One of the top independent schools for boys in Canada, Crescent School spans 37 acres in midtown Toronto. Now in our second century, we provide rich and diverse experiences and opportunities for boys in Grades 3–12 to learn, grow and thrive. Character has always been at the centre of a Crescent education supporting our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Since 1913, Crescent School’s focus has been on character development. It is part of our DNA and involves a deep, uncompromising commitment to three essential areas we believe bring out the best in boys: relational learning, mentoring and character-in-action. A school that truly understands what makes boys tick, Crescent is here to meet your son’s development needs every step of the way.
Finding the right school for your son is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Thank you for considering Crescent School. We invite you to apply through our online application form. Learn more about us by attending an Open House or taking a virtual tour. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus.
A Crescent education is exciting, fulfilling and broad. Our curriculum is taught by highly motivated, supportive teachers who understand that establishing a relationship with your son unlocks the door to learning and engages him in his character development. Your son will be celebrated for both his work and his work ethic as we guide him academically and emotionally on his journey to becoming a Man of Character.
Character-in-Action programs are Crescent's co-curricular activities that provide boys with ample opportunities to develop character outside the classroom. Through clubs and teams in the arts, business, robotics and athletics, your son will discover new interests and build his leadership skills. And our outreach programs will allow him to gain compassion for others both in our community and abroad.
The generosity of our Crescent community provides vital support for our campus development, signature academic and co-curricular programs, and Student Financial Assistance. Contributions, no matter what their size, allow us to deliver the best possible education for our boys and help ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Crescent School doesn’t slow down when regular classes are out. We offer a Summer Academic Program available to all high school students, as well as summer camps for children 4 to 13 years old. Our Successful Start program is a special academic prep program exclusively available to Crescent students.
Employment at Crescent School is an opportunity to build a rewarding career and belong to a dynamic community where all are respected for their contributions. Our employees share a commitment to excellence that has made us one of the top schools for boys in the world. An equal-opportunity employer, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and believe strongly in workplace accessibility.
Gord Wotherspoon is a Lower School teacher. He conducted his action research project in 2017/2018.
What question did your action research explore?
I find teaching Grade 6 boys fascinating because it is the year they begin to form opinions and beliefs about certain topics. I’ll find them ferociously arguing a point. Maybe it is why Auston Matthews will be a better hockey player than Sidney Crosby or vice versa? It could be whether or not taxes are good or bad? The boys can be passionately invested in one point of view or another. However often they form these opinions with a limited viewpoint or a one-sided perspective. This led me to consider, how might developing essential questions when exploring multiple perspectives enhance empathy in Grade 6 boys?
What were your key findings?
The boys in all three classes embraced a new way of tackling work. Rather than simply answering questions provided by me, the boys began to create their own questions. They were asked to ensure that they ask both key questions (which are fact-based and easily accessed) and essential questions (open-ended questions that must address at least two sides of a discussion or argument).
I found that the boys’ ability to generate and formulate a wide range of questions improved greatly. They began to see a situation from multiple perspectives. Lots of debates and conversations flowed in the classroom.
According to the boys, “The benefit of looking at both sides is that you know more and you feel emotions towards both sides.”
How have these findings influenced the teaching and learning in your classroom?
The finding have certainly helped me with my teaching. First I am more aware of the types of questions that I ask and I try to ensure that both key and essential questions are put forward.
Also, I found that when I got them to ask and answer their own questions they became far more versed and knowledgeable about the subject. I have begun to allow the boys to create their own question sheets - and I try to ensure that they ask both key and essential questions to ensure variety of thought.
What new ideas did the research uncover that you would be interested to explore in the future?
I would like to follow this research up with the practice of breaking down questioning techniques into three main categories rather than two – Basic, Key and Essential. A basic question is fact based that can be found but doesn’t really add to the overall understanding. This differs from the key questions, which ensure that the main idea or key facts are brought forward.
By adding another level of questions, I will get a better understanding of what the boys truly know. Specifically whether they really understand the main point of the subject matter, or are they simply providing random facts.