Goals of Education

A Christian school is not merely a place where “Bible” is taught along with the other regular subjects. Rather, it is a place where each subject is taught from a Christian perspective by a committed Christian teacher. At MCA we have developed the following “11 Goals of Education” which we strive to achieve in each subject area:

1. To develop a deeper commitment to love God.

2. To mature as a Christian person in relation to self, others, and the environment.

3. To discover particular gifts and talents in oneself.

4. To develop abilities of perception and discernment in order to make wise judgments in  moral and ethical issues.

5. To follow the norms for good health and fitness.

6. To acquire the sensitivity and skills necessary for effective communication.

7. To develop awareness of oneself as a learner, able to apply knowledge, skills and attitudes to the ordinary tasks of life.

8. To develop the knowledge and understanding necessary to fulfill one’s calling effectively in modern society.

9. To acquire through training and discipline those skills and attitudes necessary for satisfaction and productivity in the world of work and/or school.

10. To acquire understanding for the customs, habits, and beliefs of other faith communities, ethnic groups, and cultures in the light of God’s Word.

11. To develop an appreciation and respect for the various expressions of faith within the Body of Christ.

Music Program

Our music program extends from JK through high school and is comprised of singing, music theory, recorders, and instrumental band. We have four school choirs: Junior Choir (grades 1-3), Senior Choir (grades 4-6), Grade 7/8 Choir (which is extra-curricular) and a High School Choir (which is also extra-curricular). Our instrumental band program begins in grade 7. High school band is also offered as an option for those students who so desire.

Both our elementary and high school students compete annually in the Kiwanis Music Festival. They also perform in a Christmas Concert, a “Grandfriends Day” music program, as well as at various other school functions.

Computer Program

Maranatha has a fully equipped elementary computer lab and secondary computer lab, the latter having internet access. Most elementary classrooms have free standing computers as well. Keyboarding is taught from primary to intermediate levels. Students are taught to use computers for research purposes and for putting together professional looking projects. A wide range of software programs are also available for individual use and classroom use.

Standardized Testing

Students in grades 3-8 participate in the Canada Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) on a bi-annual basis. These standardized tests allow us to gauge our students’ skill level in various dimensions of language arts, math and science. They also enable us to compare our students’ achievement to that of the other participating OACS schools and all participating schools nationwide. Grades 1 and 2 students complete the Gates-MacGinitie reading tests annually.Grade 10 students complete the grade 10 literacy tests as per ministry regulations.

Elementary Assessment

Teachers at Maranatha employ a variety of assessment techniques and teaching strategies to accommodate the various learning styles of students.The elementary year is divided into three terms with report cards going home at the end of each term. Oral mid-term reports also take place in October in a parent/teacher interview format.

The grading scale is as follows:

90-100% - A

80-89% - B

70-79% - C

60-69% - D

<60 - fail

Achievement Levels and Percentage Grades for High School

The percentage grade assigned to students in their subject areas correspond to levels of achievement, as defined by the Ministry of Education. These percentages and levels are outlined below:

80% - 100% = Level 4: A very high to outstanding level of achievement. Achievement is above the provincial standard.

70 – 79% = Level 3: A high level of achievement. Achievement is at the provincial standard.

60 – 69% = Level 2: A moderate level of achievement. Achievement is below, but approaching, the provincial standard.

50 – 59% = Level 1: A passable level of achievement. Achievement is below the provincial standard.

Below 50% = Insufficient achievement of the curriculum expectations. The student will not receive a credit for the course.

Note that Level 3 is defined as the provincial standard. A student achieving at this level is well prepared for work in the next grade or the next course.

Athletic Program

The elementary division competes in a variety of team sports in both the “Windsor District Christian School Association” and the “Chatham District Christian School Association”: cross-country, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, track and field and badminton. There is also a house league sports program which runs at lunch for all students from grades 1-8. This past year the high school students competed in cross country, track and field, boys volleyball, girls basketball, badminton and swimming.

As the high school grows in numbers more sports will be included.The high school participates in WECSSA, SWOSSA and OFSAA as students qualify.

Class Trips and Excursions

Both elementary and secondary students participate in a variety of class trips and excursions. Some of theses are meant to supplement the curriculum being taught and others are viewed as “community building” expeditions.