Language Arts

• Exploring, becoming immersed in and genuinely enjoying a variety of text and media
• Engaging in activities involving speaking and listening, reading, viewing, writing and representing in order to strengthen their skills in all facets of literacy
• Thinking critically, creatively and reflectively in order to appreciate language and make connections
• Examining a wide range of content including short stories, novels, non-fiction and research, poetry exploration, article writing and a detailed study and performance of a Shakespearean play

Outdoor Education

• Gaining new experiences
• Enhancing skills
• Linking experiences to curriculum
• Building courage
• Exploring new environments and growing developmental curiosity

Math

• Solving problems related to time, sports, travel, money management, science and art
• Using mathematical thinking to connect, create, communicate, visualize, reason and solve
• Analyzing novel and complex problems from a variety of perspectives
• Considering possible solutions and evaluating their effectiveness
• Generating confidence in math skills and abilities

Physical and Health Education

• Participating in different types of physical activity to influence physical literacy, personal health and fitness goals
• Learning to enjoy physical activity
• Determining how to make healthy choices to influence physical, emotional and mental well-being
• Discovering new sports and activities such as martial arts, dancing, curling, Ultimate Frisbee, bowling and more

Social Studies

• Delving into the history of society and building a greater understanding of how our world became what it is today. The subject matter is wide and varied but will cover topics such as:
• Economic instability and conflict
• Formation and current state of governments
• Complex global challenges that require international collaboration
• The role of media today
• How systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms

Science

• Developing the ability to think critically, solve problems and make ethical decisions to:
• Communicate their questions, express opinions and challenge ideas in a scientifically literate way
• Exercise an awareness of their role as an ecologically literate citizenry, engaged and competent in meeting the responsibilities of caring for living things and the planet
• Gaining opportunities to ask questions, identify beliefs and opinions, consider a range of views, work collaboratively and ultimately make informed conclusions that lead to responsible choices
• Using conceptual learning with both traditional ecological knowledge and First Peoples perspectives embedded in the curriculum

Mandarin Language Arts

• Listening and viewing with intent to understand an increasing variety of messages
• Using strategies to help understand and acquire language
• Discuss interests in Mandarin
• Gaining reciprocal interactions, which are possible even with limited Mandarin
• Understanding through stories
• Deepening knowledge of Chinese communities to develop cultural awareness
• Listening and speaking while also building skills in reading and writing
• Using present, past and future tenses with ease in both oral and written work

Fine Arts

Art

• Developing imaginative ability and fluency primarily in drawing
• Receiving an introduction to the elements and principles of design
• Gaining experiences and the opportunities to explore a variety of media
• Learning art history to illustrate the elements of good design

Drama

• Compare themes and traditions in drama from a variety of cultural, social and historical contexts
• Create roles to explore a range of issues, responses and themes to build confidence, communication and knowledge
• Discovering speech, movement, role play, improvisation and acting

Music

• Building creative growth through patience, readiness to take risks and willingness to try new approaches
• Expressing individual and collective perspectives
• Leaning from artists who challenge the status quo and explore new perspectives and experiences
• Starting concert band and vocals (Grade 6 students only)

Leadership

• Engaging in in-house organization and activities
• Attending leadership programs as part of ISABC
• Participating as “buddies” with younger students in the performing arts

Digital Media Arts

• Learning about digital photography, video and sound design
• Developing knowledge and skills in digital media arts to be prepared for the future in the growing tech industry
• Building valuable skills and learning to use technology safely and responsibly
• Working on projects that are integrated with work in other subjects, overarching themes and whole school events

Health and Technology

• Attaining skills, attitudes and behaviors to enhance personal well-being and become prepared for a world of complex, ongoing change
• Exploring and covering elements from the Health, Career Explorations and Applied Skills (Technology) curriculum
• Gaining insights from community visitors who present different points of view and provide opportunities for discussions
• Examining ethical and social issues related to the use of information and communications technology
• Finding, gathering, assessing and communicating information using electronic means and learning about the safe and responsible use of the technology.

Other Opportunities

• Camp
• Field study