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Academic Achievement and Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

Academic Achievement and Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

Applicants will be selected for September 2027 admission in TDSB Specialized Programs based on their academic achievement in the 2025-26 school year and based on their level of skill and knowledge. 

An applicant's overall score will be based on specific marks (see chart below) from the 2025-26 school year (weighted for 30% of their applicant score) and their demonstration of knowledge and skills (weighted for 70% of their applicant score).

Elementary applicants will be scored based only on their demonstration of knowledge and skills (audition or portfolio).


Report 2 (June 2026) marks will be used. When a Report 2 mark is not available, the Report 1 (February 2026) mark will then be used.


Marks and Demonstrations of Knowledge and Skills for Arts Programs

School/Program

Marks Included in Applicant Score

Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

Claude Watson School for the Arts

Karen Kain School for the Arts

None
Elementary Arts: Demonstration = 100% of applicant score

Visual Arts Portfolio OR Performing Arts Audition

Charles H. Best Middle School - CyberARTS

Don Mills Middle School - DMAC

None
Elementary Arts: Demonstration = 100% of applicant score

Visual Arts Portfolio

 

Arts Application Tasks and Success Criteria

Elementary

Specialized Programs Arts - ELEMENTARY VISUAL ARTS

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA


Elementary Visual Arts Application Tasks

Visual Arts includes a broad range of forms and styles such as drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, architecture, photography, crafts, and media arts or a combination of various forms of your choice (source: Ontario Arts Curriculum, Overview of Grades 4-6, Curriculum and Resources).

Part 1: Visual Arts Portfolio

Submit up to 4* original artworks; one of which is a Transformation Artwork.

Transformation Artwork Task:

  • Create an artwork that transforms an everyday object into something surprising or unexpected. You can use any art materials or media you like.
  • Choose an ordinary object from your home, school, or nature-something you see or use every day. Then use your imagination to turn it into something completely different through your artwork. Be creative and show us your unique ideas!
Part 2: Visual Arts Reflection

Create a video or audio reflection about your Transformation Artwork.
*applicants will not be disadvantaged if they submit fewer than four artworks.


Part 1: Visual Arts Portfolio Requirements
Artwork Requirements:
  • All artwork was created within the last 12 months.
  • Include up to 4 pieces of artwork:
  • One of the 4 artworks is my Transformation Artwork.
  • Each artwork is uploaded as its own file (one artwork per file).
Artwork Information:

For each artwork, include:

  • Title
  • Medium: materials and method used to create the art
  • A short description (one sentence)
  • Source(s): If your artwork was inspired by or based on an existing work, identify the source. Include the artist/creator (if known), title of the work, and where you found it (for example, website, book, or individual).

Part 2: Visual Arts Reflection Requirements
Recording Requirements:
  • The recording (video or audio) is 90 seconds or less.
  • The video is filmed in landscape mode (sideways).
  • The recording is not professionally edited.
Start by Introducing Yourself:

Say:

“Hi, my name is __________ and I am in grade ____.”

Answer These Questions:

Answer in complete sentences.

  1. How did you choose the object for your Transformation Artwork?
  2. Why did you transform it the way you did?
  3. What were you thinking or imagining while you created it?
  4. What does this artwork tell us about you?
    • “This artwork shows that I..."
    • "I chose this because it reminds me of…”
  5. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your other artworks?
Video or Audio Reflection File Name:

Name your reflection file exactly like this:

  • LastName_FirstName_REFLECTION

Elementary Visual Arts Success Criteria

Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.

Part 1: Visual Arts Portfolio Success Criteria

My artwork:

  • Is my own original work (I did not use generative artificial intelligence or AI to create it).
  • Is creative and imaginative.
  • Expresses personal meaning.
  • Communicates a mood, feeling, story, or message.
  • Uses a variety of tools, materials, or techniques.
  • Shows experimentation, exploration, or creative risk-taking.
  • Includes my original Transformation Artwork based on the instructions
Part 2: Visual Arts Reflection Success Criteria

My reflection:

  • Explains how I made my artwork.
  • Explains why my artwork is meaningful to me.
  • Connects my ideas, feelings, and creative choices to who I am as a person and as an artist.
  • I have named my reflection file: LastName_FirstName_REFLECTION

Authenticity

Applicants are expected to submit original work created independently. Generative AI must not be used to create artwork or prepare reflection.


Secondary

Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY VISUAL ARTS

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNED TASKS, AND SUCCESS CRITERIA


Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.

