Empowering Student Agency
Academics is the heart of a school. Beyond grades, we believe a school is also a place where students explore their own interests, get to know themselves, and learn how to collaborate with other members of their community. With this in mind, OPEL Academy aims to provide safe environments for students to experiment, test their limits, and make mistakes. Indeed, through these challenges, students build resilience and critical thinking skills.
We believe that, in order to cultivate good leaders, we need to provide opportunities for students to make choices, no matter big or small. Whether it be deciding on which college to apply to, or which classmate they want to pair up with, students need to practice making decisions to build their confidence and understand the impact of their choices.
Given our commitment to student success, our school programming is quite unique. It is one that not only allows students to develop life skills, but also empowers them to have a voice in their learning. It is one that permits them to forge their own path and find their own voice.
Regardless of the path they choose, OPEL Academy will be there to support them.
Planned Accreditations
Accreditation is a yardstick that parents and universities use to check the quality and academic rigor of a school program. To that end, OPEL Academy seeks to make the strength of our program clear wherever our students find themselves next.
Taiwan – MOE
For those students who would like the experience of an international experimental school with plans to stay closer to home we plan to make sure our school conforms to all MOE school guidelines to guarantee a Taiwanese MOE-backed diploma.
U.S.A. – WASC
An industry standard in Taiwan and with good reason. A good number of students prefer to attend U.S. colleges and universities. To directly support this, OPEL Academy seeks to provide these families accreditation options that work for the parents and families we plan to serve.
Canada – Alberta
The Alberta Curriculum is consistently ranked among the top performing education systems worldwide. In addition to being academically rigorous, the Alberta Curriculum integrates competencies that are more practical and prepare students for the real world.
College Planning & Matriculation
Reported Matriculation by Other Alberta Accredited Schools – Add more from list
This example universities found in the slider above are compiled from matriculation data of other Accredited Alberta International Schools
P.E.R.C. University Matching
Parents want the best for their children and very commonly “best” is measured only by university ranking regardless of how it fits into your family’s economic planning or your children’s educational goals. Recognizing the pressure students place upon themselves for ranked universities that may not fit their needs, we developed additional metrics to care for our students as they prepare for university that moves beyond university ranking to improve their university experience.
P: Program (College Program Degree Fit)
This metric focuses on how student interests and career plans are shaped by the program they enter into. For example: some programs focus on academic background while other emphasize future career success.
E: Economic (Economic Appropriateness Fit)
Students at OPEL Academy will come from a variety of economic backgrounds. Knowing the related university expenses and how they measure up between schools can really make a difference for some students.
R: Ranking (University Ranking)
While we created P.E.R.C. to help parents and students think beyond university ranking, we are aware that for many this metric is important in their university considerations.
C: Culture (University Culture & Location Fit)
It’s often a surprise for students that different cities, universities, and even colleges can have very unique identities despite being in the same country. We encourage students to explore this early as part of their decision making.
OPEL Academy College Preparation Program Plan
Grade 8
Yearlong Personal Growth Aim
Developing Interests & Considering Future Careers
College Application Development Aim:
Exploring Careers & Associated College Programs
Grade 9
Yearlong Personal Growth Aim
Decide on Primarily Pursuing Local or Global Universities
College Application Development Aim:
Develop a Personal University Shortlist (PERC)
Grade 10
Yearlong Personal Growth Aim
Developing Standardized Test Taking Strategies
College Application Development Aim:
University Entrance Requirement Preparation
Grade 11
Yearlong Personal Growth Aim
Scholarship Exploration & Deadlines
College Application Development Aim:
Complete University Entrance Requirement Preparations
Grade 12
Yearlong Personal Growth Aim
Independent Living Skills for University
College Application Development Aim:
Complete Applications & Consider University Admission Offers
College Planning & Matriculation
Reported Matriculation by Other Alberta Accredited Schools – Add more from list
This example universities found in the slider above are compiled from matriculation data of other Accredited Alberta International Schools
P.E.R.C. University Matching
Parents want the best for their children and very commonly “best” is measured only by university ranking regardless of how it fits into your family’s economic planning or your children’s educational goals. Recognizing the pressure students place upon themselves for ranked universities that may not fit their needs, we developed additional metrics to care for our students as they prepare for university that moves beyond university ranking to improve their university experience.
