grade 8
ROAD TO GRADE 9 JK TO GRADE 8
Kingsway College School
Competencies By grade JK TO GRADE 8
FOUNDATION
ENRICHED CURRICULUM
INDEPENDENCE
HIGH SCHOOL PREP: STUDENTS
HIGH SCHOOL PREP: PARENTS
HIGH SCHOOL PREP: OUTREACH
GRADE 6
GRADE 7
GRADE 8
jk to grade 8 Foundation • Habits and Learning Skills • 3 School Rules: Respect, manners and try your best • 4 Doors to Learning program in academics, arts, athletics, citizenship • Student leadership • Service Learning • Access to extra help from teachers • Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project-based learning • Language arts workshops and math workshops • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou) • Dedicated class time to deliver digital citizenship • Small group instruction of core skills (e.g., Super Skills and Workshops)
• Differentiated instruction to ensure all students are challenged and supported • Exceeding the Ministry of Ontario curriculum expectations • Enriched curriculum in all areas • Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community
IndependencE • Learning for the Love of It studentdirected opportunities (e.g., Electives; Brainiacs curiosity projects; student leadership initiatives) • Leadership (e.g., JK Learning Buddies; individual projects) • Learning to use a planner to organize homework and learn time management skills • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Outdoor education trips (overnight trips begin in grade 5)
GRADE 6 “KCS has taught me confidence. I think this is an important skill to have because it allows you to show your character and go out of your comfort zone to discover new interests and things about yourself.” KCS Alum ’15
High School Prep. Students
parents
• Study Spot academic coaching pre-exams • Exam prep from gr. 6 teachers (e.g., study tips, practice exams) • Creating SMART goals • Assistance from Director of Student Life (e.g., guidance, support)
• Study Spot academic coaching with regards to exams • Access to Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator for support and to answer questions about the high school process
Foundation
IndependencE
• • • •
• Leadership (e.g., JK Learning Buddies; individual projects) • Use of Edmodo to track homework, learn to backward plan, and organize their time to allow for a balance of extra curriculars and academics • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Outdoor education overnight trip • End of year trip to Kingston/Ottawa
Habits and Learning Skills Student leadership Service Learning Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project-based learning • Exams • Language arts workshops and math workshops where they get introduced to more challenging problem solving while in a small group setting • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou; Gauss University of Waterloo contest) • High performance writing skills (preparation for essay writing in high school) • Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community (e.g., TIFF; Variety Village) • Electives
GRADE 7 “Coming back to KCS is like coming home. I am so thankful that we made the decision 19 years ago to send our kids there. They couldn’t have had a better foundation for both their education and for the more important things in life.” lumni Parent of ’05, ’09 and ’13 A KCS alumni
High School Prep. Students
parents
• Creating SMART goals that focus on involvement in all Four Doors • Time management coaching • Review of organizational skills • Assistance from Director of Student Life (e.g., guidance, support)
• April meeting: Finding the Best Fit with Janice Lastman, the Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator • Access to Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator for support and to answer questions about the high school process
Foundation
IndependencE
• • • •
• Formal Service learning classes • Multiple leadership opportunities (e.g., House Captains; grade 1 Learning Buddies; assisting with clubs and teams) • Use of Edmodo to track homework, learn to backward plan, and organize their time to allow for a balance of extra curriculars and academics • Instruction on time management • More access to extra help from teachers • Self-directed study sessions during the exam period • Discussions with regards to independence and implementation of many of their ideas to enhance their school experience • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Involvement in KCS by Design to connect staff and intermediate students with the goal of making KCS better (e.g., Differentiated instruction topic) • Outdoor education overnight trip • End of year trip to Montreal/Quebec
Habits and Learning Skills Student leadership Service Learning Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project based learning (e.g., The Amazing Race; Lego Robotics) • Exams • Study skills and presentation skills • Language arts workshops and math workshops where they are introduced to more challenging problem solving while in a small group setting • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou; Gauss University of Waterloo contest) • Speech writing and competition • Narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and essay writing • Dedicated Service Learning Class • Dedicated Student Leadership Class • Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community (e.g., Fort York; Me to We event; individual service-related field trips) • Electives
“House Captains has prepared me for high school because it is a great leadership opportunity where I’m not afraid to go out of my comfort zone and try something new.” KCS student ‘16
“Exams have prepared me for high school because I know that I can do it, and that I am comfortable now when I’m writing exams.” KCS student ‘16
“KCS has prepared me for high school because it has taught me to go into all aspects of school life: arts, athletics, and academics.” KCS student ‘16
GRADE 8 “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my 8 years at KCS. I have to say that my time at KCS really provided me with the ‘toolbox’ needed to start high school.” KCS AlumNA ’14
