Departments

Excellence Across the Curriculum

At Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, our faculty departments are dedicated to providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience that prepares students for post-secondary success and lifelong learning. From the creative arts to advanced sciences, our educators foster an environment of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Each department offers a diverse range of courses designed to meet the unique needs and interests of our student body. Whether you are exploring the complexities of human history, mastering a new language, or solving intricate mathematical problems, our staff is committed to supporting your academic journey.

A brief description of our departments can be found below and detailed departmental information can be found by linking to the departments in the left side bar.

Department Overviews

Arts- Digital, Drama, Music & Visual Art

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Creativity knows no bounds here. Immerse yourself in the vibrant connections between visual arts, music, drama, digital arts, and beyond within our multi-disciplinary Arts Department. 

  • Digital arts, film and photography students learn their crafts using Adobe Creative Cloud in our Mac lab.
  • Drama: Playwriting opportunities, live performances, production and stagecraft are on offer each year. 
  • Music: Specialized and accessible courses such as: choir, alternative music. Variety of extra-curricular opportunities: School Choir, Rock Bands, Taiko Drumming, Steel Pan Ensemble
  • Visual Arts: our students explore a variety of mediums including acrylics, ceramics, collage, and watercolours across all grade levels. 

 

 

Business, Experiential Learning & Computer Science

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A dynamic hub where innovation meets opportunity!  We proudly offer a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Business, giving students a focused pathway to explore entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and leadership. With committed educators and real-world experiences, students gain the tools, confidence, and mindset to thrive in high school, post-secondary education, and the professional world.

  • Business Studies Program: More than just textbooks—this program is a launchpad for success, equipping students with practical knowledge and transferable skills for life, learning, and leadership.
  • Cooperative Education Program: Designed to engage and support all learners, this program connects students with diverse, rigorous placements in fields such as law, healthcare, trades, engineering, business, and technology.
  • Technological Education Program: Empowers students to master emerging technologies while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application.
Canadian & World Studies

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Curious about the forces shaping Canada and the globe?

You’re a global citizen in the making. We'll show you how to read between the lines, challenge what you hear, and uncover the real stories behind the headlines.

Why it Matters

In a world of constant change and endless information, knowing how to think critically is your superpower. Our courses give you the tools to:

  • Become a Detective of Information: Learn to spot bias, check facts, and piece together clues from different sources—just like a real investigator.
  • Build Your Own Arguments: Don't just repeat what others say. You’ll learn to form your own evidence-based opinions on complex issues, from climate change to international conflicts.
  • See the Big Picture: Discover how the past shapes the present. You'll connect historical events to today's challenges and understand how global forces impact your local community.
  • Experiential education is paramount to our program with mock trials, role plays, gamification, and field trips to such places as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Holocaust Museum, ROM, Ontario courts, and more!  We even offer an international travel opportunity every second year - with the next planned for March 2027!  
English

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Our English department is a cornerstone of academic excellence, led by a team of passionate and committed educators who inspire students daily. Through thoughtful instruction and a rich curriculum, teachers cultivate a love of language, literature, and critical inquiry. Their dedication ensures that every student is empowered to think deeply, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world.

 

  • Guest Speakers: The department regularly hosts writers, poets, and Indigenous storytellers, offering students authentic voices and perspectives that enrich classroom learning.
  • Trips to Stratford Theatre: Students experience live Shakespearean performances at the renowned Stratford Festival, deepening their understanding of dramatic literature and theatrical interpretation.
  • Toronto Public Library Visits: Students explore one of the world’s largest public library systems to develop research skills, discover new texts, and connect with literary resources beyond the classroom.
  • Crawford Lake Conservation Area Trip: Students engage in experiential learning about Indigenous history, culture, and storytelling through visits to reconstructed longhouses and interpretive trails, fostering respect and understanding of Indigenous worldviews.
Guidance & Well Being

 

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Our Guidance and Well-Being Department is dedicated to helping every student thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Key supports include:

  • Academic and Career Counselling: Tailored guidance for course selection, pathway planning, and post-secondary options.
  • Mental Health & Wellness Support: Access to mental health resources, strategies, and referrals to promote resilience and balance.
  • Peer Tutoring Opportunities: Collaborative learning to strengthen academic skills and confidence.
  • Post-Secondary Information: Comprehensive resources for college, university, apprenticeships, and workplace pathways.
  • Scholarship Information: Guidance on financial aid and awards to support post-secondary success.
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Community engagement that builds leadership and empathy.
Health, Physical Education & Athletics

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A different kind of Health & Physical Education Program that focuses on effort and participation over pure skill, ensuring every student can succeed. While we evaluate health, fitness, and sport skills, our priority is making sure everyone feels successful and engaged.

