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Private Bag X01 Nottingham Road

3280

Tel: 033 266 6801 Fax: 033 266 6860

reception@cliftonnr.co.za http://www.cliftonnr.co.za

Grade Five Handbook

2011

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Clifton Preparatory School - Academic Principles

The children and staff respect the following principles Support for self-directed learning. Programmes which reflect the real world and its changing nature. The recognition and support of individual needs and aspirations. Involvement of the parents and the community. Striving for the development of lifelong learning. Maintaining flexibility and accountability within the academic curriculum. Fostering critical and creative thinking, problem solving, risk-taking and decision making.

Message from the Staff As a staff we take pride in the achievements of all our children. We encourage the pursuit of academic excellence, yet at the same time instil the important values of respect for self, others and the school. We provide an environment that makes all our children feel at home and that encourages them to be active learners involved in a variety of experiences. We teach them to be self-motivated, self-disciplined and self-directed in their learning. All our efforts around their education take into account the following principles of learning:

We all learn in different ways We all learn at different rates We learn through interaction We learn through observation We learn through effort Learning should be fun

We are committed to providing the best education possible for your sons and daughters. Knowing that you, as parents, are the primary educators of your children, we encourage your involvement and participation - our doors are always open.

The Clifton Staff

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A message from the Grade Five Teachers Welcome to Grade 5. This booklet is designed to answer any general questions that you may have regarding the year. Should there be anything that you would like to be clarified or explained, please feel free to make an appointment to discuss your queries or concerns in more detail. We are here to provide the very best possible education for your child. This is only possible with your support and encouragement—please get involved as much and as often as you are able to. In Grade Five the emphasis is on weaning the child away from teacher-dependence so that they become independent, lateral thinkers. The commercial sector has made invaluable input to education. This sector of our economy requires creative, resourceful team players. Hence your child will fulfil many different roles in a group situation. Should there be anything that is happening at home that may be out of the ordinary, please let us know. Small issues that may seem trivial to you could have a bigger impact on your child than you think. The death of a pet, an illness in the family, sibling rivalry, Mom or Dad going away for an extended period, etc are all very relevant and we need to know about these changes. If there is anything that you would like to see added to this Information Booklet please let us know so that we can look into making the necessary changes. We hope that we have a successful and rewarding year with your child in our care. Mrs Angie Horne, Mrs Gaylene Roets and Ms Nicky Hall

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Daily Routine 07h40 Children to be at school. 07h45 Lessons commence 10h00-10h30 Tea break 13h30* Lunch break 14h00 Change for various sporting codes *School ends at 13h30 on Fridays. Day scholars and weekly boarders may elect to miss lunch and leave immediately the academic day finishes. There is no homework on Fridays. Academic Programme Overview Academic timetable The academic schedule functions on a ten-day cycle. This allows a greater amount of flexibility and breadth optimizing the time for all ten Learning Areas (subjects) as well as time for instruction in media science and reading and comprehension development (Reading Lab). The Academic Programme The following subjects are taught during the Grade 5 year.

English Mathematics Afrikaans Natural Science Social Sciences Zulu Media Life Skills Art Music Physical Education

Wherever possible subject matter is linked between subjects to enhance interest and relevance.

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English Aims and Objectives:

To involve the pupils in and expose them to the English language - written and spoken. Through the teaching of language and grammar, enable the pupils to learn correct procedures and skills pertaining to English. To encourage communication and creative expression - written and spoken. Through exposure to literature, develop an appreciation of books and the love of reading. To encourage reading. Reading to learn and also reading for pleasure and enrichment.

Various themes are covered during the year, broadly encompassing the following skills:

Reading Comprehension Cloze procedure Writing Talking and listening Dramatization Language study Spelling Vocabulary Dictation Extended reading

Language Skills Writing to communicate:

Writing stories Writing descriptions Writing instructions Writing friendly letters Writing poems

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Oral communication and Listening: Group talking activities Speaking to an audience

Spelling:

Vowels and consonants Spelling rules Tricky words

Using a dictionary and a Thesaurus Punctuation:

Capital letters Punctuation marks Direct speech

Grammar Parts of Speech:

Nouns; adjectives; verbs; adverbs; pronouns; prepositions Sentences:

Statements; questions; exclamations; commands Simple and complex sentences Conjunctions Sentence building Direct and indirect speech

Literature Set books / novels are read and studied.

Cricket in Times Square My Side of the Mountain The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Kensuke’s Kingdom

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Mathematics

To extend and consolidate mathematical concepts. To develop an understanding of the many aspects of numbers. To instil enjoyment and confidence when working with numbers. To allow pupils to be creative when exploring with numbers.

Clifton follows the Singapore Maths Curriculum, using My Pals are Here! Maths. This is a comprehensive, activity-based program designed to provide pupils with a firm foundation in Maths and to develop creative and critical thinking skills resulting in efficient problem solvers. Contents of the Program include:

Whole numbers and four operations Tables and Graphs Fractions Angles Lines, squares and rectangles Decimals Time Area and Perimeter Symmetry Tessellations

Natural Science and Technology Aims and Objectives:

The children will aim at solving problems, making decisions, organising and observing the natural world. They will develop the ability to analyse and interpret their physical and living environment. In technology we will apply this understanding in order to design and produce solutions to practical problems. Lessons have child-centred, activity-based tasks which stimulate scientific and creative thinking. Briefs are specific and guided to enable the children to carry out their tasks successfully. A wide range of hands-on investigations and experiments will be offered.

