Our Curriculum & The Learning Continuum
OUR CURRICULUM
At Heritage, we believe that all excellence is for the glory of God. This belief guides our commitment to continually improving teaching practices through current educational research and thoughtful curriculum review that align with our school’s mission and vision.
Our mission—to provide quality education founded on Biblical values—shapes how we select and evaluate all learning materials. We recognize that no curriculum is value-neutral and that all truth finds its purpose in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This conviction forms the foundation of our approach to learning.
We appreciate that the Ontario Ministry of Education (OME) provides a comprehensive framework that supports structure, accountability, and balanced learning. At Heritage, we align our curriculum with the academic expectations of the OME, but we do not fully adopt them. This distinction allows us to meet or exceed provincial standards while maintaining a distinctly Christian perspective in every subject area.
Our goal is to offer a Christ-centred education where students grow in knowledge, character, and in their relationship with God.
THE LEARNING CONTINUUM
Learning is a Journey.
We believe that each child is on a unique path of growth and discovery, shaped by their God-given gifts and experiences. We want our students to know that learning is both exciting and life-long. We encourage our students to monitor their progress towards and celebration of reaching learning goals without comparison or judgement.
We teach that mistakes, curiosity and exploration are the keys to learning success and that welcoming and persevering through challenges leads to growth. In our classrooms, we place less emphasis on grades and focus on feedback, which allows students to self-reflect, using information to form their next steps. This leads to student independence and unlocks their potential!
Created differently, learning beautifully.
We believe that all students can learn. God has made each of us with unique strengths, talents, and ways of learning. Just as the body of Christ has many parts, each with its own purpose, every student contributes something valuable to our school community. We celebrate the diversity of learners, recognizing that differences – whether in style, pace, or ability – reflect the creativity of our Creator.
Discovering strengths and setting goals.
Students explore how God has uniquely wired them to learn. Through the development of Executive Functions and practicing self-advocacy, students learn what they need to be successful and can identify, set and reach learning goals.
Learning together, growing in Christ.
Education is a partnership. Teachers, support staff, parents, and the wider Christian community all play a role in guiding each child’s journey.
Together, we nurture hearts and minds, helping students grow in wisdom, confidence, and faith as lifelong learners in Christ.
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Testing
In addition to internal testing, our students also participate in external testing using the MAP test. Students in grades 1-8 participate in reading, language usage and mathematics MAP tests in the fall, winter and spring.
MAP testing allows our teachers to see the progress of individual students and of their class as a whole. Students with similar MAP scores are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics. MAP also provides data around the typical growth for students who are in the same grade, subject, and have the same starting achievement level. This data is often used to help students set goals and understand what they need to learn to achieve their goals.