Uncovering connections between subjects for advanced learning
Our Primary Program offers an unmatched learning experience for students as they begin to fully embrace a variety of subjects and their inter-connectivity. This program is uniquely defined by the emphasis on connections between subjects as well as the teaching partnership present in every class. Students have a different Subject Expert Teacher (SET) for every core class paired with a Learning Expert Teacher (LET) who shapes the learning environment as they move from each SET‘s classroom to another. Grade 5 students navigate the building and their classes on their own, learning from discipline-specific SETs for each class, using the independence and self-reliance fostered in grades 1–4.
A curriculum designed to inspire connections.
The curriculum in the Primary Years emphasizes the connections between the seemingly discrete subjects of language arts, social studies, math, science, engineering, performing arts, music, Mandarin, fine arts, and physical education. Students have a dedicated weekly period called Connections: a scenario-based, hands on learning experience designed to fuel creativity, ingenuity, and social skills such as teamwork and patience.
Beginning in grade 1, students move from class to class and have two teachers present for nearly all subjects. A different Subject Expert Teacher (SET), who often has an advanced degree in their field, leads instruction of content for subjects. Students’ Learning Expert Teacher (LET) guides them to each class, focuses on effective pedagogy, and co-teaches with each SET.
The symbiosis between the SETs and LETs facilitates a rapid transition from a focus on foundational skills and knowledge to independent thinking, active learning, and application of knowledge by emphasizing connections between disciplines and reiteration of key concepts throughout the curriculum.
An interdisciplinary opportunity to creatively put knowledge to work.
Connections, a weekly 50-minute class in grades 1-3, presents students with creative challenges that test their mental agility, creativity, and content knowledge as they establish links across subjects and gain a deeper understanding of the material they are learning.
Aside from solving the problem at hand, students learn invaluable skills such as teamwork, hone their critical thinking skills, and are given the latitude to exercise great creativity.
In our Connections scenario with a Humanities theme, our Grade 1 students study Ancient Egypt including the development of agriculture and early societal structure, mythology, mummification and beliefs in the afterlife, pyramids, temples, and art and hieroglyphics. They are given the scenario that they are living in ancient Egypt. You must acquire goods by trading with merchants from other Egyptian cities. With the materials provided, students must create items they can use for trade. Ancient Egyptians used a barter system and students will do the same, exchanging their goods with students from other cities, and learning about economics in the process.
A two-teacher classroom to maximize student learning and growth.
Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) are experts in their content area, who share their experience and passion about a subject in every class.
Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) are skilled and experienced in the methods and practice of teaching for the primary grades. LETs are responsible for one classroom of students, all day, every day, and work with each Subject Expert Teacher, in each class period.
Together, these experts focus on building a school culture of social-emotional and academic support, and craft engaging, thought-provoking lessons. They also work to determine the best ways to deliver material, promote student engagement, and create an environment where students will best understand and retain what they learn in class. Their attention to students, team-oriented learning techniques, and focus on conceptual understanding helps students build confidence, stay motivated, and learn at an advanced pace.
At the beginning of each year, teachers issue a syllabus that includes an overview of the course and topics covered in their class. Beyond subject-specific goals centered on academic readiness for the next level, our Primary Program generally aims for students to be prepared and confident to move on to an advanced Middle School Program. In the Primary Program, our students:
- Learn to be comfortable asking questions, utilizing their creativity, engaging with others, sharing opinions, and expanding their problem-solving skills.
- Uncover connections between different subjects, forge an understanding that concepts outside the classroom do not exist in silos, and bridge content-rich coursework with critical enquiry and curiosity.
- Build important social and communication skills, as well as develop the ability to approach problems or challenges from multiple angles.
- Retain and improve knowledge as major topics are spiraled throughout every grade level to ensure mastery.
