As a university preparatory day school, Southridge provides a stimulating, diverse academic Grade 8-12 program.
While we strongly focus on building a sound knowledge base for our students, we are equally committed to nurturing the development of relevant skills and essential attitudes that will allow them to prosper as well-informed, thoughtful, principled citizens who take responsibility for making a difference in the world.
We believe that a student's attitude towards his or her studies is a vital component of academic success and we foster independence and an innovative, creative approach in our students. We believe that critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills will enable our students to fully realize their potential. To this end, we foster a student-centred, discussion-based model of education, which is further enriched by the judicious use of technology.
Southridge's Senior School provides academic and testing accommodations for students in Grade 8 through 12. The Learning Resource Specialist evaluates, develops, and implements services for individual students to decrease the barriers to education that a student might experience as a result of a language-based disability, a math disability, or deficits in memory, attention, and processing skills.
At the Senior School, the Learning Resource Specialist provides academic testing accommodations for students who have a current (within the past two years) Psycho-Educational Assessment. Through the development of an Individualized Educational Plan or a Student Support Plan, a student may be eligible for some of the following accommodations that would be monitored by the Learning Resource Specialist.
Located in the heart of the Senior School, the Alderdice Library provides students and staff with a well-resourced learning environment where they can study, collaborate, and relax. Students can use a variety of areas to connect and learn, from couches by the stone fireplace to window benches to collaborative table configurations. The library is dynamic and warm, inviting all members of the school community to enjoy the space.
The teacher-librarian works closely with faculty not only to provide authentic opportunities for critical thinking and research, but also to promote academic integrity and inquiry. We are proud to have partnered with RefWorks, a resource management software, to provide students with the tools and experience to be responsible researchers and proficient collaborators.
The library boasts an extensive digital collection as well. There are thousands of ebooks and audiobooks as well as subscriptions to numerous online resources, journals, and databases.
In partnership with the English Department, the library administers the Accelerated Reader program, which enables students to develop their independence as readers while encouraging them to engage with a broad selection of contemporary and classic texts.
The Alderdice Library aims to be a place for the entire Southridge community to read, learn, and connect.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to discover their purpose, passion and place in the world; to be ready for their world - whatever that may be. This program recognizes student achievement in a variety of personal development activities, including: community service, outdoor education expeditions and skills, and physical recreation. Students can work towards three award levels - Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The program is administered at Southridge by the Vice-Principal, Student Life. More information is also available at www.dukeofed.org.
Southridge strives to integrate technology across the curriculum in an effort to accommodate different learning styles and levels, enhance creativity, develop problem solving strategies, and improve critical thinking skills. Technology does not stand alone; it is best used when seamlessly incorporated into teacher lessons in different subjects to help students achieve desired learning outcomes.
Southridge is a leader in the implementation and use of school technology. All students from Grade 5 to graduation have laptops that they use as part of the school’s one-to-one program. The majority of classrooms are equipped with SMART Boards, which allow teachers and students to interact with educational software, digital media, and the internet in a dynamic and user-friendly manner.
Southridge understands that through the use of technology in the classroom, the boundaries of learning are extended beyond the physical location of the classroom and the hours of the school day. Using the school’s website, students are able to check for homework, join educational discussions, review and preview lessons through uploaded teacher videos, and take ownership of their learning in a variety of other ways. Educational technology enables teachers and students to connect with others locally and globally for the purpose of collaborative learning.
Southridge teaches the skills and ethics necessary to thrive in an increasingly technology-rich world. Because technology sometimes outpaces moral and legal considerations, a solid framework for ethical use of technology is taught to our students. Students are empowered to use technology in a safe and ethical manner to enrich their understanding of themselves and their community, both locally and globally.
Young people need guidance to use technology and the internet in an ethical and safe manner. Southridge is aware of this and promotes the ethical and safe use of technology to our students and our community.
The virtual world (which is more a place than a thing) that today’s teens inhabit is largely run by social rules that the teens themselves have created over the past few years. Southridge directly addresses this by openly teaching students and the school community about ethical and responsible use of social media, email, and other online activities.
Below are the policies which guide our student behaviour with cell phones, mobile devices, and our computer network:
