ucc.jic.io · 新生家长信息站

ucc.jic.io · A new-parent information hub

Upper Canada College 新生家长指南 · A New-Parent Guide

Upper Canada College A New-Parent Guide

Palmam qui meruit ferat.
凭真才者,方得荣冠。

本页面从新生家长视角整理 UCC 的关键信息:学校结构、学院体系、入学准备、家长沟通、校园传统、常见问题。 内容为信息汇总,不代表校方。年度变动数据(学费、校历、申请截止)不在本页列出,请直接以 ucc.on.ca 官方网站为准。

Palmam qui meruit ferat.
Let him who has earned the palm bear it.

This page organises key UCC information from a new-parent perspective: school structure, the house system, onboarding, parent communication, traditions, and frequently asked questions. It is informational and does not represent the school. Annually-changing data (tuition, calendar, application deadlines) is not listed here — please defer to ucc.on.ca.

SCHOOL UCC · Toronto FOUNDED 1829 MOTTO Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat

01 — 关于

01 — About

关于这所学校The School

The School

Upper Canada College(中文常译为"加拿大上加学院",校内一般直接称 UCC)由首任安大略副总督 Sir John Colborne(约翰·科尔伯恩爵士)于 1829 年创建,办学原型取自英国伊顿公学(Eton College)。校址位于多伦多市内的 Forest Hill(福雷斯特山)住宅区,是一所历史悠久的独立男校,覆盖幼稚园至 12 年级,走读与寄宿并存。

创立年份
1829 年 · 近两个世纪
校址
多伦多 Lonsdale 路 200 号 200 Lonsdale Rd, Toronto
校训
Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat 凭真才者得荣冠
校色
皇家蓝与白 校徽辅以金色
学制
男校,幼稚园至 12 年级 走读 + 寄宿并行
课程体系
IB 国际文凭学校 小学 PYP / 中学 MYP / 高中 DP
所属联盟
加拿大独立学校联盟(CAIS)· 圆桌联盟(Round Square,创始成员)· G20 名校联盟

给家长的一句话:UCC 不是"国际学校"或"加拿大私校"那种笼统标签可以概括的存在。它是加拿大最古老、最深入主流社会网络的男校之一。新生家长能感受到的最直接差异,是 导师制(form advisor)+ 学院制(house)+ 校友网络(Old Boys) 这三层结构同时在运作。

Upper Canada College (known on campus simply as UCC) was founded in 1829 by Sir John Colborne on the model of England's Eton. It sits in Toronto's Forest Hill neighbourhood — an independent, all-boys school spanning Kindergarten through Grade 12, running both day and boarding programmes.

Founded
1829 · nearly two centuries
Location
200 Lonsdale Rd, Toronto
Motto
Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat "let him who has earned the palm bear it"
Colours
Royal Blue & White crest in gold
Programme
All-boys K–12 day + boarding
Curriculum
IB World School PYP / MYP / DP
Affiliations
CAIS · Round Square (founding member) · G20 Schools

A note to new parents: UCC isn't fairly captured by labels like "international school" or "Canadian prep school." It's one of Canada's oldest all-boys schools, deeply woven into the country's leadership and cultural networks. What new parents feel most directly is that three structures operate at once: the form advisor (academic), the house (community), and the Old Boys' network (long-term).

02 — 校园结构

02 — Campus

两个学部,一片校园Prep & Upper School

Two Schools, One Campus

UCC 在内部划为两个学部,共享同一片 Forest Hill 校区,但教学楼、作息节奏、家长沟通渠道,乃至校服规则都相对独立。

预科部The Prep · 幼稚园至 7 年级

幼稚园高班(SK)到 7 年级。低年级以 IB PYP(小学项目) 为框架,注重探究式学习。家长与班主任(Form Teacher)见面的频率较高。

高中部The Upper School · 8 至 12 年级

8 至 12 年级。初中阶段对应 IB MYP(中学项目),高中阶段过渡到 DP(文凭项目)。学生开始接触学院间(house)比赛、学生军操队(Battalion)、圆桌联盟(Round Square)交换等高年级特色活动。

过渡年级:从预科部(Prep)升入高中部(Upper School),即 7 年级升 8 年级,通常被视为 UCC 内部一个重要的分水岭。如果新生是从外校直接进入高中部,会比从预科部连续升上来的学生稍晚熟悉学院(house)体系,因此第一年导师(Form Advisor)的角色尤为关键。

UCC is internally divided into two schools that share one Forest Hill campus but operate with separate buildings, rhythms, communication channels, and even uniform rules.

The PrepSK to Grade 7

Senior Kindergarten through Grade 7. The early years run on IB PYP (Primary Years Programme), with an inquiry-based approach. Form Teacher contact tends to be frequent for parents.

The Upper SchoolGrades 8 to 12

Grades 8 through 12. Middle school runs the IB MYP; the senior years transition to DP. Students begin participating in house competitions, the Battalion, Round Square exchanges, and other Upper School traditions.

The transition year: moving from Prep to Upper School (Grade 7 → 8) is a recognised internal inflection point. Families entering Upper School from outside often take slightly longer than continuing students to feel oriented in the house system — your Form Advisor becomes especially important here.

03 — 学院体系

03 — Houses

学院体系The House System

The House System

高中部沿用英式的 学院(house)体系。学生入读高中部时被分配到一个学院,此后所有学业、体育、辩论、艺术比赛均以学院为单位组队对抗。学院归属会一直沿用到毕业。

每个学院由一位 学院主管HousemasterHouse Adviser)负责,日常的导师组(form group)通常也按学院编排。家长想了解孩子在校的整体状态时,学院主管(Head of House) 是仅次于导师(Form Advisor)的关键联系人。

Upper School follows the English house tradition. A boy is assigned to a house when he joins Upper School, and that house affiliation carries through to graduation. Academic, athletic, debating, and arts competitions are organised house-versus-house.

Each house is led by a Housemaster (or House Adviser). Form groups are typically organised within houses. When you want a broader read on how your son is doing, the Head of House is the next contact after the Form Advisor.

Bremner
house
Howard
house
Jackson
house
Martland
house
McHugh
house
Mowbray
house
Orr
house
Scadding
house
Seaton
house
Wedd
house

学院名单以校方公布为准。寄宿生归属独立的 寄宿学院Boarding House),与上述走读学院(day house)并行运作。

House roster per the school. Boarders belong to a separate Boarding House in parallel with the day houses.

