The Mathematics Program provides a thorough understanding of basic mathematics; encourages the perception of mathematics as useful and important in everyday life; promotes the independent use of mathematical reasoning to solve problems; increases enjoyment of mathematics; and establishes a solid foundation for higher level studies.  The design of the Mathematics Program is based on the belief that a child’s understanding develops from the concrete to the abstract.  The curriculum begins with what the student already knows when he/she enters the classroom and relates math knowledge to real experiences.  Manipulatives such as shapes, Cuisinaire rods, play money, counters, and games are used to guide students toward an understanding of numbers and algorithms.  Students learn a variety of problem solving techniques and practice them repeatedly in the solution of reality-based problems. Pre-Algebra is taught in 6^th grade.  All students complete Algebra I by the end of 8^th grade. Qualifying students may complete Algebra I in the 7th grade and Geometry in the 8th grade.

A cornerstone of the Westminster program is its History/Classical Studies curriculum, a six-year, chronological survey of Western civilization.  In 3^rd through 8^th grades, in-depth examination is made of the great civilizations of the West in terms of historical events and personages, daily life, and contributions in social structure and government, science and mathematics, art and architecture, mythology/religion, and literature.  These include “cradle of civilization” cultures, with an emphasis on Ancient Egypt; Ancient Greece; Ancient Rome; the Middle Ages; the Renaissance; the Age of Exploration; and American history through the Civil War. 

This in-depth, sequential approach to history provides students not only with a remarkably thorough knowledge of historical facts, but also with a highly enriched context for understanding and appreciating literature, art, architecture, music, and other cultural phenomena.  Graduates leave Westminster with a clear understanding of the influence of earlier Western civilizations on the origins of American government, values, and culture.

In grades K-6, Geography is taught within the Science Program (for a full quarter in grades 3 – 6). In 7^th and 8^th grades, geography is taught as a separate class for one quarter of the academic year. In the early grades (K-2^nd), the focus is on basic and increasingly sophisticated map skills. In 2^nd grade, students also learn about the United States and its five geographical regions. At each subsequent grade level, in addition to the primary focus of that year’s geography curriculum, students review states and capitals of one of the regions of the U.S.

The Geography Program offers students a perspective that avoids a stereotypical view of the world’s people and places. This is achieved by presenting current and accurate information and by emphasizing the five themes of geography recommended by the Joint Committee on Geographic Education and the Association of American Geographers: place, movement, human-environmental interaction, regions, and location. Focus on specific regions of the world is coordinated with the grade-progressive Classical Studies curriculum, adding resonance to both areas of study and increasing the global perspective of the entire Westminster program.

French is taught to all students in grades K-8.  As the language of one of the great civilizations of the Western world, and as the second-most frequent contributor to the English language (after Latin), the study of French is an important component of a classical education. 

Students in grades K-2 are introduced to French language and culture through word games, songs, puppet shows, and role plays, with an emphasis on vocabulary, general comprehension, and enjoyment.  Formal study of grammar, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing begins in 3^rd grade and progresses through the 8^th grade, with steady progress toward complete language immersion in the upper grades.  Graduates of the program generally place out of two or more years of high-school French. 

It is estimated that more than 60% of English words trace their origin to Latin.  Knowledge of Latin is an enormous boon to all who need to speak, read, and write  English. The study of Latin also greatly enhances the students’ appreciation of the great civilization of Ancient Rome, a focus of their history/classical studies.  Latin is added as a full-time subject in the 7^th and 8^th grades.  The two-year program comprises the first year of high-school Latin.

Art is a vehicle of the human spirit, and learning to appreciate and participate in art is essential preparation for a vital, well balanced life. Furthermore, the arts help develop “right-brain” function and encourage “outside-the-box” thinking that is rarely a focus in standard academic classes.  For these reasons, the arts are a central component of the Westminster program, and students are encouraged to weave art into the fabric of daily life for the purpose of discovery, self-expression, confidence-building, and life-long enrichment. Classes in Music and Art are included in the weekly schedule for all grades, and every student participates in a Drama production each year.  Annual field trips enhance the students’ learning and appreciation in all areas of the arts.

 

In the Music Program, students in grades K-8 are introduced progressively to basic music literacy; the components and forms of music, the instruments of the orchestra, highlights of popular music, classical music and opera, and famous composers.  Students in all grades are trained in singing and choral speaking, and all students participate in Winter and Spring music programs each year. 

The Art Program begins in kindergarten and continues through the 8th grade.  Through a series of studio projects, students gain knowledge and skills in the materials and processes of art, the components of design, and the variety of forms of expression, as well as an overview of the history of art.  Aside from the honing of skills and the satisfaction of creating numerous original art works throughout the years, the children learn many far-ranging lessons in art class:  that problems can have more than one solution; that there are many ways to see and interpret the world; that in complex forms of problem solving, purposes can change with circumstance and opportunity; that small differences can have large effects; and that the limits of our language do not define the limits of our cognition.  All students are encouraged to believe in themselves as artists and to engage in creative activity throughout their lives.

 

The Drama Program is a vital component in the personal development of each Westminster student.  Students in grades K-6 participate in a dramatic production every year under the direction of their homeroom teachers.  Each child has a speaking part and is guided to develop acting skills and an understanding of ensemble work, as well as poise and self-confidence.  Extensive use of costumes, props, and stage sets encourage the development of imagination and creativity. Singing and choreographed movement are often included in the drama productions.  Under the direction of the Headmaster, students in the 7^th grade produce a Shakespeare play, and in the 8^th grade, a musical comedy.  Upper school students also assume increasing technical responsibilities for their productions.

Internet Use: Projects that include a written report, an oral presentation, and a creative component are required several times each year for students in grades 3 through 8. Since internet sites may be of benefit to students as they prepare assigned projects and research topics of special interest to them, Westminster students are introduced to the internet for research in the 3rd grade and are guided about safe and appropriate research web sites.

At Westminster, we believe in establishing a solid foundation in writing and fine motor skills for our younger students. Therefore, all work prior to 5th grade must be done by hand, “neatly, completely, and with pride.” Cursive handwriting is introduced in the 2nd grade and is required of all students for all work beginning in the 3rd grade. Once students have been introduced to typing (see below), longer assignments may be completed using a computer.

5/6 Technology: Formal technology classes begin in the 5th grade at Westminster School. The goals of the 5th and 6th grade technology curriculum are to:

• familiarize students with computer terminology;
• introduce students to computer fundamentals;
• define hardware and software basics;
• teach proper keyboarding skills;
• promote responsible and safe use of the internet;
• teach students how to maintain privacy on the internet; and
• provide instruction on Microsoft Word so that students are able to write and edit a paper using this software.
  

The major emphasis of this course will be for students to have the opportunity to learn the proper method of touch typing. Students will use the Mavis-Beacon software program to guide them through touch typing essentials. Students will progress through personalized lessons, exercises and tests, along with multi-level games to master keyboarding skills.

7/8 Technology:Technology classes for the upper school focus on word-processing accuracy. The goals of the 7th and 8th grade technology curriculum are to:

• continue to develop proper keyboarding;
• learn the essential skills of Microsoft Word, including creating and saving documents, printing, editing and formatting text; and
• introduce students to Microsoft PowerPoint and effective use of this software to prepare presentations for class.
  

The major emphasis of this course is to introduce students to the software needed to produce papers and presentations at a level that will be required in high school.