Blyth Academy Burlington ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Blyth Burlington: Liberal Arts
Blyth Burlington has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at Blyth Burlington: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Blyth Burlington says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Blyth Academy offers a private school experience that focuses on personalized education, very small class sizes and experiential learning. Our unique approach allows us to tailor the curriculum to the individual student, not the other way around. By taking into account each student’s learning style and extra-curricular responsibilities, we are able to customize a plan unique to the individual.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Blyth Burlington: Equal Balance
Blyth Burlington has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Blyth Burlington says:
We use an inquiry-based approach to instruction, supplemented with traditional direct instruction. New topics are presented using real-world scenarios and students are then prompted with questions such as: “What do you notice?” or, “What do you wonder?” This open-ended questioning allows students to begin engaging with concepts without being limited by preconceptions. At this point, the teacher may ask additional open ended questions, or offer prompts if students are stuck. After they have had a chance to brainstorm, it is up to students to articulate what materials and skills they might need to solve the problem. The teacher then provides some direct instruction to introduce the necessary new skills. Having students engage with a problem prior to direct instruction not only makes math more meaningful, but also fosters more engagement, as students will be more invested in learning new skills if they are instrumental to a pre-existing task.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Blyth Burlington: Equal balance
Blyth Burlington has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Blyth Burlington says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Blyth Burlington: Equal Balance
Blyth Burlington has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
At Blyth Academy, we like to focus on experiential learning, and there is no real better subject in which to be able to do that than Science. From collecting and consolidating the knowledge of students entering in primary grades, to the complex examination of biological process, physical systems, and chemical reactions in Grade 12. In Grade 9, students build an understanding of the world around as they develop their practical and inquiry skills. In Grade 10 we shift focus to Cells and Systems, Chemical Reactions, Climate Change, and Light; By Grade 11 and into 12, students are encouraged to study each of the subjects individually, where we start to truly explore the nature of the sciences in ever more complex and elaborate ways. Our prime asset, though, is our team of passionate and knowledgable staff, communicating their love of the subject in every lesson.
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 Blyth Burlington: Equal Balance
Blyth Burlington has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Blyth Burlington says:
Our English program encourages students to collaborate in their analysis through the use of formal and informal seminars on a variety of texts and forms of media. Students read a wide array of texts ranging from literary classics to contemporary pieces. Teachers seek to build creative thinking skills within their students by balancing their courses with traditional literary criticism, creative writing, and media analysis.
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 Blyth Burlington: Core Knowledge
Blyth Burlington has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Blyth Burlington says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Blyth Burlington: Equal Balance
Blyth Burlington has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Blyth Burlington says:
Blyth Academy emphasizes experiential learning and so a pragmatic approach is important to making learning memorable and relevant. History, whilst grounded in facts, nonetheless has at its core inquiry skills and the appraisal and interpretation of evidence. Whilst this aspect is often seen as perennialism or the preserve of the liberal arts, the application is very much pragmatic. History, though political and social bias, is created as much as it is studied and the students will reflect critically on this process of creation. This skill can then can be applied to real life scenarios such as political and social education, and applications to social justice. Students will complete projects and be encouraged to reflect on the success of their approaches to learning new topics. The relevance and appropriateness of pragmatism in the social sciences must be critically appraised before it can be usefully employed.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Blyth Burlington: Communicative
Blyth Burlington has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Blyth Burlington says:
We follow the Ontario curriculum, with a focus on oral language and practical knowledge and skills. At the Grades 10-12 level, students are combined in a core/extended/immersion classroom, and are credited based on the competencies they attain during the course. While we are not a French Immersion school, we do offer credit for the French Immersion course. In addition, ESL courses are offered as needed, resulting in a possible maximum of 3 English credits.