P: Program
(College Program Degree Fit)
This metric focuses on how student interests and career plans are shaped by the program they enter into. For example: some programs focus on academic background while other emphasize future career success.
E: Economic
(Economic Appropriateness Fit)
Students at OPEL Academy will come from a variety of economic backgrounds. Knowing the related university expenses and how they measure up between schools can really make a difference for some students.
R: Ranking
(University Ranking)
While we created P.E.R.C. to help parents and students think beyond university ranking, we are aware that for many this metric is important in their university considerations.
C: Culture
(University Culture & Location Fit)
It’s often a surprise for students that different cities, universities, and even colleges can have very unique identities despite being in the same country. We encourage students to explore this early as part of their decision making.
OPEL Academy College Preparation Program Plan
OPEL Academy Curriculum Aims
Junior High School Expected Curricular Aims
Observe – Prepare
The junior high experience is designed to give students a foundation to feel more comfortable to be their own advocates as they progress through the program and in life. Progress in this way is measured through the O and P of OPEL Academy representing observation and preparation. Students will focus on self management to improve SEL outcomes and be given the space to prepare for their futures by exploring all that different subjects have to offer. Additionally, students will be encouraged to develop new interests through personal projects, elective courses, community service, and the open club systems that supplement the curriculum and provide a richer student experience at school.
Senior High School Expected Curricular Aims
Empower – Lead
The senior high experience is designed to deepen prior learning and give students tools to manage their own futures as they make the final push toward university and post secondary life. Progress in this way is measured through the E and L of OPEL Academy representing empowerment and leadership. Students will get the opportunity to mentor students at lower grades to deepen their mastery of SEL skills and be given the support necessary to work toward achieving their university ambitions. The student experience mirrors this mentorship providing additional opportunities for students to lead such as through student council which can work with administrators to set some school policies as well as more hands on experiences to reach out to the local community and work with them to improve the lives of community members in addition to fellow students.
OPEL Academy Curriculum Aims
Junior High School Expected Curricular Aims
Observe – Prepare
The junior high experience is designed to give students a foundation to feel more comfortable to be their own advocates as they progress through the program and in life. Progress in this way is measured through the O and P of OPEL Academy representing observation and preparation. Students will focus on self management to improve SEL outcomes and be given the space to prepare for their futures by exploring all that different subjects have to offer. Additionally, students will be encouraged to develop new interests through personal projects, elective courses, community service, and the open club systems that supplement the curriculum and provide a richer student experience at school.
Senior High School Expected Curricular Aims
Empower – Lead
The senior high experience is designed to deepen prior learning and give students tools to manage their own futures as they make the final push toward university and post secondary life. Progress in this way is measured through the E and L of OPEL Academy representing empowerment and leadership. Students will get the opportunity to mentor students at lower grades to deepen their mastery of SEL skills and be given the support necessary to work toward achieving their university ambitions. The student experience mirrors this mentorship providing additional opportunities for students to lead such as through student council which can work with administrators to set some school policies as well as more hands on experiences to reach out to the local community and work with them to improve the lives of community members in addition to fellow students.
Language Learning at OPEL
Language Development Support
Levelled Language Courses
Language courses are designed to target the students foundational level and need to build confidence and encourage language growth.
Levelled Subject Courses
Subject courses are levelled, but cover the same curricular aims. In this way students can get the help they need without fear of falling behind.
Push-In Language Support
Homeroom teachers join students in class as a constant resource for real time skill growth and classroom language support.
Language & Coursework
English Language Arts
A course emphasizing the skills necessary to translate a student’s first language into English with focus on the language’s form, content, and use.
English Literature
A course emphasizing the academic study of language and how it is used to build messages and narratives with focus on literary style and analysis.
Language Skill Levelling
Junior High
English Levelling
Our plan is to test students on entry and each year. Scores are planned primarily to assess growth and set course placements.