04 — 课程

04 — Curriculum

课程与学制Curriculum

Curriculum

UCC 是一所完整的 IB 国际文凭学校(IB World School),从低年级到毕业全程采用国际文凭(IB)课程框架:

PYP
小学项目 Primary Years Programme · 预科部低年级
MYP
中学项目 Middle Years Programme · 初中阶段
DP
文凭项目 Diploma Programme · 11–12 年级,全员要求

与北美主流私校常见的 AP(美国大学预修课程)路径不同,UCC 高中阶段 统一走 IB DP 文凭项目,所有毕业生在 12 年级末参加 IB 全球统考。家长在评估升学路径时,请把 DP 的课业强度(六门主科 + 拓展论文 EE + 知识理论 TOK + 创意活动服务 CAS)一并纳入考虑。

导师制(Form Advisor):每位学生都分配一位导师,是家长与学校之间的 第一沟通点。学业问题、缺勤说明、行为反馈,第一步都走导师邮件。

评估反馈:日常评估、成绩、活动出勤、家长通讯,统一通过 my.ucc 家长门户呈现。账号在录取后由校方激活。

UCC is a full IB World School — the IB framework runs from the early years through graduation:

PYP
Primary Years Programme early years
MYP
Middle Years Programme middle school
DP
Diploma Programme Grades 11–12, required of all

Unlike many North American prep schools that offer an AP track, UCC requires IB DP for all senior students. Graduates sit the IB exams in Grade 12. Factor the DP workload (6 subjects + Extended Essay + TOK + CAS) into your planning.

Form Advisor: each student is assigned a form advisor, who is your first point of contact with the school. Academic questions, attendance, behaviour notes — start with the form advisor email.

Reporting: day-to-day assessments, grades, attendance, and parent communications all flow through the my.ucc parent portal. Accounts are activated by the school after admission.

05 — 寄宿与走读

05 — Boarding & Day

寄宿与走读Boarding & Day

Boarding & Day

UCC 是加拿大较少几所长期保留寄宿传统的男校之一。寄宿生(boarder)走读生(day boy) 并行运作。

寄宿生Boarder

住校,统一安排在 寄宿学院Boarding House)。来自加拿大其他省、美国、亚洲、欧洲的家庭占比较高。每个寄宿学院都有 舍长house parent)全天驻校。周末进出实行签出(sign-out)登记制度。

走读生Day Boy

每日通勤上下学,依旧归属一个走读学院(day house)。多伦多本地(Forest Hill 福雷斯特山、Rosedale 罗斯代尔、Lawrence Park 劳伦斯公园、北约克)家庭居多。需办理多伦多公交(TTC)Presto 卡或安排家长接送。

给国际新生家长:选择寄宿还是走读,建议在录取后 尽早决定。寄宿名额有限;走读家庭如计划在多伦多租房或买房,越早联系学校的 招生办Admissions)或 寄宿办公室Boarding Office)越好。

UCC is one of the few Canadian boys' schools to maintain a substantial boarding programme. Boarders and day boys run in parallel.

Boarder

Live on campus, assigned to a Boarding House. Families come from across Canada, the US, Asia, and Europe in higher proportion than the day school. Each boarding house has resident house parents. Weekend leave runs through a sign-out system.

Day Boy

Daily commute, still assigned to a day house. Mostly Toronto-local families (Forest Hill / Rosedale / Lawrence Park / North York). Set up TTC Presto, or arrange family pickup.

For international new families: decide between boarding and day as early as possible after admission. Boarding spaces are limited; and if you plan to rent or buy in Toronto, the sooner you engage Admissions / Boarding Office, the better.

06 — 入学准备

06 — Onboarding

入学准备清单New Family Onboarding

New Family Onboarding Checklist

录取确认后,校方会陆续发出 New Family Welcome Package,包含表单、清单与日历。下面是新生家长普遍需要处理的事项 — 实际表单与截止日期以校方为准。

After admission, the school sends out the New Family Welcome Package — forms, lists, calendar. Below are the items new-parent families typically work through. Actual forms and deadlines come from the school.

校服 Uniform
通过学校指定供应商订购:深蓝色西装外套(navy blazer)、灰色长裤、白衬衫、校领带(school tie)、学院徽章(house pin)。预科部与高中部着装细节略有差异。建议在开学前两个月下单。
体育装备 PE & games kit
每个学生需要一套体育服、一双室内运动鞋、一双户外运动鞋。视所选体育项目(冰球 hockey、赛艇 rowing、橄榄球 rugby、板球 cricket 等)再补充专项装备。
电子设备 Laptop / device
学校实行一人一机(1:1 device)政策,具体型号与系统要求以入学包为准。不要在入学前自行购买,等学校规格清单出来后再下单。
疫苗记录 Immunization records
安大略省《学校学生免疫法》(ISPA)要求登记麻疹、腮腺炎、风疹、白百破、脑膜炎双球菌等疫苗。国际家庭需将原国疫苗记录翻译并公证。
健康保险 Health coverage
本地家庭以安省全民医保(OHIP)卡为主;国际 / 新移民家庭在 OHIP 三个月等待期内需购买私人医疗保险。校医务室登记时需要保险信息。
家长门户激活 my.ucc account
校方会发送账号激活链接到家长邮箱。门户用于查成绩、看校历、接收家长通讯、缴费、申请请假。开学前务必激活。
紧急联系人 Emergency contacts
在 my.ucc 提交至少两位本地紧急联系人(最好其中一位非父母)。国际家庭通常会指定一位在多伦多的亲友或监护人。
通勤安排 Commute / TTC
走读生若搭公交,需办理多伦多公交(TTC)Presto 卡并设定家长充值。学校附近停车位极少,不建议每日开车接送。校车与私家拼车群可通过家长会渠道加入。
学签与监护 Study permit / custodian
国际学生须在抵加前办妥学签(study permit)。未成年学生还需指定加拿大境内 监护人(custodian),文件由律师或公证机构出具。
与导师首次见面 First meeting with Form Advisor
开学前,学校会安排导师(Form Advisor)与新生家庭线上或线下首次见面。建议把孩子的学习习惯、医疗禁忌、家庭关切提前整理成一页纸带去。
Uniform
Order through the school's designated supplier: navy blazer, grey trousers, white shirt, school tie, house pin. Prep and Upper School differ slightly. Place orders about two months before term begins.
PE & games kit
Each boy needs a PE kit, indoor athletic shoes, and outdoor athletic shoes. Add sport-specific gear (hockey, rowing, rugby, cricket) once activities are chosen.
Laptop / device
UCC runs a 1:1 device programme — exact specs come from the school. Don't buy a laptop before getting the school's spec sheet.
Immunization records
Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires records for MMR, DTaP, meningococcal, and others. International families need translated and notarised copies of foreign records.
Health coverage
Local families use OHIP. International / newly-arrived families need private health coverage during OHIP's three-month waiting period. The school's health centre requires insurance on file.
my.ucc account
The school emails an activation link to the parent address. The portal handles grades, calendar, communications, billing, and leave requests. Activate before the first day of school.
Emergency contacts
Submit at least two local emergency contacts in my.ucc (ideally one non-parent). International families typically designate a Toronto-based relative or guardian.
Commute / TTC
If the boy will take public transit, set up a TTC Presto card with parent top-ups. Parking near the school is extremely limited — daily car drop-off is not recommended. Carpool networks are coordinated through parent channels.
Study permit / custodian
International students need a study permit before arrival. Minor students also need a Canadian-resident custodian, with documents prepared by a lawyer or notary.
First meeting with Form Advisor
The school schedules a first meeting between new families and the Form Advisor, virtually or in person. Bring a one-page summary of your son's learning style, medical notes, and family concerns.

