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Havergal College ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Havergal College: Liberal Arts
Havergal College has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Liberal Arts?]
International curriculum & programs at Havergal College: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Havergal College says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Our liberal arts program meets and exceeds the expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education. All courses are university preparatory and are at the advanced level. A credit is granted with the successful completion of a course for which a minimum of 110 has been scheduled. Many students elect to write Advanced Placement exams. Upon graduation, students receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. A Havergal education prepares students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and limitless possibilities. In a university preparatory school with rigorous academic standards, Havergal's students are challenged to reach their full academic potential. Learning is increasingly independent, fostering academic achievements while supporting students in their different interests and talents. Havergal students graduate as informed and responsive global citizens, ready to meet the challenges of university study in Canada and abroad.
Approach
| Focus | Religious-based |
|---|---|
| Academic | Christian (Anglican) |
If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
Read our detailed guide to learn all about Christian education.
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Havergal College: Equal Balance
Havergal College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Havergal College says:
The goal of the Mathematics Department is to develop both a strong conceptual understanding as well as flexible thinking in mathematical terms. Students understand how and why operations work in mathematics and develop the ability to manipulate numbers.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Teachers produce their own materials or use texts approved by the Ministry of Education.
Calculator policy:
Students can use calculators at the discretion of their teachers.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Havergal College: Balanced Literacy
Havergal College has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Havergal College says:
Our Primary teachers work with students individually on their reading and writing skills and adapt their teaching methods according to the learning style and needs of each student.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Havergal College says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Havergal College: Equal balance
Havergal College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Havergal College says:
Our Primary teachers work with students individually on their reading and writing skills and adapt their teaching methods according to the learning style and needs of each student.
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Science
Science approach at Havergal College: Equal Balance
Havergal College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
At Havergal, we are committed to developing young women with strong problem-solving skills and analytic abilities. We prepare our students for the rigors of post-secondary science education while nurturing a sense of wonder about the natural world around us. Our science programs not only encourage inquiry and exploration of ideas, but also provide challenging content in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. Havergal students must be able to make informed decisions about the impact of science and technology as well as about environmental issues. These decisions can only be made with a solid understanding of the science involved. Evolution is the foundational biological theory and is taught as such.
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 Havergal College: Equal Balance
Havergal College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Havergal College says:
Havergal's approach to teaching is based on extensive research on how girls learn best. In the Senior School classroom, emphasis is placed on synthesizing and evaluating information to gain a deeper understanding of each subject area. Students construct meaning and understanding as they consider conflicting interpretations, arrive at their own informed opinions and actively participate in cross-discipline learning.
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 Havergal College: Thematic
Havergal College has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Havergal College says:
In our Junior School programs, teachers work in teams to develop themes across subject areas. Teachers continually monitor each student's progress and encourage her individual potential as she engages in learning that is increasingly independent and interdisciplinary. Each girls develops the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for further learning.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Havergal College: Equal Balance
Havergal College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Havergal College says:
The Social Sciences Department at Havergal offers courses in modern and ancient history, physical and human geography, law, economics and philosophy. At all grade levels, the approach in our courses is to treat historical subjects and current events not as facts to be memorized but as issues to be examined and resolved. We view our subjects as a record of the human condition and its ability to adapt to changing environmental, political, economic and social forces. Our collective aim is to prepare students for continued success in post-secondary education and to remain informed and active citizens in their present and future communities.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Havergal College: Equal Balance
Havergal College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Havergal College says:
Havergal College teaches languages to young women so they will excel beyond mere linguistic competence and expression and begin to think about, imagine, participate in and understand the complex and diverse world beyond their own linguistic community. The learning of languages is not just central to establishing a more civil, just and equitable world; it is the essential golden key that will help prepare young women to make a difference.
