Curriculum

Our entire program of studies is taught from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the Lordship of Jesus Christ and that the whole world belongs to God.

Bible

Although a Biblical perspective is integrated within all subjects of the curriculum, Bible is also taught as a separate subject to all students. Biblical studies help students learn about the Bible as the record of God's loving concern for His people and their response to His faithfulness. God provided the Bible for us so that we might learn to know Him and to be a guide for our lives. It is impossible to draw direct parallels between the lives of people in the Bible and our lives today. But God had the events of the Bible recorded so that we might learn from them that salvation is possible only in Jesus Christ. The Bible message teaches people how to live for God and to be alert to the sinful desire to create gods after our own imaginations and live in service to them.

Language Arts

Effective use of language increases the ability of students to serve God and His people in a loving, God-honouring manner. The language arts curriculum is built on the four components of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The reading program is based on a wide variety of literature. The writing program uses a Writer's Workshop approach, integrating phonetic principles and writing skills. Listening and speaking are integrated throughout the reading and writing components. Language Arts components are often integrated with thematic units, which focus on science and social studies concepts.

Library

Our library is an integral part of the LCES programme for both teachers and students.  The library resources support the classroom curriculum and units and themes that are taught.  We have an excellent picture book, novel and information book collection as well as other resources.

All classes visit the library once a week for a library/story session.  Children in gr. 1 – 5 must take out three books every week.  Kindergarteners start the year taking out one book and once routines are established they take out two books.

Children keep their books for one week.  Books may be renewed on their library day.  Children may also exchange their books anytime with their classroom library pass.

The library does not charge overdue fines.  However, parents are expected to pay for books their children have lost or damaged. 

Jenny deGroot and Jane Traas are our teacher librarians.  Rebecca Westerop provides technical support, cataloguing the collection.  The library has an amazing team of volunteers who come in once a week.

Thematic Curriculum Units

The yearly curriculum is structured on a basis of integrated units, each of which are planned around a specific focus. The focus is either creational (e.g. plants, animals, physical things) or cultural (e.g. Who am I?, family, community, cultures).

Cultural Studies

In Cultural Studies children learn about human interaction in the context of people's relationship with God. Students learn that all people are called to exercise dominion over creation by using its riches in a harmonious and fruitful way. They learn that all the various aspects of life are interrelated within any given culture. They learn about the role that God's people have played in history.

Mathematics

Mathematics has its roots in God's creation order and gives us a greater appreciation for the orderly design of this world. In math students first experience mathematical ideas from contact with concrete objects and by analyzing the spatial and arithmetic aspects of everyday experience. This is the ground for understanding mathematics; it is necessary motivation for mathematical study; and it is the area where applications are made.

Mathematical drill and problem solving applications are stressed in the mathematics program.

Computer Studies

Computers are viewed as a technological tool that should be used to support and serve the learning that takes place in Language Arts and Unit Studies. All students from Kindergarten to Grades 5 have access to a mobile, wireless computer lab. Students receive instruction in keyboarding, word processing, and presentation skills. Students also have supervised access to internet sites relevant to classroom studies.

Music

All students in grades K-5 have a separate music curriculum taught by a music specialist. Singing is an important component of praise in a Christian's life, and music is certainly an important part of the school's curriculum. Recorders are introduced into the curriculum in Grade 4 and expanded in Grade 5. Students are also introduced to intermediate students. The main focus of our music program is to instil an appreciation and awareness of a wide variety of music as a means to praise God

Art

At the primary level Art is taught by the homeroom teacher and integrated within the curriculum. Art specialists teach Art at the intermediate level. The art curriculum is built upon the introduction of the various elements of art such as: line, shape, colour, form, composition, texture, value and perspective.

Physical Education

In physical education students learn that bodily development and physical fitness are necessary to serve the Lord responsibly. Students are encouraged to develop a lifestyle that will adopt this approach to fitness as well as individual and team sports. The Grade 4 program includes a swimming program. In Grades 4 & 5 an intramural program is introduced. A running program during recess time is also promoted. Three specialists teach the P.E. program.

French

French as a second language is taught informally by classroom teachers at the primary level. The emphasis is on basic vocabulary and French songs. Formal French instruction begins at fourth grade and follows an approved program along with locally produced curriculum.