The Gow School

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School Facilities Gallery

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• Athletics facilities
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• Campus
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Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at The Gow School.

• Curriculum Traditional
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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  Curriculum approach at The Gow School: Traditional

  The Gow School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Traditional?]

  Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Traditional - 39%
    Liberal arts - 14%
    Progressive - 34%
    Montessori - 11%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What The Gow School says: The Gow School uses a research driven phonics approach to remediating students that have been diagnosed with dyslexia and similar language-based learning disabilities and attention issues.

  Approach:

  Focus	Special needs
  Academic	Special needs

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Traditional Math

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    Mathematics approach at The Gow School: Traditional Math

    The Gow School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional math - 25%
      Discovery math - 6%
      Equal balance - 69%
    

    What The Gow School says: Mathematics is taught using a multi-sensory approach. Some classes utilize a flipped classroom.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy: Graphing calculators are required.

  • Writing Process approach

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    Writing approach at The Gow School: Process approach

    The Gow School has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Equal balance approach).

    [Show: About Process approach?]

    The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Process approach - 12%
      Systematic approach - 10%
      Equal balance - 78%
    

    What The Gow School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Science Inquiry

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    Science approach at The Gow School: Inquiry

    The Gow School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Inquiry?]

    Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Inquiry - 27%
      Expository - 6%
      Equal balance - 67%
    

    Teaching approach: Science utilizes a multi-sensory approach int he classroom.

    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 Traditional

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    Literature approach at The Gow School: Traditional

    The Gow School has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 4%
      Equal balance - 75%
    

    What The Gow School says: Literature utilizes a multi-sensory approach in the classroom and relies on skills learned in Reconstructive Language.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies Thematic

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    Social Studies approach at The Gow School: Thematic

    The Gow School has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge , Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Thematic - 32%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Expanding communities - 29%
    

    What The Gow School says: This information is not currently available.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Perennialism

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    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at The Gow School: Perennialism

    The Gow School has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Perennialism?]

    Perennialism in the humanities and social sciences emphasizes the idea of education being a kind of “conversation” between generations, and so frequently turns to “Great Works” and “Big Ideas” for teaching-content. Perennialist programs approach past works on their own terms; as if they might actually help students understand “today” better. Past works are not viewed as mere historical artifacts, but as gateways to a deeper understanding of the human condition. History (and, by extension, the humanities in general) therefore plays a large role in perennialist curriculums, though social sciences like economics, psychology, and sociology can still be taught. There is a strong Liberal Arts bent to perennialist programs. The key goals are to develop critical thinking, a strong foundation of core knowledge (or “cultural literacy”), and persuasion skills through informed debate and extensive practice in essay writing.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 11%
      Equal balance - 81%
    

    What The Gow School says: A multi-sensory approach is used in the classroom.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance

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    Foreign Languages approach at The Gow School: Equal Balance

    The Gow School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 65%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 33%
    

    What The Gow School says: A multi-sensory approach is used in the classroom. There is no foreign language requirement.

    Language instruction offered in:

    Subject	offered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts Creative

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    Fine Arts approach at The Gow School: Creative

    The Gow School has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Creative - 33%
      Receptive - 2%
      Equal balance - 65%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What The Gow School says: A multi-sensory approach is used in the classroom.

  • Computers and Technology Heavy integration

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    Computers and Technology approach at The Gow School: Heavy integration

    The Gow School has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Heavy integration - 30%
      Light integration - 18%
      Medium integration - 52%
    

    What The Gow School says: Assistive technology is incorporated into the curriculum.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

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    What The Gow School says: No PE classes. PE is done via our athletics program.

  • Advanced Placement courses

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    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education

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    Approach to sex and health education:

    The Gow School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What The Gow School says: This information is not currently available.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at The Gow School: Standard-enriched

  The Gow School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 56%
    Accelerated - 18%
    Student-paced - 26%
  

  What The Gow School says: This information is not currently available.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	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 The Gow School says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

• Academic Culture Supportive
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at The Gow School: Supportive

  The Gow School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

  [Show: About Supportive?]

  A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Supportive - 50%
    Rigorous - 50%
  

  What The Gow School says about their academic culture: This information is not currently available.

• Developmental priorities Balanced
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  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 The Gow School says: This information is not currently available.

• Special needs support Special needs school
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  The Gow School offers Special needs school

  Full-time programming is offered for all students which is exclusively focused on one or more special needs.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (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.

    Dyscalculia

    This 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.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This 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 Deficit

    A 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.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers 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 Syndrome

    On 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 syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This 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 syndrome

    This 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.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled 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 Depression

    This 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 anxiety

    This 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 thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This 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.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This 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 palsy

    his 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 dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This 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.

    Blindness

    Visual 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."

    Deafness

    Hearing 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 Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support No Support
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

  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 The Gow School says: This information is not currently available.

• Language English
  The Gow School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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  In grade Gr. 12, The Gow School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	7	8	9	10	11	12
  The Gow School	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	120 mins	120 mins	160 mins
  Site Average	51 mins	55 mins	69 mins	80 mins	98 mins	107 mins

  This school frequently "flips the classroom": asks students to learn material at home and do the "homework" in-class (with teacher support).

  What The Gow School says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Academic achievement reporting	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12
  Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 6 to Gr. 12

"For the last 88 years, Gow's structured program has helped students overcome their learning disabilities and succeed in college. To learn more about how Gow School programs change lives, visit www.gow.org, or give us a call."