Our School
Since its inception in 1970, the Earl of March Secondary School has exemplified the best in a composite general arts education. Students, staff and the community have been partners in providing an environment which nurtures excellence in achievement for all students. Our Goal is to provide destination driven program pathways for all students within our community. Our Mission Statement is “to provide a caring, challenging, and safe environment, which will encourage and motivate students to pursue excellence in all their endeavours.”
Programming in the school is diverse and provides excellent opportunities for all students in both the core and optional curriculum areas. Our Advanced Placement Program offers courses that allow students to obtain university credits while still in secondary school. French Immersion courses are offered in the regular school program plus additional opportunities are available through cooperative education placement. Extra-curricular opportunities are available through an excellent athletic program, award-winning bands, dramatic and dance performances, visual arts, leadership programs, student council, and over 60 sports and club activities. We believe school should be a mix of academic excellence enhanced with extra-curricular activities. Earl of March offers opportunities for students to excel both academically and foster qualities of good global citizenship.
Our Students
Our enrolment is comprised of approximately 650 students in our Intermediate School (Gr. 7 and 8) and 1700 students in our Secondary School (Gr. 9 - 12) who reflect the cultural diversity of the Kanata community. Earl of March IS and Katimavik ES are feeder schools for our secondary school.
Many students seek additional educational challenges through our Advanced Placement Program. Academic Certificates may be earned in French, Fine Arts, Business, Technology, and the International Certificate Program. The Co-operative Education Program provides opportunities for students to explore careers and develop skills. We also have two Developmental Disabilities Program classes and one Autism Spectrum Disorder class in our secondary school.
Our Staff
Over 150 highly educated teachers and administrative / support personnel are committed to excellence in public education. They are advocates for students, believing in the measure of accountability and a learning environment which fosters partnerships within our community. As a professional learning community they provide a rich educational platform to enable our students to be successful citizens.
Our Community
Parents work closely with students and staff to promote a cooperative and enthusiastic spirit in the school, which in turn supports a culture of excellence in academics, athletics, the arts and technology. Parents volunteer as coaches, advisors and chaperones. They are warmly welcomed and appreciated. The Earl of March School Council meets in our library every month at 7 p.m. They are an invaluable resource in providing support and direction to our community school.
Mission Statement
Our “Mission” is to provide a caring, challenging, and safe environment, which will encourage and motivate students to pursue excellence in all their endeavours.
Facilities and Resources
The school is over 200,000 square feet in area. Proud green spaces and gardens surround this modern complex. Within its interior you will find: a generous foyer, classroom and study areas, computer labs and a full service library, a 700 seat auditorium with top-notch dance and music facilities. Three gymnasiums, a fitness studio and extensive playing fields provide the setting for a very successful athletic program.
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
Earl of March offers Advanced Placement courses in English, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and History at the senior level. The French Immersion program provides students with an opportunity to expand their communication skills in French leading to fluency and the French Immersion Certificate. Versatile Arts programs allow students to attain a Certificate of the Arts with a focus in music, visual arts, drama or dance. Technology programming is comprehensive and includes a compulsory credit in either a business computer course or an integrated technology course. We offer 2 Specialist High Skills Majors programs in Business and Manufacturing Technology. Pathways to success are available to all our students.
Classroom Organization
The Earl of March is a large community secondary school. Our size and semestered timetable permits flexibility in course offerings and credit attainment. Earl of March offers a Yearbook credit course. Band/repertoire music credits may be earned outside of our regular school timetable structure. Where normally students complete 8 credits per year, this flexible configuration permits additional course attainment for those looking for expanded opportunities.
Special Education and ESL Programs
The Special Education staff is available for remedial support and educational assessments for students identified as exceptional through the IPRC process and for other students experiencing learning difficulties. Earl of March is a leading advocate for students with special needs.
Earl of March does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL)
Clubs and Activities
Earl students enjoy an extensive program of extra-curricular sports, intramurals, arts productions and club activities. With over 30 teams, multiple arts presentations and more than 50 clubs, there is something for everyone.
Athletic teams are coached by our staff and community volunteers. This program is supplemented by an active lunchtime intramurals program which is organized by our students' Athletic Council.
Arts productions include: a yearly musical, numerous concerts by our Junior and Senior concert bands, jazz bands and other ensembles, Visual Art showings, and Dance showcases. Our arts program, both inside and outside the classroom, is extensive enough to offer an Arts Certificate of recognition for our students to include in their portfolio for post-secondary education.
Clubs abound in the school and change from year to year depending on the interest of our students. These activities include: chess, anime drawing, bridge, school newspaper, peer support, math and many others.
Our Student Council provides many lunchtime spirit activities and dances to enhance school spirit and social atmosphere.