St. Basil-the-Great

St. Basil-The-Great College is a Catholic Secondary School with a long and proud tradition of academic excellence.

The Basilian Fathers founded St. Basil College in 1962, as a boys' boarding school. Today, St. Basil-The-Great College is a co-educational institution and part of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), educating young men & women in the Basilian tradition of excellence.

The philosophy is embodied in our school motto, Excelsa Petite, which means, “Strive for Excellence”. Thus, at St. Basil our aim is to provide, in a Catholic and Christian environment, the conditions that will enable each student to achieve the maximum possible development – intellectual, physical, spiritual and moral. We hope that our students will grow in an understanding of themselves and of each other. We strive to help each student grow both as an individual and as a responsible member of the community.

Students are expected to be responsible, contributing members of our educational community. They should exert the effort and discipline required to fulfill their potential, and should demonstrate an active respect for God, themselves, others, property and authority.

Grade 9:

Some lessons started with a Thinking Classroom, where students were placed into random groups using a random grouping generator.

Random groups are important when placing students in groups for several reasons:

Fairness: Randomly assigning students to groups ensures fairness and eliminates any bias or favoritism that may arise when grouping students based on personal preferences or judgments. It promotes an equitable learning environment where all students have an equal chance to collaborate and contribute.
Diverse Perspectives: Random groups encourage diversity within the groups. By mixing students with different backgrounds, abilities, and personalities, it creates opportunities for a broader range of perspectives and ideas to emerge. This diversity can enhance problem-solving abilities, foster creativity, and encourage critical thinking through the exchange of diverse viewpoints.
Collaboration Skills: Random groups provide students with the chance to work with classmates they may not typically interact with. This challenges them to develop their collaboration and communication skills, as they need to find common ground, establish effective communication channels, and learn to work together as a cohesive team. These skills are essential for success in both academic and professional settings.
Personal Growth: Random groups can help students step out of their comfort zones and develop new relationships. It encourages them to interact with peers they may not have chosen to work with otherwise, allowing them to broaden their social circles, build empathy, and learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses. This exposure to diverse perspectives can contribute to personal growth and the development of social skills.
Problem-Solving Skills: Random groups present students with various challenges and problem-solving opportunities. They must learn to adapt to different working styles, navigate conflicts, and find ways to collaborate effectively. This experience helps students develop resilience, flexibility, and problem-solving skills that can be applied to a wide range of situations.

It is crucial for students to get out of their classroom and engage in outdoor math problem-solving activities as it offers numerous benefits to their learning experience. By stepping outside, students can experience a change of environment that stimulates creativity, enhances critical thinking, and promotes a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Working in real-world contexts allows students to see the practical applications of math, making it more meaningful and relevant to their lives. Additionally, outdoor problem-solving activities encourage collaboration and communication among students, fostering teamwork and the development of interpersonal skills.

Grade 12:

I have also had the opportunity to work with the grade 12 Data Management class where they had to create a Childrens book with questions from the Units they have covered.

Example of students work

Taking a Grade 12 Data Management class to a Blue Jays game can offer a unique and engaging learning experience that connects real-world scenarios with the principles of data analysis and statistics.

Attending a Blue Jays baseball game presents an exciting opportunity to apply statistical concepts and data analysis techniques in a dynamic and authentic setting. This experiential learning experience can enhance students' understanding of the practical applications of data management while making the subject matter more relatable and enjoyable.

Real-World Data Analysis: The baseball game provides an abundance of real-world data that can be analyzed and interpreted using statistical techniques. Students can collect various data points during the game, such as player statistics, game scores, and audience demographics, which can be used for meaningful analysis and statistical modeling.
Probability and Predictive Analytics: Baseball offers an excellent context for exploring probability and predictive analytics. Students can analyze player performance statistics and historical data to make predictions about future outcomes, such as the probability of a specific player hitting a home run or the likelihood of a particular team winning the game. This hands-on experience can deepen students' understanding of probability concepts and their practical application.
Statistical Inference: Attending a baseball game provides an opportunity to explore statistical inference, allowing students to make informed conclusions based on data samples.
Data Visualization: The game's statistics and data can be visually represented through graphs, charts, and diagrams, enabling students to practice data visualization techniques. By creating visual representations of baseball-related data, students can effectively communicate their findings and insights, enhancing their data presentation and interpretation skills.
Engaging and Motivating Learning Experience: Bringing the classroom to a baseball game offers a break from the traditional learning environment, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for students. This experiential learning opportunity can increase student engagement, motivation, and interest in the subject matter, leading to a deeper understanding and retention of the concepts taught in the Data Management class.
Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Watching a baseball game involves analyzing and interpreting various scenarios in real-time. Students can use their data management skills to critically analyze game strategies, evaluate player performance, and make data-driven decisions, promoting the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.