - unity, truth and love. Since 1999, the School has prepared young men and women for university, for leadership and life. Villanova educates its students in a caring environment focused on academics, while maintaining a balance between spirituality, arts, athletics and community involvement. Villanova College is a tightly knit family that supports and challenges students in grades 4 to 12, as they become independent critical thinkers so that they may lead with integrity. Challenge, community, care and respect are key characteristics of our school.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Roman Catholic) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
If you want to learn more about Catholic education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Villanova College: Equal Balance
Villanova College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Villanova College says:
Students are exposed to advanced topics in mathematics to develop the ability to define problems, design investigations to gather data, organize data, draw conclusions and then apply understandings to new and novel situations. Students are exposed to advanced topics in mathematics and use computer programming, simulation, and control devices to explore in a rigorous manner and learn how to systematically and creatively solve problems.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
There are many mathematics activities that do have students using calculators, while there are other tasks/units where calculators are not permitted. It depends on the lesson at hand and the learning goals of the particular lesson.
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Early Reading
What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Villanova College: Equal balance
Villanova College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Villanova College: Equal Balance
Villanova College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Villanova College: Equal Balance
Villanova College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Villanova College: Core Knowledge
Villanova College has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Villanova College: Equal Balance
Villanova College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Villanova College: Equal Balance
Villanova College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Villanova College: Creative
Villanova College 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 Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Villanova College: Heavy integration
Villanova College has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Villanova College says:
With our campus-wide wireless network, Villanova College is committed to developing and integrating technology to cultivate critical thinking skills, nurture creativity and enhance learning. All students use Edsby, a web-based Learning Management System with an integrated platform, to access course material, receive and submit assignments and collaborate with teachers and classmates. Parents are engaged in their child’s academic success and stay well connected and informed with on-line access to calendars, schedules, assignment deadlines and information regarding extra-curricular programs and school events. Students from grades 7 – 12 participate in our wireless Windows-based laptop program, while mobile labs are dedicated to students in grades 4 - 6.\nOur Educational Technology plan continues to emphasize the development of organizational skills, technological literacy, and the use of project based learning. Classrooms are digitally equipped to be interactive and we continue to explore the best educational resources including e-texts, OneNote, and specialized software.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Villanova College says:
Villanova College has specialist Physical Education educators teaching each grade in the school. Every child in grades 4-9 are required to take physical education as one of their eight courses. In grades 10-12, physical education is an optional course. In all grades, we strive to develop lifelong skills such as sportsmanship, fair play, accountability, the ability to work with others effectively, the ability to lead others in a positive manner, the ability to perform at one\'s best, and the ability to enjoy athletic activities.
Religious Education
What Villanova College says:
As a member of our Catholic community, each student, no matter what his/her religious conviction, must take religion classes as part of his/her academic preparation. Religious instruction is a scholastic discipline with the same systematic demands and rigour as other courses. Far from an accessory, religious instruction presents the Christian message and the Christian event in an engaging and inter-disciplinary manner. The presentation of the Christian message influences the way in which the origins of the world, the sense of history, the basis of ethical values, the function of religion in culture, the destiny of [humankind] and [their] relationship with nature, are understood. Through inter-disciplinary dialogue religious instruction underpins, activates, develops and completes the educational activity of the school.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics 2
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Chemistry
- AP English Literature and Composition
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Villanova College: Not Ontario curriculum
Villanova College has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Villanova College has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]Villanova College has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What Villanova College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Villanova College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Villanova College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Villanova College: Accelerated
Villanova College has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Villanova College says about their curriculum pace:
Through our STEM and Advanced Placement program students are delivered a challenging, hands-on, project based curriculum that integrates industry software with classroom data collection and control devices to teach science, technology, engineering and math concepts through real world problems.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Villanova College says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Villanova College: Rigorous
Villanova College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Villanova College says about their academic culture:
At Villanova College students are challenged to discern and develop their interests and strengths with the personal attention and support of a caring faculty who are committed to seeing their students succeed at the post-secondary level and beyond. We provide a rigorous academic program that exceeds Ministry of Education expectations and emphasizes skill development. This educational philosophy gives our students an academic advantage as Villanova graduates consistently gain entrance to their preferred universities and experience success in elite university programs.\n
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
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 Villanova College says about their developmental priorities:
Villanova College is an independent, Catholic school committed to the Augustinian values of unitas, veritas and caritas, meaning unity, truth and love. Since 1999, the School has prepared young men and women for university, for leadership and for life. Villanova educates its students in a caring environment focused on academics while maintaining a balance between spirituality, arts, athletics and community involvement.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Villanova College offers Resource Assistance
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Villanova College says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Villanova College students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova College | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Villanova College says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 4 to Gr. 12 |
