DISTINCT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Integrated Programming
Children thrive
Integration happens on many fronts, but the three key programs that support sustained problem-based projects are during the weekly:
- Trailblazer Problem-Based Learning classes
- Research and Design (R & D) Classes
- Social Science & Life Science Classes
Each program has structured studies as well as the opportunity for students to choose their topic area of inquiry.
(a) Headwaters Academy Trailblazer Program
Each Thursday is Trailblazer Day! Throughout all three semesters, students take part in mini problem-based courses that build skills in entrepreneurship, engineering, measurement, and technology. These courses take place on site or in the community.
The Headwaters Academy Trailblazer program gives students the opportunity to solve issues rooted in social studies and the life sciences. Encapsulated within the Trailblazer Program are applications of foundational skills of data management and probability based on the mathematics expectations from the Ontario, Alberta and US Common Core curriculum. Students will engage in polling and graphing, yield and market research, and comparing data. A sample Trailblazer project might be the study of maple syrup production at one of our Outdoor Education sites in the Beaver Valley
Language |
Reading, writing, researching, critical response, media literacy, presenting ideas (oral communication)
|
Math | • Measurement {Length of tubing, area of sugar bush, • Numeracy {Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division – examples such as taps per acre, yield per tap, profit/loss, • Data Management {Polling and graphing – yield and market research; comparing data – reverse osmosis versus standard energy requirements, etc} • Geometry and Spatial Sense {Modeling sugar bush, comparing • Probability and Algebra {Create a predictive model of sap/syrup yield and quality level from which to make proper decisions with regards to filtration systems, tubing/spile placement, marketing, etc} |
Science | • Osmosis • Filtration • Density • Photosynthesis/bush management (biology) • Refraction • Energy and comparison of fuel sources • Sustainable syrup production/minimization of lost energy • Viscosity • Gravitational pull versus friction/pressure in lines • Vacuum systems • Solar energy, wind energy, geothermal systems |
Social Science | • History and place of maple syrup production in Canada’s history/the Canadian psyche • Current market trends/people’s understanding of alternative sugars and diets, organic preferences, etc. |
(b) Headwaters Academy Research and Design Program
The Headwaters Academy R & D
(c) Headwaters Academy Social Science and Life Science Programs
The Headwaters Academy Social Science and Life Science programs give students the opportunity to examine local and global issues and recommend change. In addition to taking part in a concentrated approach to social studies and life science, students are responsible for completing a full-scale inquiry that requires data management based on the mathematics expectations from the Ontario, Alberta and US Common Core curriculum. Students will engage in polling and graphing, yield and market research, data comparison and expert interviews. A sample project might focus on Grey County’s changing winters. For instance, a guiding question might be:
What are the short and long term impacts of a shifting winter season?
This study is multi-faceted:
- Have winters changed or is it merely
public perception? (To be answered usinghistoric climate data) - If there is a change, what is it related to? (Interviews with experts, studies of global warming, consideration of ice coverage of Georgian Bay, precipitation patterns, etc)
- What is the impact on agriculture? Tourism? Retail commerce? Christmas spending patterns? Etc…
- What is the impact on our natural world locally?
- What are the major problems associated with shorter or longer winters? How might these be mitigated?
- In terms of local ski/winter tourism, what is the probability that ski seasons/snowmobile seasons, etc. will be the same in 2040? 2060? What technologies can ‘save’ these industries? Should they be saved?
The Arts at Headwaters Academy
Headwaters Academy students participate in a strong Arts program enhanced by regular musical practice and immersive studies in the visual arts and drama. Our students will benefit from the expertise of local artists and performers as guest instructors.
Physical Education at Headwaters Academy
Headwaters Academy firmly believes in quality daily physical education and activity. Our students benefit from a physical education specialist designing quality lessons that utilize our unique position on 110 acres on the Niagara Escarpment. We pride ourselves on ensuring that all
Watermarks Class
All students will take part in
Kinder Stream | Primary Stream (Grades 1-2) | Junior Stream (Grades 3-5) | Senior Stream (Grades 6-8) | Distinct Academic Programs
YOUR VISION WILL BECOME CLEAR ONLY WHEN YOU LOOK INTO YOUR HEART… WHO LOOKS OUTSIDE, DREAMS. WHO LOOKS INSIDE, AWAKENS.