WAB has adopted the International Baccalaureate PYP program which
incorporate 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 3 students will study the
following units of inquiry.
Who we are – Our unique cultural identity
Sharing the planet – The relationships within
an ecosystem
How the world works – The properties of sound
Where we are in place and time – The actions
and contributions of significant people
How we organize ourselves – The services in a
community
How we express ourselves – Using symbolism to
express ideas
English
English is comprised of four key areas which are the basis for
all language related activities and are used in conjunction with
each other to provide a stimulating whole language approach in the
classroom.
Reading
Grade 3 provides a rich and varied reading program and related reading
/ language activities with the overall aim of building vocabulary,
learning decoding and comprehension 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 different
purposes. In Grade 3 students will expand their knowledge of the
writing process and will further develop the skills required at
each stage. Students 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 can
then be 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 / class discussion
Asking and answering questions
Presenting information to an audience
Gaining confidence in oral speaking
Reading with fluency and expression
Mathematics
The Grade 3 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. 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
Students in Grade 3 will be set no more than 25 minutes of homework
each night by the homeroom teacher. Homework will be comprised of
reinforcement activities related to class time and reading. There
may be days where there is no homework, as we believe in homework
for a purpose rather than as a rule. In addition to homework given
by the homeroom teacher, students may also be set tasks to complete
at home by their languages teacher.
Chinese language homework varies depending on the grade and performance
level and may be an additional 5-30 minutes to the times listed
below.
Languages
All students who have functional ability in English and who are
not in the Dutch or French programs 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.
