Transform Your Learning Experience
About Ars Magna Learning
The Great Art of Understanding
Ars Magna — Latin for “The Great Art” — was the phrase coined by the 13th-century philosopher Ramon Llull for his visionary system of reasoning, an attempt to map how ideas interconnect and generate truth.
At Ars Magna Learning, we take inspiration from that same spirit: teaching students not just what to learn, but how to think — clearly, creatively, and with confidence.
Our Approach
We specialize in guiding students through the humanities and social sciences — writing, history, geography, philosophy, literature, and advanced interdisciplinary studies.
Every session combines structure and dialogue: we model strong academic technique, coach writing line-by-line, and build the skills of argument, research, and analysis.
The goal is not rote performance, but the cultivation of intellectual independence and authentic understanding.
Discover our services
Curriculum-aligned coaching for de-streamed Gr. 9/10 and senior English, with a focus on ISUs, comparative essays, and seminar skills. We use exemplars and checklists to sharpen thesis, paragraph flow, and style—plus targeted OSSLT/EQAO-style literacy practice where needed.
High-yield content plus exam technique: research methods, cognition, biological bases, and statistics applied to FRQs/ERQs with command-term precision. Students practice concise, evidence-rich writing under time, with feedback tuned to AP scoring guidelines and IB criteria.
For Grade 10 Civics, we build quick wins: clear definitions, policy case studies, and concise position pieces that meet the 0.5-credit expectations. For Grade 12 Canadian & World Politics, we elevate research design and argumentation—turning news and data into tight, cited policy analysis.
Results-driven support built around Ontario’s Historical Thinking Concepts (evidence, cause/consequence, continuity/change, perspective). Students learn to plan and write concise, analytical essays and source-based responses that hit the achievement chart—ideal for CHC2D/2P and senior specials.
Rigorous argument coaching: concept clarification, counterexamples, and structured evaluation of positions. For IB Philosophy, we prep Paper 1/2 and the IA with criterion-focused drafting; for enriched/non-IB courses, we mirror that standard for university-ready writing.
Comparative, curriculum-aligned support that works for both public World Religions and Catholic Religious Education streams. We build confident skills in concept vocabulary, ethical frameworks, and source evaluation—then apply them to ISUs, seminar discussions, and concise position pieces/reflective writing. Respectful of students’ own commitments while meeting Ontario achievement-chart expectations, with clear outlines and feedback tailored to either HRT/HRF or HRE assignments.
Clarity with maps, graphs, and spatial data, applied to real Ontario case studies. We model tight paragraphing, data interpretation, and field-study write-ups so students can move confidently from definitions to well-reasoned geographic conclusions.
Close-reading that actually sticks—poetry, drama, and prose analysis using literary features and line-by-line evidence. AP Lit support targets FRQ 1–3 with thesis-driven outlines; IB Lit/Lang&Lit prep covers Paper 1 commentary, Paper 2 comparison, the HL Essay, and the Individual Oral with criterion-matched feedback.
A deep-dive into how images shape ideas — from Renaissance composition to contemporary media and design. Students learn to analyze artworks through historical context, formal elements, and thematic interpretation, building strong visual literacy and essay-writing skills aligned with Ontario’s Arts curriculum. For AP or enriched students, we add slide-based comparison, formal analysis drills, and criterion-specific writing practice modeled on AP and university art history standards.
Meet Dougal McDonald
Founder & Lead Instructor, Ars Magna Learning
B.A. – University of King’s College, Halifax
Major: English | Minors: History of Science and Technology, Contemporary Studies
Editing Skills Certificate – George Brown College, Toronto
Dougal McDonald is an educator, professional writer, and editor with over a decade of experience helping people communicate complex ideas with clarity and purpose.
His work spans education, renewable energy consulting, and media/content creation, where he’s developed a consultative, analytical, and empathetic approach to every challenge — whether designing solar systems for Ontario homeowners or guiding students through their first research essay.
A graduate of the University of King’s College in Halifax, Dougal studied the history and intersections of literature, science, and philosophy — fields that continue to shape his teaching. His editorial training at George Brown College deepened his craft in clear expression, structure, and revision.
Based in Toronto, Dougal lives with his partner and their newborn son, and primarily serves families and students in the Rosedale, Moore Park, Bennington Heights, and Leaside areas. Across every role, he remains focused on the same principle: that learning and communication are collaborative arts built on curiosity, discipline, and care.
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Founder & Lead Instructor
B.A. – University of King’s College, Halifax
Major: English | Minors: History of Science and Technology, Contemporary Studies
Editing Skills Certificate – George Brown College, Toronto
Inquiry is the seed of wisdom
Every art begins in inquiry. Share a few details, then let us begin the understanding process.