Nowhere is the development of the whole student more important
than in the Lower School. Every aspect of the school day is designed
toward the encouragement of a young person's development mentally,
physically, emotionally, socially, and ethically. Although classroom
experiences are relied on as the primary method of instruction,
the academic program is enhanced through field trips, guest speakers,
games, and as much "hands on" experience as possible.
The
curriculum for first through fifth grade is integrated and sequential,
consisting of what might be described as a spiral effect. Material
taught in one grade is reviewed in the next, added to, and extended
both vertically and horizontally. This type of coordinated instruction
is designed to introduce practice, to review, and to extend skills
at each level as a child.
George
Walton Academy students receive instruction in computers and use
them on a regular basis. Science is approached from an experimental
point of view using experiments which teach the how's and why's
of the subject. Social studies begins with the concept of small
communities then broadens and branches out through the natural
sequence of hometown, city, state, country, and the world. This
approach encourages a young person's understanding and tolerance
of other cultures and ways of life.
In
addition to traditional academic disciplines, students in first
through fifth grades are scheduled through the week for classes
in art, physical education, music, library, Spanish, and computer.
In these classes, students report to additional instructors from
various departments outside their normal classroom. By receiving
instruction from other adults, Lower School students are broadening
their concepts and abilities to function with different authorities
and their peers in varied situations.
There
is cooperation and coordination among teachers at each level.
The same textbook series is used in each discipline and grade.
The Lower School stresses the development of a firm foundation
in oral and written language arts. Students are encouraged to
develop personal reading habits. A major portion of the curriculum
is devoted to the instruction of facts and skills with emphasis
on reading and mathematics. In these subjects, attempts are made
to individualize instruction so that a student may proceed at
a pace which is proper for him/her. We are careful to see that
a student does not proceed vertically too fast, and we have the
resources in both of these programs to provide the horizontal
foundation so important to future growth and success.
