Learning Support

The Learning Support Department is a powerful advocate and invaluable resource for excellence and equality in education. It is a strong, extensive and a vital force within education at CedarBridge Academy. Teachers, educational therapists, and paraprofessionals are changing lives, one learner at a time.

CedarBridge Academy recognises one-size education doesn't work for all. Our best professional understanding of how students learn calls on us to modify, or differentiate instruction in response to their varied readiness levels, interest, and learning profiles.

Under our Learning Support umbrella, we have diverse programmes designed to address students' needs. The programmes include using the co-teaching model. Co-teaching was officially introduced to CedarBridge Academy in September 2001, as a method for improving students' performance in the core subjects. Several core area classes were divided into two, yet students remained in the same classroom to receive the benefit of both teachers.

The programme proved to be successful in several areas: The programme's success largely depended on the teachers' ability to plan together, whether it was in or out of school, teachers ensuring that student outcome was more important than anything else, as well as the teachers' ability to perform in class as a single unit.

Performing Arts Department

CBA is staging a production of `West Side Story' in March. We are using a live orchestra, and there's a lot of great dancing. The auditions have been exciting since we've been able to see how multitalented our students are. They dance, they sing, they act! With this production we will establish ourselves as having a strong performing arts department - a school where students may receive the training in the arts.

We are introducing a Dance Night in the studio each semester, where our students may show their own dance compositions and works-in-progress. We will be inviting the public and professions to come out to support our new choreographers, through open dialogue after the performances.

This year we have the privilege of having guest teachers instruct in the dance studio. We start with the founders of Contrology! who are teaching anatomy for dancers and the Pilates Method. Later in the year we will have artists teaching different dance forms and styles.

Our Second Annual Festival Of Lights in a wonderful celebration of the festive season, including a variety seasonal traditions and delights! Last year was fun, enlightening and educational.

We have tried to raise the standard of the dance department at CedarBridge Academy, by giving our students lots of opportunity to do what dance is - a performing art. We have some serious students who may pursue careers in the performing arts, and want to give them the best education to help them do that.

Co-curricular Programme at CBA

The Co-curricular programme seeks to expose students to a variety of activities that will enrich their lives in a way that it will carry into adulthood. The programme offers each student an opportunity to gain personal experience and to be socially involved with his or her peers and mentors. There are a sufficient variety of activities offered to appeal to a wide range of student interests.

All students are required to complete a minimum of eight hours of co-curricular activities in order to participate in graduation celebrations. All activities require 90 percent attendance in order to receive credit. Every teacher at CBA is expected to offer and activity of their choice for at least one semester. The following are examples of some of the activities offered:

Chess.

Girls Club.

Model Engines.

Debate.

Walking Clubs.

Annual Christmas Tree Decoration Competition.

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