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New Heights School will be offering a full range of subjects to the students
enrolled in the full time program. In addition to the regular course offering,
students will be given instruction in French and music education. New Heights
School is not affiliated with any specific religion as it is founded on the
belief that people can learn from each other and that all faiths have something
positive to teach us when we approach learning with an open mind. The primary
goal of New Heights School is that everyone values and respects individual
choices, treats people with love and kindness, and accepts that with a positive
attitude towards others and a willingness to learn, we can work in both a
multi-cultural and multi-faith environment. This is a brief description of the service ...
Subjects:
• Language Arts: Having literacy skills is a
critical part of your academic success. As such, time will be spent doing
activities that foster growth in the three strands of language, as defined by
the ministry of education: Writing; Reading; and Oral + visual communication.
Young children will learn how to read and write using a holistic approach so
that we can meet the children at their level of understanding and retention. We
will use phonics, visual cues, movement, and music to help children learn. It is
understood that learning of one subject is not independent of other subjects and
children will incorporate language skills in all aspects of their learning.
• Mathematics: Math skills will be taught using a
variety of hands-on manipulatives, games, as well as paper-and-pencil
activities. We will also use computer programs to help make the learning of math
skills more interesting and fun. Children will be taught skills in numeracy,
measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning, problem solving, and for
those students who are capable, algebra and higher level math skills.
• Science and Technology: Children will engage in
activities that allow them to explore, experiment, observe and analyze data. The
strands listed by the ministry of education are life systems, matter and
materials, energy and control, structure and mechanics, and earth and space
systems. We will be referring to these strands and planning study material in
part by its recommendations, and in part by the interest of the students so that
learning is made more meaningful and relevant to the students.
• Geography, History and Social Studies: Students
will engage in exciting unit studies to learn about their heritage and where
they fit into the world at large. Possible studies include pioneer life,
medieval times and early civilizations. Parental input and student interest will
play a large role in what is studied at any particular time. Students will also
learn about their community, Canadian heritage and government, and learn about
other communities around the world. Students will learn map and globe skills,
understand and identify Canadian provinces, world continents and oceans, and
study the different cultures and customs in the countries that make up our
global community.
• Music: The study and enjoyment of music is an
important part of a full and enjoyable education. We will regularly listen to
music, play rhythm instruments, and sing songs with the aid of a piano. Children
will sing, move and be active participants in their music education. Basic
skills will be taught so that most children will be able to read the notes on
the musical staffs and play simple songs. Some study can be done on different
musical time periods and great composers of both past and present.
• French as a Second Language: Learning a second
language is an invaluable skill that can enrich the lives of the students. Basic
French skills will be taught at both the beginner and intermediate levels. The
emphasis will be on making the lessons fun and meaningful so that the children
are not afraid to speak and take risks with their learning.
• Creative Arts: There will be lots of time to
allow the children’s creative sides to shine through. Several craft projects
will be regularly planned and children will be encouraged to be creative in all
aspects of their learning. A regular supply of crafts will be provided to ensure
that the children always have access to the material that they need. Clearly, a
learning environment that encourages personal growth will not expect children to
be involved in lots of drawing activities if a child does not have a strong
interest in this activity. Other more personally meaningful activities can be
planned for those students who may prefer other ways to express their artistic
and creative abilities.
• Dramatic Arts: Children should be given the
opportunity to move and express themselves in fun and creative ways. We will do
role playing activities, do mime and puppetry, and plan on large and small group
productions to share with both the students and parents.
• Computer/Internet Use: There will be several
computers available for the students at New Heights School to use to help with
their learning. Programs will be available to enhance the learning of the
different strands of the curriculum. We will also use the internet to access
educational material that will be of benefit to the students. Computers will
also be available to facilitate the learning of typing skills when a student has
a desire to learn this skill as part of their learning program.
• Physical Education: Regular daily exercise,
weather permitting, will be a great opportunity to engage the children in
different games that will be both fun and build muscle tone and strength. The
interest of the children will largely dictate the types of games and sports we
learn as a group. The emphasis will be on fun, building team and cooperation
skills, and good sportsmanship.
It should be expected that children will be allowed to engage in spontaneous
play times, as well as be involved in regular and planned work time. Many
classrooms make the children do a lot of “busy work” in the form of extra
worksheets instead of allowing for more play time. Children learn valuable
skills that better prepare them for the world when they are allowed to play,
such as sharing and role playing. Playing also builds on the skills that
ultimately enhance their learning in school when their play involves careful
manipulation of small objects as this builds on hand-eye coordination, an
essential skill for writing with ease and efficiency, or involves sorting or
patterning since these build numeracy and spatial skills. Clearly, the list of
benefits is extensive, clear support that play is a valuable part of childhood
and learning.
For More Information Contact
Sheila Moeck
New Heights School
e-mail:
info@newheightsschool.ca
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