WAB has adopted the International Baccalaureate PYP program 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 4 students will study the
following social studies, science and health units.
Who we are – All Systems Go! (body systems)
Where we are in place and time – Draw Me a Map
How we express ourselves - See Me, Hear Me, Know Me
(modern communication)
How the world works - Invention Convention
How we organize ourselves – Work and Play
Sharing the planet - Our Fragile Planet
English
The grade 4 English programme reflects a Balanced Literacy
philosophy and methodology. Literary skills (punctuation, grammar,
paragraphing, oral skills, etc.) are taught both explicitly and
holistically within authentic contexts of language. Children’s
experiences, assignments and literature selections are selected
from developmentally appropriate literature. As much as possible,
we try to respond to children’s needs, interests, and desires
when selecting their English materials.
Reading
Grade 4 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 a
variety of purposes. In Grade 4 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 proofreading 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 4 Mathematics program builds on the concepts and skills
that have been developed during the previous grade level. The work
covered is often taught as an integrated part of the program but
more often is taught as mathematics itself.
The approach chosen will depend upon the concept being explored
and on the needs and learning styles of the children. Thus a unit
on graph work is often integrated into the units of inquiry, whereas
specific number work is more likely taught as ‘stand alone’
mathematics itself.
Children will be encouraged to become progressively independent
in their learning. Opportunities are given for class, group and
individual learning. Usually a unit is introduced to the class as
a whole and then opportunities for reinforcement or extension work
are given depending on the success of the individual child.
The program tries to ensure that the children get every opportunity
to apply their learning to real life situations.
The program covers a wide breadth of learning and includes the
strands of number; shape and space; pattern and function; measurement
and data handling.
Home learning
Students in Grade 4 are expected to complete no more than 30 minutes
of home learning each night. Home learning may consist of finishing
or consolidating ideas from English, Mathematics, the current unit
of inquiry or work assigned by single subject teachers. Students
are also expected to read every night. Home learning should be a
positive experience for both children and parents – a time
to talk, share, learn together and laugh.
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.
