Math Students Apply their Skills!

Katie Clay Beyond the Classroom, Experiential Learning, Science and Math No Comments

The YMCA Academy’s Grade 11 College Math class took to the park to apply their skills to real world problems. After studying trigonometry in class and using technology to verify its laws, students were ready to see its applications firsthand.

Trigonometry has been used through the ages to solve problems in fields such as astronomy, land-surveying, navigation, architecture and more! In our class the students had to find the height of a lamp post, using a device called a clinometer which measures the angle of elevation, and determine the width of a pond that we created with chalk. Students worked together to take required measurements, determine which trigonometric formula to use and solve the problem.

Review of ‘Matilda’ written by the Integrated Arts Class

YMCA Academy Beyond the Classroom, English and Humanities, Events No Comments

Students attend the musical 'Matilda' at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Siobhan’s Integrated Arts Class went to see the musical ‘Matilda’ at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.  It was a sunny day and we walked down Yonge Street. We were excited, and we walked into the theatre and we were amazed and astounded at how beautiful the theatre was! We took our seats and waited for the play to start. The lights went down and the show began with a big musical number and we laughed throughout the whole show. The little girl named Jaimie, who played Matilda, was awesome! There was singing, dancing, storytelling, gymnastics, a film, emotional parts, magic, and many more things to see. Big thanks to Peggy and Gail, our volunteers for the day.

Reviews from the class:

“10 stars out of 5” said Lucas
“It was alright” said Kathleen
“It was hilarious” said Kyle
“It was funny” said Adrian
“It was really good” said Sophia
“It was cute” said Lita
“It was wonderful” said Patricia
“It was a great show” said Ben
“It was beautiful” said Taylor
“It was unique” said Jake H.
“It was spectacular” said Cole
“It was cool” said Sebastian

Class hashtags!

#ymcaouting #ymcareallylikedthatplay #Matildawasgreattosee

MPP Peter Milczyn visits Civics class

YMCA Academy Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Peter Milczyn paid a visit to the Academy’s Civics and Careers classes to share the story of his journey in politics, and inspire students to get involved in their local communities. MPP Milczyn began his career in the private sector after graduating from the University of Toronto’s architecture program, but his passion for urban issues led him to a life in politics. He talked to students about the experience of running in elections — first as a member of Etobicoke and later Toronto City Council, and then as a member of Ontario’s government.

Interacting with guests like MPP Milczyn is a vital and exciting learning experience for our students. Through these visits, Academy students strengthen connections between their lessons and the real world, and derive inspiration to take their work to the next level.

Check out more photos from this event on our Facebook page!

Silk screening with Kingi Carpenter

YMCA Academy Arts, Community, English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

Our fashion class recently visited the legendary Kingi Carpenter, owner of Peach Berserk, at her west-end home and studio for a silk screening extravaganza. We made our own screens, learned about the application of light-sensitive coatings, created individual art work and made our own t-shirts, sweaters and bandanas with our designs. It was a full day of hard work, but the final products were amazing and we proudly wear them to school and beyond. Thanks, Kingi, for your awesome hospitality and the chance to try out this unique type of hands-on fashion!

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook page

Grade 12 History students push back against their teacher to simulate Boudicca’s Rebellion

Brandon Stewart English and Humanities, Experiential Learning No Comments

The YMCA Academy’s Adventures in World History course experienced the discipline needed to work as a single unit in the Roman Infantry. With shields at the ready the would-be Legionnaires cooperated to overcome uneven terrain and push back the opposing force.

By taking the Historical Perspective of Roman Soldiers and British Iceni Warriors the students determined that in the conflict of Boudicca’s Rebellion, the Iceni tribe had the offensive advantages of manoeuvrability over many terrain types, and could employ guerrilla tactics. The Romans, on the other hand, had the defensive advantages of a solid shield wall, and immovable block formations, making them a difficult enemy to overcome.

Just as the teacher couldn’t hold back the students in formation during the pushing match, the Iceni couldn’t hold back the inexhaustible numbers, and relentless discipline of the Roman Empire. Even though she was able to win many battles, Boudicca’s Rebellion did not end the Roman occupation of Britain.

Check out the rest the rest of the pictures on our Facebook page!