Students will take the TOEFL Junior- an age appropriate English assessment more accessible and suitable for Junior High students.
Senior High
English Levelling
Our plan is to test students on entry and each year. Scores are planned primarily to assess growth and set course placements.
Students will take the IELTS to build strong English proficiency required to study abroad and meet university requirements.
Language Learning at OPEL
Language Development Support
Levelled Language Courses
Language courses are designed to target the students foundational level and need to build confidence and encourage language growth.
Levelled Subject Courses
Subject courses are levelled, but cover the same curricular aims. In this way students can get the help they need without fear of falling behind.
Push-In Language Support
Homeroom teachers join students in class as a constant resource for real time skill growth and classroom language support.
Language & Coursework
English Language Arts
A course emphasizing the skills necessary to translate a student’s first language into English with focus on the language’s form, content, and use.
English Literature
A course emphasizing the academic study of language and how it is used to build messages and narratives with focus on literary style and analysis.
Language Skill Levelling
Junior High English Levelling
Our plan is to test students on entry and each year. Scores are planned primarily to assess growth and set course placements.
Students will take the TOEFL Junior- an age appropriate English assessment more accessible and suitable for Junior High students.
Senior High English Levelling
Our plan is to test students on entry and each year. Scores are planned primarily to assess growth and set course placements.
Students will take the IELTS to build strong English proficiency required to study abroad and meet university requirements.
Proposed Course Lists
Core Courses
Core courses are those which are dictated by one or multiple accreditation systems.
Specific curriculum guidance is determined by subject and English ability.
English Language
Chinese Language (By Chinese Ability)
Social Studies
Physical Education
Science
Mathematics
OPEL Extension Courses
OPEL extension courses built to enhance & extend core courses and set students up for future success.
Personal Leadership
Students moving between different school systems want to succeed, but can often have a hard time adjusting. This course is built around giving students the tools to enhance their self advocacy and other school success and study habits.
College and Career Planning
A course designed to explore their academic and professional futures, the larger goal is to improve happiness, readiness, & success in their chosen university and college programs in preparation for their future life and careers.
Digital Literacy
Built around digital health and safety, this course focuses on enhancing skills like typing, digital correspondence, protecting personal information, handling malicious software, and preventing device hacks.
DIY & Repair
Students will develop powerful and tangible trade skills using tools. This will not just enable them to create, fix, and improve items around them, but also give them confidence and insight to take care of their lived environment sustainably.
Elective Courses
Elective courses are chances for students to push their learning and expand their personal educational aims
Elective Courses
Process
one semester ahead OPEL Academy will put out a interest gathering & forecasting survey to parents and students. Upon review of these surveys, OPEL will choose a variety of courses based on popular choices and trends, current teacher availability, and needed teacher availability. Students will then be given a final choice from the finalized list.
Anticipated Courses
Junior High School
Courses which allow students to explore personal interests and formally study subjects that may not be offered in other schools they might attend.
Senior High School
Courses in line with university freshman and sophomore classes related to students planned degree programs and courses related to personal interests.
Proposed Course Lists
Core Courses
Core courses are those which are dictated by one or multiple accreditation systems.
Specific curriculum guidance is determined by subject and English ability.
English Language
Chinese Language (By Chinese Ability)
Social Studies
Physical Education
Science
Mathematics
OPEL Extension Courses
OPEL extension courses built to enhance & extend core courses and set students up for future success.
Personal Leadership
Students moving between different school systems want to succeed, but can often have a hard time adjusting. This course is built around giving students the tools to enhance their self advocacy and other school success and study habits.
College and Career Planning
A course designed to explore their academic and professional futures, the larger goal is to improve happiness, readiness, & success in their chosen university and college programs in preparation for their future life and careers.
Digital Literacy
Built around digital health and safety, this course focuses on enhancing skills like typing, digital correspondence, protecting personal information, handling malicious software, and preventing device hacks.
DIY & Repair
Students will develop powerful and tangible trade skills using tools. This will not just enable them to create, fix, and improve items around them, but also give them confidence and insight to take care of their lived environment sustainably.
