Saint Agnes School

Quality Catholic Education for Grades K to 8

 Curriculum

The curriculum of Saint Agnes School has its basis in the Curriculum of the Archdiocese of Boston.

Kindergarten

The purpose of the full-day kindergarten program is to develop those skills which will prepare the child for academic achievement.  Major emphasis is placed on cultivating social and self-help skills:  following rules, separating from a parent, sharing the teacher’s attention, responsibility for personal belongings, and relating with other children.

Within the atmosphere of a faith community, the children learn that they are special and loved by God, through their family and the family of the Church.  Children are introduced to prayer and to the loving goodness of God through the gifts of creation and through the greatest Gift, Jesus.  They participate in school prayer and liturgical services.

Kindergarten students are prepared for reading, language arts, and mathematics by participating in activities that develop communication skills, listening skills, hand-eye coordination, letter and number recognition and formation, and following directions.  Field trips, show and tell, the use of books, tapes, posters, and alphabet cards help the child to recall and tell stories, sequence events, learn the alphabet sounds, spell, and appreciate books.  Children who are reading or are advanced in other areas are given activities suitable for their level.  Through the use of manipulatives and games, children learn to recognize the numerals, money, one-to-one correspondence, geometric shapes, measurement and to do simple addition and subtraction. Activities such as cutting, pasting, coloring, using clay, painting, LEGO and block building, and creative play help to develop fine motor coordination in preparation for writing.

The kindergarten students also participate in weekly physical education classes with age appropriate games and exercises.  These classes aid in developing fine and gross motor skills, and teach the child to share, to work as a team, and to follow directions.

The students learn the basics of the computer.  They have the opportunity to work in the computer lab weekly and are taught grade appropriate skills.  In addition, the children have opportunities to work with reading and math software in their classroom.

The youngsters also participate in weekly art, library, and music classes. 

Primary Grades

The major focus of the primary grade curriculum is on developing skills in reading and mathematics.  The reading program focuses on word study and comprehension using a strong phonics program integrated with language arts, spelling and writing mechanics.

The mathematics program begins by developing a number sense.  Patterns, simple addition and subtraction, time, money, and measurement are the focus of the first grade.  During the second grade, students continue with double-digit addition and subtraction, problem solving and the beginning of the multiplication tables.  The third grade curriculum emphasizes the mastering of the multiplication tables and introduces division.  Problem solving and other mathematical strategies are also stressed.

Cursive handwriting is introduced during the second half of grade two.  Third grade students are expected to become proficient in cursive writing.

The religion program helps the child to come to know Jesus through His life and teachings.  Emphasis is placed on our relationship with others in the Family of God.  Second graders are prepared for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Students develop an understanding of physical, life, and earth science by questioning and making predictions.  In many instances the science curriculum is interrelated with the language arts/reading curriculum.

In social studies the children begin by learning about their relation to the family and community and then expand this knowledge to include their state, the country and the world.  The use of maps, globes, and charts helps to provide a basis for understanding history and geography.  The students also study various historical figures especially as they relate to holidays and celebrations.

Third graders on a field trip to the zoo.

Intermediate Level

Beginning in the fourth grade, students change classes for some subjects.  Concepts learned in the primary grades are expanded upon and students are expected to become more responsible for their academic progress.

The reading program emphasizes vocabulary development, oral reading skills, and comprehension, enabling the student to become an independent reader.  Trade books are used to encourage the child to experience many and varied genres.  Students in grades five and six participate in the Max Warburg Courage Curriculum, a program involving both reading and writing, which is designed to help the children to recognize the importance of courage in themselves and others. 

The language arts curriculum includes process writing, poetry, grammar, correct usage and mechanics, speaking and listening skills, along with dictionary and library skills.  Spelling lessons are a review of phonics patterns learned in grades one through three, using words in meaningful context, and transferring spelling skills to the writing process.

The purpose of the mathematics program is to teach a combination of computation and problem solving skills.  To be successful problem solvers, students must master the basic skills.  Lessons and practice are reinforced with daily cumulative review, textbook assignments, computer programs, and regular math homework assignments.

The religion program in grade four focuses on the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.  Grade five studies the Mass and the Sacraments in depth.  Grade six explores the history of the Catholic faith and the journey of God’s people as told in the Old Testament.  The students are helped to apply concepts learned to their own lives.

A thematic, hands-on approach to science enables the child to explore various areas including plants and animals, properties of matter and energy, weather, earth, and oceans.  Students are led to see science as part of technology, society, and personal experience.

The main focus of the fourth grade social studies curriculum is the study of the history and geography of the regions of the United States with emphasis on the state of Massachusetts.  Grade five studies the history of the United States.  The highlight of this study is “Colonial Day” which is celebrated in May, when parents assist students with crafts, food, art, music, and games of the 1700’s.  The sixth grade centers on world cultures, beginning with prehistoric civilization and culminating with the Middle Ages.

