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At our Upper Primary School we recognize that children have different strengths, backgrounds and interests, and develop at different rates. Our school’s learning environment is designed to accommodate a flexible learning program with activities and assignments geared to meet individual learning needs.
The course of study at HKIS parallels school subjects taught in the United States.
The HKIS curriculum is student centred, and all areas of work are coordinated from Reception 1 to Grade 12, with close attention given to the transition years: from Grade 2 to 3, Grade 5 to 6, and Grade 8 to 9. The curriculum also enables students to attain HKIS Student Learning Results.
The Upper Primary School the academic program pursues the following subject areas:
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The Upper Primary literacy curriculum is based on standards aligned to HKIS school wide Language Arts standards, and has Bonnie Cambell Hill’s Reading Continuum, and the 6 Traits of Writing as integral components of the instruction and assessment programs.
Students will take part in reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading where students choose their own books. In writing students will produce personal writing, creative writing, writing about literature, subject writing, research writing and persuasive writing.
Listening and speaking is also developed for effective communication and learning.
It is our goal to provide a literacy program that will allow students to become lifelong readers and writers. |
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Reading Standards
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Writing Standards
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Reading Habits:
Students will acquire the habit of reading for understanding and enjoyment.
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Habits & Processes:
Students will develop an understanding of the writing process and apply that understanding in all written work. |
Getting the Meaning:
Students will demonstrate skills and apply strategies for reading a variety of literary genres and informational text.
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Writing Purposes and Resulting Genres:
Students will write in a variety of genres of different purposes and for different audiences.
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Reading Process:
Students will develop and acquire strategies for the reading process.
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Language Use and Conventions:
Students will explore language usage and apply conventions within the context of their writing. |
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The Upper Primary Math Program is based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) 10 standards. At each grade level students will explore: problem solving, communication, reasoning, connections and representation, and use a variety of tools including manipulatives, calculators and computers.
The areas of mathematics in the Upper Primary program are:
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The Upper primary Science program is based on the National Science Education Standards and is taught using a variety of methods including: inquiry based learning, hands-on experiments, and model construction to facilitate understanding. Thinking skills focus on questioning, planning and conducting investigations, gathering evidence and reporting findings.
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The subject areas at each Grade are as follows:
GRADE 3
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GRADE 4 |
GRADE 5 |
Earth Materials
Identifying and testing minerals and rocks.
Properties of minerals and rocks.
Impact of extraction and uses of minerals.
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Water
Discuss properties of water, density, transparency, flow etc and demonstrate changes when cooling, heating, freezing.
Discuss environmental and surface area effects on evaporation and condensation.
Demonstrate water as power source,
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Variables
Relationship between objects and events in an experiment.
Design and conduct controlled experiments, graph and use data to make predictions.
Explore careers in science. |
Think Like a Scientist
Tools and processes used by scientists.
Develop scientific inquiry, plan and conduct investigations, use equipment and tools to gather data, explain and communicate findings.
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Human Body
Structures, functions and inter-relationships of body systems, and the Influence of internal and external cues on behavior.
Benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
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Pollution
Investigate litter found on school grounds.
Examine the problem of overflowing landfills, and the different forms of pollution, air/water/noise.
Construct water filtration system, and test results.
Effects of acid rain. |
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At Upper Primary we also have specialist classes in Chinese Studies, Computers and Technology, Music, Physical Education, Art and Library Skills.
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Upper Primary students attend Chinese classes five days out of the six-day schedule. Our Mandarin Language classes develop the students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in learning and understanding Putonghua, and explore the richness of the Chinese culture. Class activities include song, dance, cooking, games, oral dialogues and excursions.
We understand that different students have varying levels of familiarity and capability in Putonghua and so there are two ‘streams’ in the program; Mandarin as a Second Language; and Mandarin for Near Native Speakers. |
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| Mandarin Program - For more information go to Prospective Parents main section and click on Academics & More, followed by the Chinese Language Program tab. |
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| Computers & Technology |
| Computer technology is integrated into the academic curriculum as a tool for learning, and students are taught Windows basics, keyboard skills, word processing, file management, research skills using the inter-net, and how to use a variety of software programs. |
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Music
Students have music once per 6-day cycle. In Upper Primary we use the Scott Foresman Silver Burdett ‘Making Music’ series, and the Orff Schulwerk approach to music teaching.
The curriculum provides opportunities to explore music through singing, listening, movement; and playing instruments including wooden xylophones and glockenspiels.
Physical Education
Upper Primary students take part in physical education classes three times in each 6-day cycle. The program focuses on personal fitness and basic sports skills, including swimming, gymnastics, and adventure learning in conjunction with traditional team games.
Art
Art is taught once per 6-day cycle. Students use a broad range of media: drawing, painting, print-making and three dimensional work; and are also learn art history, art criticism, and aesthetics through studio work and classroom projects.
Library Skills
Children visit the library regularly to borrow books and learn library skills. The librarian also works closely with teachers to support classroom themes and research projects.
Outdoor Camp
Upper Primary Camp takes place in October, when the whole school goes off to camp as part of the educational program.
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Camp is a three day, two night experience, when, depending upon the type of camp attended, students take part in the study of oceanography, orienteering, insects, creative writing, classification of plants, arts & crafts, religion, drama and a host of other topics. Students also take part in activities such as archery, tennis, swimming, rock climbing, track & field and rope courses.
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Children work in teams, and are responsible for following schedules, maintaining their cabins, taking positive risks, practicing flexibility, and experiencing some time away from home in a structured, safe setting.
Camp is an adventure and a highlight of the students’ school year.
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