St. Joseph Chaminade Academics
Foundational
The Kindergarten Programme inculcates in children the qualities of curiosity, exploration and discovery in a fun-filled, safe and happy learning environment. An individualised approach helps nurture a love of learning; develop social skills, and instil moral values. The emphasis is on developing in students, self-confidence and the ability to effectively communicate in English as well as in their mother tongue; teachers ensure this through effective use of language and by encouraging children to express themselves freely.
A well-balanced curriculum and theme-based instruction help the young minds integrate their learning smoothly. The emphasis is on exploring, knowing, understanding and forming their own ideas. The principles of learning applied in Kindergarten include Holistic Development and Learning (Aesthetics and Creative Expression, Language and Literacy, Numeracy, Self and Social Awareness); Integrated Learning; Active Learning; Supportive Learning; Interactive Learning and Learning through Play. The curriculum prepares children for a smooth transition to a more formal Primary curriculum.
The Kindergarten Programme makes use of a range of individual and group activities which create a lively and positive learning environment. Games, songs, creative projects, story-telling, role-playing, drawing and painting help develop children’s foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. They are encouraged to 12 Kindergarten Programme – Classes LKG and UKG play, explore and discover through dance, music, art and craft. Singing, rhyming and reciting are employed in the Language Arts, and the Phonics Programme. The use of manipulative, pictures and symbols helps them identify relationships between sets and groups of things to be sorted, counted, shared and represented. Sports and interactions with sports teachers help in strengthening coordination and motor skills, and instil enthusiasm for sports. Picnics and field trips enhance students’ understanding of their surroundings. Celebration of festivals sensitises them to multiple traditions and cultures.
PREPARATORY
The Primary School Programme encourages inquiry and exploration, and develops children’s competence in various skills – reading, writing, listening, speaking, problem-solving, observation, measurement and use of information and communications technology.
The Primary School curriculum is the Indian Council of Secondary Education (ICSE) Programme. It offers an exciting and creative learning environment, with an inter-disciplinary appreciation of Languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, as individual and integrated subjects. Hindi/Kannada is taught as a Second Language, while a choice between Hindi and Kannada is offered as the Third Language, which helps build a strong foundation in Indian languages.
The Computer classes helps students understand Information and Communications Technology and its benefits. Equal emphasis is given to individual, small group and whole-group activities, to improve children’s ability to work across all levels. Physical Education develops sports skills and creates health awareness. Exposure to team and individual sports encourage a sense of team spirit, and individual effort and accomplishment.
The wide range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities offered helps instil in children confidence and discipline. The focus on developing communication skills helps them appreciate the value of education, as it reflects in their ability to express themselves, in addition to developing pragmatic skills
Field trips, excursions, activities, projects and presentations provide experiential learning opportunities. Dance, Fine Arts, Western and Indian Music, Yoga, Speech and Drama promote well-rounded development. Students are encouraged to participate in inter-house cultural and sports events. Active learning techniques like free play, dramatisation, puppetry, singing, dancing and cooking enhance their interest in learning. Book, newspaper and magazine reading activities increase children’s awareness of the world. Assemblies, concerts and drama productions help shape their confidence.
Students’ engagement in community service activities from Class III onwards sensitises them to the needs of their community and to the world around them; they visit old-age homes and orphanages to understand their situations and also to support underprivileged children.
MIDDLE
The Middle School Programme is structured to meet children’s varied intellectual and developmental needs. The curriculum is the Indian Council of Secondary Education (ICSE) Programme, and builds on concepts and skills learnt in the Primary School. It ensures progression and continuity across various stages of learning in the School, and incorporates continuous evaluation and review of children’s performance.
The main aims of the Programme are developing skills related to writing, reading, reflecting, critical thinking, public speaking, fostering initiative among students and a desire to acquire knowledge. Academic subjects include English, Hindi/Kannada, Mathematics, Science, History, and Geography. The Computers classes continues up to Class VII. Art, Drama, Computer studies, Music, Yoga and Dance are integrated into the mainstream curriculum and are further strengthened as optional co-curricular activities.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) helps students address their age-specific interests and concerns, builds awareness, and promotes compassionate and ethical conduct. Physical Education is offered in a more formal manner and sports skills are fine-tuned. This prepares students to pursue sports in a more structured and purposeful manner, including studying sports in the Secondary School as a formal subject.
Field trips and excursions aid in developing social skills and in raising awareness about the world. Projects, presentations and group activities are more formal and research-based. Inter-house cultural and sports competitions encourage healthy competition and team spirit. Students begin to contribute to class assemblies, concerts and drama productions, and take up roles of responsibility. Community service is offered through School initiated programmes and partnerships with NGO’s
SECONDARY
The ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) Program is offered by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. At SJCA, the ICSE syllabus is delivered to lead the students in a progressive and phased manner, enabling them to be well-prepared and future-ready. Application of knowledge and the development of analytical skills form an integral part of the program that aims to develop students as responsible citizens who make positive contributions to the society.
The ICSE students benefit from developing a deep knowledge of the core subjects along with critical thinking and communication skills. They acquire the foundation and the skills to transition seamlessly into any national pre-university program. They participate in Dance, Drama, Fine Arts, Yoga, Robotics, and other activities. The robust cocurricular program of the School offers them opportunities to develop into well-rounded individuals who organize and participate in inter-house cultural and sports events, thus developing leadership skills and team spirit.
Community Service is an integral part of learning, with students actively involved in various service projects. School trips and excursions enable children to expand their understanding of the world from academic and cultural perspectives. Class VIII serves as a preparatory year for the ICSE Program in Classes IX and X. Students study English as the First Language, Kannada or Hindi as the Second Language, and Mathematics, History, Civics and Geography, Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), and Computer Studies as core subjects.
For more details about the ICSE Program, visit: www.cisce.org
