Rundle Academy

Our students are accepted into highly competitive post-secondary programs throughout the world on the basis of their final marks in our academic program, including the diploma exam program. The academic results of Rundle Academy students consistently rise above the Provincial averages on subject-specific diploma exams, a direct reflection of the quality of instruction our students receive and their commitment to their studies.

We support and challenge students in the areas of their passions. Academically, this is done through our enriched programs, where students join like-minded individuals in their pursuit of excellence, tackling topics and activities that go beyond the confines of the curriculum.

In alignment with our values, students are supported as they embrace interests beyond academics. Rundle Academy’s program of studies provides students with time to focus on mental and physical wellness, volunteering, athletics, co-curricular clubs, and humanitarian pursuits.

As our grade 12 students prepare to enter their post-secondary journey, we offer a transition support program for those students called “The Traverse” to support them during their first year at school.

The following programs give our Jr. High students the opportunity to further develop their character and leadership skills.

• Kids Helping Kids
• Rundle Ambassadors
• Student Council

In the Senior High, students can participate in numerous character and leadership programs that inspire confidence and empathy.

• The Ascent Leadership program
• The Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Grad Committee
• International Travel Trips
• Kids Helping Kids
• Peer Support
• Rundle Ambassadors

The extensive co-curricular program at Rundle is offered within and alongside the curriculum. Students participate in various artistic, athletic, character, and intellectual pursuits as part of the well-rounded education at Rundle.

Below is a sampling of the co-curricular programs offered at Rundle Academy High School. Programs change each year depending on the interest level of our students.

• Art Club
• Drama Production
• Gardening Club
• International Travel
• Maker Club
• Music Club
• TedX Rundle Academy

Education Beyond the Classroom

At Rundle, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible education while connecting them with the world around them. As Calgary and Alberta’s only member of Global Online Academy (GOA), our junior and senior students can take distance education classes online that are taught by another GOA member school’s faculty. With a selection of topics not otherwise offered, our students can learn asynchronously about topics most relevant to their development, on their own timeline.

Each class taken through GOA will count towards course credit – the same as a course taught in-person at Rundle. Our faculty also participate in GOA’s world-renowned professional learning programs as they seek to continuously improve their practice as modern educators.

• Collaboration & Communication
  Beyond the traditional learning of the class, students will collaborate with peers from around the world, honing their communication skills and learning from those outside of their immediate sphere.
• Time Management & Accountability
  Students will be responsible for managing their own schedule and keeping up on their coursework with the support of their teacher, keeping our students accountable and allowing them flexibility.
• Personalized Instruction
  Most importantly, the class sizes, like our own, are kept small, so students can continue to develop & maintain close relationships with their teachers and peers.
  These modern learning skills will serve them well in their post-secondary studies, their career, and their life.

If you would like more information, please contact Rundle’s GOA Site Director, Alex Large.

Our fine art programs provide students with opportunities to build their creativity, confidence, and cultural awareness. Art, drama and music are offered as electives for our students in grades 7-12.

Art:

Students can take art throughout junior and senior high leading up to Art 30. Students’ art is proudly exhibited throughout the school, and there are opportunities for public exhibits at special events, band concerts, and the Fine Arts Show.

Drama: 

Drama fosters students’ positive self-concept as they explore life through assuming roles and acquiring dramatic skills. This imaginative exploration involves setting,  “acting out”, and communicating within a dramatic situation.  Students then reflect on the consequences. This reflection provides the platform for self-development. Students have opportunities to perform  at the Remembrance Day ceremony, as well as winter and spring productions.

Instrumental Music: 

Various musical topics will be covered throughout the course such as playing instruments, performing, writing songs, and using GarageBand. There will be two performance opportunities; performance songs are chosen based on student interest.

Our technology programs offer students the chance to develop their problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and innovative thinking. Courses such as coding, computer programming, and Career and Technology Foundations are available for our students in grades 7-12.

Career and Technology Foundations

This course is best learned through applications, activities, and hands-on projects. Students develop and apply important knowledge, skills, and attitudes to create well-designed and aesthetically effective messages through graphic design, photography, stop-motion animation, videos, and multimedia projects. In addition, they investigate typing, digital citizenship, using email clearly and purposefully, and using spreadsheets to budget. The course engages students in learning opportunities where they discover their interests in practical and purposeful ways. 

Students will learn: 

• that, although technology is often complex, it is simply “a way of doing things” 
• about the impact of technologies in their lives and workplaces
• how to determine which processes, tools and techniques to use, and when to use them 
• how to use and apply information and communication technologies while problem-solving, decision-making, and inquiring and researching in the context of other subject matter

Coding 

In this option, students will explore coding by creating games, animations and tutorials using Scratch. Students will also have an opportunity to design their game controller using laser cutting and Micro: Bits. This class will encourage students to think out of the box, problem-solve, work with their peers, and think critically. Students who find they would like to delve further into applications involving coding and technology have opportunities to take the Computer Programming and the STEM options as well as participate in Maker Club.

Computer Programming

In this option, students will explore computer programming by coding and creating with various programmable circuit boards such Arduino’s, Micro: Bits and Makey Makeys. Students will also have the chance to investigate robotics using mBots. They will be challenged to design their own car for the mBots using laser cutting technology.  This class will encourage students to think out of the box, problem-solve, work with their peers, and think critically. Students who find they would like to delve further into applications involving coding and technology have opportunities to take Coding and STEM options as well as participate in Maker Club. 

