"MONTESSORI INSPIRED" ELEMENTARY
Our Montessori-Inspired Elementary program is divided into two, Lower Elementary (grade 2- 4) and Upper Elementary (grade 5-6). This program is primarily based on the British National Curriculum (key stages 1 & 2) while incorporating some well acclaimed pedagogy and programs . You may be wondering what we at WLMS mean when we say our Elementary program is “Montessori- Inspired”... click here to learn more
ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM
LITERACY
Effective reading instruction addresses five essential components for beginning readers: Phonemic awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension. Here at WLMS, we use a modified version of Spalding’s Writing Road to Reading, using a multisensory approach to teach reading, writing, and spelling. Classroom teachers supplement their reading instruction by introducing guided reading passages and word work from readinga-z.com and structure their literacy block using the Daily 5 model, developed by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. Writing is based off of the 6 + 1 Traits Writing.
MATHEMATICS
Our goal is to help produce confident problem solvers who enjoy the study of math. Through the use of the Singapore Math program which is very similar in methodology to Montessori math. Students learn math facts, rules, and formulas, and are able to use this knowledge in real life applications. This method teaches math moving from concrete materials to pictorial representations then abstract thinking. It uses model drawing and hands-on materials to help form mathematical thinking. The study of math includes memorisation, but it also encompasses learning the concepts that are critical to problem solving.
SCIENCE
At WLMS, Science is taught through an inquiry-based, hands-on syllabus. It is designed to meet the challenge of providing meaningful science education and prepare students for the 21st century. The students learn important scientific concepts and develop the ability to think critically through their own inquiries, investigations, and analyses. Lessons combine reading material, discussion and activities in a small-group setting, thus providing stimuli for budding scientists to do further research and spark interest in higher level study. The curriculum engages students as they explore the natural world.
SOCIAL STUDIES & GEOGRAPHY
At WLMS we provide students with a foundational understanding of world geography, major cultures, an idea of the chronological order of historical events, and, most important, an enthusiasm for history and geography. We integrate the Montessori history & geography syllabus as our guide with supplemental stories and activities.
MUSIC
Our music program is offered to all our students Primarily utilizing the Montessori music curriculum. Elements of the syllabus include, but are not limited to the following topics: Theory (Reading & Writing), History & Geography, Vocal Development. The WLMS music program is committed to developing the whole musician through training the Ear, Mind, Hand & Heart and supports this by offering music two days a week to our students.
ART
We believe Art is a fundamental part of a complete education. It provides experiences, knowledge, and a way of knowing not found in any other curriculum area. Art education provides a means for students to be artistically creative, the ability to express themselves, and involves students intellectually and spiritually. It also provides knowledge and skills that transfer to other disciplines and life situations.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Our students learn to develop the sense of physical and spatial awareness through movement towards the eventual mastery of locomotor and nonlocomotor movement patterns. Manipulative skills & fitness activities strengthen the motor skills and the developing body. We achieve this primarily through the use of BrainDance® developed by Anne Green Gilbert.
PRACTICAL LIFE
In order for us to present the children with the world, we must continue to present them with skills needed to function in it. Students continue practicing and advance their skills such as cooking, sewing, and gardening. Cleaning activities will still be an essential part of the classroom day. Students continue to care for their environment and are now able to take an even more active role in supporting it and promoting growth within their community.
As students become older they can start manipulating more tools, making it possible for them to explore subjects such as carpentry, mechanics and engineering.
Extending their skills outside their classroom through community and special events is a large part of the practical life curriculum during the second plane of development.
COMMUNITY & SPECIAL EVENTS
Each year we host a variety of activities for the students at WLMS. These may include, but are not limited to: GrandParent's day, Coffee with dads, Muffin with Moms, Tea Party, Talent Show, Sports Day.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious literacy is the knowledge of, and ability to understand, religion, beliefs, practices, spiritual insights and secular world views. It plays an important part in preparing pupils for life in modern world. Its importance is increasing as globalisation has created greater links and migration between societies of different faiths and cultures. Someone who is religiously literate is able to talk with fluency and understanding about religion and belief. It is firmly rooted within educational practice. A crucial aspect of religious literacy is through school RE.
The aims of the RE syllabus at the elementary level are for learners:
• to begin to develop religious literacy;
• to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of the principal religions and world views (starting with those represented in their local and regional communities, before moving to international / global religions and belief systems)
• to develop attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own;