Our Lady of Calvary uses the approved elementary curriculum from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It includes the following 13 Subjects:
To learn more, visit: http://www.aopcatholicschools.org/elementary-schools/curriculum/
The curriculum at Our Lady of Calvary integrates religious truths and values with the enrichment of each student’s education through varied offerings to develop the whole child. The basic goal of our curriculum is to improve the learning situation so that our students may grow, learn, and develop to their capacity spiritually, mentally, and socially. Programs in our school are based on guidelines set up by the Archdiocesan Office. Teachers follow these guidelines and correlate materials appropriate to the recommended courses of study.
Our Full-day Kindergarten and Pre-K programs serve the children in a warm, secure, caring environment. They become acquainted with the alphabet, numbers, Bible stories, prayers, use of manipulatives, listening and social skills. We encourage positive interaction with the children and their classmates. We focus on nurturing our children in an atmosphere conducive to bringing out the best in them at their level of maturation.
Students in these grades are nurtured in a very caring and understanding manner. Their Reading skills are strengthened by the ELA Program. They are encouraged to participate in opportunities for verbal and written expression. Beginning Math skills are reinforced through daily drill and maintenance exercises. Their progress is closely monitored to pick up weaknesses or provide enrichment activities where needed. Remediation is also available through CORA and Title I services, tutoring, parent volunteers, etc. These students are also taught Religion, Social Studies, Computer Science, Physical Education, Art, Music and Spanish. Students also attend Science Lab.
These students have their subject areas departmentalized. They will also do more work independently and put cooperative learning skills to use. They learn more study and organizational skills and are expected to strive to make the best of their developing talents. ELA is more advanced at this point and their writing skills become enhanced by projects and assignments that bring to light their abilities in this area. Math skills also advance to problem solving, fractions, decimals, percents, basic geometry, etc. Students who qualify are entered in the Honors Math Program. Our students also advance in the study of Religion, Social Studies, Science, Computer, Physical Education, Art, Music and Spanish. Students also attend Science Lab.
Students in these grades are prepared for what awaits them in high school. Since the ground rules for behavior and study skills are already in place, the students are expected to take these two remaining years very seriously. ELA is advanced and the students have put together a portfolio of their best written work. These classes are also departmentalized and our students are developing their independent and critical thinking skills. Math skills require daily drill and maintenance as students progress to more complicated problem-solving, geometry, ratio, pre-algebra, etc. Our students continue to study Religion, Social Studies, Science, Computer, Physical Education, Art, Music, Spanish, and attend Science Lab.
Grades 3 to 7 take the TerraNova standardized test each year. Results are very specific and these are given to the students for their families to cite strengths and remediate weaknesses.
Homework, which includes both written and study assignments, reinforces learning concepts already presented in the classroom. Assuming the responsibility of completing homework is part of the maturing process of the growing child. Parents are to foster systematic study habits in their children (consistent time and place daily) and require neatness, accuracy, and completeness before approving their work by signing it daily. (The importance of chores: “When children are expected to make contributions to the family requiring sustained effort and sacrifice, they learn how to display these same qualities at school. They also get the practice they need to eventually display these character attributes at work and in their marriages.” Dr. Charles Fay: From Bad Grades to a Great Life.)
Students are not permitted to do homework in school without the teacher's permission. When absent, students are to have a “study-buddy” to assist with information that has been missed. When calling in an absent child, homework may be requested if you intend to pick it up or have it picked up: Before 3:30 — At the Workroom After 3:30 — CARES program in the gym or school basement, until 6:00 PM. Suggested time allotments for homework are: 30 minutes for Grades 1 and 2, 60 minutes for Grades 3 and 4, 90 minutes for Grades 5 and 6, and 120 minutes for Grades 7 and 8.
Students in Grades 3 to 8 use a regulation Homework Assignment Copy. It is imperative that all homework assignments be placed in it and that it be in the possession of each student in every class throughout the day. Parents are to check it daily for notations from teachers. Back-up informaton regarding homework/grades may be found on the school website under "Teachers' Pages" or Google Classroom for Grades 1 to 8.
Homework negligence is unacceptable. Homework that is incomplete, incorrect, or not done will be noted in the Homework Assignment Copy and will be a separate mark to be averaged in with other assessments for a final report card grade in that particular subject. Points will be deducted from the report card mark of the subject areas neglected for each instance of negligence. Offenders will do their homework during lunchtime under the supervision of a teacher.