Junior High and High School Programs at Rundle College
Grades 7–12 at Rundle
Rundle’s programs adhere to Alberta curriculum standards and also embraces the value of differentiated and enriched learning for all students. An energetic and dedicated team of educators provides a dynamic and challenging program fostering the intellectual, social, and personal development of all young students.
Small classroom environments engage students in their learning, provide more meaningful classroom discussions and develop a closer connection to their teachers committed to their academic and personal success.
Forging Academic Success for Lifelong Acheivement
Our students are accepted into highly competitive post-secondary schools throughout the world on the basis of their final marks in our academic program, including the diploma exam program. The academic results of Rundle College 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 College’s program of studies provides students with time to focus on mental and physical wellness, volunteering, athletics, co-curriculars, and humanitarian pursuits.
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 towards building their art portfolio in Art 31. Student art is proudly exhibited throughout the school, and there are opportunities for public exhibits at special events, band concerts, and the annual 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, the spring production, and more.
Band
Band offers a sequential and developmental approach to music instruction. Each level builds on previous learning and experiences. Music at the senior high level is a combined course for all senior high students. Students become comfortable with performing at higher levels and with peers who have more experience. Students develop competencies and strive for excellence in performing, listening, creating, researching, and valuing music.
Music students have the opportunity to take part in formal concerts at different times of the year. There are also a variety of other performance opportunities throughout the year, including Remembrance Day, athletic events, and graduation.
Grades 7-9
In our junior high coding option, students explore computer science theory and its applications in programming and robotics. Through a computational thinking approach, students use programming languages such as Scratch and Python to develop their creative problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. The course also introduces students to different aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and cloud-based computing, and the ongoing and evolving social, political and economic impacts of these on our world.
Grade 10-12
Senior high students research technological areas that are of interest to them as they prepare for their post-secondary journeys. For example, in our Technology and Innovation program, students focus on creative tech areas such as digital photography, digital drawings, CAD, videography, and audio mixing. Rundle’s partnership with Global Online Academy (GOA) provides our students with the opportunities to undertake a range of technological courses from block coding, programming, and more.
Students also participate in our Robotics Team where they can combine their theoretical knowledge with the practical, hands-on opportunity of designing, building, and prototyping robots for international competitions.
GOA’s Mission Statement: GOA’s mission is to reimagine learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society.
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.
The cost has been built into tuition for students to take one GOA course during their time with Rundle. If a student wishes to take more than one, they will need to pay the GOA course fee. Find more details about tuition here.
- Collaboration & Communication
With over 120 high-performing independent schools in the consortium, representing more than 25 countries and more than 30 states, there is endless opportunity to create global connections. 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 and 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 Jade O’Connor by email.
Building Skills and Passions Through Co-Curricular Pursuits
Rundle’s co-curricular program is designed to give every student the chance to discover new passions and deepen existing ones. With offerings that span athletics, fine arts, service, leadership, and a wide range of clubs, students are encouraged to explore interests beyond academics while developing valuable life skills.
These experiences create space for students to challenge themselves, connect with others, and grow as leaders and collaborators. Whether competing on the court, performing on stage, or serving the community, Rundle students find countless ways to enrich their education and shape their journey.
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 College high school. Programs change each year depending on the interest level of our students.
- Art Club
- Bamfield Science Trip
- Band
- Business Club
- Chess Club
- Competitive Speech
- Choir
- Drama Club & Drama Production
- International Travel
- Jazz Band
- Photography Club
- Reach for the Top
- Robotics
- Science Olympics
- Spanish Club
- Speech and Debate
- Student Exchange Program
- Yearbook
- University Ambassadors
- Vocal Ensemble
As a member of the Calgary Independent Schools’ Athletic Association, Rundle is widely known for the strength of its cobra athletics program. We currently offer programs in:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cheer Team
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Rugby
- Soccer (all-gender)
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Graduating student athletes often continue their athletic pursuits at post-secondary institutions across Canada and abroad. Students have the opportunity to participate in both competitive and noncompetitive athletics.
Fostering Integrity and Resilience Through Character Programs
At Rundle, character development is at the heart of everything we do. Through service learning projects, students engage with their communities in meaningful ways, developing empathy, responsibility, and a strong sense of citizenship. Our mentorship programs create opportunities for students to learn from one another, fostering leadership, connection, and support across grade levels. In addition, travel programs broaden perspectives by allowing students to experience different cultures and challenges, encouraging resilience, adaptability, and global awareness. Together, these experiences help our students grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
The following programs give our junior high students the opportunity to further develop their character and leadership skills.