07 — 家长沟通

07 — Communication

家长沟通渠道Communication Channels

Parent Communication Channels

UCC 的家长沟通是分层的。哪类问题走哪个渠道,搞清楚之后效率会高很多。

UCC's parent communication is layered. Once you know which question goes to which channel, things move much faster.

家长门户my.ucc Portal
最权威的入口。成绩、校历、家长通讯、缴费、请假申请统一在此办理。
导师邮件Form Advisor
学业、出勤、行为、日常关切。首选联系人。
学院主管Head of House
学院相关、跨学科问题、社交融入。当导师处理不了或需要升级时,由学院主管接手。
学科老师Subject Teacher
单一学科的具体问题。通常通过导师转介,或在家长会上当面交流。
学生服务部Student Services / Counselling
学习辅导、心理健康、升学指导(11–12 年级)。可由学生或家长直接预约。
家长会Parents' Association · UCCPA
校园社区、志愿者、活动、家长之间的非正式信息流。新生家长强烈建议加入。
校长办公室Principal's Office
重大事项、正式申诉、转学、家长之间无法自行解决的争议。
my.ucc Portal
The authoritative source. Grades, calendar, parent communications, billing, leave requests — single entry point.
Form Advisor
Academics, attendance, behaviour, day-to-day concerns. Your first contact.
Head of HouseHouse Adviser
House matters, cross-subject issues, social integration. When the Form Advisor can't resolve or needs to escalate.
Subject Teacher
Single-subject questions. Usually routed through the Form Advisor or addressed at parent-teacher meetings.
Student Services / Counselling
Learning support, mental health, university counselling (Grades 11–12). Student or parent can book directly.
UCCPAParents' Association
Community, volunteering, events, informal flows between parents. Strongly recommended for new families.
Principal's Office
Major matters, formal appeals, transfers, disputes that can't be resolved peer-to-peer.

08 — 校园传统

08 — Traditions

校园传统Traditions

Traditions

UCC 的校园文化围绕几个延续了上百年的传统活动展开。新生家长了解这些有助于理解孩子在校的"非学业"那部分时间。

UCC's campus culture is built around a handful of traditions stretching back over a century. Understanding them helps new parents make sense of the "non-academic" part of their son's time at school.

学生军操队 Battalion

UCC 拥有加拿大最古老的中学军操编队之一,每年举行盛大的军操检阅(Battalion Parade),由学生军官指挥,是 UCC 最具辨识度的传统活动。

创校纪念日 Founder's Day

每年纪念创校人 Sir John Colborne,包括礼拜、典礼、各学院的庆祝活动。新生家庭通常受邀参加。

圆桌联盟交换 Round Square Exchange

UCC 是圆桌联盟(Round Square)的创始成员之一。学生可申请到全球 200 余所成员学校进行短期交换,足迹从印度到南非到澳大利亚。

学院常年比赛 House Competitions

体育、辩论、戏剧、音乐、学术挑战,全年以学院(house)为单位累计积分,期末颁发学院杯(house cup)。新生第一年最直接感受到的"归属感"通常就源于此。

校友网络 Old Boys' Network

UCC 校友会(Association of Old Boys)覆盖加拿大的政商文化各界。校友导师计划在 11–12 年级为升学和职业规划提供资源。

户外教育营 Norval Outdoor School

位于多伦多西郊的 UCC 自有林地,所有年级都有专项户外课程。预科部学生通常每年至少有一次过夜营活动。

Battalion cadet corps

UCC holds one of the oldest secondary-school cadet battalions in Canada. The annual Battalion Parade — led by student officers — is the school's most distinctive tradition.

Founder's Day commemoration

Annual commemoration of Sir John Colborne. Includes chapel, ceremony, and house celebrations. New-family parents are typically invited.

Round Square Exchange global network

UCC is a founding member of Round Square. Students can apply for short-term exchanges to over 200 partner schools worldwide, from India to South Africa to Australia.

House Competitions year-round

Sports, debate, drama, music, academic challenges — all run year-round between houses, points accumulating toward the year-end house cup. For new boys, this is usually where the first sense of belonging lands.

Old Boys' Network alumni

The Association of Old Boys spans Canadian politics, business, and the arts. The Old Boys' mentorship programme supports university and career planning in Grades 11–12.

Norval Outdoor School outdoor programme

UCC owns a substantial woodland property west of Toronto, used for outdoor programmes across all grades. Prep boys typically have at least one overnight trip per year.

09 — 校友

09 — Old Boys

知名校友Notable Old Boys

Notable Old Boys

UCC 自 1829 年至今培养出大量在加拿大政治、文学、商业、艺术领域有影响力的校友。"老男孩网络(Old Boys)"是 UCC 区别于一般私校的核心资产之一。下列为各领域代表人物:

Since 1829, UCC has produced influential figures across Canadian politics, literature, business, and the arts. The Old Boys' network is one of UCC's distinguishing assets among private schools. A sample by field:

10 — 多伦多新家庭

10 — Settling In

多伦多新家庭实用For Newly-Arrived Families

For Newly-Arrived Families

若你是从加拿大境外搬来多伦多陪读,下面几条是 UCC 新生家长抵达后头两周通常会处理的事项。

学校所在街区
Forest Hill 福雷斯特山 多伦多市内偏北的住宅区
最近地铁站
St. Clair West 多伦多公交 1 号线
气候
四季分明 冬季可至 −20°C,需备厚装
UCC 家庭常住区
Forest Hill · Rosedale 罗斯代尔 · Lawrence Park 劳伦斯公园 · 北约克 · Yorkville 约克维尔
抵加前两周需办
SIN 工卡(社保号)· 本地银行账户 · 手机号 · 安省医保(OHIP)申请 · 驾照(如适用)
家庭社区资源
家长会(UCCPA)· 国际家庭微信 / WhatsApp 群(由 UCCPA 协助加入)

关于学区选房:UCC 不按学区招生,因此 不存在"对口学区房" 这一概念。家长选住址时考虑的是通勤时间、社区氛围、其他家庭分布 — 而非学区。Forest Hill 与 Rosedale 走路或短程通勤距离最近。

If you're moving to Toronto from abroad to accompany your son to UCC, the following are items most new-parent families handle in their first two weeks after arrival.

