Today’s mathematics curriculum must prepare students for their future roles in society. It must equip them with essential mathematical knowledge and skills and most importantly, with the ability and incentive to continue on their own learning. The development of mathematical knowledge is a gradual process. Thus, a coherent and continuous program is necessary to help students recognize the underlying principles of mathematics.

The mathematics courses offered at the secondary level build upon the fundamentals of important skills, concepts, processes, and attitudes that are fostered through elementary school. The strands used are similar to those of the elementary program, with adjustments made to reflect the new directions mathematics takes in secondary school. The mathematics curriculum promotes lifelong learning for students by encouraging the application of problem-solving skills to other disciplines and real world situations.

Using a variety of instructional, assessment and evaluation strategies, teachers provide numerous opportunities for students to develop skills of inquiry, reasoning, problem solving and communication as they investigate and learn fundamental concepts. Opportunities to relate knowledge and skills to these wider contexts – to the goals and concerns of the world in which they live – will motivate students to learn and to become lifelong learners.

For more information on the Pure & Applied Mathematics, Robotics and Engineering Department click here!

The science program at The Woodlands provides students with hands-on experiences and an opportunity to relate science to real world applications. Our goal is to create engaging and collaborative learning environments for students to develop a passion for science, acquire the skills needed to be scientifically literate, and encourage lifelong learning. Students will develop the skills and processes needed to solve problems and make decisions about how science affects them, and how science interacts with society, technology, and the environment. In addition to curriculum courses, there are clubs and organizations students can participate in to further their interests in science such as Science Club and Biology Club.

For more information and to view program options click HERE

The Geography program at the Woodlands uses a geographic inquiry lens to address the environment, economy, land and populations of Canada. We strive to ask both “what” and “so what” of any geographic issue as students use critical thinking frameworks to examine natural and human systems in Canada. We look at how they interact and influence one another, and Canada’s relationships with the global community. There is a recurring theme of natural resource sustainability to provide a basis for understanding the concept of environmental and economic sustainability.

Here at the Woodlands, we offer English courses in a variety of different pathways. All our courses aim to address the four strands of the Ontario English Curriculum: reading, writing, media and oral skills. We strive to include works from a variety of different time periods and cultures, but with an eye towards having students reflect on their own world. Non-fiction and non-traditional texts (graphic novels, film, podcasts etc.) are worthy of study just as much as Shakespeare, poetry and the classic novel. Our texts are selected for the entry points they offer our students to examine the world.

The Writer’s Craft course is a senior level English course offered bi-annually for students interested creative writing or those that are just hoping to improve. Here the emphasis is on process instead of product. Students are encouraged to take risks, share their work with others and provide constructive feedback. Students can attend workshops and work with guest artists on areas such as graphic novel, script, and song writing. The final project alloys students to pursue an area of interest for greater focus and exploration. Past guest speakers include Lawrence Hill, Robert J. Sawyer, and Kelley Armstrong.

The Media Studies course is a senior level English course offered bi-annually for students interested in examining the world around them more closely through non-traditional texts and mediums. By examining how we construct media we can deconstruct and gain a greater understanding of the society that we live in. This is a course interested in tackling big questions, but it also allows students the opportunity to create and produce a media portfolio.

Here at the Woodlands, we recognize that our students come to us from a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds. Therefore, our teachers work hard to provide a caring and supportive environment that respects the abilities and goals of each individual student. For some English language learners who are newcomers to Canada, shifts in culture can be an additional hurdle. Our teachers are committed to students feeling valued for their personal identities as well as helping them create their identities as members of Canadian society.

While full acquisition of a language can take longer than the four-year secondary program, our goal is to have students leave the ESL program feeling confidant to communicate in a wide variety of social settings and able to demonstrate the learning skills necessary to be successful in a mainstream classroom regardless of their pathway. Students who graduate from the ESL program can access help and support from staff as they move towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. There are also opportunities for these students to mentor other English language learners who are new to the program through WIBS. This group of student volunteers can direct students to resources as they learn to self-advocate.

French is not only one of Canada’s two official languages, but is also widely used throughout the world. Knowledge of a second language is valuable for a number of reasons. Students strengthen their first-language skills and enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities while they tend to become more tolerant and respectful of other cultures. In addition, the ability to communicate in another language provides students with a distinct advantage in a number of careers, both in Canada and internationally.

