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The Bishop Strachan School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at BSS: Progressive, Reggio Emilia
BSS has a Progressive, Reggio Emilia approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, Reggio Emilia?]
BSS has a Reggio Emilia approach to supplementary curriculum.
Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
International curriculum & programs at BSS: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What BSS says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Guided by the highest standards of academic excellence and vital character development at The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), we leverage the Signature of a BSS Girl to achieve our mission: to inspire girls to be fearless and educate them to be leaders. We know from 150 years of experience that having the confidence and courage to make a difference in the world begins with self-discovery. Encouraging exploration is our primary focus, because when students are curious they learn how to persist through difficulty, trust their judgment and find their voice as they reach their goals. With this, girls see firsthand that they hold within themselves everything they need to go anywhere and do anything in the world.
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 BSS: Traditional Math
BSS has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What BSS 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
Early Reading approach at BSS: Whole Language
BSS has a Whole Language approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Whole Language?]What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at BSS: Process approach
BSS has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at BSS: Inquiry
BSS 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 BSS: Social Justice
BSS has a Social Justice approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Social Justice?]What BSS 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
Social Studies approach at BSS: Expanding Communities
BSS has an Expanding Communities approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Expanding Communities?]What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at BSS: Pragmatism
BSS has a Pragmatism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Pragmatism?]What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at BSS: Communicative
BSS has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What BSS 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 BSS: Creative
BSS 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 BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at BSS: Heavy integration
BSS has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Heavy integration?]What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What BSS says:
Our health and physical education curriculum is designed for students to build knowledge and skills and enable them to succeed in an ever-changing world by developing physical and health literacy. Our program helps students build capacity and commitment to promote healthy and active living. The Junior and Middle Schools offer intramural sports as part of the PE program which focusses on cooperation and participation.
Religious Education
What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Physics 1
- AP Research (Second part of the AP Capstone program)
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Chemistry
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP French Language
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at BSS: Ontario curriculum
BSS 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:
BSS has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What BSS says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at BSS: Reggio Emilia
BSS has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).
[Show: About Reggio Emilia?]
What BSS says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
A strong start means a better finish. It’s precisely what happens within the dynamic, inquiry-based learning approach you’ll find in our Junior School (JK to Grade 6). Children are treated as the intellectually powerful beings they are, and encouraged to express themselves as they learn, grow, collaborate and create. Learn more at bss.on.ca/junior-school.
Language
Learn about The Bishop Strachan School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
BSS offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Online Learning
The Bishop Strachan School'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.
The Bishop Strachan School offers online courses to students.
Course schedule
| Period | Grades | Number of Courses | Start - End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year | 9 to 12 | 1 | Sep 06, 2022 — Jun 09, 2023 |
Course format
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Distance | |
| Asynchronous | |
| Synchronous |
Academic support and services
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Dedicated teacher per course | |
| Exam proctoring | |
| Student progress tracker | |
| Regular office hours | |
| Additional support | |
| Study groups | |
| Special needs support |
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at BSS: Standard-enriched
BSS has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What BSS 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 BSS says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at BSS: Rigorous
BSS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What BSS says about their academic culture:
We strongly believe in the power of the girls within these walls and their ability to change the world for the better. It’s not just a philosophy; it’s the basis of our curriculum and our approach. Our vision is this: we want BSS to be an inspirational force for women to reach their full potential as transformative leaders. We’re dedicated to facilitating powerful learning and encouraging inspirational leaders in the world – whatever that looks like for each girl.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of 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 BSS says about their developmental priorities:
BSS strives to inspire girls to be fearless and educate girls to be leaders. For a full understanding of the set of personal attributes that are encouraged, nurtured and taught at BSS, read more about our Signature of a BSS Girl and Culture of Powerful Learning at https://www.bss.on.ca/learning-teaching.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
BSS offers No support
BSS 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 |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 BSS says about their gifted learner support:
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 | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | 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
The Bishop Strachan School offers 15 competitive sports and 7 recreational sports.
Competitive offered Recreational offered
all sports]
- Archery
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Ice Skating
- Rugby
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Clubs offered
The Bishop Strachan School offers 24 clubs and extracurricular programs.
Clubs offered Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
Foreign Language Club
Jazz Ensemble
Math Club
Musical theatre/Opera
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Online Magazine
Outdoor Club
Outdoor Education
Photography
Robotics club
School newspaper
Science Club
Student Council
Yearbook
Yoga
Art Club
Band
Choir
Community Service
Computer Club
Dance Club
Debate Club
Drama Club
Environmental Club
What BSS says about their extracurricular activities:
- Inclusive-policy in Grade 4-6. Development programs for Grade 7-12
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: The Bishop Strachan School
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