Academics

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

• Junior Primary

  Click here for an overview of the Junior Primary program at Grammar.

• Senior Primary

  • Focusing on the transition to an academic program, the Senior Primary year is a stepping stone for students as they learn to develop independence and responsibility for themselves and their belongings.
  • The foundation of learning in literacy includes phonics instruction as the touchstone to early reading. 
  • The Writing program encourages students to express their ideas in creative ways using print.  
  • The Math program is focused on a foundation of numeracy and includes many opportunities to explore learning in a hands-on way. 
  • Science and Social Studies include topic-based investigations of big idea questions including “My role as a member of a community” and “What role does the environment play in the survival of animals around the world?”

• Grades 1-4

  • Language Arts program includes: 

  • • phonics instruction as a foundation for reading and writing
    • writer’s workshop model for student learning about the revision process and peer feedback in the creation of published work
    • literature circles and novel studies to foster a rich appreciation of literature
    • Reader’s Theatre and dramatic performance to bring literature and plays to life for students
    • poetry writing and recitation for the creative expression as well as public speaking performance skills
      
      
  • Mathematics program includes:
    • focus on foundational computation and number sense skills
    • creative and flexible thinking about problem-solving 
    • making our mathematical thinking ‘visible’ through explaining our answers and the ‘why’ of their accuracy
    • hands-on exploration and experimentation to master mathematical concepts
    • enrichment and extension of mathematical thinking, including math contests
      
      
  • Science & Social Studies curriculum includes:
    • big idea questions or inquiry-based explorations of topics that apply to life outside the classroom, such as water conservation, land rights and reconciliation, environmental stewardship.
    • key concepts explored in hands-on science experiments including properties of energy and matter, electricity, force and motion, as well as living things and their environment.  
    • off-campus excursions to explore natural habitats; excursions to the Discovery Centre help students to make connections between concepts and real-world applications. 
      
      
  • A focus on health and mindful wellbeing are at the heart of these years in the Prep School. Students learn about themselves as students and why embracing challenges as well as mistakes is key to their success. Fostering a growth mindset is also at the heart of these years in the Prep School.
  • Specialist classes in Arts, Physical Education, French, and Music for the remainder of this program.