Neighbourhood
Forest Hill residential area in north-central Toronto
Nearest subway
St. Clair West TTC Line 1
Climate
Four seasons winter lows around –20°C; heavy coats required
UCC neighbourhoods
Forest Hill · Rosedale · Lawrence Park · North York · Yorkville
First two weeks
SIN card · bank account · phone number · OHIP application · driver's licence (if applicable)
Family community
UCCPA · international family WeChat / WhatsApp groups (UCCPA can introduce)

On school zones: UCC doesn't admit by catchment, so the concept of a "school zone home" simply doesn't apply. Families choose location based on commute time, neighbourhood, and proximity to other UCC families — not zoning. Forest Hill and Rosedale are nearest the campus.

11 — 常见问题

11 — FAQ

新生家长常见问题FAQ for New Parents

FAQ for New Parents

学费是多少?什么时候缴?
学费每年由校方在录取季前更新。本页不列具体数字,请查阅 ucc.on.ca/admissions 或登录 my.ucc 查看本年度账单。缴费节点通常分两到三次,具体以学校发出的账单为准。
校历哪里看?什么时候开学?
官方校历每年发布,请查阅 ucc.on.ca/calendar。所有重要日期(开学、期中、假期、考试、家长会、Founder's Day)都在那里。
UCC 收女生吗?
不收。UCC 自 1829 年至今始终为 独立男校。如希望姐妹学校选项,多伦多对应的传统女校包括 Branksome Hall 与 Bishop Strachan School(BSS)。
学院是怎么分的?可以选吗?
学院(house)由学校统一分配,不接受家长申请。分配依据包括兄弟传承(若有兄长在校则通常同一学院)、平衡新生比例、宿舍容量(寄宿生)等。一旦分配,基本不更换。
必须读 IB 吗?可以走 AP 或加拿大省考路径吗?
UCC 高中阶段 全员要求修读 IB DP(文凭项目),不提供 AP 路径。学生在 12 年级末同时获得安省高中文凭(OSSD)与 IB 国际文凭(IB Diploma)。家长在做学校选择时务必清楚这一点。
需要捐款吗?不捐款会影响孩子吗?
UCC 每年有"年度募捐"(Annual Giving)活动,性质 完全自愿,与在校学生的待遇无关。家长会(UCCPA)也会组织小额社区募款。是否参与、参与多少,完全由家庭决定。
寄宿生周末怎么办?
寄宿学院提供周末活动与监护。学生可申请外出(exeat),需事先在 my.ucc 提交家长授权与接待方信息。国际寄宿生通常会在长假指定一位 当地监护人(local guardian)。
家长应该多久关注一次 my.ucc?
建议 每周至少一次。校方通讯、即将到来的截止日期、活动报名、孩子的学业反馈都会在那里更新。把 my.ucc 的提醒邮件设为"重要"邮件夹。
孩子英语还不流利,怎么办?
UCC 录取要求学生具备可用的英语能力。学校设有有限的 第二语言英语支持(EAL · English as Additional Language),但 本身不是语言学校。国际家庭如孩子英语基础不足,建议在录取前与招生办(Admissions)充分沟通,必要时考虑过渡年。
能联系到学校的中国家长吗?
可以。家长会(UCCPA)下设国际家庭分会,会主动联系新录取的国际家庭。也可通过招生办(Admissions Office)申请被介绍给一位在校家长作为非正式的引路人(mentor)。
What's tuition? When is it paid?
Tuition is set each year by the school. Specific figures aren't listed here — check ucc.on.ca/admissions or log in to my.ucc for your current invoice. Payments are typically split into two or three instalments per the school's billing schedule.
Where do I find the school calendar? When does the year start?
The official calendar is published yearly at ucc.on.ca/calendar. All key dates (start of term, mid-terms, breaks, exams, parent-teacher meetings, Founder's Day) live there.
Does UCC admit girls?
No. UCC has been an all-boys school continuously since 1829. The traditional girls' counterparts in Toronto are Branksome Hall and Bishop Strachan School (BSS).
How are houses assigned? Can we request one?
Houses are assigned by the school and are not open to family request. Factors include sibling/legacy continuity (a brother already in a house usually carries forward), balancing new-boy distribution, and dorm capacity (for boarders). Once assigned, switches are essentially never made.
Is IB required? Can we follow AP / Ontario curriculum instead?
UCC requires IB DP for all senior students — no AP track. Graduates receive both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the IB Diploma. Be sure your family is clear on this when choosing the school.
Do we have to donate? Will it affect our son if we don't?
UCC runs an Annual Giving campaign, but giving is entirely voluntary and does not affect a student's standing. UCCPA also runs smaller community-level fundraising. Participation and amount are family choices.
What do boarders do on weekends?
Boarding houses offer weekend activities and supervision. Boys can apply for exeat (leave), with parent authorisation and host details submitted in my.ucc beforehand. International boarders typically designate a local guardian for long breaks.
How often should I check my.ucc?
At least once a week. School communications, upcoming deadlines, sign-ups, and academic updates appear there. Mark my.ucc emails as priority in your inbox.
My son's English isn't strong yet — what does the school offer?
UCC expects applicants to have working English. There is limited EAL (English as Additional Language) support, but the school is not an ESL school. International families with low-English students should discuss this candidly with Admissions before enrolling — a bridge year may be worth considering.
Can I be connected with other Chinese parents at the school?
Yes. UCCPA has an international-families chapter that reaches out to newly-admitted international families. You can also ask Admissions to introduce you to a current parent as an informal mentor.

13 — UCC 通知

13 — Notices

UCC 通知Notices & Upcoming Events

UCC Notices

来自学校、家长会(PPO)及家长社区的通知 — 近期活动与一般提醒事项。具体时间地点请以主办方公告为准。

Notices from the school, the Parents' Association, and the parent community — upcoming events and general reminders. Confirm specifics against the organiser's own communications.

近期活动

Upcoming Events

May 20–21 2026

二手校服销售 Used Uniform Sale

面向预科部家庭 · Wilder Arena For Prep School families · Wilder Arena

  • 5 月 20 日(周三) 14:30 – 16:00
  • 5 月 21 日(周四) 08:00 – 09:15
  • Wed, May 20 · 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Thu, May 21 · 8:00 am – 9:15 am
Jun 17 2026

新校服销售 New Uniform Sale

面向所有年级的新生家庭 · Wilder Arena 二楼 Exclusive for new families across all year levels · Wilder Arena, second floor

  • 6 月 17 日(周三) 12:00 – 17:00
  • Wed, June 17 · 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