- Animal Rescue
- Eco/Enviro Club
- The L.E.A.D.E.R.S Council
- STARters Service
- WEB
In the senior high, students can participate in numerous character and leadership programs that inspire confidence and empathy.
- The Ascent leadership program
- c.Lab mentorship
- CAUSE, our service learning group
- The Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Grad Committee
- International Travel Trips
- Jr. Cobras coaching
- Peer Support
- Peer Tutoring
- Rundle College Prefects
- Student Ambassadors
Many of our emerging leaders in the senior high attend conferences throughout Canada and the United States.
These include:
- People to People Leadership Summit: Harvard/Stanford
- National Student Leadership Conference: Medicine & Health Care: UC Berkeley
- National Student Leadership Conference: Film & Fine Arts: UCLA
- Shad Valley – varying host universities
- WISEST – Women in Science and Engineering – U of C
- HYRS – Heritage Youth Researcher Summer Program
Travel programs at the senior high level enrich the learning experience and are an extension of Rundle’s academic and co-curricular programs.
Below are examples of past travel opportunities for our junior and senior high students:
- Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia)
- Australia
- Bamfield Marine Science Centre
- Cambodia
- Cheakamus Lake
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Edgewater Fortune – School at Sea
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- New Orleans
- New York
- Peru
- Spain & France
Our entire Rundle community is involved in volunteerism and has given back thousands of hours of service within Calgary and around the world.
All Grades 7-12 students participate in Rundle Volunteer Days, and many students continue to give their time to community service projects as members of Rundle’s CAUSE Club and as part of Rundle’s International Service Travel program.
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
Beyond the Classroom
At Rundle, we strive to take the extra step in providing opportunities beyond the classroom to support our students. Whether its developing learning strategies for students who are struggling with a course, or the offering of our post-secondary assistance program (The Traverse), that extends support to our students post-graduation, Rundle College will strive to do the best for our students.
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.
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 Rundle’s mission to help students discover their potential and prepare them for an ever-changing world.
The senior high team also provides comprehensive career and post-secondary support including exploring different careers and learning opportunities, and helping with post-secondary and scholarship applications.
Academic support is offered to students through homeroom teachers, subject teachers, small group settings and/or individual sessions. There is also significant support offered to teachers to aid students’ academic development in the classroom.
Do Rundle students wear a uniform?
Yes, here at Rundle we encourage your child’s individuality to shine through their actions, behaviours and thoughts. Fostering a sense of school pride and instilling a sense of responsibility for their attire, your child’s attention is free from distractions and focused on their academics and character building while wearing the Rundle uniform.
It is expected that each student is in uniform each day unless it is a designated dress down day. The Rundle blazer forms part of the formal uniform and is worn at all assemblies and special occasions. Students will be notified of the formal uniform requirement. Students find it most convenient to keep their blazers in their lockers for such special occasions. See our detailed uniform requirements.
Do you send out report cards?
Throughout the year, student academic achievement is reported on a live and continuous basis through our PowerSchool student management portal. Students receive login credentials that allow them to view course outlines, marks, and late and absentee reporting. Parents will use the same login information to gain access to our PowerSchool reporting system. A final report card is available for download, in PDF format, at the end of June.
What are the days off throughout the year?
Please visit our School Events Calendar on the website under What’s Happening.
Does Rundle College offer Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses?
The focus of the Rundle College senior high program is to support our students within the rigours and challenges of the Alberta education system. Historically, our program has enabled students to be awarded top scholarships and to be accepted into the most competitive postsecondary programs across the country and internationally. The rationale for AP and IB courses do not align with the goals and priorities of Rundle’s academic program.
What are your parent volunteer expectations?
Volunteerism is part of the character development program for our students and an important part of our culture at Rundle College. Parent volunteering within our schools supports our programs and further enriches and strengthens our Rundle community. Each campus has a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that provides numerous opportunities for parents to enjoy the benefits of volunteering, while at the same time, sharing in their daughter or son’s Rundle experience.
What are your parent fundraising expectations?
Rundle College finances its programs with tuition, grant revenue and private donations. Rundle is fortunate to have many generous parents, grandparents, alumni and friends who support the needs of our school as our programs grow and improve.
Your generosity will help create the educational experience you envision for your child. We encourage all our families to include Rundle College Society in their charitable giving portfolio and contribute at any level. We have many options to direct gifts to those programs that our donors are passionate about.
Further information about contributing will be provided in the Parent handbook available to parents at the beginning of each school year.
Explore the 7-12 Building and Learn about our School
Using our Virtual Tour below, you can explore our school and learn more about our school. As you tour the school, click on the icons to learn about each space as you pass them. If you would like to book, a tour please reach out to our Enrolment Officer, Natalie Powell at npowell@rundle.ab.ca