WAB is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school
which incorporates an inquiry based approach to learning. The PYP
identifies a body of significant knowledge suitable for all students
across a range of curriculum areas. In Grade 2 students will study
the following units of inquiry.
Where we are in place and time - Exploring our world
(Explorers)
How the world works – May the Force Be With You
(Forces)
How we express ourselves – Creative Communication
(Communication & Feelings)
Who we are - Healthy Habits (Health)
How we organize ourselves – You Can’t Always
Get What You Want (Needs and Wants)
Sharing the planet – Jack and the Beanstalk (Plants)
English
English is comprised of four key areas which are the basis for
all language related activities and are integrated throughout the
curriculum to provide a stimulating whole language approach in the
classroom.
READING
Grade 2 provides a rich and varied reading program and related reading
/ language activities with the overall aim of building vocabulary,
learning decoding strategies and using reading as a stimulus for
finding and using information. Varied approaches are used to facilitate
the learning of these skills.
WRITING
Writing is a natural progression from reading. Children will be
given the opportunity to write in a variety of styles and for a
variety of purposes. They are encouraged to be active and responsible
for their own proof reading and editing. This encourages them to
self-edit and constructively criticize their own work. Writing is
often published in different ways to be enjoyed by all.
SPEAKING AND LISTENING
These elements of the English program work alongside each other
and allow the children practice with:
Giving and following instructions
Reading aloud and listening
Listening and sharing in group or class discussion
Asking and answering questions
Presenting information to an audience
Gaining confidence in oral speaking
Reading with fluency and expression
Mathematics
The Grade 2 Mathematics program is based on the five strands of
our Mathematics curriculum. These are Number, Shape and Space, Pattern
and Function, Measurement and Data Handling. It is taught in focused
teaching sessions and is integrated into Units of Inquiry when appropriate.
The children are taught different concepts and skills and learn
how to problem solve and reason. Children work in class groups,
small groups or independently, depending on needs and ability, and
are encouraged to use appropriate mathematics language and to communicate
mathematically.
Homework
The policy for homework in Grade 2 is that the child will have
an average of 20 minutes homework a night (Monday-Thursday). We
ask for completed tasks to be returned to school on Friday. Homework
will be comprised of reading, reinforcement activities related to
class work and tasks that may not of been completed during class
time. There may be days where there is no homework as we believe
in homework for a purpose rather than as a rule.
Languages
All students who have functional ability in English and who are
not in the Dutch program are able to participate in the Chinese
Language Program. Courses are offered at a number of levels to provide
the best fit for a child’s ability, experience and needs.
The programs offered are:
Introductory Chinese for Beginners
Practical Chinese (Plum)
Academic Chinese – At this level, students have a range
of options depending on experience, fluency and relative desire
to focus on speaking and listening or reading and writing.
Chinese culture integrates with all Chinese Language programs across
the school. More information about the Chinese program is available
from the Chinese Language Department.
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts program at WAB Elementary School introduces
students to the areas of music, drama and dance. Within these areas,
students are exposed to elements of performing, creating, listening
and responding in order to develop a greater understanding of the
following key issues:
What makes a successful performer?
People develop artistic ideas by experimenting and sharing.
The way that people express their ideas changes over time.
The Performing Arts utilize patterns and structures.
Many of the skills and concepts can be transferred between artistic
disciplines. All students will be encouraged to see themselves as
creative and performing artists.
Physical Education
Physical Education at WAB involves pupils in a continuous process
of planning, performing and evaluating. The greatest emphasis is
placed on the actual performance aspect of the subject.
Knowledge, understanding and skills are developed through a diverse
range of sports units such as Gymnastics, Athletics, Soccer, Racket
Sports, Music and Movement, Floor Hockey, Adventure Challenge, Large
Ball Handling Games, Small Ball Manipulation Games, Health Related
Fitness and a diverse Aquatics Program.
Special Events
Culmination Challenge Days and Whole School Mass participation Events
are also offered to further enhance the curriculum.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program at WAB Elementary School introduces students
to the areas of drawing, painting, collage, printing, textiles,
sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and digital imagery. Within these
areas, students are exposed to elements of art appreciation, art
history; designing, making and creating artworks and presenting
artworks to an audience in order to develop a greater understanding
of the following key issues:
What makes a successful artist?
People develop artistic ideas by experimenting, creating and
sharing.
People express their art ideas through different media.
The Visual Arts utilize and reflect life’s experiences.
Many of the skills and concepts can be transferred between artistic
disciplines. All students will be encouraged to express themselves
through their art.