The drama program at The Woodlands provides students with an engaging environment to develop their skills. Woodlands drama is unique in that classes are delivered as acting workshops where students get ample opportunity to work one on one with the teachers to help them develop and hone their craft. Drama acts as a catalyst for students to understand and deconstruct their perspectives, emotions and understanding of self, to better arm themselves with the emotional maturity to take on a complex world. In addition to exciting curricular offerings in Drama and Musical Theatre, there are countless ways for students to get involved outside of class as well! One highlight of the school year is the annual drama production, a play or musical that allows students to get involved on stage, backstage or through the tech crew (past shows have included High School Musical, RENT, The Laramie Project, Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls….and more!). Students can also join the weekly drama club, smaller productions that are toured to other schools and festivals, the Improv team…there is a place for everyone in the Drama Program!

Check out this VIDEO about the Drama Program here at the Woodlands and for more information check out the WLSS - Arts Website.

The music program at The Woods is one of the strongest music programs in Canada. With classes for beginners and repertoire classes for students who are experienced in Music, the program is second to none. The growth that the students are able to make as musicians is astounding! In addition to engaging, exciting classes that further develop a student’s love of Music, there are a ton of extra-curricular opportunities for the students: the Jazz Bands, the Concert Bands and the Choirs have won awards all over the world! Whether performing for the community in The Woodlands or in competitions in Toronto, Italy, Austria (to name a few), this is a program you do not want to miss! The incredible teachers working with the students have turned the music program in to something that is known across the globe.

Please check out this video from Mrs. Koehnen to here more about the Music Program here at The Woodlands.

For more information check out the WLSS - Arts Website.

The visual/media art programs routinely guide students through the creation of stunning, thought-provoking and important artistic creations. While working alongside the teachers, the students are exposed to a variety of forms and processes that permit students to express themselves and their perspectives about the world around them. Utilizing both classic artistic practices and the newest technologies, the visual art program is an incredible addition to students’ 21st century learning experience. In addition to classes in Art, Media Art, Photography, Yearbook design and more, students can take part in extra-curricular opportunities such as Art club and theatre set design.

For more information check out the WLSS - Arts Website.

Choosing one’s path in life—whether it involves higher education, participating in an apprenticeship or directly entering the workforce—requires time and planning. Keep reading to learn the requirements to graduate from high school, and how to fulfil these requirements in either daytime or evening classes.

You can connect with us on Twitter (@GuideWoodlands) and Instagram (guidewoodlands) for important information and updates.

The Student Success team at The Woodlands School provides critical leadership in supporting and advocating for students in risk and contributing to the advancement of a systemic reshaping of education in the increasingly diverse Province of Ontario.

The Student Success team is made up of subject teachers, administrators, Guidance and Special Education teachers and Student Success teachers to support students at risk through links to in-school, board, community and other resources.

Here at the Woodlands the Student Success team takes a proactive approach at identifying and providing students with opportunities to both recover and rescue credits through programs offered throughout the school year. The Student Success team also engages in direct student advocacy and mentoring, monitoring students and providing school wide professional learning focused on students and their achievement.

Healthy active living benefits both individuals and society in many ways, including increasing productivity, improving morale, decreasing absenteeism, reducing health-care costs, and heightening personal satisfaction. There is a growing body of scientific research indicating that involvement in daily physical activity leads to improved academic performance.

The health and physical education curriculum has been designed to provide learning experiences that help students realize their potential in life. Students develop an understanding of the importance of physical fitness, health, and well-being and the factors that contribute to them; a personal commitment to daily vigorous physical activity; and positive health behaviours, skills and knowledge they require to participate in physical activities throughout their lives. This practical, balanced approach helps students move successfully through secondary school and beyond.

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For more information on our families studies program please click here.

Business is an integral part of every young adult’s future. It influences their careers, incomes and opportunities for personal enterprise. Business has a significant effect on the standard of living and the quality of life of Canadians, while having a growing impact on the environment in which they live. Young adults must be prepared to engage in business activities with confidence and competence, both nationally and internationally.

Students who pursue a business education will develop an understanding of how business functions, the role it plays in society and the opportunities it generates. Business studies creates a strong foundation for those who wish to train in specialized areas such as management, international business, marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship and information & communication technology, whether through practical applications in the workplace or in postsecondary education.

For more Information about course offerings click HERE.

Technological innovation influences all areas of life, from the daily lives of individuals to the work of business and government, to interactions on a global scale. It helps meet basic human needs and provides tools for improving people's lives and exploring new frontiers.

A variety of subject areas allow students to acquire the technological skills and knowledge that allow them to participate fully in a competitive global economy and to become responsible citizens in an environmentally vulnerable world. To succeed in today's society, students need to be effective problem solvers and critical thinkers, able to understand, question, and respond to the demands of today’s workforce. Students who pursue careers in technology also need high-level skills to develop solutions to workplace challenges or to provide the services required in their chosen fields.

For more Information about course offerings click HERE.