提醒事项

Reminders

  1. 学院颜色与意识日New To Blue 活动上你会得知孩子所在学院的颜色(house colour),可提前准备同色物件。另请备一件 粉色 T 恤 用于 Pink Shirt Day(反欺凌日)、橙色 T 恤 用于 Orange Shirt Day(每个孩子都重要)。普通的粉、橙色 T 恤在很多商店或网上都有,PPO 每年秋季也会售卖。
  2. 校服供应商进校 校服供应商 DGN Kilters 将于 6 月 17 日 12:00 – 17:00William P. Wilder '40 Arena and Sports Complex 设摊售卖校服。无需预约,到场即可,也可线上下单。
  3. Heads Up · 学校周报 学校的官方周报《Heads Up》每周四发送一次。强烈建议家长把它列为必读 — 是了解 UCC 每周动态的最佳渠道。第一期会在 8 月下旬寄达邮箱。
  4. A-Day · 校园社区日 UCC 一年中最大的社区活动 — 一家人来享受美食、娱乐、运动与各类活动的好日子。今年定于 2026 年 9 月 26 日(周六)。请提前记入日历。
  5. UCC 官方 Instagram UCC 官方 Instagram 帐号 @ucc_community 发布学院新闻与日常动态。关注即可第一时间获取校园资讯。
  1. House colour & awareness days Pick up items in your son's house colour — you'll find this out at New To Blue. Also pick up awareness-day shirts: a pink shirt for Pink Shirt Day (anti-bullying) and an orange shirt for Orange Shirt Day (every child matters). Plain pink and orange shirts are widely available in stores and online; the PPO also sells them in the fall.
  2. Uniform supplier on campus Uniform provider DGN Kilters will be at UCC in the William P. Wilder '40 Arena and Sports Complex on June 17, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. No appointment needed, just stop by. You can also place orders online.
  3. Heads Up · weekly newsletter The school's weekly newsletter goes out every Thursday. Make a point of reading it — it's a great resource for what's happening around the College. The first issue lands in your inbox in late August.
  4. A-Day · save the date UCC's biggest community event — a full day with family enjoying food, entertainment, sports, and activities. Saturday, September 26, 2026.
  5. UCC Instagram The UCC official Instagram account @ucc_community shares updates and news from around the College. Follow to keep up.

14 — UCC 日记

14 — UCC Journal

UCC 日记校园见闻 · 持续更新

UCC JournalField notes from campus

从 UCC 校园里听来、看到、记下来的一手见闻。家长会议记录、参观笔记、活动观察、问答整理 — 不代表校方,由家长视角整理。

First-hand notes from around UCC — meeting recaps, school handouts reproduced, event observations, Q&A round-ups. Compiled from a parent's perspective; not an official school publication.

6 / 7 年级乐器选择指南

预科部艺术协调员、6 / 7 年级乐队总监 Paul McGarr 发给新生家庭的"乐器选择信息表"(Instrument Options & Information)。原文为单页英文文档,列出十二种乐队乐器的优点与难点,附教师建议与常见问答。下文为中文翻译与整理。

01概述

UCC 预科部要求 6 / 7 年级学生在课程中学习一件乐队乐器。每年由乐队总监整理一份信息表,介绍各乐器的特点、入门难度、携带方便程度等,帮孩子选出最适合自己的那一件。文档强调一句话:请孩子自己做选择,不要被他人意见左右 — 这件乐器要陪伴他到 8 年级(Form 8)结束。

02十二种乐器对比

长笛Flute
优点 · Pros
  • 体积小,方便带回家
  • 端举姿势轻松
  • 音色优美
  • 指法清晰:按对就发对音
难点 · Challenges
  • 用气量大
  • 按键多
  • 入门较难
  • 需注意气息节奏控制
双簧管Oboe
优点 · Pros
  • 体积小,方便带回家
  • 端举姿势轻松
  • 音色独特而优美
  • 指法清晰
难点 · Challenges
  • 气压要求高
  • 按键多
  • 簧片护理 / 成本较高
  • 强烈建议配合私教课
单簧管Clarinet
优点 · Pros
  • 体积小,方便带回家
  • 指法清晰
  • 入门容易
难点 · Challenges
  • 按键多
  • 需跨越两个八度
  • 簧片成本与护理
  • 后续难度上升
低音单簧管Bass Clarinet
优点 · Pros
  • 深厚浑圆的低音
  • 谱面相对简单
  • 中等大小
  • 指法清晰
难点 · Challenges
  • 按键多
  • 中等大小,携带需考虑
  • 需跨越两个八度
  • 簧片成本与护理
中音萨克斯Alto Sax
优点 · Pros
  • 爵士感强
  • 音色酷
  • 中等大小
  • 指法清晰
难点 · Challenges
  • 按键多
  • 中等大小,携带需考虑
  • 谱面较有挑战
次中音 / 上低音萨克斯Tenor & Bari Sax
优点 · Pros
  • 爵士感强
  • 音色酷
  • 指法清晰
难点 · Challenges
  • 按键多
  • 簧片成本与护理
  • 体积较大,携带不便
小号Trumpet
优点 · Pros
  • 中等大小
  • 仅三个按键
  • 组装简单
  • 无需簧片
难点 · Challenges
  • 中等大小,携带需考虑
  • 需指法 + 听音配合发音
  • 高音较难
圆号French Horn
优点 · Pros
  • 音色华美
  • 仅四个按键
  • 中等大小
  • 组装简单
难点 · Challenges
  • 音高难把控
  • 中等大小,携带需考虑
  • 强烈建议配合私教课
长号Trombone
优点 · Pros
  • 中等大小
  • 没有按键的麻烦
  • 组装较容易
  • 谱面较简单 / 无需簧片
  • 滑管有趣 / 音量大
难点 · Challenges
  • 中等大小,携带需考虑
  • 需滑管位置 + 听音配合
  • 用气量较大
上低音号Baritone
优点 · Pros
  • 仅三个按键
  • 音色优美
  • 谱面较简单
  • 组装简单
  • 无需簧片
难点 · Challenges
  • 体积较大
  • 需指法 + 听音配合
  • 用气稍多
大号Tuba
优点 · Pros
  • 仅三个按键
  • 乐队最关键的乐器
  • 音色宏大
  • 组装简单
  • 谱面较简单 / 无需簧片
  • 学校配发专属大号带回家
难点 · Challenges
  • 体积大,携带不便
  • 用气量大
  • 需指法 + 听音配合
打击乐Percussion
优点 · Pros
  • 音量大
  • 掌控乐队节奏
  • 乐器丰富有趣
  • 永远被听到
  • 有钢琴基础是加分项
难点 · Challenges
  • 需掌握所有打击乐器
  • 掌控乐队节奏(责任重)
  • 责任极大
  • 永远被听到(错音也明显)

