Webtree Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Webtree Academy: Traditional
Webtree Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Webtree Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Webtree., we strive to provide our students with the necessary language, academic, and technological skills required for students to achieve their educational and personal goals as well as being successful in post-secondary studies. Additionally, we aim to assist our students to not only better immerse them into Canadian cultural and social environments but also to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Webtree Academy: Traditional Math
Webtree Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Webtree Academy says:
Our OCT Math teachers are qualified in Mathematics and some in Special Education, having the qualifications to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations, the sequentially-chunked curriculum at a pace that suits the individual student. Being that our mathematics credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Ministry-approved textbooks along with learning materials from SOLARO.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are permitted.
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Science
Science approach at Webtree Academy: Expository
Webtree Academy has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]Teaching approach:
Our Science OCT teachers are qualified in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as Special Education. Our teachers are qualified to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations, the sequentially-chunked curriculum at a pace that suits the individual student. Being that our Science credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements.
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 Webtree Academy: Equal Balance
Webtree Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Webtree Academy says:
Our English OCT teachers are qualified to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations. The curriculum is offered at a pace that suits the individual student and is designed thematically. Being that our ENG credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements. Our ESL program is comprehensive in building the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for other language-oriented credit courses.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Webtree Academy: Equal Balance
Webtree Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Webtree Academy says:
To study History, Economics and Philosophy is to embark on a voyage of discovery, to seek in many ways to advance beyond the limitations and preoccupations of the present. Only by exploring the human experience in the past can we see how and why society changes and develop a sense of perspective on where we are heading in the 21st century.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Webtree Academy: Equal Balance
Webtree Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Webtree Academy says:
At Webtree, we offer Mandarin as an international language credit course.
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 Webtree Academy: Equal Balance
Webtree Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Webtree Academy says:
At Webtree, we offer visual arts, dramatic arts & music (keyboard & guitar) to enrich our academically-focussed students.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Webtree Academy: Light integration
Webtree Academy has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Webtree Academy says:
At Webtree, students are allowed to use personal laptops to complete homework or assignments such as writing essays, constructing Power Point slides for presentation. Our science teachers sometimes use Virtual Labs on computers to demonstrate physics or chemistry experiments in assisting teaching and learning.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Webtree Academy says:
We utilize the soccer field and rented space for physical education credit courses and the afterschool sports program.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Webtree Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Webtree Academy has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]What Webtree Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Webtree Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Webtree Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Webtree Academy: Accelerated
Webtree Academy has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
What Webtree Academy says about their curriculum pace:
At Webtree, we offer Grade 9 to 12 credit courses in 10-week blocks or less. Students can accelerate their learning pace to earn up to 12 credits in a school year, including summer months.
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 Webtree Academy says about their flexible pacing:
At Webtree, credit courses can be completed in 10-week blocks in small-sized groups (ranging from 1-6 students per OCT teacher). Teachers are sensitive to differentiated instruction including multiple intelligences.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Webtree Academy: Rigorous
Webtree Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Webtree Academy says about their academic culture:
In addition to teaching academic credit courses, we offer specialized learning programs for our students entering into DECA competitions and Waterloo Math Contests. For our International students we offer intensive, personalized support toward accomplishing their post-secondary goals into reputable universities and colleges in Canada, USA and abroad. We offer summer camps for our students to explore different cultural areas of Toronto. We have OCT teachers giving extra hours to tutoring students within our school and other students from leading Preparatory schools.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Webtree Academy says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Webtree Academy offers No support
Webtree Academy 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: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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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 |
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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 Webtree Academy says about their gifted learner support:
In addition to teaching academic credit courses, we offer specialized learning programs for our students entering into DECA competitions and Waterloo Math Contests. For our International students, we offer intensive, personalized support toward accomplishing their post-secondary goals into reputable universities and colleges in Canada, USA and abroad by coaching students to prepare for SAT, SSAT and IELTS standardized tests.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Webtree Academy students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Webtree Academy | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 74 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 110 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Webtree Academy says about their flipped classroom policy:
During mid-term tests or to create differentiated learning tasks, flipped learning is offered with the use of technology.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
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
Webtree Academy offers 0 competitive sports and 3 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Soccer
Clubs offered
Webtree Academy offers 8 clubs and extracurricular programs.
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