It’s a known fact that if the difficulties experienced at the elementary level are not fully addressed, these will only be compounded throughout high school, hindering progress and ultimately affecting the student’s motivation and self-confidence. In high school, students must become autonomous and learn to organize their work; there is a clear link between success, autonomy, self-confidence and motivation.

The school focuses on the successful academic and social integration of students who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. The overall pedagogical program is designed to provide individual attention in the basic subjects (reading, writing and mathematics) in order to bring the students up to speed. The pedagogy itself places a strong emphasis on literary culture, discussions and speaking, helping students to develop the ability to express themselves. We are also committed to helping students develop logical thinking, which we know is the foundation for numerous future developments. As well, we focus on learning English, and self-expression through drama, singing and music, in collaboration with the mainstream educational institutions.

This educational initiative requires a developmental pedagogy, which resolutely takes into account the student’s thinking and personal characteristics, and is also directed towards more advanced learning. In this pedagogical perspective, students are relieved of shouldering the burden of their individual difficulties. Instead, they must meet with educational experts, who will assume leadership and share the challenge of such difficulties with the students and their parents, thus providing support for the incremental success in the development of the student’s sense of autonomy, responsibility and confidence.

Obviously, these girls and boys who return to regular educational establishments are still living with hearing loss and as such will continue to face obstacles. However, having spent a number of years with other students facing the same challenges and having developed a certain bond with each other, they often have more confidence to successfully function in a non-deaf world.

For further information, contact 418 263-5189.