West Island College (Calgary) ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at West Island College: Traditional
West Island College has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What West Island College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At West Island College incredible opportunities happen every day, in an environment where learning is tailored to each individual student; where relationships are nurtured through effective teamwork and collaboration; and where students are immersed in a community of enthusiastic learners. West Island College emphasizes respect, responsibility and citizenship. We believe that inspiring our students to pursue excellence in academics, leadership, athletics and global awareness prepares them for success in the 21st century. In addition to exceptional teachers, an Advanced Placement Program, Fine Arts Certificate, outstanding athletics, small class sizes and an extensive co-curricular program with leadership opportunities, WIC offers courses in French (Immersion or Second Language) and Spanish and an International Languages Certificate. From our International Studies program and authentic student leadership opportunities to Outdoor Education and WIC’s Business, Health Sciences and Engineering Institutes, students are challenged to go beyond their comfort zones and discover what experiential learning really means.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at West Island College: Traditional Math
West Island College has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What West Island College says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at West Island College: Equal Balance
West Island College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
WIC has a full time Science technician on hand to assist the teachers with preparing experiments. Thus ensuring steady hands on activities at all grade levels.
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 West Island College: Equal Balance
West Island College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What West Island 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 Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at West Island College: Equal Balance
West Island College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What West Island College says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at West Island College: Communicative
West Island College has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What West Island College says:
20% of the school is a French Immersion track. Offering 60% French language classes in the Junior School and 40% in the Senior School. We also offer 125 hours of French or Spanish second Language instruction yearly to the Junior school students. French and Spanish language instruction (along with French immersion) is offered through Grade 12 Most students also complete the DELE or DELF A and B levels.
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 West Island College: Creative
West Island 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 West Island College says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at West Island College: Medium integration
West Island College has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What West Island College says:
Technology is available in most non movement classes. Including Ipads, Macbooks and PCs. All classes have wireless and teaching presentation stations. Technology is used as a tool in most classrooms, courses. Specific technology units taught at various grades, in multimedia, programming, app development, 3D design and printing, game design, html, website development.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What West Island College says:
Daily phys ed is provided in the Junior School. Mandatory phys ed to Grade 10. We also provide PE 20 30, Sports Performance and Sports Med classes.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Music Theory
- AP Physics 1
- AP Psychology
- AP Studio Art: Drawing
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Chemistry
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP European History
- AP French Language
- AP Government and Politics: Comparative
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at West Island College: Alberta curriculum
West Island College has an Alberta curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Alberta curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
West Island College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What West Island College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about West Island College (Calgary)'s languages of instruction and enrolment.
West Island College is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
English - 80% | French - 20% |
Language of enrolment include: English
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at West Island College: Standard-enriched
West Island College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What West Island College says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 West Island College says about their flexible pacing:
Independent and accelerated studies are offered on a case by case basis.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at West Island College: Rigorous
West Island College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What West Island College says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
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 West Island College says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
West Island College offers No support
West Island College 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 |
What West Island College says:
We do not recommend that children with Learning Disabilities enroll at our school, as we do not have the support structure in place. We can make minor accommodations for test taking if an assessment has been made by a licensed clinician.
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 West Island College says about their gifted learner support:
We do not have a specific gifted program at the College. What we do offer is Tier 1 academic programming. We offer a large number of extra curricular activities and provide experiential learning opportunities through our institutes - Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts and Health Sciences. Occasionally students are offered additional courses if deemed necessary.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, West Island College students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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West Island College | 60 mins | 60 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 54 mins | 59 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 113 mins |
What West Island College 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. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 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
West Island College (Calgary) offers 9 competitive sports and 17 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Cross-country skiing
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Mountain biking
- Rugby
- Running
- Sailing
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
West Island College (Calgary) offers 28 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What West Island College says about their extracurricular activities:
- At West Island College (WIC), students engage in their passions through diversified experiences. Through WIC’s flagship Institute Program, which was launched in 2010, students are set up for success. They embrace WIC’s motto – Own Your Future! The Institute model offers six areas for students to explore: Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, Health Sciences and International Languages and Culture. Each area provides students with a rigorous program that prepares them for an education and career in the field of their choice. Many students graduate with at least one Institute certificate allowing them to develop both technical and soft skills, which are recognized and valued by many post-secondary institutions.
- WIC offers a wide variety of athletic opportunities from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. Interscholastic teams start at the end of August with golf and volleyball and finish in June with soccer, field hockey and rugby. Teams are competitive and try-outs are held at all levels. All teams have both practices and games, and some many teams also participate in outside tournaments. Practices are held at the school or a nearby field in the morning before school, or after school. Games and tournaments are played both at home and away.
- At WIC, we encourage students to follow their passion and contribute in a meaningful way not only to the WIC community but to the world beyond. WIC, therefore, cultivates individual student growth by providing amazing leadership opportunities. From formal leadership positions in groups within the school to a multitude of informal leadership roles in various co-curricular activities, sports teams and events that occur during our school year, students have plenty of opportunities to discover the path that most excites them. Such as Global Awareness Club, Peer Tutoring, Prefect Council, Students' Council, Community in Action, Roots & Shoots and many more.
- All students are placed in one of four Houses when they begin their time at WIC and remain in the same House throughout their time at the College. The House System gives students an initial sense of belonging as they are immediately welcomed into a group within the school. The four Houses participate in a friendly rivalry throughout the school year which is an integral part of the culture of community for which WIC is renowned. Houses are made up of students from Grades 7 to 12 divided equally between the four Houses: Bedard, Davies, Grant and Goodall.
- The philosophy of Outdoor Experiential Education is apparent in its name: education via experience. Rather than learning through textbooks, lectures, or classroom simulations, experiential education aims to advance learning by directly involving students in new and dynamic opportunities. Experiential learning challenges students to make decisions and develop and apply their leadership skills. The goals for the West Island College Outdoor Education Program are that students will develop: an interest in outdoor living, travel and general recreation; the attitudes and knowledge required to participate in outdoor activities; and lifelong skills in leadership, teamwork, resiliency and decision making.
- WIC’s foundational International Studies travel program is designed to give students hands-on learning experiences around the world, where they can foster better understanding, mutual respect, and first-hand experiences different cultures. As part of the International Studies service-learning experience, students become part of one-of-a-kind humanitarian projects that make lasting differences in the local communities they serve. Past destinations of the program include Belize, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands, England, Egypt, France, India, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Romania, Samoa, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Tibet, USA and Vietnam.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: West Island College (Calgary)
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