ABOUT US
ADMISSIONS
LEARNING
SCHOOL LIFE
COMMUNITY

Elementary

Robotics Elementary
Elementary Sport Day
ELW 02
Elementary Music

Our rigorous Elementary Program blends academics into a socially supportive environment, and establishes a strong foundation of learning to support both secondary and post-secondary studies.

Our comprehensive Elementary Program is based on the Canadian (Ontario) curriculum and the student timetable includes the following subjects:

  • English/Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • International Languages (Chinese, French, or Japanese)
  • Science and Technology
  • STEAM (Genius Hour)
  • The Arts (Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, and Music)
  • Social Studies
  • Health and Physical Education

We are known for having established an engaging and challenging curriculum where students can thrive with the support of our professionally trained teachers and the socio-emotional care experienced within a friendly learning atmosphere. We believe that a quality education begins with a safe and supportive classroom environment and builds on the collective strengths of the students. Our commitment is to

  • Challenge our students intellectually
  • Help them grow socially
  • Guide them toward independent thinking
  • Develop advanced problem-solving skills

These skills will help prepare them not only for our excellent Secondary Program but also for life in the future.

In addition, our student-centered approach to learning develops thinking and communication skills, problem-solving skills, and social skills as well as fostering empathy through the School’s approach to conflict resolution, celebration of diversity, and commitment to civic responsibility. This responsibility exists within both physical and virtual learning spaces.

The integration of technology throughout the curriculum, continuing from our Pre-Grade 1 Program, assists students in using technology in safe and meaningful ways. This includes collaborating online and accessing learning support materials off-site through our web-based learning platforms. Curriculum-based field trips support our philosophy that learning occurs both within the classroom and outside in the community.

Download our Elementary Guide

Download

Explore More:

What our community says

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics are integrated into our Elementary and Secondary curriculum. Each week, students have time built into the school timetable to explore concepts relating to STEAM which includes the design process, inquiry, problem-based learning, and innovation. Rich tasks that span across various disciplines enhance student understanding, curiosity, and application skills.

DSC International School is a place where students find their passions, and they are provided with the tools and time to explore them. Each Elementary class has a time dedicated to Genius Hour, where student-led, passion based projects come to life. Guided by the homeroom teacher, students choose their topic of interest and dive deep into exploration. They proudly share their discoveries and connections with their peers in Genius Hour showcases and throughout the learning process.

Community is a key part of our identity and how we aim to fulfill our Vision and Mission. Upon enrollment, each student is assigned to one of four Houses, in which they will stay with throughout their time in the Elementary Section. Through the Elementary House Program, students get to know others from different grades and participate in team building activities that focus on kindness, friendship, leadership, and diversity. Throughout the year, students earn points for their House by completing House Challenges and by participating in fun House Activity Days.  Additionally, students can gain points by displaying character traits such as cooperation, kindness, leadership, and perseverance. These traits will help them develop into global citizens who have the mindset to make the world a better place.

Giving our students an opportunity to connect to a real world community and explore ways to make a positive impact is embedded within our Mission and within our Early Years Program from the moment a student joins DSC. Our 1 teachers collaborate and hand pick places within our local community where our students can go and learn about different people and roles and how we are all connected to each other. The importance of providing experiential learning opportunities continues in both lower and upper Elementary grades through field trips.

Students are regularly provided with opportunities to extend their learning experiences beyond the walls of the classroom. Additionally, our Elementary students have the opportunity through STEAM to grow and harvest food that is then donated to communities in need. This experience instill a sense of civic responsibility that will be further built upon in their Secondary years.

Social-Emotional learning (SEL) skills are an explicit component of learning in the elementary health and physical education curriculum. However, there are also a lot of opportunities for students to develop SEL skills in connection with their learning in all subjects and disciplines.

Friendship and Wellbeing
DSC implements the URSTRONG friendship program to offer programs that develop self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills for students; these skill sets are vital for both school and life success.

Elementary Counsellor
Children at early ages mostly communicate through play, art, and conversation. Our Elementary counseling program focuses on child-centered play and art therapy. Everyone in the school community can refer and access the sessions to address any emotional and behavioral concerns.

Our Early Years curriculum follows the Ontario (Canada) Curriculum, please refer to the official Ontario Education website for more information.