FORTIAN

Content Language Integrated Learning

We believe that the best language learning happens when a learner recognizes his or her own need for a particular word or structure and is offered the means to meet that need. We seek to give students as many opportunities as possible to encounter similar words, structures, and concepts, from different perspectives and in various situations. We do our best to integrate topics, grammatical patterns, and general themes across the curriculum. Teachers should collaborate whenever possible to maximize content integration.

 

 

Active (Project-Based) Learning

We are commited to providing language education that is interactive, engaging, and related to life. We attempt to provide opportunities for students to create, to play with words and concepts, and to connect with others using new vocabulary. Teachers are encouraged to think “outside the box” in order to create space for students to interact with the concepts they are learning by discussing, designing, strategizing, touching, building, and presenting. An array of project materials is available.

 

 

Grammar Pattern Practice

We believe that grammatical structure is necessary, and acquired through constant use. We are committed to providing students with a strong practical foundation in spoken grammatical structures that can be applied in writing and testing.

 

 

Identity

We aim to provide student-focused education that views students first as individuals, and encourages them to develop their personal identities. We encourage students to develop interests and goals, and to assess their progress in relation to their own goals. As teachers, we seek to provide each of our students with the tools they need to express their thoughts, explain processes, and describe their own experiences. We encourage reflection, personal development, goal-setting, and individual initiative.

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Academic Skills

Research has proven that students who develop strong academic skills and personal management habits score significantly higher on tests and exams. We want our students to build study habits that will support learning and pave the way for them to excel both in practice and on score-based evaluations.

 

 

Academic Mindset

We strive to develop an academic mindset in every student by encouraging and teaching these foundational learner beliefs:

1. I belong in this community.

2. My ability and competence grow through effort.

3. I have reasons to believe that I can succeed in learning.

4. This work has value for me.

 

 

Values

We encourage, teach, and model Fortian’s core values:

• Respect (recognizing inherent and individual human value, using kindness to respond to others regardless of personal preference or relationship)

• Curiosity (questioning, exploring, open-mindedness, self-reflection, initiative)

• Optimism (perseverance, positive attitude, courage)

• Growth Mindset (a learning attitude, risk taking, failure and progress)

• Purpose (goal setting, personal achievement, celebrating success)