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Sciences Aims and Objectives:

The children will discover more about their past and how South Africa has changed and developed. They will practise classroom democracy, learn about managing resources and data and compare technologies. We will examine how people interact with their natural, social and economic environments. Activities will provide opportunities to participate in investigations and hone problem-solving skills as well as develop their entrepreneurial potential. Activities will take the form of individual, paired and group tasks. Continual assessment by self, peers and the teacher will be evident.

Themes The following themes are explored in all learning areas:

Being human Making things better Out and about Discovery Water world Contrasts Keeping in touch Stepping into space and time

Design and Technology component Aims and Objectives:

To expose pupils to challenging, problem solving situations. To teach the importance of careful planning and organization. To facilitate practical exercises involving planning, execution and evaluation. To encourage creative, lateral and innovative thinking.

The subject content depends on the themes being covered as well as the interest and motivation of the class towards various topics.

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Afrikaans The aim of teaching Afrikaans is to give the children an opportunity to learn a second language for oral communication purposes. Children are motivated to apply what they learn in class in their daily speech. Games, songs and role play are used to reinforce structures learnt. The following outcomes are covered: listening, speaking, reading and viewing, writing, thinking and reasoning and the use of sounds, grammar and vocabulary. In class we focus on the following:

Grammar: Children are taught to write sentences with correct grammatical structure. To achieve this, grammar rules are learnt and applied. Oral: To enhance oral competence, the children are encouraged to apply correct grammatical structure.

Homework Policy Homework/Prep of about 30 minutes per night is given on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and is an extension of their work discussed in class. We attempt to set work which is relevant and directly linked to what is being done daily during class. Pupils are strongly encouraged to utilize available time constructively and, in particular, to read. Assessment A policy of continual assessment is implemented. The performance and achievements of pupils is measured both in formal testing; prepared and impromptu as well as in informal situations. Common class tests are done regularly in order to monitor progress and ensure the standardization of work covered. The school report issued at half-year and year-end will reflect attainment symbols for Maths; English; Natural Science; Social Science and Afrikaans.

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Communication The school calendar reflects dates allocated to formal parent - teacher interviews. Parents are welcome to make contact with teachers, at any time convenient to both parties, to discuss matters pertaining to pupils. Outings and Excursions Various outings and excursions are undertaken during the year. These are linked to enhance and compliment what is being learned in the classroom and to expose the pupils to varying situations and challenges. These experiences also provide for the added dimension of social interaction between pupils, and also between pupils and teachers . Outings and excursions include:

Inchbrakie Falls (Mooi River) Natural Sciences Museum and The Science Centre. (Gateway) Community Outreach Sweetdale Camp (Margate) Ishonalanga (conservation)

Physical Education Programme One hour per week where the focus is on gaining and/or improving swimming skills, developing gross motor skills and refining various sporting techniques. The children will also do a fitness assessment at regular intervals, so as to monitor their development. Book Education

Revision of fiction and non-fiction. Revision of the Dewey System. Research skills. Bibliographies. General knowledge quizzes. Silent Reading periods

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Zulu At Clifton we have adopted an approach to the teaching and learning of our second additional language, which is essentially introductory and conversational, moving towards written work. The children will spend most of this time involved in oral work and modules are designed to assist their understanding of the language through themes for oral communication purposes. A range of multi-media is used to improve interest and to enhance the learning and discovery process. Basic word recognition is done, with little emphasis on rules of grammar and language. Music The following concepts are taught in music lessons..

Elements of music: Pulse, rhythm, dyamics and tempo Analysing sheet music Theory: Basic notation; Basic time signatures; interval games involving singing Singing and dance Instrumental work: on various Percussion instruments Listening skills: improving concentration Orchestral work: - basic families of instruments and positioning thereof; conducting; bowed, plucked, struck and blown; pitch of different instruments; creating instruments Folk music (Afrikaans and African music and Western music) Carnival of the Animals

Art Term 1: During the first term the children are taught the fundamental requirements for drawing. This consists of many exercises which culminate in a project that reinforces what they have learnt. There is an optional choice of media and technique which can be used. Individual attention is given to whatever media and technique the child chooses. Term 2, 3 and 4: Subject matter is chosen according to the ability of each grade and

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individual. A specific skill is emphasized with each topic. The following skills are covered in various degrees of difficulty:

Observation of shapes that make up an object Texture Looking at background The focal point Blending of colours; The colour wheel; primary and secondary colours; Line and movement Extending a colour image Impressionism (Monet; Renoir; van Gogh) Pointillism (Seurat) Sketching: pencil techniques; shape and form; shading; Portrait painting/drawing; Composition - still life; Fabric painting; Papier-mâché work - construction.

. Drama In Drama, the children are given the opportunity to express themselves through bodily movements in a creative way. They are taught how to project their voices and use their bodies and body language to portray meaning in various contexts. Improvisation skills are taught as well as the fundamental basic skills of acting including mime and role-play.

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HARMONIOUS HOMEWORK HABITS

DO put conscious effort into helping develop good study habits - the dividends will last a lifetime.

DO show interest and concern that will show your child that study matters.

DO explain why homework is important and not just an infringement on spare time.

DO provide helpful conditions, peace and quiet, non-interference by siblings.

DO negotiate a time and a time limit - it’s quality not quantity that counts.

DO encourage an atmosphere of learning in the home, discussions, listening and tolerating opinions,

realistic expectations. DO praise effort and give help where needed, encourage

them to admit mistakes, help them to look up information that will help.

DO withdraw a privilege when homework is not done. DO approach the teacher if your child cannot finish the

homework in the allotted time. DON’T let even small tasks get neglected—because it sends

the message that—it doesn’t matter anyway.