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  • York Talks

    Staying Current in the Field of Education
    YORK Talks is a podcast for families wanting to learn more about The York School.
In each episode, host Natasha Estey speaks with school leaders, teachers, students, and parents about different aspects of the school, giving listeners candid insights into current and cutting-edge ideas and approaches in the field of education happening inside York. 
 
Look for YORK Talks where you get your favourite podcasts.

Natasha Estey is the Manager, Enrolment at The York School. 

Season 2 Episode 9: Creating Art

An education in the arts teaches students to perceive and think in new ways. At The York School, creativity, reasoning, imagination, intuition and art-specific skills are all developed as students learn to build bridges between verbal and nonverbal communication, and logic and emotion.

In this episode, Natasha Estey speaks with Music Teacher Cody MacFarlane, Visual Arts Teacher Daniel Neville, Drama Teacher Mary Wood, and Film Teacher Otino Corsano, about why the arts are so important in an IB education.

You can see the arts at The York School in action on Twitter by following the hashtag #YorkLearns. Here are links to some videos of the arts in action at The York School:

Harmony Concert
Vocal Music (Cool Moon)
Concert Band (Crocodile Rock)

Senior School Theatre
Senior School Theatre
Art Battle
IBDP Film
IB Film Promo Video
YORK Connect YouTube Channel

Season 2 Episode 8: Learning Another Language

Nǐ hǎo! Hola! Bonjour! What are the benefits of learning a second or third language? Why is this a key component of the IB experience? IB French teacher Andrew Torres, IB Spanish teacher Emily Cunningham, and IB Mandarin teacher Connie Zhao, help host Natasha Estey unpack how learning another language can help students increase their understanding of several cultures, including their own, and explore globally significant ideas and issues through different languages.

Learn about the philosophy of language acquisition as part of an IB education by visiting the International Baccalaureate website. Follow the hashtag #YorkLearns on Twitter to see additional language learning in action.

Season 2 Episode 7: Designing the Future

Design class is part of the Middle Years Programme at The York School. Join host, Natasha Estey, in conversation with MYP Design teacher, Tim Cooper, about how this class challenges students to apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve design problems using the Design Cycle.

Season 2 Episode 6: Navigating Middle School

The bridge years between primary school and secondary school are a pivotal time for young adolescents, whose bodies and minds are developing more rapidly than at any stage other than the first two years of life. Middle School can be tumultuous but it can also be a lot of fun! It’s a time when students really start to frame their future in terms of identity and interests.

Join host, Natasha Estey, in conversation with teachers that bookend the Middle School experience - Grade 6 homeroom teacher, Teresa MacDonald, and Grade 8 homeroom teacher, Shelley Gopal - about how they bring joy into learning along with problem-solving and real-life applications, focus on how students learn as well as what they learn, and help students understand their positionality in the world.

Season 2 BONUS Episode: Integrating Indigenous Education

The York School’s Indigenous Education Committee is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action # 62 through 65 that have to do with Education for Reconciliation. In this special Bonus episode, host Natasha Estey speaks with Indigenous Education Comittee leaders, Sean Rand and Sara Akbari, about what they are doing to advance Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work at The York School and to integrate indigenous education.

Season 2 Episode 4: Prioritizing Wellbeing

Academic success is intrinsically linked to social and emotional wellness. Wellbeing is a priority at The York School. Our teachers are committed to providing our students with a safe space to acquire the life skills they will need to manage in today’s fast-paced and turbulent world and help them nurture meaningful relationships with others.

In this episode, join host Natasha Estey in conversation with Junior School Counsellor, Amy Faba, about social and emotional learning (or SEL), the RULER approach, mindfulness, and how parents can see themselves as emotional scientists rather than emotional judges.

You can learn more about wellbeing at the Junior School by visiting our website. Information about the RULER approach for parents can be found in this past issue of The Flash. Visit the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to learn more about RULER and tools like the Mood Meter and creating a Charter
You can reach Amy Faba at afaba@yorkschool.com. Follow the hashtag #Yorklearns on Twitter to see the RULER approach and social-emotional skills education in action.

Season 2 Episode 3: Building a Strong Foundation

The junior years of elementary school - Grades 3 to 5 - are about continuing to build a strong foundation and consolidating some of the skills - both academic and life - students will need as they look ahead to Middle School.

Grade 5 teacher, Barb Prevedello, and Grade 4 teacher, Suzanne Newell, talked about how they engage their students through problem-solving and shared ways that they ensure their students are able to learn in the best way for them and can be advocates for their own learning.

Learn more about the work of Jo Boaler and the work of Carol Dweck. Learn more about the “power of YET” concept.

You can learn more about academics at the Junior School by visiting our website. You can find Suzanne on Twitter @SuzNewellTeach and Barb @BarbPrevedello. Follow the hashtag #Yorklearns to see education in action.

Season 2 Episode 2: Inspiring Young Hearts & Minds

The beginning of a child’s educational journey is about the joy of discovery, nurturing their innate curiosity, and inspiring them to learn more about themselves and the world around them in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Join host, Natasha Estey, in conversation with SK teacher, Melissa Hickey, and PYP Coordinator/Director of Curriculum, Kristy Purcell, about their passion for early years education.

