Academics


Mission Statement

Our goal at Western is to foster a love of learning, nurture curiosity and promote community engagement by connecting curriculum learning and skill development to real world experiences.

Academic Philosophy

Academics at Western foster critical thinking, provide enriched learning opportunities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and develop community leadership. Students enhance their intellectual and social development through collaborative inquiry, specialized courses and technological exploration in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Academic Life at Western

Western students have a strong academic foundation, built through:

  • Project Based Learning

  • Cross-Curricular Programming

  • Experiential Learning

  • Specialized Programming

  • Leadership Opportunities

Subject courses at WTCS prepare students for all post-secondary pathways they wish to explore: University, College, Apprenticeship and the Workplace.

Academic Life Beyond Western

The diversity of programming engages today’s learners and prepares students for success in secondary school and beyond. Students emerge with 21st Century transferable skills and the knowledge to become life long learners.

Academic Supports

STEAM

STEAM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics, and Western is one of the leading examples of STEAM education in action. In addition to offering all the Science and Math courses that TDSB schools provide, Western has specialized program areas and courses like Engineering Robotics, The Design Studio and eleven strands of Technological & Arts Education that add valuable real-life practical experiences to all students’ academic studies, preparing them for a world where STEAM is an ever-increasing priority. Whether students are destined for University, College, an Apprenticeship, or the Workplace, Western allows students to experience the hands-on application of their knowledge right in high school, before they have to make the intellectual, financial, and emotional commitment to postsecondary studies and careers.

Enrichment Opportunities

Opportunities for academic, social and personal enrichment will be provided to all Western students through their courses, SHSMs and extracurricular activities.

Gifted

What is Gifted @ Western?

The Gifted Program fosters critical thinking, academic challenge, cross-curricular collaboration, and community leadership. Students enhance their intellectual growth and social development through cooperative inquiry, project based learning and technological exploration in an environment that fosters creativity and nurtures curiosity. Involvement in diverse learning situations prepares students for exemplary achievement at the post-secondary level. Students emerge from the program with well-rounded and real world skills and knowledge.

Key Pillars of the Gifted Program

Collaborative Learning

  • Project based learning

  • Reciprocal teaching

  • Curricular and cross-curricular field trips, guest speakers and experiential learning

Leadership Development

  • Mentorship and tutoring

  • Post-secondary experiences

  • Competitions, clubs and school activities

Community Connections

  • Volunteer opportunities

  • Elementary school and community organization partnerships

  • Community Achievement Award

How the Gifted Program is Unique

In order to align the Gifted Program at Western with the school’s core values and goals, we have created a unique model that emphasizes student leadership and empathy. Students are encouraged to become involved in the school and local community, develop communication and collaboration skills and engage in inquiry based learning.

The Gifted + SHSM (The Specialist High Skills Major) Advantage @ Western

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a designation granted by the Ontario Ministry of Education that allows students to focus on a career path that matches their individual skills and interests. Gifted students at Western are able to enroll in one of our SHSMs. These students learn with industry standard equipment and instructors who have worked directly in the field. They also experience on the job training with employers at skills training centres and have the opportunity to enroll in up to two post secondary courses with no tuition costs. Students who complete the SHSM requirements will graduate with a red seal on their diploma. This indicates a universal provincial designation of a higher level of achievement to all post secondary schools no matter what program the student may choose to pursue. For more information go to: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsuccess/SHSM.html