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Westfield Secondary School ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Westfield: Traditional
Westfield has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Westfield says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Westfield Secondary School utilizes the Ontario Curriculum to deliver content to its students with the goal of delivering OSSD's to all of its students. With a high school diploma from Westfield, students will have an advantage in applying to post-secondary institutions, due to the additional support and care offered to all students. With a specialized Guidance program designed to assist and raise the profile of all students, everyone will beenfit from our traditional, academically-focused approach.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Westfield: Traditional Math
Westfield has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Westfield says:
The Westfield Secondary School approach to mathematics is unique to our school, and a program developed based on the best, latest pedagogical methods to ensure positive student outcomes. As such, our current system utilizes about 80% of traditional math approaches, giving students from a variety of backgrounds a clear, consensus-based approach to understanding mathematics. However, our teachers also utilize elements of discovery math, especially in assignment differentiation and project-based approaches, to provide the best of both worlds.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
We utilize the textbook and ideas from the Ontario Trillium List, but supplement as needed with more up to date examples and project ideas.
Calculator policy:
Calculator usage is determined by the project - while there are many examples of projects and assignments where students and encouraged to use calculators, at other times students are asked to demonstrate their learning through notation, and a balanced approach here is best for all involved.
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Writing
What Westfield says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Westfield: Equal Balance
Westfield has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Using a purely expository style does not allow for the teacher to reach students who require some differentiation in their instruction, and sometimes a more dynamic approach is called for. However, inquiry-based learning cannot also reach all students at all times, and therefore, Westfield emphasizes a whole-student approach which blends both ideas equally, and provides multiple oppourtunities for students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of contexts.
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 Westfield: Traditional
Westfield has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Westfield says:
Westfield Secondary School has adopted a more traditional approach to literature which blends the experiences of Canadian students with our international student experiences. Because of the widely varied opinions entering into our classrooms, we tend to focus on a more traditional approach, based in the Ontario Curriculum, which emphasizes skill development and competency in writing. Despite the rise in AI-assisted technology, Westfield still believes it is vitally important to teach students to be good writers, and to be able to understand complex literature and develop critical thinking.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
What Westfield says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Westfield: Pragmatism
Westfield has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Westfield says:
Westfield Secondary School believes that the humanities and social sciences are vital programs to developing better understanding of the world and world events, and also to develop higher order critical thinking skills. As such, our teachers and our program focuses on a pragmatic approach, giving students real-world skills and examples to better their understanding. This approach allows us to put focus where student demand is highest, and cater that approach to students who wish to better themselves in these categories.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Westfield: Communicative
Westfield has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Westfield says:
Our students arrive from Toronto neighbourhoods, as well as far-flung countries from around the world. As such, we provide a variety of language courses as well as an ESL program designed to give students a fast-paced but ultimately useful English instruction. All students have oppourtunities to learn other languages at school, including French, Spanish, and Mandarin, and our shared diversity allows all students to learn from each other using the communicative approach.
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 Westfield: Creative
Westfield 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 Westfield says:
Westfield Secondary School thinks of its students in our art programs as artists. We emphasize their creativity, with essential skills as the base. All subjects and all topics are based on finding ways for students to express themselves creatively, and this creates at atmosphere conducive to fun, learning, and free expression. With such a powerful focus on student achievement, we have found this method works best to "awaken the artist" in each student.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Westfield: Heavy integration
Westfield has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Westfield says:
Westfield Secondary School recognizes the power of technology in the 21st Century, but beyond this, we also recognize the utility it has in the lives of students, our first generations of digital natives. The technology they will utilize in their future employment will become more and more integrated into every day society, and therefore Westfield prioritizes this approach within the classroom. Laptops are encouraged, every classroom is equipped with digital technology including TV's and sound systems, and many after-school programs and activities emphasize things like AI development and coding projects.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Westfield says:
Westfield Secondary School utlizes our spacious and well-equipped gymnasium to provide a variety of physical education activities to students. Beyond curriculum-based classes, a variety of sports, games, and fun activities utilize this space as well. We believe in the blending of traditional techniques, including the mastery of specific physical activities and the rules that govern them, and more modern approaches, such as the "Meaningful PE" approach, which emphasizes social interaction and personally relevant learning. Students will find themselves with many oppourtunities to demonstrate their physical learning at Westfield.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Physics 1
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Macroeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Westfield: Ontario curriculum
Westfield has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Westfield has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Westfield says:
Our school system's approach is to adhere to the Ontario Curriculum as much as possible. Students will receive instruction as required by the Ministry of Education.
Language
Learn about Westfield Secondary School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Westfield offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Mandarin
Online Learning
Westfield Secondary 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.
Westfield Secondary School offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | 9 to 12 | 20 | Sep 05, 2024 — Oct 31, 2024 |
| Winter | 9 to 12 | 25 | Nov 05, 2024 — Feb 07, 2025 |
| Spring | 9 to 12 | 20 | Feb 13, 2025 — Apr 16, 2025 |
| Spring | 9 to 12 | 20 | Apr 24, 2025 — Jun 23, 2025 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
What Westfield says about their course format:
Asynchronous: Students can sign up for a large variety of Ontario courses, offered asynchronously using our Schoology Portal.
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
What Westfield says about their academic support and services:
Dedicated teacher per course: All courses have an assigned teacher to assist in learning, feedback, marking, and grading.
Exam proctoring: As per Ontario regulations, all exams are proctored using our internal system.
Student progress tracker: Westfield utilizes both learning logs and online tracking to monitor student progress.
Regular office hours: Students can communicate with their teachers at any time, but after school every day is an excellent time to do so.
Additional support: Students can receive extra help and support if they wish it - they have but to ask.
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Westfield: Standard-enriched
Westfield has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Westfield says about their curriculum pace:
Students benefit from the experience of smaller class sizes and additional resources present to assist in learning. This allows for further enrichment of ideas and topics that may otherwise only be touched on - students can benefit from the experience of working in small groups on complex issues.
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 Westfield says about their flexible pacing:
We expect students to be placed in classrooms based on their merit, their pre-requisites, and their own interests. This can sometimes mean students wish to take an accelerated track towards graduation, and because we allow this, sometimes classrooms can find themselves with mixed age groups.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Westfield: Rigorous
Westfield has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Westfield says about their academic culture:
Westfield Secondary School's main focus is on academic success. Everything we are designed to do relates to the achievements our students can accomplish while with us. We promote and push a rigorous academic schedule, with more credits per year earned than in public school. We also emphasize more individual support, and better academic supports from enrollment to graduation. This means students achieve more in less time!
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of 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: Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
What Westfield says about their developmental priorities:
Our programs are designed for our students to achieve at high levels in post-secondary environments. Our goal is to see our students successful at the highest academic levels. We promote intellectualism first and foremost; developing this skill equals better oppourtunities later in life. However, we also understand at Westfield that strong social skills provide enormous advantages in the 21st Century, and we promote this highly as well.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
What Westfield says about their special need support:
Our special needs program is highly limited to accommodations for only a small number of issues. The majority of Westfield's academic program is geared towards high-achieving students and rigorous academic learning, and so students with significant issues may find themselves without needed supports.
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 |
What Westfield says:
Westfield's primary focus is on academic learning at the highest levels, and therefore we do not offer most of the supports for diagnosed learning disabilities. However, students with minor difficulties can be accommodated.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
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 Westfield says about their gifted learner support:
Students who are gifted would do well at Westfield Secondary School, with its emphasis on academic success. Students may accelerate their learning and graduate early if they so wish.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Westfield students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield | 30 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Westfield 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. 7 to Gr. 12 |