High School Prep. Students
Outreach
• On-site SSAT preparation (5 sessions) • Access to interview preparation sessions • Writing their resumes to prepare for interviews • SMART goals that focus on involvement in all Four Doors • Assistance from Director of Student Life (e.g., guidance, support)
• The Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator visit public and independent schools where our students apply to develop relationships with the Admissions Directors and learn about the strengths and specific offerings at each school • On behalf of the students, The Head of School, Director of Student Life, and the High School Coordinator meet with Admissions Directors to discuss applicants • The High School Coordinator makes phone calls to Directors of Admissions to further discuss applicants and advocate for them
parents • Individual meetings with parents with regards to steps to follow for the application and admissions process, meeting deadlines, and possible school choices
Foundation • • • •
Habits and Learning Skills Student leadership Service Learning Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project based learning (e.g., Remembrance Day; Designing electric cars; Café Couguar) • Exams • Study skills and presentation skills • Language arts workshops and math workshops where they get introduced to more challenging problem solving while in a small group setting • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou; Gauss University of Waterloo contest) • Introduction to grade 9 math concepts throughout the year • Speech writing and competition • Narrative, descriptive, persuasive and essay writing • Enriched content for novel studies (Shakespeare: Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet; To Kill a Mockingbird) • Hot Docs gr. 8 documentary film making based on gr. 10 history content • Dedicated Service Learning Class
• Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community (e.g., Special Olympics; individual service-related field trips) • Electives
IndependencE • Formal Service learning classes • Multiple leadership opportunities (e.g., House Captains; grade 1 Buddies; assisting with clubs and teams) • Use of Edmodo to track homework, learn to backward plan, and organize their time to allow for a balance of extra curriculars and academics • Instruction on time management • More access to extra help from teachers • Self-directed study sessions during the exam period • Discussions with regards to independence and implementation of many of their ideas to enhance their school experience • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Involvement in KCS by Design to connect staff and intermediate students with the goal of making KCS better (e.g., Differentiated instruction topic) • Outdoor education overnight trip • End of year trip to either Washington, Boston or Chicago
4600 Dundas St. W. Etobicoke, ON M9A 1A5
(416) 234-5073 www.kcs.on.ca
Kingsway College School
Competencies By grade JK TO GRADE 8
FOUNDATION
ENRICHED CURRICULUM
INDEPENDENCE
HIGH SCHOOL PREP: STUDENTS
HIGH SCHOOL PREP: PARENTS
HIGH SCHOOL PREP: OUTREACH
GRADE 6
GRADE 7
GRADE 8
jk to grade 8 Foundation • Habits and Learning Skills • 3 School Rules: Respect, manners and try your best • 4 Doors to Learning program in academics, arts, athletics, citizenship • Student leadership • Service Learning • Access to extra help from teachers • Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project-based learning • Language arts workshops and math workshops • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou) • Dedicated class time to deliver digital citizenship • Small group instruction of core skills (e.g., Super Skills and Workshops)
• Differentiated instruction to ensure all students are challenged and supported • Exceeding the Ministry of Ontario curriculum expectations • Enriched curriculum in all areas • Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community
IndependencE • Learning for the Love of It studentdirected opportunities (e.g., Electives; Brainiacs curiosity projects; student leadership initiatives) • Leadership (e.g., JK Learning Buddies; individual projects) • Learning to use a planner to organize homework and learn time management skills • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Outdoor education trips (overnight trips begin in grade 5)
GRADE 6 “KCS has taught me confidence. I think this is an important skill to have because it allows you to show your character and go out of your comfort zone to discover new interests and things about yourself.” KCS Alum ’15
High School Prep. Students
parents
• Study Spot academic coaching pre-exams • Exam prep from gr. 6 teachers (e.g., study tips, practice exams) • Creating SMART goals • Assistance from Director of Student Life (e.g., guidance, support)
• Study Spot academic coaching with regards to exams • Access to Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator for support and to answer questions about the high school process
Foundation
IndependencE
• • • •
• Leadership (e.g., JK Learning Buddies; individual projects) • Use of Edmodo to track homework, learn to backward plan, and organize their time to allow for a balance of extra curriculars and academics • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Outdoor education overnight trip • End of year trip to Kingston/Ottawa
Habits and Learning Skills Student leadership Service Learning Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project-based learning • Exams • Language arts workshops and math workshops where they get introduced to more challenging problem solving while in a small group setting • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou; Gauss University of Waterloo contest) • High performance writing skills (preparation for essay writing in high school) • Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community (e.g., TIFF; Variety Village) • Electives
