Explore Appleby's Enrichment Courses

Bay Street

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of microeconomics. Students will begin to explore the concept of money, and the difference between borrowers, lenders,  shareholders, and the terminology used in financial systems. Students will use different case studies and example market situations to track portfolios, and learn about the stock market. Students are required to bring should bring a personal laptop with access to Microsoft Excel. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Logic Puzzles

This course is designed to help students improve their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on organization and structured analysis when approaching problems. Students will improve these skills while working through a variety of challenging logic problems, puzzles, and riddles, learning the different approaches one can take to solving problems.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Debating

This course is designed to help students improve their debating, arguing, and critical thinking skills. Students will learn the important skills involved in successful debate, including effective brainstorming of topics, structuring a speech, delivery techniques, argumentation and rebuttal, and audience engagement. Both prepared and impromptu parliamentary debate will be covered. Students will be asked to complete several small take home assignments, including a prepared parliamentary debate. Students who want to gain confidence when speaking in a classroom, or simply improve their public speaking skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Dramatic Character Development

This course is designed to help students improve their public speaking, creativity, and performance skills. Students will explore the classic stock characters from Roman theatre and use these characters to act out different scenarios through impromptu role play and scripted performance. Students who want to gain confidence when speaking and improve their acting skills will find this course and accompanying materials helpful.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Engineering Challenge

This course is designed to help students develop creative problem solving, critical thinking, and planning skills. Each day, students will work individually or in a group learning and applying skills to solve everyday engineering problems. Students will be asked to complete several small take-home assignments and readings, so they can arrive ready and prepared for class the next day. This course is perfect for students who love challenging problem solving and creative STEM learning opportunities.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Essay Writing

This course is designed to help students develop successful essay-writing skills at the high school level. Instructional time will be devoted to different areas of essay-writing, such as research skills, thesis development, planning and organization, effective use of textual evidence, proper paragraphing, logical argumentation and the drafting process. The course will focus mainly on the research essay, the comparison and contrast essay, and the analytical essay. Students will be asked to complete several small take-home assignments, a formal essay, and a final in-class essay test. Students who want to improve their results on written assignments and develop their communication skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Extreme Environments

This course is designed to improve introduce students to the question “how does life survive?” Through in-class activities and projects, students will travel around the world to some of the most extreme and difficult to survive locations on planet Earth. Students will learn about what and how different species survive these environments, how humans interact with these environments and what potential or known benefit these locations offer.  Some examples include the salt flats of Atacama in Chile, the high altitude of the Himalayas, the deep ocean of the Mariana Trench, the freezing waters of Polar Oceans, and the high salinity of the Dead Sea. Students will learn not only the unique biodiversity each of these environments is home to, but also the way that humans are able to use resources, survive, and adapt.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Forests

This course will focus on Canadian forests, and the impact humans have on these diverse ecosystems. Students will learn the biodiversity and unique features of the different types of forests in Canada, but they will also explore the role of forests in resource management, both logging and other industries, tourism, the importance of forest to the indigenous communities, and land protection. Students will learn the importance of forest maintenance, and discuss current issues occurring such as the wildfires on the West Coast. There will be hands on labs and activities both inside the classroom, and outside in the forest on Appleby grounds.  

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Freshwater

This course will enable students to explore freshwater, the most valuable resource on our planet, and the interactions humans have with it.  Students will investigate where different freshwater bodies comes from, and the science, politics, and economics of freshwater. Some examples that will be discussed in this course include the impact of changing environments and temperatures on freshwater ecosystems, pollution, invasive species, freshwater aquaculture, sports and recreation, and the value and ownership of freshwater. There will be hands on labs and activities both inside the classroom, and outside on the shores of Lake Ontario on Appleby campus. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Investigative Journalism

This course is designed to help students develop editing and writing skills. Instructional time will be devoted to different areas of investigative journalism, covering topics that include choosing a story, conducting research, writing and editing news articles, choosing and verifying reliable sources, identifying bias in media, and interviewing skills. The course will draw on current, real life examples. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Math 7/8 Review

This class is designed for students who will be entering Middle One (Grade 7) Middle Two (Grade 8) in September 2021. Students enrolled in this class will refresh their math knowledge and enhance their skills through a series of meaningful and fun activities designed by certified Ontario math teachers. Approximately 45 minutes of homework can be expected each night.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Math 9/10 Review

