Bronte College ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Bronte College: Progressive
Bronte College has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
International curriculum & programs at Bronte College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Bronte College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Founded in 1991, Bronte College is a Canadian private high school for students from grades 9 to 12, enrolling both day and boarding students. Students benefit from a wide range of course options, small class sizes, and an inquiry-based, hands-on learning program. Graduates earn the internationally recognized Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Enriched options include our Advanced Placement (AP) Program, the Express Program and our Leadership Development Program. Advanced Placement gives students the opportunity to earn university transfer credits prior to their high school graduation. Our Express Program combines online and in-class learning to enable gifted grade 12 students to earn their Ontario high school diploma in a hybrid format. All students benefit from our robust Academic Support Services, an emphasis on holistic learning, and the option to board. Additional programs include ESL, English Immersion Experience camps and our popular summer camp programs with ESL or math and science options.
Approach
Focus |
---|
Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Bronte College: Equal Balance
Bronte College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bronte 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.
-
Science
Science approach at Bronte College: Inquiry
Bronte College has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]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 Bronte College: Equal Balance
Bronte College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bronte 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 Bronte College: Equal Balance
Bronte College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bronte College says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Bronte College: Equal Balance
Bronte College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bronte College 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 Bronte College: Equal Balance
Bronte College has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Bronte College says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Bronte College: Medium integration
Bronte College has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Bronte College says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Bronte College says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Bronte College: Ontario curriculum
Bronte College 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:
Bronte College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Bronte College says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Bronte College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Bronte College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Bronte College: Standard-enriched
Bronte College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Bronte College says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
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 Bronte College says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Bronte College: Rigorous
Bronte College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Bronte College says about their academic culture:
At Bronte College, high academic standards are upheld through a culture that values diligence, excellence, and continuous improvement. Students are expected to engage actively in their studies, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and maintain consistent academic progress. Our supportive environment encourages collaborative learning and critical thinking, fostering a mindset where students are motivated to achieve their highest potential. With a dedicated faculty providing personalized attention and guidance, Bronte College promotes a culture where academic achievement is celebrated and students are empowered to succeed academically, preparing them effectively for future educational and professional endeavors.
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 Bronte College says about their developmental priorities:
Bronte College supports the development of critical thinkers, with a focus on academics and the goal of preparing students for a smooth transition to post-secondary studies. Ensuring students have the skills to succeed at university is important to us, and we are gratified to hear from numerous alumni that their preparation at Bronte served them well. Academic success however requires a holistic approach, and we emphasize the importance of emotional, social and physical development. Our Campus Life team support our boarding students by providing a full schedule of social and physical activities. Our nurse teaches students about good hygiene, the importance of sleep and internet addiction. Evening study hall staff provide academic support. Together, we support and guide our students.
Special needs support
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Bronte College says:
We encourage parents to be open and honest about any additional needs their child may have. While we are pleased to provide accommodations for mild learning disabilities and ADHD, our staff are not trained in the support of developmental, behavioural or physical disabilities. Open communication with parents enable our staff to share concerns with parents and our nurse can provide community resources for situations beyond our scope. We value working with parents to provide the best care for students possible.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
---|---|
Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
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 Bronte College says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Bronte College students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bronte College | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
What Bronte 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 |
---|---|
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 9 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
Bronte College offers 8 competitive sports and 10 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Ice Skating
- Running
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Bronte College offers 19 clubs and extracurricular programs.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Bronte College
Next steps to continue your research: