The Toronto Heschel School has incorporated a “Teaching for Understanding” model that originated at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. This framework provides teachers with a model and structure for designing and implementing curriculum that is performance-based. For material to be learned, students must be able to demonstrate that they have understood the information; are able to expand upon it; and apply it in novel ways. We use many tools to achieve understanding, particularly the arts, multiple intelligences and multi-sensory learning.
Children are taught in small skill groups, which provide each student with a high level of personal attention. Students progress at their own level in a joyful, positive learning atmosphere.
Jewish and general studies are not treated as separate entities. Jewish values are identified and applied to everything that is studied from math to environmental studies. Children are taught to connect what they learn in various subject areas. While students study Hebrew and Chumash to develop skills in those areas, their broad application
transforms the day into an integrated whole. The general studies curriculum follows Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and works in concert with the curriculum written by top-level educators at The Toronto Heschel School.
This award-winning curriculum is unique to The Toronto Heschel School. Students learn to respect and protect of the environment through this innovative environmental studies programme. Students participate in composting, recycling and renewal activities, which include tending to gardens and participating in outdoor classrooms and hands-on nature and science lessons.
The Toronto Heschel School uses a Torah-based approach to studying ethics. Whether this has to do with developing pro-social behaviour in the classroom or practising the concept of tikkun olam (repair of the world) in the community, Heschel students are prepared to take their place as engaged, democratic citizens. Our unique approach integrates Jewish ethical precepts into all aspects of the curriculum. The
Toronto Heschel School has been recognized for its commitment to the environment through it designation as an ‘Ontario Certified Eco-School.’
Teacher Qualifications: Each homeroom teacher in the elementary school works jointly in general and Judaic studies. In addition to their professional qualifications, all teachers have skills and talents in either drama, music, dance or visual arts. Teachers in the junior high have skills in particular subjects and also work in an interdisciplinary manner.
Students learn best when their teachers are also active learners. Therefore, teachers and administrators at The Toronto Heschel School attend an annual summer workshop and ongoing professional development provided by the Lola Stein Institute for Shared Heschel Learning, the publishing and teacher training arm of our school. They also take courses and seminars throughout North America and Israel.
This helps our teachers stay current with the best practices in their profession. |
|
|
