The Newbridge Approach to Learning.
Teacher Directed Learning
At Newbridge College the Teacher Direct Learning approach will be utilized whenever the explicit teaching of a process is beneficial. This approach is particularly effective for teaching multistep procedures that students would otherwise have difficulty discovering on their own.
We believe that selective use of this approach is important as it will support students in efficiently acquiring foundational knowledge.
Discovery-Based Learning
At Newbridge College the Discovery-based learning approach emphasizes exploration and inquiry, allowing students to learn through their own experiences and investigations. Pursuing topics that resonate with them personally. This approach encourages students to actively engage with the material. Instead of passively receiving information, students are involved in hands-on activities that promote curiosity and investigation. Students are able to make connections between new information and their prior knowledge. This facilitates deeper understanding and retention of concepts. Furthermore it allows students to learn from their mistakes helping to build resiliency and a growth mindset.
Discovery-based learning also helps students develop collaboration and communication skills as these learning activities often involve group work. Students thus get ample opportunity to share ideas, discuss findings and learn from one another while the teacher, takes on the role of a facilitator or guide.
We believe that using this approach will foster a love for learning and help develop essential skills like problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration that will benefit the students throughout their education.
Inquiry-Based Learning
At Newbridge College the Inquiry-based learning approach will focus on emphasizing the student's role in the learning process, encouraging them to explore, ask questions, and engage with the material actively.
This approach targets and enhances critical thinking as students learn the value of asking questions. Questions promote higher-order thinking skills, analysis of information, how to evaluate sources, and draw conclusions based on evidence. This approach increases student engagement and allows opportunity to pursue personal interests, fostering greater motivation. Over time students will learn to be adept at tackling complex problems and generating solutions through exploration and experimentation.
This teaching approach often has students working independently at the initial stage and then transitioning to groups, which will help students develop teamwork and communication skills as they share thoughts with peers. While sharing its not unusual to uncover additional challenges and uncertainties, allowing students opportunities to adapt their strategies and persevere through difficulties.
This approach is a catalyst for building essential 21st Century skills like critical thinking, reasoning and independent thought.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
At Newbridge College PBL will be centered on activities where students focus on addressing real-world problems that are aligned with their personal passions. This learning approach requires teachers to present an open-ended real-world problem. This type of learning activities provides students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter as they research, explore options and apply their knowledge to these practical problems. These projects often integrate multiple subjects, providing a holistic understanding of how concepts connect across disciplines.
This learning approach enhances student engagement and motivation while fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills as students explore various ways to approach the problem. Working as part of a team supports student development of collaboration and communication skills. PBL helps students with skills required in the workforce such as teamwork, time management and organization.
We believe that using this approach will serve as a catalyst for the further development of teamwork, communication and problem solving skills that will benefit the students throughout their educational journey.
Preschool to Kindergarten
At Newbridge College, our preschool to kindergarten program focuses on the readiness skills that equip young learners for academic success, lifelong learning and a passion for learning. The Newbridge College preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs will create a strong foundation, ensuring our children are “ready to learn” when they enter elementary school.
Our programs include the following:
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1. Literacy Readiness
• Story Time: Listening to and discussing stories to build comprehension and vocabulary.
• Alphabet Activities: Identifying, tracing, and writing letters.
• Rhyming and Phonics Games: Singing songs, matching rhyming words, or practicing letter sounds.
• Name Recognition: Practicing writing their name to develop fine motor and letter recognition skills.
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2. Numeracy Readiness
• Counting Games: Counting objects, singing number songs, or using manipulatives like blocks or beads.
• Shape and Pattern Recognition: Identifying and creating patterns using shapes or colors.
• Number Tracing and Writing: Practicing writing numbers with guided worksheets.
• Sorting and Categorizing: Grouping items by size, color, or type to build early math skills.
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3. Social-Emotional Activities
• Role-Playing: Using pretend play to practice sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving.
• Emotion Recognition: Reading stories or using flashcards to discuss emotions and how to manage them.
• Group Activities: Collaborative games or tasks to foster teamwork and communication.
Curriculum Outline
Newbridge Colleges preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs will create a strong foundation, ensuring all children are “ready to learn” when they enter elementary.
These readiness skills will be infused into monthly themes that align with the Kindergarten Alberta Program of Studies.
Grades 1-6
Newbridge College is committed to ensuring that all students in our elementary program receive a comprehensive education that exceeds curriculum requirements while fostering a love for learning.
Our educators will infuse our four main learning approaches; teacher directed, inquiry-based, project-based and discovery-based learning into our classrooms. Regular assessments will be conducted to track student progress and inform instructional adjustments ensuring that all learners are meeting their academic goals. Formal progress reports and parent teacher conferences will be provided through out the school year.
Before and After School Care
Newbridge College offers licensed Out-Of-School Care services for parents requiring supervision of their children outside of regular school hours.
Before school care operates from 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
During this time registered students will be offered a light morning breakfast (yogurt, muffins, cereal, granola bar, fruit). Students will also be provided the opportunity to take advantage of learning stations that will change over time based on their evolving interests.
After school care operates from 3:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
Students are not permitted to use electronic devices for gaming or online access during this time.
During this time students will be offered a light afternoon snack (granola bars, fruit, veggies, cheese & crackers). Students will have time to play outside and or play at stations setup based on their interests.
The school is not responsible for supervising students on school property after 6:00 p.m. unless they are under the direct supervision of a staff member which has been pre-arranged. Any student picked up after 6:00 p.m. will be charged an additional $15 fee for every 15 minutes thereafter.
Teacher-Student Ratios
Teacher-to-Student ratio 1:8 for our preschool program (students 3 - 4 years old)
Teacher-to-Student ratio 1:10 for our preschool program (students 4-5 years old)
Teacher-to-Student ratio 1:18 for Kindergarten to grade 5 students