Educational Curriculum Guideline at InterFaith Settlement
Pre-School/Primary
School (Kindergarten): Age ~ 2 – 5
Elementary
School: Age ~ 6 – 8; Levels 1 – 3
Higher
Elementary School: Age ~ 9 – 10; Levels 4 – 5
Middle
School: Age ~ 11 – 13; Levels 6 – 8
Preparatory
School: Age ~ 14 – 17; Levels 9 - 12
Subject
Categories (from Levels 1 - 12):
-
Civilisations
-
Mathematics
-
Language
-
Nature
-
Technology
General
Curriculum Guideline for (Levels K - 3)
Civilisations
- stories of notable people/peoples from five areas of civilisation
o Mediterranea
o
o
o
o Tainoterranea (Western Hemisphere/Americas)
- emphasis on describing daily life of peoples
- stories from the scriptures of Universalism
o Hinduism
o Judaism
o Buddhism
o Christianity
o Islam
- preparation for individual initiative by fourth grade (individual research)
Mathematics
- instruction of numbers/mathematics in Spanish language through fifth grade
- progression of mathematical concepts
o introduction of numbers
o addition
o subtraction
o multiplication
o division/long-division
o (preparation for equations/basic algebra by fourth grade)
- utilisation of learning tools (counting items, flash cards) to facilitate progression
- periodic testing on mathematical skills
Language
- primary instruction in all subjects (with exception of Mathematics) in English/Afrean
- progression of English/Afrean proficiency
o recitation, writing of alphabet
o vocabulary
o spelling
o grammatical structure
o sentences and paragraphs
- preparation for essay writing by fourth grade
- periodic testing on English/Afrean proficiency
- Chinese Mandarin instruction
o writing, recitation of characters
- Arabic instruction
o Writing, recitation of alphabet and vocabulary
- Spanish
o Emphasis on verbal vocabulary, grammatical structure, and conversational speaking
- French
o Emphasis on verbal vocabulary, grammatical structure, and conversational speaking
- Bantu/Swahili
o Introduction of concepts, vocabulary
- preparation for basic conversational proficiency in Spanish and French, and potential for proficiency in Chinese Mandarin and Arabic
Nature
- emphasis on basic concepts of the Universe, the Solar System, the Earth and Moon, weather, minerals, plants, animals, and human beings
- reinforcement of basic concepts through actualisation (nature walks, animal care, agriculture, and visitation to other educational centres)
- preparation for structured learning of conventional sciences and other natural approaches (Eastern and Western) by fourth grade
Technology
- practical utilisation of computers and other appropriate technological devices to facilitate learning in other subjects
- emphasis on practical physics and geometry through learning tools (blocks, erector sets, and other constructive items)
- preparation for analytical consideration of technology by fourth grade
General
Curriculum Guideline for Higher Elementary (Levels 4 – 5)
- introduction of class lectures and discussions
- emphasis on individual research and projects
- emphasis on group projects and cooperative learning
General
Curriculum Guideline for Middle School (Levels 6 - 8)
- preparation for Preparatory School and International Baccalaureate Programme
- introduction of structured courses for each subject with quarterly evaluations
- provision of free periods, without recess, for individual and group work
- introduction of mentorship programme with elementary students
General
Curriculum Guideline for Preparatory School (Levels 9 – 12)
- implementation of International Baccalaureate Programme
- preparation for university scholarship
Additional
Considerations
- appropriate inclusion of meals with prayers, and recreational recess
- emphasis on instrumental music and art appreciation and practice and learning of vocal songs to facilitate learning within other subjects and learning of traditional songs to celebrate religious observances
- recruitment of young women (with an emphasis on college-aged women, 18 – 24) to conduct instruction within the pre-school and primary school and the academy
o emphasis on multicultural gathering of young women as instructors
o emphasis on recruiting young women with minimum of high school diploma and some awareness of five disciplines who are intrinsically searching for Universalism (club-goers)
o training to prepare young women to conduct instruction through the Montessori Method and the Universalistic approach
o training of young women in the practice of Universalism and religious observances within Universalism
o preparation of young women for lifestyle within Universalism
- implementation of Montessori Method in instruction
- international accreditation/Montessori accreditation
- International Baccalaureate Programme preparation
- instruction within formal English language
-
(charter for pre-school/primary
school with review of charter for
- occupational tract for students to be employed within the vast array of international institutions for any of the five disciplines (continual review of entry-level application/qualifications for international institutions)
Notes
The United Nations International School is an academy (Levels K – 12) where the children of the diplomats of the United Nations attend classes. The curriculum guideline provided through the school provides a good indication of the international standard of proficiency in which students perform in preparation for secondary and higher education.
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) provides certain resources and information pertaining various educational issues.
The various Montessori websites provide
information pertaining the details of in-class
instruction and the specifics concerning the implementation of curriculum
guidelines, as well as the actual materials necessary for instruction within
the classroom.
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