Visual Arts Portfolio
  • Up to six (6) artworks, including the “Identity Composition” assigned task.
  • The six (6) artworks can include finished or in-process works (storyboards, sketchbook pages, planning notes, concept development evidence, etc.).
  • Open choice of materials (e.g., drawing, painting, photography, sculpture) and/or digital (computer-based) media.
  • Of the six (6) artworks, only one (1) film/animation may be included (15-120 seconds).
  • Present physical originals where reasonably portable.
    • Appropriate alternatives may include reproductions, digital display, or other suitable representations of work that cannot reasonably be transported.
  • For digital work, film, or animation, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Identity Composition
  • Choose 1-3 objects that reflect(s) something about you, or that are important to you.
  • Create a composition that represents your object(s) using any style and any traditional or digital material(s).

Identity - Who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different from others. (source: www.cambridge.dictionary.org)

Composition - The organization of the elements of design in an artwork, following certain principles of design. Elements: line, shape and form and space, colour, texture and value. Principles: contrast, repetition and rhythm, variety, emphasis, proportion, balance, unity and harmony, and movement. (source: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, The Arts)


Portfolio Success Criteria
  • Is original and can only be recognized as my own creative product OR is referenced from a source that I have identified.
  • Shows expressive use of the elements and principles of design.
  • Showcases my personal ideas and has an imaginative approach.
  • Successfully demonstrates the application of skills and techniques.
  • Film/Animation (if applicable): Demonstrates narrative. This can include, storyboard, script, character design, photo essay, film screenshots.
  • Film and/or animation can demonstrate successful editing and sound.

Sources

If any artwork was inspired by, adapted from, or based on an existing artwork, image, photograph, design, or other source, identify it. Include the artist/creator (if known), title of the work, and where you found it (for example, website, book, or individual).

You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.


Live Reflection

As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.

  • Creative process
  • Artistic identity

Choose ONE portfolio artwork as the focus of your reflection discussion.

Live Reflection Success Criteria
  • I explain how I created my chosen artwork by describing my ideas, choices, and process.
  • I use specific details when reflecting on my creative interests and identity.

Authenticity

Present artwork you created independently, without the use of generative AI. Your live reflection must represent your own thinking.


Applicant Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills must adhere to all TDSB policies and procedures, including P031 - Human Rights. Submissions that contravene TDSB policies and procedures, including the TDSB Code of Conduct will be addressed and the application will be deemed incomplete.


Marks and Demonstrations of Knowledge and Skills for Other Programs

Program

Marks Included in Applicant Score

Demonstration of Knowledge and Skills

International Baccalaureate

Average of Language, Math, Science, French (average of 4 strands/marks), Geography and History

All In-Person Assessments will take place on Monday, December 7, 2026 (or Monday, December 14, 2026 if there is inclement weather).
The exact time will be set in the Fall.

60-minute in-person evaluation and written response

  • Format will be multiple choice (30 min) and one opinion-based written question (30 min).
  • Multiple Choice will assess skill in mathematical reasoning and problem solving, and French Language proficiency.
  • The demonstration of skills and knowledge assess content learning from the grade 7 curriculum expectations and will focus on problem-solving and thinking skills.
  • Applicants for Grade 10 entry will be assessed on grade 8 curriculum content
  • Written question will be assessed by rubric.

The written opinion piece will be reviewed for:

  • Purpose and Audience
    • I can write clear topic statements and concluding paragraphs.
    • I can provide relevant evidence and logical reasons to support my arguments or claims.
  • Organizing Content
    • I can classify and sequence ideas using appropriate strategies and tools, and identify and organize relevant content.
    • I can generate and organize relevant ideas, with the use of transition words, ensuring my narrative flows logically.
    • I can use paragraphing to distinguish between different ideas and content in my response.
  • Point of View and Perspective
    • I can identify the point of view, create an argument and explain different perspectives supported by reason, evidence and examples.
  • Syntax and Sentence Structure
    • I can add varied sentence structures (e.g., simple, compound, complex) for flow and effect.
  • Vocabulary
    • I can use precise and descriptive vocabulary to enhance meaning.
    • I can use transition words to connect my ideas smoothly.
  • Capitalization and Punctuation
    • I can check for correct punctuation, including commas and quotation marks for dialogue.
  • Voice
    • I can establish a personal voice, using language and elements of style to express thoughts, feelings, and opinions about a topic, and use a tone appropriate to the form.

Doors at each site will open at 3:30 p.m.

Applicants arriving late will not be given additional time.