Educational Programs
The Four Pillars of QMS
1. Academic Program
Our focus is on learning as our principle enterprise for all members of our community – academic learning and all other learning that takes place through curricular and co-curricular activities, as well as through living in a diverse boarding community. Queen Margaret’s School is dedicated to fostering academic success, by preparing students for post-secondary education at a university or college. Students are supported academically and personally through mentorship with accessible, caring, and supportive and encouraging staff. Our applied skills program supports academic achievement by providing students with a firm grounding in communication and computer skills. Students flourish in small classes where everyone has the opportunity to express ideas freely. With a full enrollment of approximately 315 students, QMS is the ideal size to reflect Canada’s many cultures while remaining an intimate community. We are large enough to offer an extensive educational program, yet small enough to ensure that each student is known and respected as an individual.
2. Athletic and Equestrian Program
Queen Margaret’s School provides exemplary curricular and co-curricular athletic and club programs that provide students with the opportunity for physical, as well as their academic development. Mandatory physical education for all students, combined with an integrated Outdoor Education program, develop physical fitness and skill development while enhancing sportsmanship and strengthening student self-esteem. Student participation on school teams allows opportunities for enrichment while strengthening school spirit. Our world-class equestrian program offers riders of all skill levels a unique opportunity to experience and enhance their horsemanship and stable management skills and knowledge. The athletic program emphasizes physical fitness and the life-long enjoyment of physical activities.
3. The Fine Arts Program
Our comprehensive Fine Arts program provides students curricular and co-curricular opportunities for artistic development in visual and performing arts. Our goal is to enhance self-confidence, creative expression, aesthetics and communication skills. Students will be given ample opportunity to exhibit their artistic abilities via theatrical productions, musical recitals and competitions, and art exhibitions.
4. Community Service and Cultural Awareness
Queen Margaret’s School is dedicated to encouraging students to become successful members of society, able to participate in and make positive contributions to their community. The school promotes self-esteem and community awareness by providing opportunities that help develop a strong sense of ethics and values and encourages consideration of others. Students become more culturally sensitive and aware by being part of our multicultural community. Students are encouraged to demonstrate our school motto, ‘Serviter Fortiter” (Serve Ye Bravely) by participation in community service activities throughout the year. Grade 9 through 12 students will work towards the completion of their bronze, silver, and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, based on their achievement in all four of the QMS cornerstones of education.
Educational, Social and Personal Objectives
QMS is committed to developing the following educational, social and personal objectives in its students.
Educational Objectives
- Acquire knowledge and skills in languages (e.g., English, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish), literature, mathematics, technology, the natural and social sciences, and the visual and performing arts (e.g., music, drama, art, choir).
- Develop skills of inquiry, reasoning, and creative and critical thinking.
- Develop a desire for learning.
- Develop life-long athletic and recreational skills (e.g., individual/team sports, equestrian sport, and outdoor education).
- Develop skills and knowledge to assist in career development.
Social Objectives
- Learn to respect others, to get along with others and to respect the property of others.
- Acquire knowledge and develop appreciation of individual and collective rights and responsibilities to society.
Personal Objectives
- Develop a positive feeling of self-worth.
- Understand and practice fundamental health and safety standards.
Senior School Curriculum and Course Overview
Although the academic program is just one of the facets of a Queen Margaret’s School education, it is the one that comes under the most scrutiny. Please read the program descriptions, as they are outlined here, not only for the grade level with which you will be involved next year, but across all grade levels.
The Senior School Program of Studies will assist you in understanding our credit requirements for graduation and our programming procedures. It is the responsibility of each student to take all required courses needed to meet graduation requirements.
Students will have the opportunity in the Spring to indicate choices for next year. Please note that the course offerings are contingent upon there being sufficient demand and certain courses may have limited space.
All curricular programs aim to develop a desire in students to reach their fullest capability in a variety of subjects. The School encourages each student to set high standards. We believe that as self-confidence and self-discipline evolve, students gradually realize and attain their goals.
The School fosters an environment where students strive to achieve their best at all times. Interesting and challenging programs will be offered to all students, but patience, understanding and support are also available to those students who need extra time to help build their confidence, self-esteem, and aptitude.
A demanding curriculum and the need for initiative and self-reliance in their classes prepare students for the world of post-secondary education.
The curriculum at the Senior School level (Grades 8 to 12) provides a solid academic foundation leading towards post-secondary and university education. Our Senior School community shares a common goal of excellence in all that they do. The joy of learning is evident as the students participate in their classes, as they challenge themselves with the rigors of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to participate in many areas of school life and involve themselves in leadership through athletics, Student Council, and Prefect Groups. The core courses are mandatory some being full-year and others provided on a semester basis.
