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Academics & Curriculum

Combining traditional school studies with outdoor education.

Curriculum

GMA Academy was established by a group of qualified, experienced teachers with a goal to create a day school that offers academic excellence & holistic education rooted in individualised studies & outdoor, experiential learning - where students learn by doing.  This belief is the philosophy for all of our programs; as the students are engaged through inquiry-based exploration and effective classroom teaching, which leads to a growth mindset based on creativity,  passion and dedication.

 

In order to achieve our goal  we have borrowed from the best and most-relevant aspects of several  teaching/learning pedagogies to create our unique, innovative curriculum, including:

 

  • Ontario Kindergarten Program

  • Ontario Curriculum

  • Singapore Math

  • Montessori 

  • Waldorf

  • Forest School Canada

  • International Primary Years Program

  • Rainbow Kids Yoga 

 

By combining all of these innovative approaches to education together with a touch of wonderful Muskoka, we have developed a hands-on approach to learning that engages a wide variety of learners and  is relevant in today's changing world.  Low class numbers and lots of 1:1 time with the teachers ensures each student enjoys and succeeds in their school life.

Programs

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Kindergarten & Early Learners (Junior Kindergarten - Grade 1)

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The Kindergarten & Early Learners Class (KEL) continues to allow each individual child to flourish by utilising our outdoor education as a platform for inspiring imagination & inquiry based learning, developing problem solving skills and children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Academic foundations are also developed further with regular classes in phonics & mathematics.

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Junior Class (Grades 1-3), Senior Class (Grades 3-5) and Intermediate Class (Grades 6-8)

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Students enjoy a comprehensive curriculum that includes instruction in English Language, Math, STREAM (Science, Tools & Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art & Math), Social Studies (Geography & History), Art & Design, PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education), Physical & Outdoor Education (POE), French and Music. The heart of our educational approach is the belief that all students can achieve success and meet their learning goals with the proper support.  Mixed grade classes and our individualised approach to academic studies removes ceilings on success and allows each child to progress and excel at their own pace.

 

Our older students continue learning through our rich curriculum but are also exposed to teachings and opportunities to prepare them for high school and beyond. This includes the Intermediate Leadership Program (ILP), where students are given opportunities at school and through our summer camp to gain experience in leadership , community connections and employment related activities.

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We recognise that each individual child may have different learning requirements and as such there is some flexibility to allow students to join classes above or below their age, to meet social, emotional and academic needs.

Academic & Hands on Learning

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GMA Academy follows a weekly schedule that ensures our students are given breadth & depth in their learning, all the while ensuring that learning is challenging, relevant and real. Curriculum subjects (see below) are regularly taught in a cross curricula & project based fashion but also as stand alone subjects where needed:

 

  • Language

  • Mathematics 

  • STREAM (Science, Tools & Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art & Math)

  • Social Studies (History & Geography)

  • Music

  • Art & Design

  • Personal, Social and Health Education

  • Physical & Outdoor Education (POE)

  • French

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