At Columbia, we recognize that students differ in their learning capabilities, learning speed and style. We believe the best way to help a student achieve their full academic potential is to create an educational program that is tailored to their individual learning needs.
Columbia International College takes full advantage of the flexibility of Ontario's education system to provide our students effective and personalized educational programming. Therefore, we offer courses on a semester and credit basis, which allows students to pace their studies according to their academic ability and take courses that match their personal interests. In addition, we provide an in-depth focus on Math and English and emphasize on developing key learning and communication skills in students, which are all assessed under a very fair and learning-focused evaluation system. These features of our education system at Columbia reduce pressure on our students to memorize, encourage learning and maximize their potential.
- Semester System: This allows students to select 3 or 4 courses per semester and pace their studies according to their ability, ensuring they master concepts in greater depth and in fewer subjects at any one time.
- Credit System: In the credit system, students earn a credit for each course they successfully complete. This system, coupled with our English and Mathematics placement tests, ensures that students are enrolled in a level of study where they can benefit from the teachers' instructions and learn effectively. Thus in any semester, students may be enrolled in courses at different grade levels, based on their depth of knowledge in those courses. Students only need to re-take courses they do not pass, and there is no need to repeat an entire school year in the same grade level.
- Evaluation System: Total marks comprise 70% coursework and 30% final exams. Thus students are encouraged to pursue true learning rather than merely memorizing concepts to pass exams. Exams are also set with ample time to reduce pressure and stress on students.
- In-depth focus in Math & English: Our university preparatory students have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in Mathematics by studying a total of 330 hours (110 hours×3) of Advanced Functions, Calculus & Vectors and Data Management. Our after-school English tutorials, evening tutorials in residence, weekend conversation classes and modern language labs help students improve their English proficiency.
- Skill Development: Students also develop research skills, critical thinking, analytical, report writing and presentation skills which are all necessary for success at university and beyond. With our high school leadership courses, students gain a credit as well as develop essential team and leadership skills. The teaching style emphasizes on student-teacher interaction which allows students to gain confidence in public-speaking.
Through our ASEP assessment process, we determine a student's ASEP needs. Paying special attention to the student's academic needs, their desired post-secondary choice and program, our team of educators then consult with each student to develop a Personalized Success Plan (PSP) which clearly outlines the student's goals:
- The courses to study to meet their personal interests, university and career goals
- The suitable course load to take each semester
- The appropriate grade level to take for each course
- The duration and pace to complete their entire academic program
- The target marks needed to gain admission to their desired program at the university of their choice
Once the PSP is formulated, our teachers continue to follow the student's academic performance throughout the semester. Students who require additional help, or are identified to be gifted, are placed on the Academic Support Program (ASP) which enables them to develop their full academic potential.
Our guidance counsellors continue to hold follow-up meetings with each student regularly. Based on results of the unit tests and term marks, our counsellors will adjust the academic component of the student's Personalized Success Plan (PSP) accordingly. This ensures that the courses students enrol in for the upcoming semesters continue to be relevant to their future goals in case they modify their career choice, develop new interests, or need to repeat a course.
Our University Placement Office (UPO) also reviews each student's performance and counsels them on selecting the appropriate universities and program so they continue to focus on their future career goals and enjoy maximum success at university.
Total Learning® is what distinguishes Columbia International College from other top private boarding schools. From the start of their journey at Columbia until they graduate, each student's program is tailored to give them a rewarding experience and maximize their potential.