Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Passages Centre: Progressive
Passages Centre has a Progressive approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
What Passages Centre says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Passages supports Learners to use materials, and curriculums that meet their goals. We are not a one-size-fits-all approach therefore learning materials are individualized.
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Passages Centre: Equal Balance
Passages Centre has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Passages Centre says:
Math is explored through a Learner's interest and desire explore math more fully. We offer daily scheduling of Math which they can choose to attend
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
No formal textbook is used unless a learner chooses one.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are used as needed.
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Writing
Writing approach at Passages Centre: Equal balance
Passages Centre has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Passages Centre says:
Writing is done as needed or desired. It can be done for a purpose (resume, application, letter) or for interest and exploration (stories, poems, opinion, comments).
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Science
Science approach at Passages Centre: Equal Balance
Passages Centre has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
Science is explored when learners show interest. Often the inquiry is the result of field trips and interaction with the media.
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 Passages Centre: Equal Balance
Passages Centre has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Passages Centre says:
Reading is done primarily individually. Often one learner will encourage another to read a book of interest.
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 Passages Centre: Expanding Communities
Passages Centre has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What Passages Centre says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Passages Centre: Pragmatism
Passages Centre has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What Passages Centre says:
Although humanities topics are explored in a pragmatic way, they are entirely determined by the learners interest.
Foreign Languages
What Passages Centre says:
If a learner wants to learn a language other than English, coaches and mentors will help them find the most suitable method that matches their learning style.
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 Passages Centre says:
The arts do play a significant role in the Centre, but the program is totally determined by the learner with support.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Passages Centre: Medium integration
Passages Centre has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Passages Centre says:
Learners choose to use digital technology as needed. Mentors guide learners to using technology to meet their goals.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Passages Centre says:
Passages has access to a gym and bowling alley. Regular PE classes are hosted with outdoor activities created spontaneously.
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
What Passages Centre says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Passages Centre offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Passages Centre: Student-paced
Passages Centre has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Passages Centre says about their curriculum pace:
Through mentoring Learners decide content and pace
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 Passages Centre says about their flexible pacing:
Learners regularly check in with mentors or coaches.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Passages Centre: Supportive
Passages Centre has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Passages Centre says about their academic culture:
With a strengths-based approach we allow Learners to explore and create timelines for academics that meets their goals.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
What Passages Centre says about their developmental priorities:
Our priority is to recognize learners as individuals and help them be the best they can be. Through self-direction, the learner determines how they can thrive.
Special needs support
Passages Centre offers Indirect Support
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.
What Passages Centre says about their special need support:
When a child's need for autonomy is beyond what schools can offer, self-directed learning is an option. This suits many with ADHD and ASD (level 1)
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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 Passages Centre says:
Passages adapts as much as feasible so that there is a fit within the community.
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 Passages Centre says about their gifted learner support:
This information is not currently available.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Passages Centre students perform an average of No homework of homework per night.
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Passages Centre | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins |
Site Average | 54 mins | 58 mins | 75 mins | 87 mins | 102 mins | 110 mins |
What Passages Centre says about their flipped classroom policy:
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
Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning offers 0 competitive sports and 10 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Running
- Skateboarding
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
Clubs offered
Passages Centre for Self-Directed Learning offers 7 clubs and extracurricular programs.
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