Our entire Rundle community is involved in volunteerism and has given back 1000s of hours of service within Calgary and around the world.

All Grades 7-12 students volunteer throughout the year with residents at Wentworth Manor. This program allows students to see the long-term impact of their time and effort, and permits them to form ongoing connections with the residents. 

Rundle partners our students, staff, and Rundle families with many local organizations to provide volunteer support:

• Brenda’s House
• Calgary Drop-In-Centre
• Calgary Food Bank
• Calgary Pathways Cleanup
• Calgary Zoo
• Children’s Cottage Volunteering
• Community Kitchen – Good Food Box Program
• Feed the Hungry
• Food Bank
• Grow Calgary
• Kerby Centre
• Mustard Seed
• Salvation Army Toy Angels

Student Services provides academic guidance, wellness support, and social and emotional counselling to ensure each student is well-supported in all areas of their life. This work aligns with the mission at Rundle to help students discover their potential and prepare them for an ever-changing world.

The Academy team also provides comprehensive career and post-secondary support for students from junior high through high school, including exploring different careers and learning opportunities, and helping with post-secondary and scholarship applications.

Rundle Academy learning strategists support students who require additional support with remediation, strategy development, or explicit accommodation training. Requests for this support are initiated by the teacher and the student services team determines the length of support and availability based on the student’s need.

The Traverse Post-Secondary Transition Program (The Traverse) is a Rundle-developed program that supports our graduating students as they transition into post-secondary education.

As demonstrated in academic research, students are most successful in transitioning into post-secondary education learning environments if they have the following skills and attributes: self-determination, learning strategies, and the ability to self-advocate.

For full details, please visit our Traverse webpage.

Grades 7–9:   

Grade 7 students have the opportunity to attend an overnight camp at the start of the year. Students take part in camp team-building activities such as high and low ropes courses, canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding. Evening activities include skits reflecting Rundle values while also enjoying the campfire and singing songs.
Grade 9 students also have the opportunity to travel to Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal. Making real-life connections to the junior high social studies curriculum;, students experience Parliament, the Senate, the Supreme Court, cultural museums, and the history and culture of New France. 

Grades 9-12:

Students have an opportunity to participate in a trip linked to the Duke of Edinburgh award.  This is an optional overnight outdoor adventure where students engage in the planning and execution of the trip which fulfills the Adventurous Journey portion of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Grade 10:

Grade 10 students complete their CALM requirements in a 4-day experiential learning adventure in conjunction with the Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre located in the Bow Valley. This 3 credit course meets the outcomes of Personal choices, Resource Choices and Career Choices. Students also participate in several activities including but not limited to meal planning and preparation, horseback riding, hiking, and journaling. 

Grade 11:

To start the school year, students spend overnight at a camp outside of the city. They have opportunities to participate in challenging activities leading to a reflective piece on what it takes to be successful. Personal and academic goals are set for the year.

Grade 12:

Students spend overnight at a camp outside the city. They experience numerous team-building activities and are prompted to reflect on their leadership and personal goals heading into their final year of high school. 

Past International Travel Trips for grades 10-12:

Europe – Students travel to many key locations related to World War I, World War II, and the French Revolution. Traveling through Germany, Belgium, and France, students explore the locations of historical events connected to the senior high Social Studies curriculum. 

Costa Rica – This trip is a combined ecological and Spanish-language trip that immerses students in the untapped nature found throughout Costa Rica. Highlights of the trip include visiting a remote ecological reserve, working at a turtle sanctuary, spending days in local communities, and much more!

Japan – Rundle Academy’s high school trip to Japan provides an opportunity to explore amazing Japanese culture through firsthand experiences. This journey fosters experiential learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich traditions and modern innovations. The experience also strengthens connections among classmates and between students and the broader world, promoting cultural understanding and global awareness. Over 10 days, our students embark on an enriching journey through the captivating cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

When is the first day of school?
The first day of school is Thursday, August 31, 2023, with a staggered return. The school will communicate the start date for all grades.

What time does school start?
The bell to go to classes rings at 8:10 am.

What time does school dismiss?
Dismissal for all students is at 3:02 pm each day. Each Friday, we have early dismissal at 12:30 pm. 

When can students be dropped off at school?
Active supervision begins at 8:00 am each day. 

Do you have a before/after school care program?
No, there is no before or after-school care program offered at Rundle Academy. 

How long can the students be at school each day?
Supervision ends at 3:15 pm each day; however, the school remains open for students who are involved in after-school activities, such as a sports team.

When will the students receive their class schedule?
Junior high students will be contacted by their Teacher Advisor in late August regarding their schedule. Senior high students will receive their schedules prior to September. 

What school supplies will the student need to bring?
The school orders the required supplies for students, and a nominal fee is added to your PowerSchool accounts. Students will need to provide their own backpack and computer carrying case.

Is bus service available?
Transportation is provided by Southland Transportation for students who are attending Rundle Academy. The service is offered to all quadrants of the city.

For more information on costs, routes and times, please contact Jill Edison at the Rundle Business Office at jedison@rundle.ab.ca | 403-291-3866.