Dragon Education

"True learning is based on discovery guided by mentoring rather than the transmission of knowledge."-John Dewey

1. What makes it so different?
   The curriculum requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma form the basis for all accredited curricula in the province, but The Dragon's curriculum is distinguished by its rich and unusual content. What we offer our students is intellectually challenging, and aesthetically superior. In our choice of study materials and subjects, we demonstrate our belief in and respect for adolescent. We do not patronize, bowdlerize or dilute. The Dragon has established lively connections with many of Toronto's key cultural institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, Opera Atelier, The Gardiner Museum, The Royal Conservatory of Music, The University of Toronto, and The Ryerson School of Interior Design. We invite guest artists and teachers to bring their excitement and expertise to us, and we go out from the school frequently to participate in workshops, lectures, and performances. This responsiveness to what's happening, in the world of ideas, on political scene, in cultural events makes Dragon education uniquely experiential. And the inspiration of these experiences spills over into the hands-on work and real world projects conceived and carried out by our students.
   
   
2. Why does it work?
   Learning through discovery and experience stimulates and challenges, while it respects the curiosity and daring of adolescents. Such an education is object-based rather than contrived: the student is directly involved in exploring material culture and discovering its role, importance and significance. At The Dragon, we value the understanding and contribution of the student rather than speedy repetition of a "right answer". Our studies are open-ended, not pre-determined, and our students make relevant connections between subjects and approaches. The Dragon emphasizes process not product, and thus encourages risk taking. From a place of safety and a ground of success, our students achieve a sense of personal mastery, and are tempted to further exploration.
   
   
3. How does it work?
   A Dragon education encourages lifelong learning through the inspiration of great works, living artists and intellectuals, and belief in every student's individual capacity. By giving our students the tools of understanding challenging material, we give them new tools for, and confidence in, their self-expression. An education built on authentic tasks demands understanding and application of theoretical knowledge. We reward producing rather than absorbing ideas, and we reward commitment to learning.