Elective Courses
Elective courses are chances for students to push their learning and expand their personal educational aims
Elective Courses
Process
one semester ahead OPEL Academy will put out a interest gathering & forecasting survey to parents and students. Upon review of these surveys, OPEL will choose a variety of courses based on popular choices and trends, current teacher availability, and needed teacher availability. Students will then be given a final choice from the finalized list.
Anticipated Courses
Junior High School
Courses which allow students to explore personal interests and formally study subjects that may not be offered in other schools they might attend.
Senior High School
Courses in line with university freshman and sophomore classes related to students planned degree programs and courses related to personal interests.
Cross Curricular Learning
In order to prepare students for life beyond school, OPEL Academy strives to replicate the contexts in courses: learning should not be siloed. Rather, every single skill that is learned in one class can be reinforced and benefit students in another. To mirror this, we use an educational approach that shows how different subjects connect to one another, also known as cross-curricular teaching.
How Does it Work?
Teachers work collaboratively when lesson planning and assessing student assignments, ensuring fairness and demonstrating the interconnectedness between subjects.
As a sample unit, while reading a novel for English Literature class, students will have several dedicated classes integrating skills from their Social Studies class. Through this they will make cross curricular connections between these subjects. Connections between the text and the historical context of the time period, the causes and effects of important events, or the lasting repercussions that are still present today. As a result, students can deepen their comprehension of both social studies and literature.
SEL Connections
This process also allows for students to cultivate a plethora of SEL skills. Indeed, when completing a project, a student will need to collaborate with others and find solutions to problems when they arise, further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills.
Student Agency
At OPEL Academy, we want students to be directly involved in their learning, so we give opportunities for students to decide the what and how they will be assessed.
At the start of the unit, students can decide on which particular skills they would like to focus on beyond the prescribed curriculum, independent from the teacher. For instance, in an assignment where they create a graphic novel that addresses both English and Social Studies skills, a student can decide to focus on skills that pertain to Art, specialising in colour effects and compositions. Teachers will regularly check in with the student to facilitate their independent learning.
Talents
Your Time and Talents Have Value.
Volunteers make us better by bringing new perspectives, practical skills, and connections to the school. Sharing your experience can be just as transformative as sharing financial resources, especially when your contribution affects additional change be it sharing the project with friends or engaging in direct collaboration.
Student Leadership
The student council provides opportunities for students to live the school’s mission through representing and advocating for their fellow students and the community students want to be a part of and provides a lever of power that students can make their voices heard to pitch student-related policy (such as dress codes) as well as create school events and establish and maintain school traditions that will positively impact the unique character of the school.
Cross Curricular Learning
In order to prepare students for life beyond school, OPEL Academy strives to replicate the contexts in courses: learning should not be siloed. Rather, every single skill that is learned in one class can be reinforced and benefit students in another. To mirror this, we use an educational approach that shows how different subjects connect to one another, also known as cross-curricular teaching.
How Does it Work?
Teachers work collaboratively when lesson planning and assessing student assignments, ensuring fairness and demonstrating the interconnectedness between subjects.
As a sample unit, while reading a novel for English Literature class, students will have several dedicated classes integrating skills from their Social Studies class. Through this they will make cross curricular connections between these subjects. Connections between the text and the historical context of the time period, the causes and effects of important events, or the lasting repercussions that are still present today. As a result, students can deepen their comprehension of both social studies and literature.
SEL Connections
This process also allows for students to cultivate a plethora of SEL skills. Indeed, when completing a project, a student will need to collaborate with others and find solutions to problems when they arise, further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills.
Student Agency
At OPEL Academy, we want students to be directly involved in their learning, so we give opportunities for students to decide the what and how they will be assessed.
At the start of the unit, students can decide on which particular skills they would like to focus on beyond the prescribed curriculum, independent from the teacher. For instance, in an assignment where they create a graphic novel that addresses both English and Social Studies skills, a student can decide to focus on skills that pertain to Art, specialising in colour effects and compositions. Teachers will regularly check in with the student to facilitate their independent learning.