* 关于第一选择保证:如果孩子去年已经学过想选的这件乐器、目前正在上该乐器的私教课,或已经报名了该乐器的私教课,则保证拿到该乐器。

* 关于分配现实:老师会尽最大努力让每个孩子如愿拿到第一选择,但由于班级中需要凑成完整的乐队编制,并非每次都能如愿。过去大约 77% 的学生拿到了第一选择。

03教师建议

每种乐器都有自己的难点,也都有相对容易上手的基础部分。

请选择 你自己 认为最适合的那一种 — 每件乐器都各有特色,很可能有些乐器更适合某些学生。最终由你自己判断。

用这份说明帮助自己做决定。

请勿 让他人左右你的选择。 独立做出决定 — 你将与这件乐器相伴到 8 年级(Form 8)结束。

04常见问题

如果我儿子已经在学某件乐器,他能选到那件吗?
能。如果孩子入学时已有该乐器的经验,或正在上该乐器的私教课,他在 6 或 7 年级会被分到那件乐器。
我儿子必须选"乐队乐器"吗?可以选钢琴、吉他、贝斯、小提琴等其他乐器吗?
必须选课程内规定的乐器(即本指南列出的十二种)。爵士乐队(Jazz Band) 里有部分其他选项。
我儿子之前没学过任何乐器,可以加入乐队吗?
可以。音乐会乐队(Concert Band) 面向所有有兴趣且愿意投入的孩子,无需经验。爵士乐队(Jazz Band) 必要时需试奏;管乐合奏团(Wind Ensemble) 由选拔决定。
7 年级新生 Jump Start 项目的环节是必须参加的吗?
信息说明与评估(Information and Assessment)大师课(Master Classes) 是必须参加的;新生专场(New Boys Sessions) 强烈建议参加。若无法出席,建议用其他形式补足(例如校内或校外的私教课、家庭辅导等)。
乐队什么时候排练?会和体育 / 艺术活动冲突吗?
合奏排练大多安排在校内时间 12:40 – 13:40。UCC 用心安排课表,让孩子能在多个领域均衡发展。

05关于作者

来源:Paul McGarr 老师发给 6 / 7 年级家庭的 Instrument Options & Information 信息表 · 中文翻译与整理 · 内容以英文原件为准

UCC 预备学校新生家长说明会

预备学校副校长 Michael Bushey 与教职员、家长会代表共同主持的新生家长说明会。内容涵盖学校日程、Norval 户外校园、校服、电子产品政策、运动项目、家长伙伴计划,以及现场问答。下文为现场记录的中文整理,私聊段落已剔除。

01欢迎致辞

"孩子毕业之后,我就再也没收到过他的消息了 — 大学里更是如此,只有要信用卡的时候才联系。" 校方代表以这句调侃开场,但接着用亲身经历告诉家长们:UCC 一路走来的每一步 — 教练、辅导员、老师、社团负责人、学长导师 — 都会在那里支持你的孩子。"我们希望让大家觉得,你们不仅是加入了一所学校,更是加入了一个社区。"

"这是一个全心投入到你们成功的社区。" 校方接着邀请家长们转过身去,与同桌彼此交谈、自我介绍,作为现场第一个破冰环节。

02日程安排概览

早晨送达:8:00 – 8:25 之间送到,校园边的大道、附近篮球场停车场、冰场停车场都可停。学校强调 "亲一下就走"(kiss and ride) — 开到送达圈、跟孩子告别就走,由值班教师和学生志愿者帮开车门。如果停车不下车,会造成大量拥堵。如果想送孩子到校门口,可以停在停车场,但大多数学生很快就能适应 kiss and ride。

8:30 正式辅导(advisory)开始:这是每天的固定时间,由导师 — 也就是常被叫作"班主任老师"的那位 — 带领正式辅导项目。持续到 8:45。所有学生到场非常重要 — "这就是建立联系的时候"。

课程时间:

  • 8:45 – 9:45 第一节课
  • 9:45 – 10:45 第二节课
  • 25 分钟户外课间休息 — 即使天冷或下雨也是户外(雨衣、保暖外套要备好)。闪电或极端低温时学校会调整。
  • 11:15 – 12:15 第三节课
  • 午餐

七年级所有学生在大房间集中就餐,原有两个供餐区、后又加了第三个;学生可排任一队取热餐,也可自带食物。六年级在楼下正式餐厅用餐。学生其实只需要 20 – 25 分钟吃饭 — 有的 10 分钟就吃完坐不住了。然后回到户外活动。

12:55 哨声响起:所有学生回到各自教室进行午间签到,更新作业文档,由导师在场。1:10 之前还有 10 分钟灵活时间。

1:10 灵活时间(Flex Time):学生可以选择留在教室赶作业(晚上有大型乐队排练或冰球比赛的家庭尤其需要)、去美术工作室找 Preston 老师做艺术项目、去设计实验室、去数学科学学习社区找 Ismael 老师做数学辅导,或者就只是在教室里安静读本书"重新充电"。导师和副教师会帮助孩子做选择。但这只有 20 分钟,目的是让孩子在短时段内独立决策,不会过长。

下午:第四、第五节课。第三、第六、第九天(七年级;六年级每天)下午再次和导师签到,然后放学。

课后项目:六、七年级报名的不多,大多数会直接回家,但有这个选项。周三因为晚开始,所有时间会顺延 — 有家长利用这段时间安排牙医预约,或让孩子多睡一会;教职员则在这段时间统一做专业学习。午餐后即恢复正常节奏。

03Michael Bushey 致辞 · 预备学校副校长

负责中学部(六、七年级)的副校长 Michael Bushey 接过麦克风。"开学第一天是 9 月 8 日(周二),8:30 – 11:45,是我们的迎新日。" 这天的设计就是让新生在见到老学生之前先感到受欢迎和被支持 — 见导师、见学科专家、见学生导师、找到储物柜和教室、拿到笔记本电脑("这可能是他们一天中的亮点"),还能熟悉自己的乐器。

第二天 9 月 9 日(周三),所有学生都会见到还没见过的同学,报名各自想试的运动项目和球类活动,并参加一个简短的乐队介绍。"希望他们对即将到来的 2026 – 2027 学年感到兴奋。"

04Norval 户外校园

UCC 拥有一片 450 英亩 的户外校园 — Norval,位于 Georgetown 附近,约 45 分钟到 1 小时 15 分钟车程。学年开始时,大约 9 月 19 日前后,两个七年级班级会前往 Norval。"这是非常有意为之的 — 七年级是我们最大的新生入学批次。" Norval 的教师非常有创意,孩子们回来时,"你会感觉不再真正存在'新学生'和'返校学生'的区别 — 对那个班级是一次非常好的凝聚体验"。

学生在 Norval 是睡帐篷的,需要合适的穿着和装备。学校会在 9 月初通过导师早早通知。"这是一件我希望大家现在就放在心上的事,因为它在学年初就会很快发生。"

05校服

校服可通过 DGN Kilters 购买。供应商会在 6 月 17 日 到访校园,于 Wilder Arena 二楼设摊。请记在日历上。

特别强调一点:正式着装时穿可擦亮的 黑色皮鞋;在非正式校服的日子如果穿运动鞋,要求是 全黑色运动鞋

06在校学生的建议

校方接下来切到一组来自在校学生的建议幻灯片(孩子们写给新生的几条提示):