GRADE 7 “Coming back to KCS is like coming home. I am so thankful that we made the decision 19 years ago to send our kids there. They couldn’t have had a better foundation for both their education and for the more important things in life.” lumni Parent of ’05, ’09 and ’13 A KCS alumni
High School Prep. Students
parents
• Creating SMART goals that focus on involvement in all Four Doors • Time management coaching • Review of organizational skills • Assistance from Director of Student Life (e.g., guidance, support)
• April meeting: Finding the Best Fit with Janice Lastman, the Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator • Access to Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator for support and to answer questions about the high school process
Foundation
IndependencE
• • • •
• Formal Service learning classes • Multiple leadership opportunities (e.g., House Captains; grade 1 Learning Buddies; assisting with clubs and teams) • Use of Edmodo to track homework, learn to backward plan, and organize their time to allow for a balance of extra curriculars and academics • Instruction on time management • More access to extra help from teachers • Self-directed study sessions during the exam period • Discussions with regards to independence and implementation of many of their ideas to enhance their school experience • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Involvement in KCS by Design to connect staff and intermediate students with the goal of making KCS better (e.g., Differentiated instruction topic) • Outdoor education overnight trip • End of year trip to Montreal/Quebec
Habits and Learning Skills Student leadership Service Learning Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project based learning (e.g., The Amazing Race; Lego Robotics) • Exams • Study skills and presentation skills • Language arts workshops and math workshops where they are introduced to more challenging problem solving while in a small group setting • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou; Gauss University of Waterloo contest) • Speech writing and competition • Narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and essay writing • Dedicated Service Learning Class • Dedicated Student Leadership Class • Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community (e.g., Fort York; Me to We event; individual service-related field trips) • Electives
“House Captains has prepared me for high school because it is a great leadership opportunity where I’m not afraid to go out of my comfort zone and try something new.” KCS student ‘16
“Exams have prepared me for high school because I know that I can do it, and that I am comfortable now when I’m writing exams.” KCS student ‘16
“KCS has prepared me for high school because it has taught me to go into all aspects of school life: arts, athletics, and academics.” KCS student ‘16
GRADE 8 “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my 8 years at KCS. I have to say that my time at KCS really provided me with the ‘toolbox’ needed to start high school.” KCS AlumNA ’14
High School Prep. Students
Outreach
• On-site SSAT preparation (5 sessions) • Access to interview preparation sessions • Writing their resumes to prepare for interviews • SMART goals that focus on involvement in all Four Doors • Assistance from Director of Student Life (e.g., guidance, support)
• The Director of Student Life and our High School Coordinator visit public and independent schools where our students apply to develop relationships with the Admissions Directors and learn about the strengths and specific offerings at each school • On behalf of the students, The Head of School, Director of Student Life, and the High School Coordinator meet with Admissions Directors to discuss applicants • The High School Coordinator makes phone calls to Directors of Admissions to further discuss applicants and advocate for them
parents • Individual meetings with parents with regards to steps to follow for the application and admissions process, meeting deadlines, and possible school choices
Foundation • • • •
Habits and Learning Skills Student leadership Service Learning Social/emotional learning (e.g., Zones of Regulation; Steps to Respect; individual counselling) • 40+ clubs and teams per term with all 4 Doors represented
Enriched Curriculum • Project based learning (e.g., Remembrance Day; Designing electric cars; Café Couguar) • Exams • Study skills and presentation skills • Language arts workshops and math workshops where they get introduced to more challenging problem solving while in a small group setting • Math competitions (e.g., Caribou; Gauss University of Waterloo contest) • Introduction to grade 9 math concepts throughout the year • Speech writing and competition • Narrative, descriptive, persuasive and essay writing • Enriched content for novel studies (Shakespeare: Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet; To Kill a Mockingbird) • Hot Docs gr. 8 documentary film making based on gr. 10 history content • Dedicated Service Learning Class
• Field trips and guest speakers that connect students to experts in the community (e.g., Special Olympics; individual service-related field trips) • Electives
IndependencE • Formal Service learning classes • Multiple leadership opportunities (e.g., House Captains; grade 1 Buddies; assisting with clubs and teams) • Use of Edmodo to track homework, learn to backward plan, and organize their time to allow for a balance of extra curriculars and academics • Instruction on time management • More access to extra help from teachers • Self-directed study sessions during the exam period • Discussions with regards to independence and implementation of many of their ideas to enhance their school experience • Greater choice in directing their own learning and how they present their findings • Involvement in Student Voice • Involvement in KCS by Design to connect staff and intermediate students with the goal of making KCS better (e.g., Differentiated instruction topic) • Outdoor education overnight trip • End of year trip to either Washington, Boston or Chicago
4600 Dundas St. W. Etobicoke, ON M9A 1A5
(416) 234-5073 www.kcs.on.ca
