Columbia International College
Encyclopedia
Columbia International College is the largest private
boarding
preparatory school in Canada, with an enrollment of more than 1,700 students from over 70 countries in the world. The school is located in Hamilton, Ontario
, in the residential neighborhood of Westdale
, near McMaster University
and Mohawk College
.
Columbia is a member of the Independent School Associations of Ontario (ISAO). The College is also registered with the Ministry of Education (Ontario)
Columbia has three residences that accommodate 1,200 students, and is planning to add another 400 beds by the spring of 2012. Its facilities also includes two teaching campuses, and an 700 acres (2.8 km²) outdoor education and leadership training center, Bark Lake, located in Haliburton County, Ontario, north of Toronto.
school on Mohawk Road West. The College was then known as Columbia Secondary School of Canada.
The school quickly outgrew its Mohawk Road location, prompting a move to 430 East 25th Street in 1981 and another move to 1029 Main Street West in 1985; by this time, Columbia had a student population of 300. Ten years later, in 1991, Columbia Secondary School officially changed its name to Columbia International College.
The 1990s saw great growth in Columbia’s facilities, academic programs and student population. The school’s steady climb in enrolment numbers resulted in a relocation to the Ainsliewood Campus in 2000. The school’s current home is an 11,200 square metre facility located at 1003 Main Street West.
The Total Care Education System is the brainchild of Columbia’s Executive Director, Clement Chan and the current school Principal, Ron Rambarran. Chan and Rambarran came to Canada as international students. Their experiences as foreign students gave them a personal understanding of the key challenges
international students face and the elements necessary for a successful transition to studying in Canada.
Hence they developed the Total Care Education System to take care of international students’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs while they are studying away from home.
Summer Camp
for children aged 9–19. At the camp people learn English, take part in
activities and visit Canadian landmarks and attractions. There are several programs available and each has its own highlights.
Campers are looked after by staff called the “Green Team” and can take art, computer, sports and science classes at
the camp as well.
During the ESL Summer Camp campers have the opportunity to visit places all over Canada including but not limited to:
University admission statistics (2009–2010 Graduates)
The College’s Dual Admission Partners include:
Linden Hall is an all-girls’ residence in downtown Hamilton. It has furnished double and triple rooms with private bathrooms.
Pine Hall is an all-boys’ residence situated in the Hamilton mountain area. It is within close proximity to Mohawk College and has double, triple and quad rooms with private or shared bathrooms.
Oak Hall, another boys’ residence, is located next to the Ainsliewood building, Columbia International College’s main campus. It has double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms.
Clubs and activities at Columbia International College include, but are not limited to:
Leadership
Arts & Crafts
Community Service
Activities include:
For five straight years, Columbia International College has been awarded the
The Athletics Department runs
Leadership retreats at Bark Lake are offered by the College year round, with activities including but not limited to:
Columbia and Bark Lake’s collaboration and affiliation on leadership programs has allowed many of the College’s students to enjoy Canada’s landscape and ‘true Canadian wilderness’ through outdoor recreation activities.
The College promotes leadership and character development in the school curriculum as well as through leadership courses.
Private school
Private schools, also known as independent schools or nonstate schools, are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students' tuition, rather than relying on mandatory...
boarding
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
preparatory school in Canada, with an enrollment of more than 1,700 students from over 70 countries in the world. The school is located in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe...
, in the residential neighborhood of Westdale
Westdale, Ontario
Westdale is a residential neighbourhood in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is centred on the Westdale Village shopping district and located near McMaster University. Westdale has been the heart of the Jewish community of Hamilton for many years...
, near McMaster University
McMaster University
McMaster University is a public research university whose main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land in the residential neighbourhood of Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens...
and Mohawk College
Mohawk College
Mohawk College is a public College of Applied Arts and Technology located in the Golden Horseshoe of Ontario, Canada. Mohawk has three main campuses: the Fennell Campus located in Hamilton, the Brantford Campus located in Brantford and the STARRT Institute located in Stoney Creek, as well as the...
.
Columbia is a member of the Independent School Associations of Ontario (ISAO). The College is also registered with the Ministry of Education (Ontario)
Columbia has three residences that accommodate 1,200 students, and is planning to add another 400 beds by the spring of 2012. Its facilities also includes two teaching campuses, and an 700 acres (2.8 km²) outdoor education and leadership training center, Bark Lake, located in Haliburton County, Ontario, north of Toronto.
History
Founded in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1979, Columbia International College started off as a six-room university preparatory and ESLESL
ESL is a common abbreviation for English as a Second Language, see English language learning and teaching.ESL may also refer to:-Companies:...
school on Mohawk Road West. The College was then known as Columbia Secondary School of Canada.
