THE MABIN PROGRAM (...continued)

Art, Music, Computers, Science, Physical Education and French are regarded as essential elements of a child’s learning experience and are introduced in Junior Kindergarten. All these subjects are taught by our specialist teachers.

Art

Taught through an experiential, multimedia approach, art is viewed as a form the child uses to communicate ideas, feelings, and perceptions. All children have Art class at least once a week. Whenever possible, Art room activities are integrated with classroom themes. Children work with a variety of materials which ultimately lead them towards achieving visual literacy. The process is valued more than the product.

Music

In Music, all grades follow the pedagogical approach of Carl Orff, learning about pitch, rhythm and form through imitating, exploring, innovating and improvising. In addition to studying movement and drama, students use a variety of instruments including voice, percussion, xylophones, keyboards and computers. Wherever possible, the Music curriculum relates to emerging class themes.

French

Students from JK to Grade 6 participate in our French program. Music, drama, storytelling, games and movement are all part of a curriculum designed to enrich the students’ language development. The gesture approach, created to help students learn and remember important vocabulary, is an integral part of the program. Emphasis is on oral French in the lower grades, leading into more written work in the upper grades.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program is designed to develop physical skills and promote a joy of playing sports for one’s own physical and emotional well-being. All children in Grades 1-6 participate in Gym classes four times a week. Kindergarten children have Gym class twice a week. In the primary grades (JK-2), students focus on developing a solid base of fitness and skills which can be transferred to sports activities; junior students (Grades 3-6) engage in a wide variety of sports and games intended to develop the skills required to fully participate in and enjoy life-long physical activity.
Health Education for Grades 3-6 occurs once per week in the spring term.

 

Computers, Science & Inquiry (CSI)

Computers, Science & Inquiry (CSI) encompasses computer studies, technology supported inquiry (science & social science) and the curriculum strands of Matter & Energy, Earth & Space, Life Systems and Structures & Mechanisms. Designed to generate interest and excitement among students from JK to Grade 6, our CSI program uses an integrated approach that embeds, where appropriate, technology supported inquiry into the ongoing classroom themes. Computer studies integrate with many of the classroom projects and support the development of a strong set of information literacy skills. Lessons are taught in the classroom and our small-group science space which is equipped with a good selection of scientific resources.

Desktop computers are in use in every classroom and the students have access to three carts of wireless laptops. Computers within the school are organized on a network and have access to the Internet.

Resource Teachers

Our Resource teachers work with our core classroom teachers to assess, develop strategies and accommodate individuals or small groups of students that require enrichment or remediation in specific subject areas.

 

 

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