Adolescent Programming

Grades 7 & 8 

“But above all it is the education of adolescents that is important, because adolescence is the time when the child enters on the state of manhood and becomes a member of society.” 
Montessori, 1948

Vision
To build a community of lifelong learners that are prepared to be compassionate, contributing members of society and strive for the betterment of humankind

About the Program
Adolescence is a time of great change. Our adolescents are moving from childhood towards adulthood, experiencing rapid physical growth, ever-changing peer relationships, growth in independence, and developing a deeper understanding of their own identity, worth and personal values. 

Our Adolescent Program is structured to match the needs of the adolescent during this exciting period of transition. Using the Montessori model of whole-person education, our program provides our adolescents with intellectual, academic, social and emotional preparation for life.  

Academics:

• The Ontario Ministry of Education outlines the content of each subject. Our Adolescent Program enriches how the content is taught, including meaningful curriculum links made between core subjects.
• Integrating hands-on, real-world learning experiences and utilizing the resources available within the classroom, school, neighbourhood and beyond. 

Learning and Life Skills:

• Dedicated time is woven into the program to ensure adolescents are developing the learning skills that research shows are correlated to academic and future success: responsibility, self-directed and independent work, time management, organizational skills, exercising choice, handling set-backs, self regulation and self-reflection.
• These future-ready skills are nurtured in a collaborative group setting. Our program is designed to be a mini-society of adolescents and adults in which social roles and relationships are created, practiced and honed. 

Community Values and Moral Development:

• Students will develop strong ties to their community and have experiences in making a positive difference to the lives of others and the environment.
• Emphasis is placed on building their appreciation for the natural world and creating a heightened commitment to serving as active, contributing citizens of their local and global community. 

Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy: 

• Adolescents will have the opportunity to learn key skills of production (of goods and services) and exchange. In other words, they will undertake the creation of a “microeconomy”.
• This year-long economic endeavour includes business planning, marketing, accounting, decision making and problem solving, while fostering an understanding for how economies work and their role in economic systems.​

Curriculum
Dr. Montessori emphasized that adolescent programs should be rooted in work of the head and the hands.
Students have the opportunity to learn through a variety of methods, including group lessons, independent work and inquiry-based projects and presentations. 

Occupations are project-based units designed to give students the necessary knowledge and skills to address real problems in their community. Occupations engage students in hands-on activities in nature, community service, land stewardship or care for their school environment.

Mathematics
Students will continue in their study of algebraic concepts such as expressions and equations, as well as, further their understanding of geometry, data analysis, ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students will also explore linear relationships, statistics, and probability. Concrete application of concepts are experienced through their occupations, construction of a micro-economy and in using Montessori materials and manipulatives, whenever possible.

Language Arts
Students will advance their skills in reading comprehension, writing, and communication through their studies of language foundations and language conventions, analyzing diverse texts, writing in various forms, and participating in Socratic style seminar discussions. The program focuses on word studies, vocabulary, spelling, debates, research, essay writing, persuasive writing and personal journaling. Public speaking and the presentation of research findings are integrated into all areas of work. 

Humanities 
A careful study of human history holds the key to a full understanding of our own humanity, both as individuals and in our relationships with others. Humanities studies include history, geography, politics and economics. Students will learn about diverse cultures, their contributions, impact of historical developments, key historical figures and current events within a global context. Students will explore Indigenous history, Confederation, Canada’s role in world conflicts and global interactions, world geography, physical geography, urbanization and how human activities impact the environment. 

Science
Students will move through units of scientific study including life science (cells, genetics, ecosystems), earth science (rocks, minerals, Earth processes), and physical science (matter properties, forces). Students will explore concepts of matter, energy, forces, electricity, magnetism, fluid systems, and chemical reactions. Science is also integrated into all aspects of the curriculum, particularly in Occupations, where they will have repeated opportunities to create their own experiments and practice reasoning power and real world scientific thinking.

French
Students will continue in their French language studies, furthering their skills in listening, speaking, reading French literature, and writing while fostering intercultural understanding and communication proficiency.

Creative Expression
Opportunities for creative expression are critical experiences for the adolescent, as they form their sense of identity and personality.  Students will have opportunities to explore various modes of creative expression, which may include pottery, song writing, drama, dance, photography, painting, garment making and others. Choices are based on student interest and community resources available. 

Physical Expression & Health
Physical expression is equally important to adolescents, providing a focus for their physical energy, an awareness of their changing bodies and abilities, and an opportunity to challenge themselves in both team-based and individual physical activities. Health concepts relating to healthy eating, human development, sexual and mental health will be covered, with a focus on equipping adolescents with age-appropriate information necessary to make sound decisions about their health and well-being.

Technology
The Adolescent Program incorporates occasional, age-appropriate use of web-connected laptops to facilitate course-related research and assignments, as well as, to enhance communication between peers, teachers and parents. Students will have access to a shared classroom laptop, though it is recommended that students bring their own laptop to school each day. 

Preparation for High School and Life
Students in our Adolescent Program will have the learning skills, social experience and a stronger sense of identity needed to undertake the increased academic demands and greater independence of high school. 

Advisory Program
The advisory program offers each student a designated faculty advisor throughout the school year. The advisor is responsible for monitoring the overall progress of the student and acts as a mentor and advocate for the student. Students meet weekly with their advisor to work on organizational skills, time management, character education, leadership skills, social development, conflict resolution and more. Regular advisory meetings foster a trusting relationship between advisor and student and offer the student individualized and focused attention. Advisors will aid students in setting, working towards and achieving academic, social and personal goals.

    
Evaluations and Reports
Our Adolescent Program incorporates a variety of performance and assessment modes in an effort to uphold the Montessori principles while preparing students for the high school experience and meeting requirements set out by the Ministry of Education.