Subjects
In K-5, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Information and Communication Technology are taught by the Homeroom Teacher.
Language and Personal and Social Education are an integral part of all subject areas and are therefore, a responsibility for all teachers.
While students are taught primarily in Italian in preschool, in K-5 they are taught in English and Italian, and Spanish is introduced in 4th grade as a 3rd language.
There are 3 strands in Language – Oral Language (Speaking and Listening), Visual Language (Viewing and presenting) and Written Language (Reading and Writing). Learning Outcomes are organized in developmental phases. The Programme of Inquiry provides an authentic context for learners to develop and use language. Wherever possible, language is taught through a meaningful, authentic context of the units of inquiry. Literature studies and specific reading skills are taught as stand-alone lessons.
Teachers are expected to:
Promote integrated language development
View writing as a process
Focus on meaning when teaching reading and writing
Use a literature-based approach when teaching reading
Teach literature as a means of understanding and exploring
Encourage students to select own books according to their interest level
There are 5 strands in Mathematics – Number, Shape and Space, Algebra, Data Handling and Measurement. Learning Outcomes are organized in developmental phases. Structured, purposeful inquiry is the main approach; however, there are times when students need to be given a range of strategies for learning Mathematical skills. Wherever possible, Data Handling and Measurement are taught through the relevant, authentic context of the units of inquiry.
Teachers are expected to:
Engage students in problem solving with real-life contexts
Use a variety of strategies to encourage multiple solutions
Use manipulative to make mathematics understandable to students
Engage in mathematical conversation with students
Encourage to make their thinking visible – focus on the process
Incorporate use of journals to foster thinking and reflection
Use calculators and computers for appropriate purposes
Our Science program has four strands of study which are taught through the Units of Inquiry. The strands are: Living things, Earth and Space, Materials and Matter and Forces and Energy. The strands do not need to be taught each year and are developed throughout the program of inquiry. We encourage the students to act and think like scientists.
Teachers are expected to create opportunities for students to:
Observe carefully in order to gather data
Use a variety of instruments and tools to measure data accurately
Use scientific vocabulary to explain their observations and experiences
Identify or generate a question or problem to be explored
Plan and carry out systematic investigations, manipulating variables as necessary
Make and test predictions
Interpret and evaluate data gathered in order to draw conclusions
Consider scientific models and applications of these models (including their limitations)
Our Social Studies program has five strands of study which are taught through the Units of Inquiry. The strands are: Human systems and economic activities, Social organization and culture, Continuity and change through time, Human and natural environments and Resources and the environment.
Teachers are expected to create opportunities for students to:
Learn how to ask compelling and relevant questions that can be researched
Gain a secure understanding of their own identity and their place in the world
Develop an understanding of other cultural groups and an appreciation of other ideas and beliefs
Gain knowledge that is of genuine importance in understanding the human condition through the exploration of themes that have significance for all students in all cultures
Gain conceptual understanding through participating in learning experiences that foster sensitivity, creativity and initiative, leading to socially responsible action
Gain a sense of time and place in relation to their own experience and the experience of other people
Gain an understanding of humankind’s role in, and dependence on, the natural and constructed world, and learn to apply this knowledge in responsible ways
The use of ICT provides students with a range of tools to: store, organize and present their learning, find information and communicate with a wide-ranging audience. ICT is taught by the homeroom teacher and is used as a tool to support learning within the units of inquiry. Some activities will also support learning in other areas of the curriculum.
Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education and Environmental Studies are taught by Specialist teachers.
Read more about Specialist Subjects here.