Get in the Game:  Ready to compete? We have plenty of sports teams and leadership roles for those who want to manage a team. For something more casual, drop into our year-round intramurals three days a week. Looking for a challenge? Our competitive lunch-time tournaments let you form your own teams and battle for the title.

Lead the Spirit:  Our Athletic Council is the heart of school spirit. They lead two major pep rallies, run home game scorekeeping, officiate tournaments, and take charge of promoting school-wide events. This is where leadership and school spirit come together.

Library Learning Commons

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Library Learning Commons is the heartbeat of our school—a vibrant, inclusive space designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning. It is our school's commitment to a vibrant, collaborative learning community for every student. 

  • Beyond traditional resources:  a dynamic space where students can access cutting-edge technology, digital tools, and expert guidance to enhance their academic journey.
  • Explore new possibilities: from research support and multimedia creation to digital literacy, the Commons empowers students to explore new possibilities and develop future-ready skills. 

With flexible learning zones, collaborative workspaces, and a culture of innovation, the Library Learning Commons truly embodies our commitment to student success. Come discover how this space can inspire your ideas and transform your learning experience!

Modern Languages & English Language Learners

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Welcome to the Moderns & English as a Second Language Department! 

Discover  French and Spanish languages and Francophone/Spanish cultures with our enthusiastic team. Whether you're a beginner or advanced learner, all are welcome to explore new horizons and gain valuable written and oral language skills. Your adventure starts here!  

Celebrate Culture, Creativity, and Community!

  • Franco-Ontarian Day Festival: Experience the vibrant spirit of French-Ontarian pride! Join our French and Vocal Music programs for an unforgettable day filled with culture, music, and celebration.
  • Multilingual Play & Short Film Festival: Step into a world of stories! Moderns, ESL, and Drama unite to bring global myths and original student creations to life on stage and screen—an inspiring showcase of talent and diversity.
  • Carnaval Festival: Feel the rhythm of the world! Explore colorful Carnaval traditions through music, drama, and interactive activities with Moderns, ESL, and Music. A joyful celebration of global cultures and creativity!

 

 

 

Numeracy & Mathematics

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Master Math, Master Your Future! Our Mathematics Department is dedicated to building strong numeracy and problem-solving skills that prepare students for success in school, careers, and life. Through innovative teaching strategies and interactive tools like Desmos and GeoGebra, we make math engaging, accessible, and relevant for every learner. Students develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and analytical skills that empower them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

We also inspire excellence through competitive math opportunities, encouraging abstract thinking and creativity in mathematics. Our students proudly participate in prestigious contests such as:

  • University of Waterloo Contests: Pascal, Cayley, Fermat, and Euclid
  • University of Windsor Math Contests
  • Canadian Mathematics League

These experiences foster a growth mindset and help students become lifelong learners who see math as a powerful tool for innovation and success.

Sciences

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Science: Your Path to Discovery! Powered by a team of passionate, highly skilled educators who bring curiosity and innovation to every lesson. With a commitment to hands-on learning and academic excellence, our teachers inspire students to explore, question, and understand the world around them. From cutting-edge labs to exciting field experiences, we make science relevant, rigorous, and rewarding.

  • Fetal Pig Dissection & Titration Labs: Engage in authentic scientific inquiry through detailed dissections and precision chemical analysis.
  • Grade 12 DNA Extraction, PCR & Gel Electrophoresis: Dive into real-world biotechnology and experience advanced molecular techniques firsthand.
  • University of Waterloo Physics & Chemistry Contests: Challenge yourself and showcase your skills in nationally recognized competitions.
Special Education

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Empowering Diverse Learners:  Our Special Education team are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every student’s unique strengths are celebrated. Our Special Education Department works closely with students, families, and staff to implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that provide the necessary accommodations and modifications for academic success. We believe that with the right support and a self-advocacy mindset, all students can reach their full potential.

Our team of dedicated Special Education teachers provides a range of supports tailored to meet diverse learning profiles:

  • Individual Education Plans (IEP): We coordinate the development and implementation of IEPs to ensure students receive the specific supports they need across all subject areas.
  • Self-Advocacy Skills: We empower students to understand their learning profiles and confidently communicate their needs to their classroom teachers.
  • Collaboration & Consultation: Our staff works as a bridge between home and school, ensuring that parents and guardians are active partners in their child's educational journey.
Student Success & School Wide Initiatives

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Your Success Starts Here! Every Falcon has the potential to soar. Our Student Success team provides the essential tools, mentorship, and personalized support needed to navigate high school with confidence. From tracking academic progress to clearing graduation pathways, we take a holistic approach to ensure that every student has a clear path to achieve.  

Through targeted interventions, such as Credit Rescue, smooth Grade 8 to 9 transitions, and our popular Cookies & Rescue with our Peer Tutors, we actively remove barriers to learning. Whether our students need one-on-one advocacy or a strategy to get back on track, our mission is to celebrate milestones and fuel our student's futures.