Ursula Franklin Academy (Gr 09 - 12)
146 Glendonwynne Rd, Toronto, ON
M6P3E3
M6P3E3
416-393-0430
416-393-0970
Ursula Martius Franklin, (b. 1921), is a Canadian metallurgist, research physicist, author and educator who is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, and holder of the Order of Canada. Franklin actively works in pacifist and feminist causes. She has written and spoken extensively about the futility of war.
Integrated Technology and Academics for the Real World
Ursula Franklin Academy students and staff are passionate about our five core values: Spirit of Inquiry, Democracy, Social Justice, Community of Learners, and Connected Knowledge. We creatively incorporate various technological resources and software across academic disciplines and offer integrated liberal arts and sciences courses at the advanced level, preparing students for post-secondary academic programs. Course content and the Enriched Wednesday Program direct learning at a faster pace. Students assume a central role over their education.
Ursula Franklin Academy students and staff are passionate about our five core values: Spirit of Inquiry, Democracy, Social Justice, Community of Learners, and Connected Knowledge. We creatively incorporate various technological resources and software across academic disciplines and offer integrated liberal arts and sciences courses at the advanced level, preparing students for post-secondary academic programs. Course content and the Enriched Wednesday Program direct learning at a faster pace. Students assume a central role over their education.
We are a small school by design, and we welcome students from across Toronto.
Enriched Wednesday Program
This multi-grade, multi-discipline, full-day Enriched Wednesday Program is unique to UFA. Social Justice informs our curriculum and community. This 'out of the box,' non traditional program is aligned with three categories: Connected Knowledge, Health and Well-Being, Community Building.
Compulsory Course Integration allows students to prepare real-world projects and to benefit from rich interdisciplinary studies.
Innovation at UFA
One innovative course titled, 'The Real World of Technology,' focuses on a creative, critical examination of technology and its powerful role in our lives. For example, consequences of 24/7 connectivity; meanings of virtual social networking sites; critical views of technology's impact in the learning environment. The philosophy of technology, its educational application and use to advance social justice is explored. This inquiry-based course includes integrated projects to weave together the major course themes of technology and the relationship between ourselves and the world.
Dr. Ursula Franklin on Social Justice
“Peace is not the absence of war but the absence of fear, which is the presence of justice.” Dr. Ursula Franklin continues to champion peace, social justice and human rights in the world. She assumes an influential role in our students' education in reference to her books, The Ursula Franklin Reader: Pacifism as a Map, and The Real World of Technology.
Integrated Learning at UFA
Grades 9 and 10 complete integrated culminating projects based on compulsory cored courses. Senior students explore 'Praxis of Change' and the individual's role in change. Exploration of cultural, technological, social and global change from a Canadian perspective integrates Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Politics, Business, Family and Native Studies.
Mentoring Partnerships at UFA
During the Enriched Wednesday Program, UFA students in grades 9-12 participate in ongoing, year-long partnerships with elementary students from kindergarten to grade 8 at Queen Victoria PS and Carleton Village Jr & Sr PS. UFA students mentor elementary students in science and mathematics and act as reading and classroom buddies.
Student Leadership at UFA
Student Council, including an ombudsman, meet to discuss issues. The Franklin Athletic Association oversees intramural sports and Athletic Banquet. Student leaders facilitate the grade 9 retreat. Other examples of student-run clubs include the Environmental Alliance, whose work gained Gold Eco School status for UFA.
