Programs | Fern Hill School

PROGRAMS

At Fern Hill, we understand that children are individuals and we treat each one with respect. Our teachers empower every student with the confidence and independence to strive for success – in school and in life.

All Fern Hill programs embrace a holistic approach to learning, focusing on the complete development of each child. They feature a rich blend of academics, arts, athletics and extracurricular activities, all designed to stimulate young minds and encourage curiosity.

From Preschool to Grade School, Fern Hill emphasizes excellence in communication. Starting in Kindergarten, each of our programs includes frequent writing, reading and public speaking opportunities to teach and reinforce these essential life skills.

Our academic programs exceed the requirements prescribed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014. They are led by Fern Hill’s team of dedicated, certified teachers who have been with the school for many years, ensuring that students in every program have the opportunity to learn and grow in a caring, nurturing and enriching environment.

At Fern Hill, we welcome parents as partners in their children’s education and are committed to ensuring the best possible learning environment for each student. You are always invited to consult with us about your child’s specific needs, interests and abilities.

PRESCHOOL

Our Preschool program emphasizes play-based learning, encouraging children’s natural curiosity to explore and discover new activities and skills. The program provides continuous development in all areas: social, emotional, physical and academic. Fern Hill’s low student-teacher ratio ensures that all students are properly supervised as they explore and discover.

Through free play, Preschool students engage in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, such as puzzles, art, water and sand, books, blocks and much more. Depending on their age, children participate in individual, parallel or co-operative play. They also enjoy group activities during circle time, in which they focus on a variety of concepts, including sizes, shapes, sounds, colours and numbers.

Fern Hill’s Preschool program also touches on the concepts of literacy and numeracy in preparation for Kindergarten. Our expert teachers carefully choose activities designed to enhance pre-reading and pre-math skills. In addition, students are introduced to French through songs and games, and exposed to music, both by their teachers and special guests.

KINDERGARTEN

Fern Hill’s Junior and Senior Kindergarten curriculums are designed to expand on areas of development started in Preschool. Our program builds on literacy, numeracy and language skills, with an emphasis on success.

Kindergarten students are introduced to Core French each morning, Extended French on select afternoons, and music and gym programs twice a week.

Fern Hill teachers and staff create a team atmosphere that models co-operation and positive group behaviour. The team approach allows teachers to work with small groups of children, enhancing their studies in phonics, mathematics, science and more.

Both our Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes regularly host guest speakers to complement their study units. Visitors include Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo and Radical Science.

We also take field trips to enhance the learning experience. Outings include hands-on, practical trips, such as visits to the local grocery store, where we identify nutritious snacks, as well as more cultured destinations. Fern Hill Kindergarten students visit places such as the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada, taking advantage of our prime location in Canada’s capital.

GRADE SCHOOL

Working with students from Grades 1 to 8, Fern Hill takes an integrated approach to our Grade School programs. We emphasize the development of strong academic skills, as well as student confidence in their ability to succeed.

Our experienced teachers provide continuous, connected learning experiences in languages, mathematics, social studies and science. We also incorporate specialty subjects into the curriculum, including art, music, technology, physical education and French.

Fern Hill’s programs offer academic enrichment opportunities. In addition, our Grade School programs incorporate frequent hands-on learning experiences and field trips, including visits to outdoor nature venues, museums, and various Embassies and High Commissions.

SPECIAL SUBJECTS

Physical Education

Physical activity is an important part of the Fern Hill experience. As longstanding members of the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association, we ensure that all our students have the opportunity to strengthen and develop their bodies while exploring their physical abilities.

Fern Hill’s regular gym program is enhanced by several additional activities offered through our Extended Gym Program, including:

Soccer
Yoga
Tennis
Dance
Skating

We also participate in a variety of competitions. Our student athletes proudly embrace their title as Fern Hill Hawks at soccer games, cross-country races, and track and field meets, throughout the Ottawa area.

Art & Music

Art and music are integral to Fern Hill’s curriculum. We introduce our students to music in Preschool, and build on that foundation as the children progress through Kindergarten and into Grade School. Proficient Fern Hill music teachers lead our students in performing several concerts during the school year.

Our art teachers skillfully impart their expertise to students of every age, instructing them in the elements of colour, texture, form, space, line and shape. Fern Hill children experiment with painting, drawing, sculpting and creating mosaics. They also learn about artists through the ages, and take part in multicultural art studies.

We enhance our art and music curriculum by exposing Fern Hill students to cultural institutions and events within the city. Field trips include visits to the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada.

French

Preschool Program: Children will be introduced to the French language each day through songs, nursery rhymes, stories and games at circle time. Children will explore the seasons, colours, numbers and shapes. The children will enjoy learning familiar songs in a new language!

Kindergarten Program: JK and SK students will receive French instruction every morning. JK and SK students will also enjoy two French afternoons where they will participate in a variety of games, songs and activities, as well as practicing their printing.

Primary/Junior Program: Grade 1 – 6 students will have 45 minutes of French daily. The French component will include oral and written skills, spelling and verbs, presentations and mini research projects.

Intermediate Program: At the Intermediate level (for Grades 7 & 8) there are two levels for French – Core French and Advanced French. Students in both levels will continue to further develop their skills in speaking, reading, writing, spelling and verb conjugation. The Grade 7 & 8 students will be combined for French. Each student will be evaluated at the beginning of the school year and will be placed in the appropriate level (Core or Advanced).

Technology

At Fern Hill, we integrate technology into the overall learning experience. Classrooms are equipped with the latest resources, including interactive Smart Boards and a school set laptops and iPads. Students in Grades 5-8 are required to have their own laptop.

From Grades 1 to 8, Fern Hill students enjoy engaging activities and assignments that introduce them to computers, iPads and the Internet, developing essential skills that will help ensure both their success and their safety. Topics include typing, coding, use of various Microsoft and Google programs, and responsible use of the Internet.

BEFORE &
AFTER SCHOOl

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Fern Hill School offers childcare before school, starting at 8:00 a.m., and after school, from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (A specific homework time is designated for Grade School students in the After School Care program.) Parents can book Before School and/or After School Care for their children on a monthly basis or use the programs as required. Additional fees apply.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students can augment their school experience with a variety of activities led by professionals in their field. Activities are available in three eight-week sessions throughout the year, one for each term. They include inspiring and motivational lessons in dance, jiu-jitsu, chess, healthy cooking, and more… Parents can register for these programs at the beginning of the school year. Additional fees apply.

To learn more about Fern Hill’s Before and After School Care programs and activities, please call 613-746-0255 or email Deborah Gutierrez: principal@fernhillottawa.com