Elementary

Lower Elementary (Grades 1 – 3)

At MSA, our Lower Elementary curriculum is designed to support the development and growth of our students emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually. We encourage and motivate our students to view learning as a lifelong and exciting process, strive to develop a high level of academic skills, positive social and cultural values and that will equip them to succeed in the 21st century.

A range of levels in development and learning styles are recognized and used to plan their experiences of learning. Students engage in multilevel balanced literacy programs that incorporate authentic reading and writing experiences in our child-centered classrooms. The balanced literacy framework is designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively through shared and independent activities. Through the guided inquiry process they learn skills and pieces of knowledge and are able to apply them in authentic settings to help them develop a clear understanding of what they are learning and why.

The curriculum is delivered through carefully planned Units of Inquiry. These are based on the school-wide identified standards and indicators developed through the Canadian, Alberta Curriculum in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Religion. We also focus on the local Bermudian environment so students understand the world in which they live. Along with these core subject areas, students receive lessons in Physical Education, Art, Music, and technology is used throughout all learning experiences.

As a rule, student learning in core subjects is limited to 12 – 15 students. Homeroom class sizes will range from 24 – 30 students; however, these groups are divided into smaller learning groups for core subjects in order to better serve the learning needs of students.

Upper Elementary (Grade 4 and 5)

The students in Upper Elementary take an active role in their learning. An emphasis on Balanced Literacy assists students in further developing their language skills. They have opportunities to improve their reading, writing, and communication abilities through different comprehension strategies. These strategies help students become aware of the essential skills necessary to access and interpret information both within the classroom and the world outside. Numeracy is also a strong focus within this level. Students learn to understand math as a process rather than just an operation. Emphasis is placed on using different strategies, logic, and reasoning to solve problems. An inquiry-based learning approach is utilized throughout the various subjects with careful guidance given by the teachers. Through the inquiry process, students learn how to plan, retrieve, interpret and communicate their learning in unique ways. Through hands-on learning projects, guest speakers, and field trips in the community, students gain a better understanding of the relevance of their learning and make real-world connections. Throughout this level, the teachers aim to inspire self-directed, life-long learners that are able to think critically as caring, global citizens.

As a rule, student learning in core subjects is limited to 12 – 15 students. Homeroom class sizes will range from 24 – 30 students, however, these groups are divided into smaller learning groups for core subjects in order to better serve the learning needs of students.