  • 有的学生会根据自己的身高挑乐器 — 如果发现孩子带回家的乐器比他本人还高,不用惊讶。
  • 充分利用 作业俱乐部(Homework Club) — 不是每天,但有的同学定期去,离开学校时作业就已经写完了。
  • 充分利用 灵活时间(Flex Time),去 CFL(学习中心)拿支持也好,自己安排也好。
  • 最后一条:"玩得开心,追随你的热情。预备学校能参与的事很多,尽量利用,但也要尽量保持平衡。"

校方补充:UCC 是一个加速的学术项目,"有的孩子想加入每一个社团 — 这对他们来说会很有挑战性",所以家长这边也需要注意平衡。

07预备学校家长组织 · PPO

PPO 副主席接着上台介绍。PPO 拥有 50 多位家长志愿者,与预备学校领导团队合作支持学生和家庭的体验。志愿者全年组织活动,参与门槛灵活 — 可以只到场一次,也可以长期承担更大的项目。

PPO 的活动一方面服务于学生和家庭,另一方面 — "我们 PPO 也有很多乐趣",志愿服务是认识其他 UCC 家庭的好方法。

本年度最后一场二手校服销售会在 5 月 20 日和 21 日,地点 Wilder Arena。详情见上方 UCC 通知 章节。

08家长伙伴计划

学校会向新生家庭发送家长伙伴(parent partner)介绍邮件 — 这是一对老家长帮助新家长的项目。对 "这双黑鞋合不合规?" 这类小问题,家长伙伴就是一个轻量的联系点。学校鼓励新家长们 今天就交换电话或建一个小群,让孩子们在开学前先认识一些熟悉的面孔,缓解过渡。

09下一步与 BlueNet

创新团队接下来要做的:BlueNet 是 UCC 给家长用的教育门户,会持续更新资源页面。上传新内容时家长会收到通讯邮件提醒。

预备学校的 家庭手册(一份巨大的文件)会在 8 月份 发到家长邮箱,"包含了你可能需要的一切",是非常好的参考资料。

"我们整个夏天都在这里,任何问题都可以通过邮件联系。没有问题是太小或太傻的。"

10问答环节

如果孩子不参加课后项目(after-school program),还有什么选择?放学后可以留在学校吗?
课后项目运行到下午 6 点。不报名也有别的选择:周一、二、四的 作业俱乐部 到 4:30;图书馆有教师值班;学习中心(CFL)的老师周一、二、四也在图书馆值守到 4:30。之后学生可以在 Bitto 休息室等候("那面墙的另一边,有橙色和蓝色沙发的那间"),天气不好就在里面等家长接。也有不少六、七年级学生自己乘 TTC 上下学。
六年级的作业俱乐部要报名还是直接去?
是开放的,周一、二、四直接去就行。但如果老师和导师注意到某个孩子需要,会主动建议他多去。只要是去做作业的,永远欢迎;如果只是去吃零食、社交,会被请出去。
接送如果错过了怎么办?
主办公室有一部电话,没有手机的学生可以使用;办公室工作人员一直欢迎学生来用。学生都有笔记本电脑,必要时也可以发邮件。但 大多数情况下是事先安排好的:"你等到大约 5 点,然后我在落客区接你。" 接送时间是错峰的 — 低龄学生先放,六、七年级接近 3:50。
新学生 / 新老师 / 老学生混编时,班级是怎么安排的?
学校对班级安排非常用心。"那是一个相当复杂的过程,确保我们不会让任何孩子掉队。" 六年级共有六个班,新生会被分散在这六个班里。每年这个时间不管是否有新学生加入,年级组都会进行非常深思熟虑的班级编排讨论。
想知道某位老师 / 班主任的信息、想提前开始对话,怎么办?
两部分:(一) 8 月中旬到月底会有相当多通讯到家长邮箱 — 如何为开学第一天做准备、班级名单等。(二) 学校开学之后,每位老师都有桌面电话和邮箱。"你不需要等到家长会 — 任何时候觉得需要,就给老师发邮件,再约个通话或邮件沟通时间。"

11电子产品政策

六、七年级学生都有笔记本电脑。在迎新日 / 开学第一天,学生会用与自己年龄匹配的语言由导师带着逐条阅读 学生行为准则技术使用协议,由两位 IT 与创新教练协助讲解,然后签字。

三条核心规则:

  • 没有许可不打开笔记本。要打破"走进教室就打开电脑"的习惯。
  • 智能手表不戴。如果戴来学校,要放进储物柜,整天收起来。
  • 上学日不带 / 不用手机。学校理解很多家庭依赖手机沟通接送 — 一天结束时用手机是可以的,仅限安排接送等事项。

12CFL · 学习中心

CFL = Center for Learning,UCC 的学习资源中心。为六、七年级配备了 两位学习策略老师。CFL 既服务于在某一单元需要额外巩固的学生(数学、写作、阅读支持),也服务于需要拓展和延伸内容的学生。作业俱乐部就是由 CFL 的老师们运营的。

学生在学年开始的 HLS(健康与生活技能)课程中会被分小组轮流参观健康中心、学习中心、辅导员办公室 — 都是 7 – 8 人的小组讨论,让孩子们清楚需要时去哪里找谁。每隔一周周四的中学部集会上,校方也会再次强调这些资源入口。

支持团队规模:健康中心、学习中心,加上 两位辅导员一位心理学家,全职人员合计约 7 – 8 位。

13纪律与电子产品监督

校方对家长坦诚:"这个年龄段的孩子突破界限是正常的。所以我们希望我们总是领先一步。" 学校 IT 团队除了 IT 教练之外,还有在幕后通过防火墙等方式辅助的成员。

课堂层面,老师采取传统但有效的做法:有意安排座位,让老师能看到尽可能多学生的笔记本屏幕;并不是每节课都用电脑,但需要用的课会刻意编排。

技术层面,学校用一款叫 Apar 的软件,可以在大屏幕上同时显示班里每台学生电脑的画面(22 个小图块)。老师可以选择"投屏"来提醒全班"我们在看着你们" — 是一种威慑性的工具。

笔记本电脑回家后:学校强烈建议家长让孩子在 厨房餐桌等公共空间使用,绝对不要在卧室。"它是一个很好的教育工具,但也是一个可能有干扰的工具。" 设计课经常以非常有意的方式使用笔记本;语言文学、社会个人类课程使用较少 — 一节到一节差别明显。

14体育设施与自由活动

"我做了 29 年体育老师,所以我有点偏向。" 校方明确:出于安全考虑,没有无人监管的自由活动时间 — 没有"自由时间去游泳池或体育馆"那种安排。学生每天都有高质量的体育活动,要么在体育课,要么在运动课(Games),那时可以使用设施。

