Building on the Early Years
Fern Hill’s enriched curriculum for the primary grades provides students with a solid foundation of both academic and social skills. These students are introduced to French, Music, Art and Drama starting in Preschool and those topics expand throughout the primary and junior grades.
Fern Hill recognizes the need for an individualized approach to education. In a small class setting, each child is assured a programme geared to an appropriate level of ability and interest. Students are offered a strong academic curriculum and opportunities for learning which stimulate intellectual growth. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and supportive with experienced teachers nurturing the personal growth of each child.
The Primary Programme – Grade 1 – 3
In the Primary grades, emphasis is placed in the core skills of reading, written expression and mathematics. These areas are supported by the courses of study in other areas with a focus on being creative through self-expression, art, music, drama and writing.
Our small class size enables the teacher to create an individualized programme that extends the boundaries of the curriculum. Life management is introduced in Grade 1 and is designed to help develop students’ self-awareness and their place in the world at large. Topics of discussion and interest are geared towards the students’ age level and advance throughout the Fern Hill years. In Grade 3, History, Geography and Science are introduced as distinct academic programmes taught by subject specialists.
In following with our philosophy to educate the whole child, students in Grades 1 through 3 actively participate in extracurricular activities, house league teams and community based activities which further enhance and develop community-minded values.
The Junior Programme – Grade 4 and 5
The Junior grades continue to build upon the skills developed in the Primary level. The learning process continues to be an enjoyable experience as students meet new challenges in a strong, fun, academic programme. Homework is assigned regularly and students continue to expand and demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards their studies.
Math, French, Language, History and Geography progress throughout the Fern Hill curriculum and Science is expanded to include lab work. Advance course offerings are also available. Drama continues to enhance the Language programme and by Grade 4, students are eager to take part in their first major school dramatic production. Past performances have included: Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, the Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and Seuessical the Musical.
Music in Grade 5 includes vocal instruction and instrumental band involving woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. French Geography is also introduced in Grade 5 and students are able to begin to try out for varsity team sports which compete with other area independent schools.
As our students progress through the curriculum they develop a strong foundation for the Grade 6, 7 and 8 experience. Through various mentoring and leadership opportunities, students in Grade 4 and 5 learn to be responsible citizens who can have a significant impact on the world around them. They are able to look up to role models in the Intermediate grades and look forward to their chance to be a Grade 8 leader.