Follow Melissa Hickey on Twitter @hickeymmelissa. If you search the hashtag #Yorklearns, you will be able to see a lot of the amazing things happening in our classrooms. You can learn more about academics and wellness at the Junior School by visiting our website.

Season 2 Episode 1: Education at the Cutting Edge

The York School is an exceptional school for a modern world and its teachers are world-class educators. Join host, Natasha Estey, in conversation with Associate Head, Academics, Justin Medved, about what 21-century teaching and learning look like at York, what makes our teachers great, and the future of K - 12 education.

You can follow Cohort 21 on Twitter or search the hashtag #Cohort21Follow Justin on Twitter. You can learn more about academics and wellness at York by visiting our website.

Season 2 Trailer

One of the reasons families choose The York School is its teachers. In Season 2, Natasha will speak with teachers from the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools about their call to teaching, their craft, what a day in the life of their classroom is really like, teaching during a pandemic, and their views on the future of education among other things.   

Season 1 Episode 9 - The Role of Athletics in Learning

“Sport is a great educator,” says Rick DeMarinis, Director of Athletics at The York School. Whether it be developing interpersonal skills and engaging in healthy competition to learning the value of being active and finding a physical outlet that brings you happiness and pleasure (whether it be walking, yoga, strength training, or team sports), there's something for everyone at York.

Season 1 Episode 8 - Supporting the Whole Child: Student Wellness

Central to The York School’s approach to education is an appreciation for the importance of supporting the 'whole child'. What does this mean? Academic success is intrinsically tied to social and emotional wellness. 

Season 1 Episode 7 - Is the IB Diploma Programme Worth It?

Is the IB Diploma Programme worth it? It isn't easy, but with its focus on personal, professional and academic development and global recognition by universities, the IB Diploma Programme provides excellent preparation for life in the 21st century. 

Season 1 Episode 6 - Beyond York

The York School has a 100% university placement rate. Grade 12 students apply to an average of seven post-secondary institutions of which upwards of 40% are outside Canada. With the support of one of the country’s best University Counselling offices, York School graduates find their best-fit universities and are future-ready. 

Season 1 Episode 5 - Parents As Partners

A school's parent community reflects the school's values and goals. York School parents promote a strong, cooperative and welcoming community and, through the York Parent Association (YPA), of which all parents are members, organize events and other engagements (in-person & virtual) that increase spirit, camaraderie, and connection. 

Season 1 Episode 4 - ICE: Experiential Learning at Its Best

Winter camping, an urban history scavenger hunt, and painting on the shore of Georgian Bay. These sorts of experiences are part of The York School’s unique Integrated Canadian Experience (ICE) Programme, an innovative combined study of Canadian history, geography, civics, and literature undertaken by all Grade 9 students.

Season 1 Episode 3 - The Middle Years: Time of Transition

During the middle school years, students start embracing their individuality and become more independent. Listen to Helen Gin, Middle School Principal, and Glen Blair, Middle School Counsellor, discuss how the student experience during this vital period is guided by dedicated faculty and progressive programming that support each student’s development, so they acquire the confidence to meet the challenges of independent and collaborative learning in an international and technologically-rich context. 

Season 1 Episode 2 - Voice, Choice & Ownership: The Primary Years Programme with Principal of the Junior School Valerie Turner

An awesome start to the learning journey, The York School's Primary Years Programme focuses on the whole child, nurturing their individual talents and critical thinking skills. Students learn through inquiry-based instruction in all subject areas including mathematics, visual arts, drama, music, physical education, French, science, and social studies. 

Season 1 Episode 1 - Building a School Culture with Head of School Struan Robertson and Director of Admissions Praveen Muruganandan

A school's culture encompasses the beliefs, assumptions, perceptions, attitudes, and written and unwritten rules that influence every aspect of the organization. Head of School, Struan Robertson, wants The York School to be a safe and happy place for children to learn and grow in an academically robust environment. 

Season 1 Trailer

YORK Talks is a new podcast for families wanting to learn more about The York School, Toronto's leading co-ed independent school delivering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Got an idea for a podcast in education? 

At The York School, students are encouraged to develop a life-long love of learning through a process of inquiry, action and reflection that supports a global mindset of interconnected and critical thinking.

In looking for ways that promote academic excellence and success for all, we are always asking ourselves how we can best deliver the most relevant and engaging curriculum. If you have any ideas for a podcast - from diversity, equity and inclusion in education, to the future of work - we'd like to hear them! Send your education-related story ideas to admission@yorkschool.com.  

The Buzzsprout site for YORK Talks is https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351891. Search for YORK Talks where you listen to podcasts. 

About the York School

The York School is a gender-inclusive JK to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. The York School was founded in 1965 and is the first English speaking school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from junior kindergarten (JK) to university entrance. As an IB World School, The York School's motto is Experience Teaches.

Contact Us

Junior School (Grades JK-5) 1639 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 2W6 
 
Middle School (Grades 6-8) & Senior School (Grades 9-12) 1320 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X2 | Tel: 416.926.1325
 
Mailing address: 1320 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X2
Attendance:
Junior School: 1639attendance@yorkschool.com
Middle & Senior School:

1320attendance@yorkschool.com

Admission:
admission@yorkschool.com

General Questions:
reception@yorkschool.com