The school quickly outgrew its Mohawk Road location, prompting a move to 430 East 25th Street in 1981 and another move to 1029 Main Street West in 1985; by this time, Columbia had a student population of 300. Ten years later, in 1991, Columbia Secondary School officially changed its name to Columbia International College.
The 1990s saw great growth in Columbia’s facilities, academic programs and student population. The school’s steady climb in enrolment numbers resulted in a relocation to the Ainsliewood Campus in 2000. The school’s current home is an 11,200 square metre facility located at 1003 Main Street West.
Total Care Education System
Columbia has a unique system for educating international students, known as the Total Care Education System. Columbia’s Total Care comprises:- Total Learning
- Total Living
- Total Development
- Total Communication
The Total Care Education System is the brainchild of Columbia’s Executive Director, Clement Chan and the current school Principal, Ron Rambarran. Chan and Rambarran came to Canada as international students. Their experiences as foreign students gave them a personal understanding of the key challenges
international students face and the elements necessary for a successful transition to studying in Canada.
Hence they developed the Total Care Education System to take care of international students’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs while they are studying away from home.
Academics
Columbia has 6 semesters: January, March, June, July, August and October. These multiple semesters allow students to enroll throughout the year.Academic Facilities
Columbia International College consists of:- 2 school buildings
-
-
- Ainsliewood Building for academic/high school classes
- Maple Building for ESL classes and Junior Middle School curriculum
- Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs
- Modern language labs
- Computer Labs
- 3 computer labs
- 2 instructional labs
- 1 open-access lab
- 2 TOEFL Testing labs
-
Official English Test Centre
In addition to its ESL and TOEFL preparation programs, Columbia is an Official Test Centre for:- iBT TOEFLTOEFLThe Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL , evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting....
(Princeton University ETS authorized centre) - The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELABMELABThe Michigan English Language Assessment Battery is a standardized test, created at the University of Michigan, which evaluates proficiency in understanding, writing and speaking the English language...
) - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
- Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT)
- Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)
Programs (Curriculum)
Columbia International College educates students from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. The school’s academic programs include:- University Transfer (AP)
- Pre-University
- High School (Grades 9 – 12)
- Junior Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)
- TOEFL Preparation
- SAT Preparation
- ESL (English as a Second Language)
- ESL Summer Camp
Summer Camp
Every summer Columbia holds an ESLESL
ESL is a common abbreviation for English as a Second Language, see English language learning and teaching.ESL may also refer to:-Companies:...
Summer Camp
Summer camp
Summer camp is a supervised program for children or teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend summer camp are known as campers....
for children aged 9–19. At the camp people learn English, take part in
activities and visit Canadian landmarks and attractions. There are several programs available and each has its own highlights.
Campers are looked after by staff called the “Green Team” and can take art, computer, sports and science classes at
the camp as well.
During the ESL Summer Camp campers have the opportunity to visit places all over Canada including but not limited to:
- Canada's Wonderland
- MarineLandMarinelandMarineland can refer to multiple places:*Marineland of Florida, an oceanarium in Florida**Marineland, Florida, the community where the oceanarium is located*MarineLand, an oceanarium/amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada...
- CN TowerCN TowerThe CN Tower is a communications and observation tower in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Standing tall, it was completed in 1976, becoming the world's tallest free-standing structure and world's tallest tower at the time. It held both records for 34 years until the completion of the Burj...
- Niagara FallsNiagara FallsThe Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls and the adjacent American Falls along with the comparatively small Bridal Veil Falls, which combined form the highest flow rate of any waterfalls in the world and has...
- Bark Lake
- OttawaOttawaOttawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
- MontrealMontrealMontreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
University Placement Office
Columbia’s University Placement Office, located in the Ainsliewood building, works closely with students and provides information on university application and admission requirements. The College’s University Placement Officers help students with university research, selection, and application.University admission statistics (2009–2010 Graduates)
- 80% accepted to top 8 Canadian Universities
- CAD $2,000,000 received in University Entrance Scholarships
- 231 admitted to University of Toronto
- 192 admitted to University of Waterloo
University Partners
Columbia International College has University Partnerships with the following 10 Universities;- Acadia UniversityAcadia UniversityAcadia University is a predominantly undergraduate university located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada with some graduate programs at the master's level and one at the doctoral level...
- University of AlbertaUniversity of AlbertaThe University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
- Brock UniversityBrock UniversityBrock University is a comprehensive university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Brock offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs that include co-op and other experiential learning opportunities to an enrolment of over 17,000 full-time students.The enabling legislation is...
- University of CanberraUniversity of CanberraOver the years the Stone Day program has gradually become larger and larger, taking up a whole week and now Stonefest is one of Australia's most popular music festivals. The first foundation celebrations were held in 1971. In 1973 Stone Day celebrations were held over two days, which was expanded...
