Frequently Asked Questions re:  Global Learner

 Why do we need to change?  Montroyal is already a good school.

Montroyal is a terrific school that provides a variety of learning environments for students.  However, our world is changing at an unprecented pace, and education needs to reflect 21st century learning needs.  Complacency with the way we've always done things in education is not an option.

 What are the goals of the Global Learner program?

The program goals are to improve literacy achievement, to create greater opportunities for differentiation, to teach 21st century skills, and to enhance collaboration within our school and greater community.

 As a parent, what changes might I see at Montroyal, this year?

Staff at Montroyal have always taken pride in providing quality education for children, and Montroyal will look very similar to how it does today.  You will see more opportunities for student leadership, creativity, collaboration, and other 21st century skills.  Students will have more opportunities to incorporate the use of technology into their learning.  You will see a greater emphasis on literacy achievement.  You will see more opportunities for students to be challenged or supported according to their needs.  You may be asked to become more involved in charting the path for the future of Montroyal, or to volunteer in the school.

 Will a technology focus become more important than the three R’s (reading, writing & arithmetic)?

Certainly not, the Global Learner program sees each child as an individual who needs a well-rounded education to be successful in his or her future.  Technology is a tool, like a pencil or dictionary, to help students learn.  Technology needs to be used when it is appropriate.  In the future, students will still need to have strong reading, writing and math skills, but they will also need technology skills to succeed.  The use of technology allows us to teach students how to use technology in a highly productive, creative, collaborative, and responsible way . We wish to see students well equipped with a balanced toolbox of skills when they leave Montroyal.

 Will a fine arts focus become more important than the three R’s (reading, writing & arithmetic)?

We believe that fine arts training enables teachers to encourage students to be creative.  In the future, this creative thinking can be applied to a variety of tasks to help students become innovators of the future. Our arts focus will not replace the teaching and learning of basic skills.