Grade 5 Class

The dynamic interplay between reading and writing is emphasized. As a particular style of writing is read, attention is directed to the various methods employed by the writers to convey different kinds of information. For example, in an expository selection on global warming, the students see how the writer uses techniques to show cause and effect, and to make generalizations about the information, both of which would communicate central points of the writer’s thesis.

Other types of reading material have different methods employed by the writers to get their messages across. Whether reading a short story, drama, biography or book of their own choosing, the students learn to detect literary devices employed by the writer and to understand better how to comprehend what is read.

However, building reading comprehension skills is not the sole purpose. Developing skills in distinguishing fact from fiction, drawing conclusions about an author’s intentions, and making judgments about the significance of what was read are other key goals.

The fundamentals of the writing process, an intellectual activity crucial to survival in the modern world, is greatly emphasized. Like most skills, the more one practices, the better one becomes. However, it is imperative that the correct skills are being taught. Otherwise, an abundance of practice without using proper rhetorical and grammatical techniques just reinforces poor writing skills.

While all students have an individual voice to express through writing, that voice won’t be heard if the writing is incoherent, disorganized. The increase in globalization and the sophistication of knowledge in all fields make it essential to gain a practical ability in communicating clearly and articulately–especially in writing since so much communication occurs today in written form, through electronic media.

An ability to write in a manner that can be understood by people from vastly different cultural and educational backgrounds is vital. The students develop the skills to write clearly and articulately, and use these capabilities practically and effectively.

It is an adventure into the microscopic and macroscopic worlds of entities, forces and relationships that thrive around us. An important part of learning the sciences involves knowledge development in tandem with skill acquisition, which, together, enables us to produce useful technological applications.

When students study elements and compounds in physical science, land forms and atmospheric cycles in earth science, or biomes and populations in life science, they also advance their skills in experimentation, observation and analysis. Yet, perhaps what is most significant about what is taught is the students become convinced that, to get the right answer to a problem, you must first ask the right question.

A vast range of disciplines and knowledge is involved that enable us to learn and understand more about ourselves, as well as others, In conjunction with developing the students’ knowledge of culture, society, geography and history, they also gain practical skills, such as graphing data on charts and tables, displaying geographical information on maps, and constructing chronologies of historical events.

Many of the projects involve collaborative work, so that the students learn to work well with others while acquiring practical skills. One of the subjects of inquiry investigates diversity and change in human cultural patterns, by region. Basic economic and political concepts are also introduced in a way that is understandable and relevant to the students’ lives.

The students are strongly encouraged to use critical inquiry as they seek and share the knowledge they have obtained.

Besides a comprehensive and challenging curriculum in scholastic subjects, ample opportunities to pursue activities in the fine arts are available. The students cultivate and refine their creative inclinations by being guided in the technical aspects to the arts. That way, the students develop aesthetic sensibilities, while also gaining creative abilities that give them the power to express themselves visually, dramatically and musically as they so desire.

Art exhibits are organized and performances of drama and music starring the students are produced.

Physical Education – More than just provide a chance to improve fitness and motor skills, a strong emphasis is placed on helping develop personal and social skills that enhance the ability to interact with others, in any situation. A variety of games and sports augment the students’ capacity for both competition and cooperation.

As children’s bodies grow bigger and stronger, exercises and physical activities are required to challenge and enhance fine- and gross-motor skills. Appropriate exercise activities and sports are conducted, bearing in mind, at the same time, how children at the same age may develop at different paces. In addition to the physical benefits that sports and exercise provide, valuable experiences contributing to social and personal development are gained.

Computer technology and its myriad applications are indispensable. Instruction and computer time is relevant to the students’ educational level. The trans-disciplinary approach to learning also helps reinforce verbal, visual and numerical skills as computer competency is honed.