Sixth and seventh grade students participate in a book club program with the Arlington Catholic Women’s Club.  All participants read a selected novel and then meet for a pizza lunch to discuss the book.

Junior High

Religion for seventh graders focuses on developing morality and conscience and on relating the life of Jesus to today’s teenager.  The theme of the eighth grade program is the history and mission of the Catholic Church.  Group work, role-playing, and projects are an integral part of these courses.

Students in the junior high are given the option to study Latin or Spanish.  Latin begins with basic grammar and vocabulary.  Students then use their knowledge to translate passages.  The course also acquaints the student with the history and culture of the Roman people.

Literature covers all genres.  Students are encouraged to analyze and discuss fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.  The independent reading and reporting on of trade books is also required throughout the year.

English grammar and composition continues to be developed with emphasis being placed on equipping the student with the skills necessary to write persuasive, explanatory, and descriptive essays.

The junior high mathematics program reviews and applies concepts learned, and further develops skills through solving relevant higher-level operations.  Those seventh grade students who are academically ready are introduced to algebra.  Algebra I is offered to prepare those eighth grade students who will be eligible for honors or advanced placement in high school.

The activity-centered science curriculum covers the structure and function of living organisms in grade seven and the study of earth and physical science in grade eight.

The study of America is a two-year course, tracing our history from the early explorers through the present.

Investing 101 introduces the students to the world of finance, where they learn the importance of saving money and investing it wisely.  Emphasis is placed on using the Internet to research stocks and track club portfolios.  The stock clubs also participate in the CNBC Student Stock contest.

SPECIAL AREAS:

Computer, library, physical education, art, music, and Spanish 

The students learn the basics of the computer beginning in kindergarten.  As they progress throughout the grades, the youngsters are taught to start, save, print and exit computer programs.  They learn to use a word processor and a desktop publisher effectively and to type using home row positions.  They are able to access the Internet and use a search engine for information, sound and pictures.  They produce PowerPoint presentations and use a digital camera to incorporate pictures into Word documents and PowerPoint presentations.  The use of spreadsheets, charts, and graphs is developed for application in several subject areas.  Reinforcement software is used in the computer lab as well as in individual classrooms.

In physical education class students in grades kindergarten through two are taught locomotor, fine motor, and gross motor skills that prepare them for sports.  Grades three through eight learn the skills and rules of various sports with the intent that these sports may be enjoyed for a lifetime.  Cardiovascular endurance and physical strength are promoted to improve the overall health of the child. 

Art classes for grades kindergarten through two engage the student in drawing, painting, designing, printmaking, sculpting and construction.  These activities involve the process of selecting, arranging, and decision-making.  Children become acquainted with works by various artists.  Students in grades three, four, and five continue to work with visual arts introduced in the lower grades while increasing their skills in working with art media to express ideas, feelings, and values.  Students identify themes and symbols that different cultures use to portray common themes.  Grades six through eight build on previous skills and learn to distinguish among art from major cultural areas of the world and from different time periods.

The music curriculum in the primary grades fosters participation in both individual and group singing, moving to rhythms, listening experiences, and singing games.  These experiences are continued and developed through the middle grades.  During the junior high years, singing, music theory, and the opportunity to understand different music forms is expanded.  All students learn liturgical music for our monthly liturgies.

A program of conversational Spanish is presented to students in grades kindergarten through eight.  Beginning with the introduction of numbers, color words, the names of common objects, and simple phrases, the children build on their knowledge to carry on conversations.  Spanish culture and customs are also introduced and studied.

Students with special education needs have access to the learning center where they may receive extra help in small group situations.  The learning center teacher coordinates her instruction with the classroom curriculum when implementing the individual education plan of the student.

A guidance counselor is on staff to meet with students individually or in small groups.  Classroom teachers frequently meet with parents and/or students to discuss academic, emotional, and behavioral issues.  Programs are in place to address the topics of sexuality, substance abuse, character development, health, and safety.

Field trips are planned for each class throughout the year to coincide with the curriculum.  Students may visit a historical site, attend a play about a story or book they hav read, or view exhibits of science or social studies topics covered.

The use of LEGO’s is integrated throughout the curriculum at all grade levels.  Students use them as manipulatives for math, construct vehicles for science experiments, develop computer programs to operate robotic devices, and build social studies displays.  

The school library is accessible to all students.  The children in kindergarten through grade six visit the library as a class once per week to receive instruction in library science and to borrow books.

Students in grades two through eight are given the Terra Nova Test of Basic Skills in October.  Results are communicated to the parents in January.  Students’ scores are consistently within the top twenty-five percent of those students tested nationally.

Many opportunities are available to enrich and expand the curriculum and to develop a youngster’s special talents.  Among the activities are:  musical productions, band concerts, plays, Grandparents’ Day, Veterans’ Awareness Day, outreach to those less fortunate, special academic projects, Cultural Arts programs, participation in Liturgical celebrations, and the “Buddy” program.