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 Havergal College: Equal Balance
Havergal 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 Havergal College says:
Throughout a student’s experience at Havergal, she is able to explore a broad range of the Arts including dance, drama, music and visual art. At all grades, instruction and direction is provided by specialist teachers or practicing artists who possess a depth of knowledge, a genuine desire to inspire a love the arts in others and continued practice in their field.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Havergal College: Medium integration
Havergal College has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Havergal College says:
Havergal offers e-Learning courses through the eLearning Consortium Canada (ELCC), providing our ELCC students with a high level of student monitoring and support. In the Upper School, students can choose from a range of multimedia and computer science courses. In both the Junior and Upper Schools, our faculty incorporates technology into learning when relevant.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Havergal College says:
The Health and Physical Education program allows each Havergal student to develop an active and healthy lifestyle through participation in the various activities offered from Grades 7 to 12. Through their active involvement, students will have the opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem and physical abilities that will enhance their personal growth. The Grade 7, 8 and 9 programs teach these elements through traditional sports, water activities, fitness activities and initiative and team-building tasks. The health units prepare students to make healthy choices. Topics include healthy eating, growth and development, healthy sexuality, personal safety and injury prevention and substance use and abuse. Health and Physical Education students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 explore and develop leadership skills through challenging individual and group activities. They practice self-assessment and goal setting and gain the knowledge, skills and understanding for healthy living.
Religious Education
What Havergal College says:
Religious education at Havergal begins in Grade 1. It is a compulsory, non-credit program for students in Grade 7 and 8. Students learn about the religions of people around the world and how it motivates them and forms them in community. Students work hands-on with the stories in class discussions and in group work, exploring ideas, values and beliefs that are at the core of religious faith and providing a foundation for understanding much of Western culture and literature. More broadly, the Religious Education Program, in conjunction with the discussions that take place in Prayers, encourages students to develop an awareness of the religious diversity both in the world and within the school community itself, as students share in the stories of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Hindu faith and all other traditions represented in the school as we mark some of these holidays and festivals.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP French Language
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Havergal College: Ontario curriculum
Havergal 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:
Havergal College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Havergal College says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Havergal College: Play-based
Havergal College has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
What Havergal College says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
We have a play-based program with a focus on academics. Students are supported in learning literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and social interaction skills.
Language
Learn about Havergal College's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Havergal College offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Havergal College: Standard-enriched
Havergal College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Havergal 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 Havergal College says about their flexible pacing:
Havergal provides "Reach Ahead" credits in French and Math to allow capable student to challenge themselves by taking a course the grade ahead.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Havergal College: Rigorous
Havergal College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Havergal College says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Havergal College says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Havergal College offers No support
Havergal College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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 Havergal College says:
We are responsible for student learning. Students are supported to the best of their ability and with accommodation. We have students with learning disabilities who do well with accommodations.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of 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 Havergal College says about their gifted learner support:
Our program is academically challenging for all students and has the ability to allow students to go beyond the curriculum.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Havergal College students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havergal College | 0 mins | 0 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 18 mins | 24 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 42 mins | 54 mins | 59 mins | 76 mins | 88 mins | 104 mins | 112 mins |
What Havergal College 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 | JK to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | JK 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
Havergal College offers 22 competitive sports and 5 recreational sports.
Competitive offered Recreational offered
all sports]
- Curling
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Havergal College offers 23 clubs and extracurricular programs.
Clubs offered Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
Foreign Language Club
Jazz Ensemble
Math Club
Musical theatre/Opera
Outdoor Education
Photography
Poetry/Literature club
Robotics club
School newspaper
Science Club
Student Council
Yearbook
Yoga
Animation
Art Club
Band
Choir
Community Service
Computer Club
Dance Club
Debate Club
Drama Club
Environmental Club
What Havergal College says about their extracurricular activities:
- Havergal offers more than 80 co-curricular athletic teams for students to join.
- Havergal has a very strong music program and there are several groups that a student may join.
- Havergal College offers an exemplary range of student-led clubs to cater to our diverse student body.
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