Programs

Upper School

Grade 7 - 8

The intermediate curriculum lays the foundation for high school by focusing on higher-order thinking, inquiry, integration, and international awareness.
While eager to embrace the teen years, MacLachlan recognizes the need for Grade 7 and 8 students to learn how to manage increasing academic demands and higher expectations for independence, responsibility, and accountability.

Higher-order thinking includes building skills in analysis, critical thinking, synthesis, problem-solving and evaluation using several different learning and teaching techniques. Not only do we help smooth the academic transition from the Primary Years Programme, but we also help ease the transition socially and emotionally, fostering a solid foundation which they can use as a springboard into the high school years.

Curriculum

The Intermediate School curriculum at MacLachlan is balanced with rigour and innovation, while making connections to the greater world.
The Intermediate School curriculum at MacLachlan is balanced with rigour and innovation, while making connections to the greater world. The academic programming provides a smooth transition from the PYP program to the high school program.  Students continue to thrive in inquiry-based learning while also adapting to the language and skills used in the Advanced Placement classes later in their Upper School career. 

All Intermediate students take Learning Strategies, a course designed to develop tools and essential skills. The course helps students to continue to build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.

Our guidance and career education program begins in Grade 7 to help each student gain greater awareness and understanding of themselves, their educational goals and career options. In addition, MacLachlan Diploma Advisors are available throughout the year to meet with each Grade 7 and 8 students to review Individual Pathway Plans (IPP) and MacLachlan College Diploma achievements as well as provide guidance and support towards their future educational goals.
 
 

A Day In The Life

Beginning in Grade 7 students transition from the IB Primary Years Programme to an intermediate level rotary schedule. The academic program in Grades 7 through 12 continues with the collaborative and inquiry-based approach of the IB philosophy within an enhanced curriculum.
Our intermediate students participate in activities including social outings to the movies, bowling, mini-putt and more. Experiential field trips, including camping and overnight excursions, such as a four-night educational trip to Quebec City, also take place to advance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Experiences outside the classroom provide our Grade 7 and 8 students with the opportunity to improve their social abilities and apply hands-on thinking to real-life situations.

These excursions and activities create lasting memories and closer bonds with their peers by building significant relationships and producing a strong and stable foundation for the upper years.

Grade 9 - 12

MacLachlan’s academic record is superb, and our results come from our expectation that every student focuses on achieving their best. Our experience is that students rise to challenges and embrace success when they are given the resources, attention, and opportunity. Our students are provided all of these and more.
Our Upper School is a dynamic and inclusive community where students are accepted for who they are and where teachers guide and facilitate learning by creating real-world connections. In small classes, teachers and students get to know each other well, providing opportunities to go beyond by delivering unique programs, activities, enrichment opportunities, individualized guidance, and support to provide a highly personal and engaging experience.

Just as colleges and universities have embraced innovation and active learning environments, MacLachlan has transformed traditional classrooms into creative hubs that motivate critical thinking and collaboration. These active learning classrooms enable students and teachers to work in partnership to connect existing knowledge to new thinking.

MacLachlan students are also afforded the opportunity to develop skills that transcend academics. Leadership, character development, community outreach, outdoor education and international service trips are an integral part of their learning experience and development into thoughtful and confident well-rounded individuals.

Curriculum

From the moment your child walks into their classroom, they are welcomed into an environment where they are empowered to learn and eager to succeed.
The core skills and knowledge gained in the intermediate years are now applied and expanded in the upper years. As a university-preparatory school, we emphasize the establishment and improvement of key skills to ensure our students are well-prepared for the challenging post-secondary environment.

We offer Advanced Placement in Grades 11 and 12 courses to enable students to go beyond the academic curriculum. AP courses introduce advanced concepts that help further prepare students for university-level courses.

University Preparation

Preparing our students for post-secondary education begins long before they are ready to graduate. We provide students with the tools and information they need to find post-secondary options and programs that are best suited to their interests and goals.
Our experienced guidance department works closely with every student to ensure they are prepared for their chosen path after high school. The choices students make are very personal and unique to their own goals and dreams.

Our guidance and career education programs help each student to gain greater awareness and understanding of themselves, their educational goals and career options. In addition, MacLachlan Diploma Advisors are accessible to students throughout the year and formally meet with each Grade 7-12 student twice per year to review their Individual Pathway Plan (IPP) and provide guidance and support towards their future educational goals.

We also assist students in the preparation of university applications, helping them to present themselves as authentically, confidently, and cohesively as possible. This process is often a significant learning experience for students and helps them to make sound and responsible choices for their next learning adventure. Our approach involves a collaborative effort between school, student, and parents to facilitate the successful transition to post-secondary studies and the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

MacLachlan College is also committed to teaching our students 21st Century Skills that are needed in high school and beyond, providing outdoor education experiences through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program, and offering students the opportunity to travel and develop leadership skills through our Debating and Public Speaking, DECA, Prefect, clubs, and initiatives.

A Day In The Life

MacLachlan's Upper School operates using a two semester approach. The Upper School program offers eight courses per year, split over two semesters. Students have four classes per day. 
MacLachlan also recognizes the importance of tolerance, respect and teamwork through various extracurricular activities and clubs offered on campus. MacLachlan provides students the chance to excel on and off campus through debate teams, DECA, and intramurals. MacLachlan also incorporates semi-formal and formal events, creating a high school environment where Upper School students can interact and socialize in a non-academic setting. Many of our senior students participate in service trips to places such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Arizona, Mexico, and Kenya. These trips focus on constructing schools, youth and educational programs. These service trips not only help the communities in which they are built, but help the students cultivate teamwork, communication, and hands-on skills establishing them as global citizens. Immersion in diverse cultures helps them understand their own ecological and global footprint, expanding their horizons on diversity and giving them a global perspective.

Ready to Get Started?

We are so thrilled you are ready to begin your MAC application today.

About

We know that to prepare future-ready individuals we must share and instill common values throughout the entire school community and permeate all of our activities with a core set of values.

Find Us

337 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON L6J 3H3, Canada
+1 (905) 844-0372
info@maclachlan.ca
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