Middle School Athletics and Co-Curriculars

Our Middle School co-curricular programmes offer something for everyone and play a vital role in shaping a student's educational journey. 

Co-curricular programming offers students opportunities for skill development, enhanced learning, social development, character building, and career exploration, among other benefits. At Ridley, our students enjoy activities from a variety of fields, such as arts, music, recreation, and exploring personal interests, which will enhance your child’s overall educational experience and help them prepare for success in university, their future life and their career.  

Middle School Exploratory Programme

The Ridley College Middle School Exploratory programme introduces an innovative approach to learning, granting students the exciting opportunity to select and engage in three unique exploratory sessions spread across the academic year. Each exploratory session is meticulously designed to span 15 blocks of 50 minutes, offering students a comprehensive and immersive experience in the chosen topic. As students delve into these sessions, they will have the chance to explore a diverse array of themes that extend beyond the core curriculum, nurturing their innate curiosity and intellectual growth.

The programme's structure culminates in a celebratory assembly at the conclusion of each session. This assembly serves as a platform for students to share their acquired knowledge, insights and newfound skills in creative and interactive ways. Whether it's through presentations, projects, performances, or other innovative methods, students will be able to showcase the depth of their learning journey during these culminating events.

Embracing the essence of the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, the exploratory programme enhances students' educational experience by providing them with an array of learning opportunities beyond traditional subjects. This initiative not only encourages academic exploration but also nurtures the development of critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Through the exploratory programme, students are empowered to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of diverse subjects, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Sessions may include:

• Chess Club
• Connections with Nature
• Debate Club
• Fitness Gladiators
• Investors Club
• Lego Masters
• Model United Nations
• Record Producing
• Robotics
• Stagecraft
• The Art of Photography
• The Handmade Market

Arts and Musical Expression 

Students participate in music and visual art several times a week, guided by specialist subject teachers. Creative co-curricular clubs are also offered before and after school, and private music lessons are available. 

Athletics and Physical Literacy

Middle School students participate in sport throughout the school year. Our Train to Train model supports Sport for Life’s long-term development framework and is focused on providing an environment that supports fun and friendship, cultivates life skills, and further develops sport-specific competencies and fitness. 

Formalized competition occurs within the Canadian Independent School Athletic Association (CISAA) and focuses on the process of competing and applying learned skills, not on results. Furthermore, our association believes in meaningful competition (where competitors are matched with others of a similar level of ability and are challenged to be the best they can be at that moment in time) and, where it’s safe to do so, offering equal competition opportunities. 

Middle School practices occur every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15-4:15p.m. with most games occurring on Tuesday. Below is a sample of our offerings by term:

Student Leadership

Ridleians are encouraged to act as positive role models, coaches and mentors to their peers and younger students. In Monday Advisory Sessions, part of Ridley's Advisory programme, students engage in weekly discussions and activities throughout the year to enhance their leadership skills, and each Lower School student is also part of a House team where they participate in competitions and activities throughout the year for points. 

On top of this, there are a number of other leadership opportunities available to students: 

• Classroom Leadership 
• Sports Team Leadership 
• House Team Leadership 
• Primary Lunchtime Helpers 
• Cadets Programme 
• House Team Captains