Matthews Hall ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Matthews Hall: Traditional
Matthews Hall has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Matthews Hall says about their overall curriculum and approach:
At Matthews Hall, our underlying premise is Excellence in Teaching and Learning, with a goal to ensure that all we do is different, better and special. We strive to inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the students we serve. At Matthews Hall, we believe that students excel when they are inspired and motivated by teachers who excel in the planning, delivery, assessment and evaluation of meaningful learning opportunities. We believe this is best achieved through a commitment to learner-centered teaching, evidence-based practice, collaboration and self-reflection in a supportive environment. We aim to accompany our students on a balanced journey of academic, character and leadership development at all levels. We recognize our unique partnership with parents, who are the first and most important teachers of their children, and believe common goals for student learning are a team effort.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
What Matthews 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
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
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
What Matthews 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
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
What Matthews 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
Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Sex and health education
What Matthews Hall says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Matthews Hall: Academic
Matthews Hall has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
What Matthews Hall says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
The kindergarten program at Matthews Hall provides students with the strong start they deserve. At Matthews Hall our graduates are engaged, accomplished, self-assured, positive and caring. Our kindergarten program includes Pre-K, JK and SK. Children attending kindergarten at Matthews Hall enjoy a personalized learning experience. Our pre-school & Kindergarten programs are further enriched with art, music, and a variety of co-curricular activities – even for our youngest students. Daily French instruction begins in junior kindergarten. Our students also enjoy field trips, guest speakers, Innovative Learning Spaces, including an Outdoor classroom.
Language
Learn about Matthews Hall's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Matthews Hall offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Matthews Hall: Standard-enriched
Matthews Hall has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Matthews 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 Matthews Hall says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
What Matthews Hall says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority:
What Matthews Hall says about their developmental priorities:
This information is not currently available.
Special needs support
Matthews Hall offers No support
Matthews Hall offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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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 |
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 Matthews Hall says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
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
Matthews Hall offers 12 competitive sports and 13 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
Matthews Hall offers 16 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Matthews Hall says about their extracurricular activities:
- Coding Club; Green Team; Debating Club; Newspaper Club; Set Design Club; Chime Choir, Concert Bands, Vocal Choirs; Recorder Ensemble; Strings Ensemble
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Matthews Hall
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