Academics

Curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on developing a high proficiency level in math and literacy and developing collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Our Responsive Classroom pedagogy aids in this process by creating an environment of inclusivity, teaching social-emotional skills, and providing consistency in classroom discipline and teacher language in each class. Students begin French, music and art classes in grade 1 and grades 5-8 are given opportunities to explore instrumental music, ukulele, and drama.

Math

ERCS uses the Singapore Math curriculum to develop a deep understanding of math concepts and proficiency in basic and increasingly advanced mathematical skills.

Writing & Literature

Using the Learning Without Tears curriculum, students in JK-Grade 4 work on printing, cursive writing and keyboarding skills. Through the years, our students learn a variety of different writing styles, including journaling, poetry, creative fiction, essays, and speech writing. Each class studies an assortment of novels, short stories, poems and other types of reading material.

Science

Students learn about the scientific world in many ways, including experimentation, group work, hands-on projects and Scholastic and Pearson texts. Students are exposed to the majority of units covered in the Ontario Curriculum as well as other units of interest including chemistry and genetics.

Bible

Christian growth and development is part of the academic curriculum for all students in grades JK to 8. Students learn about God and the Bible through stories, scripture memorization, application lessons and in class discussions. Our weekly chapel time reinforces the lessons that are taught in class and provide us with an opportunity to join together as a community. No prior Bible knowledge is required to attend ERCS.

Physical Education

All classes participate in physical education classes several times a week. There is also the opportunity to compete in interschool competitions through CAASO. Grade 3 students participate in Swim to Survive, a three-week program to help children learn survival swimming proficiency. Grades 5 to 8 students participate in an annual ski day at Hockley Valley Resort. As well, the whole school participates in monthly skating days throughout the winter months.

Art & Music

All students participate in visual arts classes as part of their core curriculum. Our grade JK to 4 students participate in weekly music classes and have the opportunity to learn to play the bells, chimes, and recorder. For our Junior and Senior students, we offer the chance to learn to play a musical instrument such as the ukulele, guitar, or band instrument. For more information, learn about our Arts Program.

French

French language studies begin in grade 1. We use the AIM Language Learning Curriculum which focuses on developing conversational French speaking, reading, and writing skills. This program is supplemented with French grammar lessons to prepare students to continue their French studies in high school.

Social Studies/History/Geography

Students in grades 1 to 6 learn about current and past societies, Canadian geography, and current social issues using the Nelson Social Studies curriculum and other resources. Our grade 7 and 8 students follow the Ontario Curriculum for History and Geography.

JK/SK

Find out more about our JK/SK program here.

Field Trips

Field trips are an important way for students to understand concepts taught in class in a more concretely. The cost of most field trips is covered by tuition fees.

Special Education

Each student has their own unique character, gifts and abilities specially designed by God. We strive to make sure all of our students can reach their full potential by providing resources to aid them in their daily work. We incorporate Universal Design for Learning concepts in the classroom to help all students engage in meaningful ways. Where special support is needed, we work with students and parents to create an IEP (Individual Education Program). Depending on individual needs, students may receive extra support from our Educational Assistants, either in class or separately. Please note - as a small school, we provide as much support as possible, but there are limits to our capacity. We would love to meet with you to discuss any individual circumstances and decide together if we are able to best meet your child’s needs. For more information, please request a copy of our Accessibility Policy.