Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Aberdeen Hall: Traditional
Aberdeen Hall has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at Aberdeen Hall: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Aberdeen Hall says about their overall curriculum and approach:
A broad, balanced and enriched curriculum. Through the expertise of our dedicated and talented teachers, students are extended beyond the basic learning objectives of the BC Curriculum. The curriculum is designed to teach an outstanding knowledge base and advanced skill set; preparing students to a high standard for the next stage in their academic careers. Specialist subject-specific teachers in Drama, Music, PE, Information Technology, Spanish and French further enrich our curriculum and allow the talents of individual students to flourish.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Aberdeen Hall: Equal Balance
Aberdeen Hall has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aberdeen Hall 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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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Aberdeen Hall: Phonics-intensive
Aberdeen Hall has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Aberdeen Hall: Equal balance
Aberdeen Hall has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Aberdeen Hall: Equal Balance
Aberdeen Hall 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 Aberdeen Hall: Equal Balance
Aberdeen Hall has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aberdeen Hall 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 Aberdeen Hall: Thematic
Aberdeen Hall has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Aberdeen Hall: Perennialism
Aberdeen Hall has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Aberdeen Hall: Equal Balance
Aberdeen Hall has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Aberdeen Hall 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 Aberdeen Hall: Creative
Aberdeen Hall 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 Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Aberdeen Hall: Medium integration
Aberdeen Hall has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Aberdeen Hall says:
The philosophy of our athletics department is to instill the lifelong value of commitment in each student and to foster integrity in each athlete.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP World History
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP French Language
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Aberdeen Hall: British Columbia curriculum
Aberdeen Hall has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Aberdeen Hall has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Aberdeen Hall: Academic
Aberdeen Hall has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Aberdeen Hall says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Aberdeen Hall’s Preschool is an enhanced, modern Montessori based, instructional programme taught by certified Early Childhood Educators. Our dedicated teachers work diligently with our students to create a solid foundation of basic skills, foster a love of learning, and develop self-esteem. Our enriched, full-day Kindergarten programme provides students with a nurturing yet challenging environment, designed to develop strong primary literacy and numeracy skills – with specialist instruction in French, Drama, Music and P.E.
Language
Learn about Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Aberdeen Hall offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Aberdeen Hall: Standard-enriched
Aberdeen Hall has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Aberdeen Hall 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 Aberdeen Hall says about their flexible pacing:
Not everyone learns the same way. At Aberdeen Hall our teachers are devoted to designing lessons that meet the individual needs of each student. This helps students gain confidence, and master course material.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Aberdeen Hall: Rigorous
Aberdeen Hall has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Aberdeen Hall says about their academic culture:
At Aberdeen Hall, students are a part of a community that is committed to excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Students encourage and challenge each other in a supportive environment and are not afraid to put forth their best effort at school.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
What Aberdeen Hall says about their developmental priorities:
Our goal is to guide our students to focus on and master the core skills of reading, writing and arithmetic along with developing a true appreciation of the arts, health and character education.
Special needs support
Aberdeen Hall offers No support
Aberdeen Hall offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What Aberdeen Hall says about their special need support:
At Aberdeen Hall we offer personal attention to our students including... Enrichment: class differentiation to ensure each student meets their potential. Resource: support to learners who benefit from small group or one-on-one learning assistance. Flex: specialized timetable for students who wish to pursue high level athletics and arts. Independent Studies: support to students who have chosen to pursue courses outside the timetable.
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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 Aberdeen Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
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.
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 Aberdeen Hall says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 6, Aberdeen Hall students perform an average of 45 mins of homework per night.
K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
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Aberdeen Hall | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 36 mins | 42 mins |
What Aberdeen Hall 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 | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool 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
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School offers 9 competitive sports and 13 recreational sports.
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Golf
- Martial Arts
- Mountain biking
- Rugby
- Running
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Clubs offered
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Aberdeen Hall says about their extracurricular activities:
- From Grades 4-12, students participate in a yearly Horizons Trip. The goal of the trips is to encourage personal growth, develop leadership skills and fellowship.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School
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