Division One  Grades 1 to 3

At TIS, our division 1 curriculum framework is designed to support the development and growth of our students emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually. We encourage and motivate students to view learning as a lifelong and exciting process. We also strive to develop a high level of academic skills as well as positive social and cultural values that will equip them to succeed in the twenty first century.

A range of levels in development and learning styles are recognized and used to plan their experiences of learning. Students engage in a multilevel balanced literacy program that incorporates authentic reading and writing experiences in our child-centered classrooms. The balanced literacy framework is designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively through shared and independent activities. Through the guided inquiry process, they learn skills and knowledge and are able to apply them in an authentic setting to help them develop a clear understanding of what they are learning and why.

We deliver our program through carefully planned and intensively discussed Units of Inquiry. These are based on the school-wide identified standards and indicators patterned after the Canadian Alberta Curriculum in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. We also focus on local (Macau) relevant resources, the world around them, and significant issues in the community. Along with these core subject areas, students receive lessons in Physical Education and Health, Art, Music, Mandarin, and also make use of Information Technology throughout all of their learning experiences.

As a rule, class sizes are limited to 25 students to better accommodate their needs.

 

We strive to develop a high level of academic skills as well as positive social and cultural values that will equip them to succeed in the twenty first century.

Division Two  Grades 4 to 6

The students in division two take an active role in their learning. An emphasis on balanced literacy aids students in further developing their language skills. They have opportunities to improve their reading, writing and communication abilities through different comprehension strategies each month. These strategies help them become aware of the essential skills necessary to access and interpret information both within the classroom and the world outside.

Numeracy is also a strong focus within our division. Students learn to understand math as a process rather than just an operation. Emphasis on the use of different strategies to solve a problem are highlighted to help encourage development of logic and reasoning. An inquiry-based learning approach is utilized throughout the various subjects with careful guidance given by the educators. Through the inquiry process, students learn how to plan, retrieve, interpret and communicate their learning in unique ways.

Field trips into the community are also taken to help students better understand the relevance of their learning and make real world connections. Throughout the division, the educators aim to inspire self-directed, life long learners who are able to think critically as caring, global citizens.

 

An inquiry-based learning approach is utilized throughout each subject.