The Curriculum
The Early Years curriculum is focused on the developmental stages of these early years, our teachers plan a balanced programme which helps the children develop emotionally, socially and intellectually and develops the important attributes outlined in the Student Profile.
Basic skills in language and mathematics are presented in a structured way, in order to ensure that each child has a strong foundation and understanding on which to build. The Learning Units, which incorporate all aspects of the curriculum, help children make sense of themselves, other people and of the physical environment. Creative Arts, Science and Technology and Physical Education also have their place, giving a balanced, enriched programme.
Language
We offer a balanced literacy programme in both English and French that includes:
Listening and Speaking
- developing oral fluency in both languages
- learning to listen to others
- speaking clearly and confidently in public
Reading
- reading aloud to students
- shared reading when students and teachers talk about the literature
- guided reading where teachers teach specific reading skills and strategies
- independent reading when children can choose books of their interests.
Writing
Writing serves as a communicative and expressive tool and from an early age
children are
encouraged to write for a variety of purposes. The writing stages are:
- interactive writing, when teachers and students work together
- shared writing, where the teacher models different kinds of writing
- guided writing, where the teacher teaches specific skills and strategies
- independent writing, where students write for themselves.
Mathematics
Our goal is that students become fluent users of the language of mathematics,
its uses and applications and are able to understand and apply the concepts
taught. Whenever appropriate, mathematics will be integrated into the Learning
Units and other areas of the curriculum to allow students to recognize and use
mathematics in real and meaningful contexts. Numerous manipulatives, technology,
and printed resources are available to aid students in their investigative work
as they build their understanding concept by concept to an ever increasing level
of abstraction.
At ISM, the teaching of all mathematical concepts is first of all in English and then reinforced and practised in French.
Social Studies
The traditional subjects of History, Geography, Science and Health are presented
in our Learning Units. The aim of this part of the curriculum is to encourage
students to be curious about their environment and the world around them and
to begin to ask questions especially the question "why". Children
build on their knowledge and experience by looking, listening, communicating,
asking questions, exploring and inventing.
Creative Arts
This encompasses visual arts, music and drama and participation in this programme
develops the imagination, makes children more sensitive to their environment,
heightens their critical awareness and contributes to the development of personal
taste. It also develops a range of aesthetic values and understanding of other
cultures.
Science and Technology
Science is primarily presented through the Learning Units which promotes an
investigative approach to the curriculum where students will develop observational
skills and will use these to identify patterns and start making predictions.
They will also begin to show care and respect for themselves and for the environment.
Physical Education
All students have physical education lessons which are planned to improve their
physical skills and teach them how to participate in individual and team games.
Personal and Social Education
The school's Code of Conduct and Student Profile form the framework for our
Personal and Social Education programme. Teachers nurture the social and emotional
skills of the earlier years, guiding the child from a very egocentric world
towards a feeling of respect and responsibility towards the group as a whole.
They build self-esteem and confidence and foster a positive attitude towards
learning.
Information Technology
Information Technology is an integral part of the school's curriculum and students
are taught basic computer skills from the very earliest years.
To find our more about learning at each class level, click on the links below :