- McMaster UniversityMcMaster UniversityMcMaster University is a public research university whose main campus is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on of land in the residential neighbourhood of Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens...
- State University of New YorkState University of New YorkThe State University of New York, abbreviated SUNY , is a system of public institutions of higher education in New York, United States. It is the largest comprehensive system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States, with a total enrollment of 465,000 students, plus...
- University of LondonUniversity of London-20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the...
- University of WaterlooUniversity of WaterlooThe University of Waterloo is a comprehensive public university in the city of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The school was founded in 1957 by Drs. Gerry Hagey and Ira G. Needles, and has since grown to an institution of more than 30,000 students, faculty, and staff...
- University of Western OntarioUniversity of Western OntarioThe University of Western Ontario is a public research university located in London, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus covers of land, with the Thames River cutting through the eastern portion of the main campus. Western administers its programs through 12 different faculties and...
- University of Ontario Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Ontario Institute of TechnologyThe University of Ontario Institute of Technology is located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. The university shares its campus with Durham College. The university was founded in 2002 and accepted its first students in 2003, making it one of Canada's newest universities...
- Cape Breton UniversityCape Breton UniversityCape Breton University , formerly the "University College of Cape Breton" , is a Canadian university in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Regional Municipality....
Dual Admission Partnerships
Columbia’s Dual Admission program guarantees students admission to their program of choice, at their desired university once they meet the minimum programs requirementsThe College’s Dual Admission Partners include:
- University of Alberta
- York University
- Brock University
- Cape Breton University
- D’Youville University College (USA)
University Entrance Scholarships
Many of Columbia’s University Partners have designated University Entrance Scholarships for the graduates of the College. These universities include:- Acadia University
- University of Canberra
- University of Alberta
- University of London School of Pharmacy
- Brock University
- McMaster University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Waterloo
-
-
- 4 designated $3,000 Entrance Scholarships for Columbia International College graduates
-
Residences
Columbia International College currently has 3 residence buildings with approximately 1000 beds.Linden Hall is an all-girls’ residence in downtown Hamilton. It has furnished double and triple rooms with private bathrooms.
Pine Hall is an all-boys’ residence situated in the Hamilton mountain area. It is within close proximity to Mohawk College and has double, triple and quad rooms with private or shared bathrooms.
Oak Hall, another boys’ residence, is located next to the Ainsliewood building, Columbia International College’s main campus. It has double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms.
Extracurricular Activities
Columbia’s Student Development Office assists students with their after-school schedules, organizing special events on campus and within the 3 residences. Extended student services such as club activities, weekend trips and excursions are also organized to facilitate student life.Clubs and activities at Columbia International College include, but are not limited to:
Leadership
- Peer Leaders
- Student Leaders
- Prefects
- Student Councillors
Arts & Crafts
- Dance Club
- Newspaper Club
- Cheerleading Club
- Photography Club
- Art Club
- Chess Club
Community Service
- Columbia Convenience
- Kiwanis
- Ronald McDonald House
- St. Peter’s Hospital
- War Child Canada
- Peer Tutoring
Athletics
Columbia has a range of sports and recreational programs in which students can participate.Activities include:
- Table Tennis
- Swimming
- Indoor Soccer
- Badminton
- Yoga
- Basketball
- Floor Hockey and more
For five straight years, Columbia International College has been awarded the
- Canadian Intramural Recreation Association (CIRA) Ontario’s Outstanding Intramural Achievement Award for promoting CIRA Ontario’s motto of – Fun, Participation For All – (2004–2009)
- Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE) Canada’s School Recognition Award for Quality Physical Education Program
The Athletics Department runs
- BasketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
- Soccer
- BadmintonBadmintonBadminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players or two opposing pairs , who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their...
- Floor HockeyFloor hockeyFloor hockey is a family of indoor hockey games, usually in the style of ice hockey, that are played on flat floor surfaces, such as a basketball court. As in other hockey codes, players on each team attempt to shoot a ball or puck into a goal using sticks, usually with a curved end...
- BaseballBaseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
- Intramural Tournaments
- Varsity Team: Columbia Cougars
- Columbia Crew (Leadership in Athletics)
Leadership Training
To further enrich their extracurricular experience, students have the opportunity to receive outdoor education and leadership training at Columbia’s Bark LakeLeadership retreats at Bark Lake are offered by the College year round, with activities including but not limited to:
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Snowshoeing
- Herbertisme and Low Ropes
- Certified High Ropes course
- Cross-country Skiing
- Ice-fishing
- Kayaking
- Beach Volleyball
- High Ropes Challenge Course
Columbia and Bark Lake’s collaboration and affiliation on leadership programs has allowed many of the College’s students to enjoy Canada’s landscape and ‘true Canadian wilderness’ through outdoor recreation activities.
The College promotes leadership and character development in the school curriculum as well as through leadership courses.