Elementary Program ( Ages 6 -12 Years )

Our elementary program continues to foster a love of learning. The ‘cosmic curriculum’ demonstrates to students how they are part of a global family and is intended to spark their curiosity and inspire them to explore and discover.

Classrooms offer a non-competitive environment with endless opportunities to pursue knowledge through independent and self-directed work. Social interaction among children of different ages facilitates the development of co-operation, self-confidence and respect for others. Students learn responsibility and problem-solving as they develop essential life skills.

Children may remain in our elementary program until the age of 12 and can enter a grade 7 program at a school of their choice. Our curriculum is comprehensive and places emphasis upon time management, self-discipline, initiative, independence.

They are guided and encouraged to reach their full potential in all subject areas: mathematics, geometry, language, geography, history, botany, zoology, French, music, art, and physical education.

Math and Geometry

These areas focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of mathematical rules and concepts. Children develop logical, analytical and problem-solving skills. They experience concepts concretely with the materials as they progress towards the abstract. Children develop a solid understanding of the decimal system and numeration from 1-1,000,000. Memorization of maths facts and an understanding of the maths operations is a main focus of our lower elementary program. As children move into the upper elementary program they begin to work more abstractly and apply previously learned concepts. Some topics studied are operations, fractions, geometric classification, names of shapes, angles, measurement of angles, decimals, negative numbers, etc.

Language

At this level the students use their preliminary reading skills, established in the casa program, to develop a love of reading. The use of concrete materials is still vital as students explore the rules of grammar and study the history and function of words. Verbal and written expression as well as listening comprehension are valued components of the program. Analytical skills are used in examining written literature and children are encouraged to experience various forms of writing. Creative writing is also an important part of our language program and basic writing rules and skills are developed.

Cultural Subjects

Geography, History, Botany, Zoology

The ‘cosmic curriculum’ is the basis for the curriculum in the cultural area. Students explore the history of time, the universe, animals, plants and humankind. It is the primary aim of the cultural curriculum to instill a respect and appreciation for all that has occurred throughout history. The students discover where their place is within the universe and ultimately what their role is within society. Topics taught at this level are presented in historical order so that the students develop a deep understanding of how all events are interconnected and have helped shape today’s world. Time lines, classification charts, experiments and other concrete materials are used to demonstrate key concepts. Children are encouraged to explore or research topics that are of interest to them individually so that their own inquisitiveness is satisfied.

French

At the elementary level the goal of the French program is to develop a solid comprehension of the spoken language while also developing verbal communication skills. As they progress through the program they are introduced to written rules and skills and acquire the ability to combine all areas of communication in the French language.

Music

The music program continues to foster a love of music. The program includes music appreciation, music history, basic music theory, introduction to various instruments and singing. Music play is the music curriculum taught to the elementary children in levels 1 to 6. Orff and Kodaly form the basis for the program. The children sing, play games, read and write notation in a workbook, play percussion and Orff instruments, learn solfege hand signs, listen to works by famous composers and learn to play the recorder. Music also continues to be integrated within the classroom so that students are exposed to various styles of music.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program stresses the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition and physical fitness is part of our curriculum and children are introduced to various sports and skills. We also offer exposure to other activities such as drama, yoga and dance.