This math enrichment course is designed for students who will be entering Upper One (Grade 9) or Upper Two (Grade 10) in September, 2021. Students enrolled in this class will refresh their math knowledge and enhance their skills through a series of meaningful and fun activities designed by certified Ontario math teachers. Approximately 45 minutes of homework can be expected each night.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Middle School Math Extension *New

This class is designed for students who will be entering Middle One (Grade 7) Middle Two (Grade 8) in September 2021 and want to extend their mathematical understanding. This course will challenge students to approach math in a new way and develop their problem-solving skills. Students will work through topics that include pattern recognition, spatial problems, algebra, and complex word problems.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Oceans

This course is designed to help students think in systems by examining the multiple ways that humans interact with oceans. Students will learn about the different ecosystems and rich biodiversity found within the ocean, from the kelp forests, open ocean, to the coral reefs, and explore the interaction humans have with these environments. Students will explore ocean science as it relates to economics, politics, law, and engineering. Some examples of current issues that will be discussed in this course include off-shore oil drilling, tourism and the impact on coral reefs, commercial fishing, engineering of floodgates to prevent rising ocean levels, open ocean wind farms, plate tectonics and tsunamis, and pollution.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Personal Finance

This class is designed to guide and introduce students to personal budgets and savings while improving their financial literacy skills and helping them prepare for the future. Students will learn how to budget, borrow, invest, and save, while working through different problem examples, projects, and case studies.  Students are required to bring a personal laptop for this course with access to Microsoft Excel. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Public Speaking

This course is designed to help students improve their public speaking, persuasive speaking, and presentation skills, giving students confidence in the classroom.  Students will learn the important skills involved in successful public speaking, including structuring a speech, body language, tone, and delivery techniques. Topics covered will include impromptu speaking, persuasive speaking, and academic presentations. Students will be asked to complete several small take home assignments, including a persuasive speech and a prepared presentation. Students who want to gain confidence when speaking in a classroom, or simply improve their public speaking skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Robots

This course will explore the concept and science of robots and their importance the humans, using current examples. Class instruction will include daily hands on experience building robotics, as well as discussion related the past, present, and future of robots. Some examples of subject that will be discussed in this course include the use of robots for everyday life, medicine, manufacturing, and for security, defense, and surveillance, as well as discussing the idea of artificial intelligence.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Short Stories

This course is designed to help students develop their creative writing skills and focuses on the art of short stories. Class instruction will cover the development of key short story elements: character, setting, conflict, plot, and theme. Students learn about these elements by both reading and analyzing short stories and writing their own. Students are asked to bring a personal laptop with access to Microsoft word to this course. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Space Science

This course will introduce students to the science of space and importance in human culture and scientific development. Class time will involve lessons, class discussion, and hands on labs and activities. Some examples of topics that will be discussed include examining the impact of the moon’s gravity on earth processes like the tides, nuclear fission and how star energy is harnessed on earth in solar farms, the history of space exploration and rocket ships, and history of the universe.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Sports

This course will explore the important and vital role sports plays in human interactions, development, and history, This course will examine the kinesiology behind specific competitive sports, competition, sport management, the emotional and cognitive benefits to sports and the history of sports and humans. Class time will involve lessons, discussions, student led presentations, and hands on activities.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Study and Organizational Skills

This course is designed to help students develop the study and organizational skills needed for academic success. Students will develop awareness of their own unique learning style and how they use this knowledge to engage as effective learners. Instructional time will be devoted to helping students improve and develop skills related to time management, note taking, test preparation, and organizational techniques in and out of the academic classroom. Students will be expected to complete a small amount of homework each night. Students who want to improve their learning habits both inside and outside of the classroom will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Virtual Reality Video Game Design

Are you creative, like working with computers, and a big fan of video games? Then this is the enrichment course for you! This course introduces students to video game design and lets them channel their creativity while improving their computational literacy. Using Unity software and C# programming, students will design video games in three dimensions and then will have a chance to then test play their games using VR technology. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Voices and Stories of Strength of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour

This course is designed to explore the powerful voices and stories of strength from present and past Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities. In class, students will read and listen to voices from across the global community, followed by class discussion with teacher led prompts and time for personal reflection. Examples of the range voices and stories appreciated in this course will include, but are not limited to, poets like Amanda Gorman, female education activists like Malala Yousafzai, environmental activists like Autumn Peltier, artists like Kendrick Lamar, and icons like Oprah Winfrey. 

