Grade 6 Class

Expanding awareness of the world through literature is a signature component of the reading program. Two of the school’s founding principles are a commitment to lifelong learning and promoting a sense of community among people of diverse backgrounds.

Literature provides an excellent means through which the students can form strong intellectual skills that last a lifetime, and also help them realize they are members of an international community. Teachers choose reading selections that will elevate cultural awareness, while, at the same time, develop and enhance comprehension and analytical skills.

When appropriate, the students are encouraged to select reading material for classroom work. In doing so, an intellectual independence is nurtured that will be a valuable asset throughout the students’ lives. At the same time, selections from a wide range of content areas are included in the curriculum to insure the students receive thorough and diversified reading practice to continue improving in all facets of their reading ability.

In addition, the students are invited to discuss what they have read, not just “who did what, where, and when,” but “why do you think the author wrote those ideas, and how does that viewpoint compare with your own.”

A comprehensive and challenging writing course fully prepares the students for secondary education, no matter which school they plan to attend. In addition to strengthening the mechanics and syntax in writing, rhetorical skills are developed that enable the students to produce, select, organize and express the ideas that best communicate what they want to convey.

To insure the acquisition of versatile writing skills, different modes, such as description, exposition or persuasion are explored. In all types of writing, the students work through the writing process. Significant time is allotted for pre-writing and planning to build research, note taking and outlining skills. After students write a first draft, they practice revising and editing to improve the organization and fluency of their ideas.

There is also opportunity to plan, develop and write a research report, applying all of the skills acquired.

Scientific exploration provides some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences. Over the course of our lives, we are constantly dealing with phenomena such as, light, heat, gravity, sound and color, among others; yet, our understanding is often superficial, or even mistaken at times.

The students are inspired to seek knowledge about the physical and living worlds around them, by using practical scientific skills, such as careful observation, precise recording of data, critical analysis of information and clear communication of findings. By integrating knowledge and skills, theory and practice, in the study of the sciences, the students gain intellectual enrichment that is unsurpassed.

Social Studies – Emphasis is placed on the importance of learning about the past in order to understand better the present and, perhaps, plan wisely for the future. Inquiries into ancient civilizations around the world provide the opportunity to learn where, when, how and why agriculture, writing, law and trade were developed.

As a preface to historical investigations, the concept of history is discussed. That is, the students are asked to think about the process by which important events, inventions and individuals from the past have entered historical records.

There is also the chance to see how different sources can lead to decidedly different interpretations about the same historical event. Learning the reasons why histories are written in certain ways is a valuable lesson in critical inquiry.

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.

Many find great satisfaction expressing themselves through visual or aural media. Given the ubiquity of multimedia, such as television, the Internet and live performances, in all aspects of our lives today, it is good educational practice to insure that the students possess the knowledge and skills to appreciate and execute visual and aural expressions of creativity.

Whether the student’s career turns out to be in business, the sciences or even education, having a strong foundation in the fine arts provides a set of skills and knowledge that are increasingly necessary for understanding and participating in the social, economic and political events across the globe today.

The students are encouraged to develop both physical abilities and personal and social skills. The indoor and outdoor physical education activities help them to acquire a sense of accomplishment that will boost feelings of self-esteem and respect for others. By encouraging a pro-active stance toward physical education, the students often apply that same positive outlook to other areas of life. The old adage, “a healthy body leads to a healthy mind,” rings true.

Computer technology and its myriad applications are an indispensable part of our world today. Receiving instruction and computer time is relevant to their educational level. The trans-disciplinary approach to learning also helps reinforce verbal, visual and numerical skills as computer competency is honed.