Our Ontario Certified Teachers go beyond the traditional role of teachers. Not only do they cover the curriculum content in an applied and engaging way, but they also serve as mentors and personal coaches to help our students understand their strengths and develop them personally relevant strategies to manage their work and access the content more deeply.
The Element’s e¹ program for grades 7 to 8 incorporates the developmental needs of adolescents and provides students with an educational program that supports and challenges them as they begin this new stage of their development. It provides accountability, challenging standards, opportunities for critical thought, the development of exemplary communication skills, opportunities for personal exploration, and creative challenges. It is aimed at enabling the adolescent’s growth in self-knowledge and confidence, responsible citizenship, and a connection with our larger community through purposeful work and study.
The Element’s e² program for grades 9 to 12 is designed to engage young people in their education and encourage the development of the high-level academic and life skills necessary for post-secondary education and modern collaborative work environments. In addition to participation in a strong academic program leading to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Element students learn to manage their time, engage in research and present their findings orally, graphically, or in written form, work independently and creatively and lead as well as collaborate with others.
The Element was first established in 2003 at its parent school, OMS Montessori, as a Junior High grade 7 and 8 program. In response to growing demand and the need for a Montessori high school program in the Ottawa region, The Element High School moved to its current location at Lansdowne Park in 2015. The Element is an independent not-for-profit high school that is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
Understanding, acknowledging, and respecting the needs and tendencies of children at all stages of their development is a fundamental principle of the Montessori pedagogy. When visiting Toddler, Casa, or Elementary classes, one is often struck by the particular differences in each environment. Toddler and Casa environments take into account the tendency for sensorial exploration, the development of independence, and the importance of learning through concrete experience with specific didactic materials. Elementary programs, allow students to continue perfecting basic skills while pursuing their interests and passions through projects and inspiring lessons.
This same principle also applies at The Element, a high school that is specifically designed to meet the needs and natural tendencies of growing adolescents. When you visit our environment, you will notice large open spaces, smaller breakout rooms, a commercial kitchen, and furniture that can be easily moved around. This enables our students to find workspaces to accommodate their learning styles.
Our high school is located in the heart of the Glebe neighborhood. Proximity to a dynamic and vibrant community gives our students access to a variety of resources such as public libraries, museums, government offices, etc. This encourages our students to look to the community to find resources while expanding their horizons and further developing their independence. Easy access by foot or public transport enables them to go out in the world to pursue their research or work in the community.
Our smaller numbers allow teachers to be available when needed. The Element mentorship program fosters independence while giving each student the support they require. This guarantees that each student has the amount of freedom they can handle responsibly.
Our program is designed to offer students relevant experiences, which truly engage them by allowing free choices and the opportunity to follow their passion while ensuring they will have the academic skills to pursue further academic studies. Students learn real-life skills through programs such as cooking, entrepreneurship, and community work.
Expanding horizons through travel opportunities allows our students to step out of their comfort zone and learn essential life skills. The school year begins with an Odyssey trip for the grade 7 and 8 students, an Urban Adventure in grades 9 and 10, and an International Community Service, which is planned in grade 11 for grade 12. At The Element, we encourage students to find their unique path to success by engaging them in all aspects of their education.
The e1 curriculum is based on personal experiences and integrates all subjects into a meaningful investigation to meet these needs and characteristics. This curriculum builds throughout the year and incorporates opportunities for all academic disciplines and skills. Basic concepts are always related to the adolescent’s experience of their own time and culture. The resources of the community are explored and choices made based on the requirements of the Ontario curriculum and the goal of helping the adolescent stand in their own space and know that they are there.
The majority of the work is done by students working individually or in small groups in the learning commons under the guidance of faculty. Students can use one another as resources and support throughout the day. Additional class time is devoted to discussion and reflection of the material studied. This makes the best use of today’s technology, encourages engagement and responsibility, and allows for flexibility and collaboration.
Why is knowing this relevant?” “Why should they put in the effort to understand these concepts?” Preparation for future education and employment is a very esoteric rationale that makes sense to adults but not to all adolescents. Authentic experiences, actually being on location, participating in real work, and interacting with passionate experts are much more immediate, powerful motivators for learning at this age. While not all parts of all courses can support authentic experiences, authenticity is a primary consideration in curriculum development in the e2 program. The location of our campus at Lansdowne becomes a hub of learning and the city is integrated into the delivery of the curriculum. Some are year-long, such as the core subjects (math or French as a Second Language) some are semesters (Integrated Arts, Business). The content of a course and the needs of the students can be best met with this type of flexibility.
The older adolescent seeks real opportunities for valorization that is to feel capable of succeeding in life by their merit. He or She is ready to be recognized for his or her unique and individual contribution to the world.