15运动项目 · Games

"体育课"(Physical Education)是体育老师上的常规课,一个班 22 名学生。"运动项目"(Games)则是分项目的训练 / 比赛时段,按学期不同。体育主任 Perrin 老师会在集会和各教学班逐一介绍当季选项;学生自己挑、试训;如果没能进入想选的队,可以自动切到另一项,并保证能再尝试。

学校另设非校队团队 — 只要学生对队的承诺到位(如秋季越野跑、冬季游泳、春季田径),就保证参加,并可代表 UCC 去其他学校访问 / 比赛。

秋季(六、七年级):足球、越野跑、班际比赛(另一种足球形式);七年级开始逐步引入曲棍球;四年级有排球。
冬季:游泳、冰球、室内五人制足球、篮球、滑雪。
春季:田径、终极飞盘、羽毛球、棒球、橄榄球、网球。

16结语

问答结束后,男孩们当时正在运动场上活动,约 2 点钟会来到家长这里,会场会准备零食。"我们鼓励大家拿点零食、互相交流 — 可以在这个空间里,也可以去外面的学习花园。这种阳光在多伦多很少见。"

"我们整个夏天都在这里,请不要犹豫,任何问题都可以联系我们。没有问题是太小或太傻的。"

来源:现场会议记录中文整理 · 仅供新生家长参考 · 与官方公告不一致时以校方为准

Instrument Options & Information · Year 6 / 7

The one-page Instrument Options & Information sheet circulated by Paul McGarr — Prep School Arts Coordinator and Year 6 & 7 Director of Bands — to incoming families. Twelve band instruments compared, with the director's selection advice and a short FAQ. Reproduced here as faithfully as possible from the original document.

01Overview

UCC Prep requires Year 6 / 7 students to learn a band instrument as part of the in-class curriculum. Each year the Director of Bands distributes a one-page sheet introducing each instrument's pros, challenges, ease of travel, etc., to help the boy choose what best fits him. The document is emphatic about one thing: the boy makes his own choice — others should not influence it, since he will be with this instrument until the end of Form 8.

02Twelve Instrument Options

Flute
Pros
  • small, easy to take home
  • easy to hold up
  • beautiful sound
  • right finger = right note
Challenges
  • lots of air
  • lots of keys
  • challenge to start
  • conservation of air
Oboe
Pros
  • small, easy to take home
  • easy to hold up
  • beautiful, original sound
  • right finger = right note
Challenges
  • lots of air pressure
  • lots of keys
  • extra care / cost of reeds
  • lessons strongly suggested
Clarinet
Pros
  • small, easy to take home
  • right finger = right note
  • easy to start
Challenges
  • lots of keys
  • 2 octaves
  • cost / care of reeds
  • more challenging later
Bass Clarinet
Pros
  • deep, rich sound
  • easier parts
  • mid-size to travel
  • right finger = right note
Challenges
  • lots of keys
  • mid-size to travel
  • 2 octaves
  • cost / care of reeds
Alto Sax
Pros
  • jazzy
  • cool sound
  • mid-size to travel
  • right finger = right note
Challenges
  • lots of keys
  • mid-size to travel
  • more challenging parts
Tenor Sax / Bari Sax
Pros
  • jazzy
  • cool sound
  • right finger = right note
Challenges
  • lots of keys
  • cost / care of reeds
  • bigger to travel
Trumpet
Pros
  • mid-size to travel
  • only three buttons
  • easy assembly
  • no reeds
Challenges
  • mid-size to travel
  • right finger & hear the note
  • tougher to play high
French Horn
Pros
  • gorgeous sound
  • only four buttons
  • mid-size to travel
  • easy assembly
Challenges
  • tough to pitch
  • mid-size to travel
  • lessons strongly suggested
Trombone
Pros
  • mid-size to travel
  • no keys to worry about
  • pretty easy assembly
  • easier parts / no reeds
  • fun slide / loud instrument
Challenges
  • mid-size to travel
  • right position & hear the note
  • good amount of air
Baritone
Pros
  • only three buttons
  • beautiful sound
  • easier parts
  • easy assembly
  • no reeds
Challenges
  • bigger to travel
  • right finger / hear the note
  • a little more air
Tuba
Pros
  • only three buttons
  • "most important instrument"
  • BIG sound
  • easy assembly
  • easier parts / no reeds
  • own school tuba to take home
Challenges
  • bigger to travel
  • lots of air
  • right finger / hear the note
Percussion
Pros
  • loud instrument
  • control the band
  • fun instrument
  • always heard
  • piano an asset
Challenges
  • ALL instruments to learn
  • control the band (heavy duty)
  • HUGE responsibility
  • always heard (so are the misses)

* On the first-choice guarantee: If your son has played his instrument of choice last year, currently takes lessons on it, or has already signed up for lessons on that instrument, he is guaranteed to receive that instrument.

* On the reality of placement: I will do my best to get everyone their first choice; however, due to instrument breakdown in the class and the need for a proper band setting, this will not always occur. Approximately 77% of students have received their first choice in the past.

03The Director's Advice

All instruments have their challenges, and all of them have their easier rudiments to learn.

Choose the one YOU think best suits you — each instrument is unique in many ways, and some instruments fit some students better than others. It is up to you to decide which one that might be.

Use this education sheet to help you make your decision.

DO NOT let others influence your decision. PLEASE make it on your own — you will be with this instrument until the end of Form 8.

04Frequently Asked Questions

If my son already plays an instrument, will he get that choice?
Yes — if a boy comes in with experience on an instrument, or takes private lessons on that instrument, he will receive that choice (in Year 6 or 7).
Does my son have to play a "band" instrument, or can he play piano, guitar, bass, violin, etc.?
He has to play an instrument that is part of the in-class curriculum (i.e. one of the twelve listed in this guide). Some other choices are available in Jazz Band.
Can my son join the band even though he hasn't played an instrument before?
Yes — Concert Band is open to any boy who is interested and committed. Jazz Band is by audition (where necessary), and Wind Ensemble is by selection.
Are the new-boy "Jump Start Program" sessions mandatory? (Year 7)
The Information and Assessment and Master Classes are mandatory. The New Boys Sessions are strongly recommended. If a boy can't attend, it's recommended that he replace these with some other form of extra help (e.g. lessons in or out of school, tutoring at home, etc.).
When do groups rehearse? Are there conflicts between athletics and the arts?
Group rehearsals take place mostly during the school day, 12:40 – 1:40 pm. UCC goes to great lengths so that the boys have well-rounded opportunities.

05About the Author

Source: Instrument Options & Information handout by Paul McGarr, circulated to Year 6 / 7 families · Reproduced here for the new-parent community

One more entry — a recap of the New-Parent Information Session (May 2026) — is currently available in Chinese only, since it was compiled from a pre-filtered Chinese translation of the recording. Use the ZH button (top-right) to read it.