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For over twenty years the Sheila Morrison College School has been guiding students on this journey to achievement. While the school delivers its curriculum with a myriad of teaching styles and methodologies, it is our fundamental belief that it is essential that students master Basic English and Mathematics concepts. Students must become proficient in the areas of spelling, grammar, composition, reading and reading comprehension, note-taking and study skills as well as mastery in Math. If these two disciplines are specifically not mastered, it is virtually impossible for students to be truly successful when tackling other subjects within the curriculum. Our aim is to correct deficiencies and build on students' strengths with a 3-1 pupil teacher ratio - intensity and diligence are hallmarks of our programme. We do not believe in educational experiments; we push, challenge, encourage and praise our students, and our teaching methods reflect the assumption that there is no substitute for hard work and sound learning. Flexibility and Variety We
employ an array of teaching styles and methods in order to help our students
succeed. Intensity of effort is our hallmark. We are not afraid to explore
the myriad ways in which our students learn. Lectures. Reading. Writing.
Computers. Travel off campus. Interactive modes. Every student admitted
into SMCS has potential. We unlock that potential.
Traditional Curriculum The aim of our school is to deliver a broadly based liberal arts education to our students. In order to prepare our graduates for higher education we provide an intensive and traditional curriculum: Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Science, Computers and Creative Arts. 95% of our graduates who complete their OAC courses go on to University. While The Sheila Morrison School is a university prepatory school, we also recognize that a university education is not for everyone. In fact, only 30% of all Ontario students actually go on to university. At the same time, we understand that with the proliferation of technology within our society, the 70% of students who choose to enter the work force or go to college must be equally prepared as their university-bound friends. The ability to synthesize material, communicate orally and in writing and to comprehend complex technical documents is essential for achievement in later life. We want our children to have the necessary academic skills to choose their path in life. Our emphasis on learning ensures that will be the case. Progress Reports and Communication Parents receive three written report cards during the school year -- Christmas, March and June. The Christmas report looks at classroom progress only. The other two reports also give comparative formal test results; grade levels and in June, credits earned. Very Small Classes The student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1. One on one tutoring is available as needed. We work with every child as if they were the only child.
English | Spelling/Reading | Grammar | Composition | Essay/Note Taking | Essay | Computers | Penmanship | Study Skills | Bridging Programme | Accessable Help | Summer School
The development of language skills is the key component to all students' achievement scholastically. To this end language is the main focus of our programme. All written work in every subject is marked by the teacher on a daily basis for spelling, grammar and style as well as content. The school employs the Orton Gillingham phonetic based approach to teach spelling and reading. Not only are students taught to decode words, emphasis is also placed on the rules of spelling (i before e, etc.). Furthermore, students read orally in class so that the teacher can correct any errors or omissions. Reading comprehension exercises are assigned nightly, commensurate with a student's ability. Answers are then given orally and in writing the next day to ensure children have a full understanding of the material. Pupils initially learn the basic parts of speech. Students then blissfully compose and diagram a multitude of sentences, which are then reinforced and incorporated into students' compositions. Written work is assigned daily. Students are taught the skill of outlining, and all work is edited in collaboration with the teacher. Note taking is an essential skill, which all students must develop. Students must be able to trust their notes, to understand that a notebook is a condensed version of a textbook, and to appreciate the skill required to compose a proper point form and good form note. Note
taking skills are incorporated into the composition of an
essay. Teacher and pupils collaborate on an essay. Topics are assigned,
teachers then instruct We understand and appreciate the need for our children to be able to understand and master computer technology. Computers are integrated across the curriculum. Children are not only taught computer concepts, but as well our goal is for our students to be able to use them in a practical and productive manner. While we believe in computers and understand that they are the wave of the future; students do learn in a variety of styles. Many can make notes on laptops, however, others cannot. The value of learning proper penmanship and neatness cannot be discounted. The teaching of penmanship is a simple and effective way to build self-esteem. Furthermore if you can't read it, you can't study from it nor can you mark it. Our teachers explain to students, once they have mastered note taking, how to boil those notes down to two or three pages of "crib sheets". Study skills are employed in each and every subject, and our teachers spend a great deal of time developing this skill. Occasionally
students graduate from high school without the necessary basic skills
or the maturity to become successful. Through an intense ten month programme
the school endeavours to fill any gaps in a student's education. Our goal
is to prepare students for the rigors of college and university or to
be Because full-time faculty live on campus, help is readily available. We encourage students to ask for assistance; it's another way to nurture potential. Sometimes ten weeks is too long a time for a child to go without education. Some students need additional help in Math and English. SMCS offers a six-week summer school program, which combines intense academic activity in the morning with equally intense summer activity in the afternoon. Swimming, golf and trips to the beach are combined with fractions, gerunds and dangling participles for a fun-filled educational experience. Our six-week programme gives students the necessary skills and confidence to reach the next level in their present school situation. While we concentrate on Mathematics and English skills other credits are offered and earned. |
Copyright
1999
The Sheila Morrison College School
pupils
in how to structure an essay, do outlines and edit to complete and improve
different drafts. All are marked for spelling style and grammar. Work
is also done on technical writing such as business letters, reports, position
papers, memos, brochures etc. 
successful
in the work force.