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Essay Writing

This course is designed to help students develop successful essay-writing skills at the high school level. Instructional time will be devoted to different areas of essay-writing, such as research skills, thesis development, planning and organization, effective use of textual evidence, proper paragraphing, logical argumentation and the drafting process. The course will focus mainly on the research essay, the comparison and contrast essay, and the analytical essay. Students will be asked to complete several small take-home assignments, a formal essay, and a final in-class essay test. Students who want to improve their results on written assignments and develop their communication skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

Using an online conversation and collaboration systems, including Zoom and Canvas, students will work in groups or as a whole class interacting with the teacher and their peers using text, audio, video, and screen sharing. Students will be expected to participate in discussion, present ideas formally, and informally, and submit online assignments. Access to the internet is required for participation in this course. Students will be expected to complete several take home assignments, including guided reflections.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Microsoft Office Skills

This course is designed to improve student computational skills and elevate their use of Microsoft office for use in and outside of class. Students will work with all areas of the Microsoft toolbox, with a focus on PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook to help students improve the skills they have and prepare them for what is expected in a high school classroom. 

Using an online conversation and collaboration systems, including Zoom and Canvas, students will work in groups or as a whole class interacting with the teacher and their peers using text, audio, video, and screen sharing. Students will be expected to participate in discussion, present ideas formally, and informally, and submit online assignments. Access to the internet is required for participation in this course. Students will be expected to complete several take home assignments, including guided reflections.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Public Speaking

This course is designed to help students improve their public speaking, persuasive speaking, and presentation skills, with a focus on presenting in the Zoom world, giving students confidence in the classroom.  Students will learn the important skills involved in successful public speaking, including structuring a speech, body language, tone, and delivery techniques. Topics covered will include impromptu speaking, persuasive speaking, and academic presentations. Students will be asked to complete several small take home assignments, including a persuasive speech and a prepared presentation. Students who want to gain confidence when speaking in a classroom, or simply improve their public speaking skills will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

Using an online conversation and collaboration systems, including Zoom and Canvas, students will work in groups or as a whole class interacting with the teacher and their peers using text, audio, video, and screen sharing. Students will be expected to participate in discussion, present ideas formally, and informally, and submit online assignments. Access to the internet is required for participation in this course. Students will be expected to complete several take home assignments, including guided reflections.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Short Stories

This course is designed to help students develop their creative writing skills and focuses on character development. Class instruction will cover the development of key short story elements: character, setting, conflict, plot, and theme. Students learn about these elements by both reading and analyzing short stories and writing their own. Students are asked to bring a personal laptop with access to Microsoft word to this course. 

Using an online conversation and collaboration systems, including Zoom and Canvas, students will work in groups or as a whole class interacting with the teacher and their peers using text, audio, video, and screen sharing. Students will be expected to participate in discussion, present ideas formally, and informally, and submit online assignments. Access to the internet is required for participation in this course. Students will be expected to complete several take home assignments, including guided reflections.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Study and Organizational Skills

This course is designed to help students develop the study and organizational skills needed for academic success. Students will develop awareness of their own unique learning style and how they use this knowledge to engage as effective learners. Instructional time will be devoted to helping students improve and develop skills related to time management, note taking, test preparation, and organizational techniques in and out of the academic classroom. Students will be expected to complete a small amount of homework each night. Students who want to improve their learning habits both inside and outside of the classroom will find this course and its accompanying materials helpful.

Using an online conversation and collaboration systems, including Zoom and Canvas, students will work in groups or as a whole class interacting with the teacher and their peers using text, audio, video, and screen sharing. Students will be expected to participate in discussion, present ideas formally, and informally, and submit online assignments. Access to the internet is required for participation in this course. Students will be expected to complete several take home assignments, including guided reflections.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.

Quantum Science

This seminar style course if designed for students wishing to have deeper understanding of the quantum realm and its applications in everyday life, while also improving their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Prior to each class, students will be expected to complete a series of reading and assignments, arriving prepared and ready for discussion and group problem solving during class time. Topics covered in this course will include, but are not limited to, the atomic model and the search for the Higgs Boson, the idea of the multiverse, and of course, the science and application of quantum computing.

Using an online conversation and collaboration systems, including Zoom and Canvas, students will work in groups or as a whole class interacting with the teacher and their peers using text, audio, video, and screen sharing. Students will be expected to participate in discussion, present ideas formally, and informally, and submit online assignments. Access to the internet is required for participation in this course. Students will be expected to complete several take home assignments, including guided reflections.

*A 13% HST Tax is applicable to non-credit academic programs.