Intermediate School
Curriculum Overview
When our children move to the intermediate level of study,
we begin to take the foundational things already taught and
move into a more applicational study of subject areas. Our Bible curriculum continues to teach and develop a
foundation in who God is while applying it to who we are in
Christ.
Math and Science continue to build on foundational topics
and dive deeper into the function and understanding of those
topics.
In Reading/Language our curriculum goes further into
understanding how to use the English language by studying
grammar rules and practicing writing. Our intermediate
students grow in their reading skills by learning how to interpret
genres and styles of writing. Reading becomes more inferential
rather than factual. This prepares them to head into our middle
school curriculum.
The history topics cover from the beginning of our country
up to the present. It is discussed with a biblical worldview on
which our country was founded. Students will also be
introduced to the "Declaration of Independence" and the
"Constitution".
Additional Enhancement Courses
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Music
All elementary students participate in music class during the week. Music consists of singing, playing, listening, moving and analyzing. They also develop musical skills at age appropriate levels while gaining an understanding of music in relationship to other arts, history and culture. The students also participate in 2 musical performances throughout the year to showcase what they have learned in the classroom.
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Art
The students are learning about great artists, experiencing a variety of mediums, and developing skills of ability and expression all for the glory of God.
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Physical Education
The students work on caring for their bodies, through training, and developing their physical abilities, as a valuable gift from God. This also includes learning to work as a team and follow directions.
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Library
The students are taught to appreciate literature by listening and observing as books are read to them. They are taught how to take care of books and introduced to authors and illustrators. It also serves as a gateway of information for students, providing support to instruction and literacy development in the information age.
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Computer
The students are taught what computer science is and how it pertains to our world. They are taught keyboarding: proper hand placement, accuracy, and speed, muscle memory, and posture when keyboarding. Digital Citizenship is also addressed. Microsoft 365 and Google products are also used.
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Spanish
Language comes naturally to everyone, as beings created in God's image, we have a unique capacity to communicate through language.
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. God desires that people from all languages become part of his kingdom (Rev 5:9). One of the best ways Christians can demonstrate Christ's love is to communicate with people in their native language.
Have you ever met someone who has stated, "I took Spanish four years in high school, but I can't speak it." Science has shown that the process of acquiring our first language actually begins prior to birth. God has designed us to begin hearing sounds and acquiring them from the earliest stages of our lives.
There are so many benefits for children to learn a new language at an early age. First, it is easier than trying to learn it later. It stimulates the child's curiosity and helps boost their cognitive development which helps their overall academic progress. It tends to display more empathy toward others and more receptive to other cultures.
The curriculum used is Christian based and has been designed to help students focus on proper development. The texts are organized into units dealing with school, home, community and world.
Each unit provide students with level-appropriate vocabulary. All activities include practice pronunciation and word formation. Culture is an important part of the lessons as well. Students will develop their ability to think critically from a biblical perspective on cultural issues in the Hispanic world, and they will be continually reminded that studying Spanish is one the many ways that they can fulfill the biblical mandate to love God and others.
To help support the students' learning, they participate in activities in an enjoyable atmosphere. Projects and the use of technology are provided to middle school students.
These specialized areas of instruction are an integral part of the curriculum and development of our students.