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 Blyth Burlington: Creative
Blyth Burlington 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 Blyth Burlington says:
The arts program at Blyth Academy is very much tailored to the students' strengths and interests. In music, for example, if the students wish to study guitar, we locate a music studio in the neighbourhood and provide the appropriate setting and instruction. If students in Visual Arts wish to pursue pottery, classes take place in a nearby pottery studio. Individual creativity is very much the focus of our arts programming.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Blyth Burlington: Heavy integration
Blyth Burlington has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What Blyth Burlington says:
Students are highly encouraged to bring their own device to class each day. Laptops are used extensively in each class, and the majority of resources and assignments are posted on our educational portal, ensuring that students always have access to class notes, upcoming assignments, and pertinent digital resources. In addition, students who opt to delve further into Information Technology, Media or Film Studies are encouraged to equip their devices with appropriate and efficient software.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Blyth Burlington says:
Physical Education takes many forms at Blyth Academy. Outdoor education is the backbone of our programming, however we do regularly access a nearby facilities as needed, as well as apools, basketball courts, hockey arenas, martial arts studio, and fitness centres. As part of our extracurricular programming, physical education is delivered by means of school soccer teams and clubs. Students are required to complete the pertinent theory components to all Physical Education classes, which is delivered in the classroom.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Blyth Burlington: Not Ontario curriculum
Blyth Burlington 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:
Blyth Burlington has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Blyth Burlington says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Blyth Academy Burlington's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Blyth Burlington offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
Blyth Academy Burlington'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.
Blyth Academy Burlington offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
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Full year | 5 to 12 | 20 | Sep 01, 2024 — Jun 30, 2025 |
Course format
Type | Offered |
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Distance | |
Asynchronous | |
Synchronous |
Academic support and services
Type | Offered |
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Dedicated teacher per course | |
Exam proctoring | |
Student progress tracker | |
Regular office hours | |
Additional support | |
Study groups | |
Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Blyth Burlington: Standard-enriched
Blyth Burlington has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Blyth Burlington says about their curriculum pace:
Our high school year is divided into four terms of 10.5 weeks. Students take only two courses per term, as opposed to a traditional semester of four or a full-year course setting. Two-hour classes allow more time for in-depth review and individual attention to students on an ongoing basis.
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 Blyth Burlington says about their flexible pacing:
Students learn best when it’s at their own pace. Whether fast tracking is a priority, extra help is needed, or athletics/homeschooling play an important roll in our students’ lives, Blyth Academy offers flexible schedules, night school, private classes, and summer courses designed to accommodate our students’ diverse academic goals.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Blyth Burlington: Supportive
Blyth Burlington has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Blyth Burlington says about their academic culture:
While learning in a classroom setting is important, so is experiental learning within the community. Success rates show that learning through experience encourages curiosity, develops high levels of participation, and creates a deeper connection to course material. Experiential learning beyond the classroom walls is designed to encourage our students to develop interests in different areas in preparation for post secondary studies.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Blyth Burlington says about their developmental priorities:
Graduates of Blyth Academy will step into post secondary education with an appreciation for hard work and their fellow peers. While supportive by nature, our staff pushes students to strive for academic excellence, without sacrificing the human element. Empowering each student to be emotionally mature, socially balanced, academically driven, and personally open and accepting is an inherent goal for each student who spends time with us.
Special needs support
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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 Blyth Burlington says:
Academic success presents itself in many forms, and requires diverse learning situations. At Blyth Academy, we are well versed in the role of accommodating students with various challenges. Differentiated learning is common place in each classroom. These accommodations, by way of student support plans, are developed in cooperation with the student, family, teacher, guidance counselor and administration, as a whole team approach.
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 Blyth Burlington says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Blyth Burlington students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Blyth Burlington | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).
What Blyth Burlington 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. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 5 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 5 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
Blyth Academy Burlington offers 1 competitive sports and 6 recreational sports.
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Figure Skating
- Ice Hockey
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Blyth Academy Burlington offers 8 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Blyth Burlington says about their extracurricular activities:
- Students in our advanced sports and training programs have daily access to the Conacher Athletic facilities.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Blyth Academy Burlington
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