Wesley Christian Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Traditional
Wesley Christian Academy has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Wesley Christian Academy says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We offer a time tested effective curriculum with strength in language arts and mathematics. We have specialized teachers for music, physical education, and French. Our program is faith based and offers a Biblical world view.
Approach
Focus | Religious-based |
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Academic | Christian (Non-denominational) |
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.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Traditional Math
Wesley Christian Academy has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Building a strong foundation through repetition and drills ensures that students are well prepared to apply the new concepts in various situations that challenge them with higher order thinking skills as demonstrated in the performance tasks.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are permitted in the intermediate grades.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Phonics-intensive
Wesley Christian Academy has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Reading instruction begins by teaching students the sounds and syllables associated with each letter. Students participate in guided reading groups and independent reading programs to enhance their fluency, accuracy and comprehension.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Wesley Christian Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Systematic approach
Wesley Christian Academy has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Writing instruction begins with understanding basic concepts of sentence structure and the various parts of speech. As the students progress, they are given more opportunity to apply their skills in creative pieces as well as practical assignments.
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Science
Science approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Expository
Wesley Christian Academy has an Expository approach to Science (as opposed to Inquiry, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Expository?]Teaching approach:
Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations are followed throughout the grades as they relate to God’s world and understanding that God created the earth and all that is in it. Students are given opportunities to apply their knowledge in hands-on experiments as they develop their problem solving skills through scientific inquiry.
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 Wesley Christian Academy: Traditional
Wesley Christian Academy has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Students study a variety of literature throughout the grades.
Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Expanding Communities
Wesley Christian Academy has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations are followed throughout the grades. Students learn to explore and analyze the ways in which they can contribute to society as well as their role in their family, community, province, country and the world.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Pragmatism
Wesley Christian Academy has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Students in grade 7 and 8 follow the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations for both history and geography. The history program studies early Canadian history. The geography program focuses on the world around them and how students can become responsible citizens. Students learn to analyze evidence in order to evaluate and compare past events and situations with present day events and situations.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Equal Balance
Wesley Christian Academy has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Through real-life situations students learn how to read, write and speak in the French language. The French program teaches the students an appreciation for the French culture. The Biblical aspect is incorporated into the French program through the memorization of Bible verses and the use of worship songs.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Equal Balance
Wesley Christian 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 Wesley Christian Academy says:
The arts curriculum focuses on music, visual arts and drama. All students participate in the music program. In grade1, and 2 students learn an appreciation for music through a focus on rhythm and vocal skills. In grade 3 students begin to apply their knowledge as they learn the ukulele. In grade 4, students learn to play the recorder. In grades 5-8, students meet the curriculum expectation in music through their learning of band instruments. In visual arts, students use a variety of forms of media as they learn about the principals and elements of art.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Medium integration
Wesley Christian Academy has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
The use of technology is incorporated into many aspects of the students’ learning. Students have weekly media classes in which they learn to use various technologies and programs. There are SmartBoards in classrooms to assist and support student learning. Students are taught to use technology in a responsible manner.
Program covers:
Subject offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Wesley Christian Academy says:
The Physical Education program follows the Ontario curriculum expectations. It focuses on learning movement skills through cooperative games and developing students confidence, skills and interest in being physically active. The health portion of the program is guided by the Ontario curriculum in keeping with the values of the school.
Religious Education
What Wesley Christian Academy says:
Christian education offered to families of any faith background.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Not Ontario curriculum
Wesley Christian Academy 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:
Wesley Christian Academy has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]Wesley Christian Academy has a approach Traditional (as opposed to Progressive approach).[Show: About Traditional?]What Wesley Christian Academy says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Academic
Wesley Christian Academy has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Wesley Christian Academy says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our school embraces the concepts of How Does Learning Happen by encouraging inquiry, exploration and well being. We foster a sense of expression and life long learning. We believe firmly in giving children the tools they need to develop competency in literacy and numeracy and therefore begin phonics and mathematics in preschool. We teach both manuscript and cursive writing and promote a sound set of foundations on which to build future learning.
Language
Learn about Wesley Christian Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Wesley Christian Academy offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Accelerated
Wesley Christian Academy has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
What Wesley Christian Academy says about their curriculum pace:
Our expectations for achievement meet and often exceed Ministry requirements. Our in depth math and language arts includes extensive and specific grammar, reading, imperial and metric measure, Roman numerals, algebra, geometry and graphing. Our Canadian Achievement tests scores show our students are scoring two grades above the national norm.
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 Wesley Christian Academy says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Wesley Christian Academy: Rigorous
Wesley Christian Academy has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Wesley Christian Academy says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
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 Wesley Christian Academy says about their developmental priorities:
We strive to nurture the whole child. We build a program that meets the needs of the students intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Special needs support
Wesley Christian Academy offers No support
Wesley Christian Academy offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What Wesley Christian Academy says about their special need support:
Admission for students with a formal diagnosis with be granted on a case by case basis. Considerations need to be made regarding other students who may already be in the class, the teacher's workload and experience, and the availability of support staff and corresponding support programs. For those without a clinically diagnosed learning disability who develop difficulties while at Wesley, our approach is to discuss accommodation, modification or remediation to the curriculum with the family while encouraging them to get a formal assessment so that more information can be acquired to help the child.
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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: This information is not currently available.
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 Wesley Christian Academy says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Wesley Christian Academy students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
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Wesley Christian Academy | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 0 mins | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 35 mins | 41 mins | 53 mins | 58 mins |
What Wesley Christian Academy 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 | JK to Gr. 8 |
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
Wesley Christian Academy offers 8 competitive sports and 3 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Running
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Wesley Christian Academy offers 8 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Wesley Christian Academy says about their extracurricular activities:
- Our Wesley Wildfire sports teams compete in a range of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) sports tournaments. Here are some of the highlights from the 2014-2015 school year: Jr. Volleyball (Div. B) Champions, Sr. Girls Volleyball (Div. B): 3rd Place, Sr. Boys Volleyball (Div. B): 3rd Place, Jr. Boys Basketball (Div. B) Champions, Sr. Girls Basketball (Div. B) Champions, Sr. Badminton (Div. A) Champions, Swimming (Div. B) - 2nd Place (Team). In addition to intramural and school team sports, all students at Wesley are part of a leadership team to enhance and support aspects of our school and community at large. This includes teams such as the Environmental Committee, Recycling, Design and Decor (to update and beautify school bulletin boards and public space), Prayer Leaders, Caring Team (to send cards and prayers to those in need), Chapel Team, etc.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Wesley Christian Academy
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