Curriculum
The curriculum encourages learning that develops children’s competence, confidence, and enthusiasm for independent, reflective, life-long learning. Teaching strategies focus on student-centered learning and are based on the best educational research. The school’s instructional program was developed in collaboration with the Penn Graduate School of Education using resources designated by the US Department of Education as “exemplary programs.”
LANGUAGE ARTS
A strong literacy foundation is the backbone of successful, lifelong learning. In the lower grades, teachers dedicate time every morning the Literacy Block-to a balanced set of literacy-learning activities in every classroom. As students progress through the grades, they participate in activities that refine their reading, writing, and communication skills, including lively, meaningful student-led literature discussions, writing in various genres, and defending a point of view.
MATH
Teachers utilize a hands-on approach to mathematics. Implementing learning tools such as manipulatives and computers, students are engaged by teaching them how to use numbers in purposeful ways and how to think mathematically. The curriculum is organized to promote understanding and skill development in five areas: number systems; measurement; geometry; patterns, algebra, and functions; and data, statistics, and probability.
SCIENCE
The inquiry-based science program uses investigations and hands-on learning to instill curiosity and teach students about themselves and the world around them. In the middle grades, each student completes a science fair project and has an opportunity to apply for the citywide competition. Topics in the middle school curriculum include: landforms, astronomy and environment in Grade 6; cellular biology, weather, climate, light and sound in Grade 7; physical science, geology and physics in Grade 8.
TECHNOLOGY
Penn Alexander integrates the powerful educational resource of technology throughout the curriculum. The school is completely networked with six computers in each classroom as well as a technology lab with graphics, database, and multimedia software. In the multimedia production room, students use audio and visual technology as another tool to enhance their learning. Starting in fifth grade, teachers have the opportunity to use laptops in their classrooms for a one to one student to computer ratio.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Through an active, interdisciplinary curriculum, students learn about their community, from local to global, and from the present to the past. Topics include: Ancient Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, Rome, China, and India. Students also study Sub-Saharan Africa, the Islamic World, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
SPANISH
Penn Alexander currently implements a pilot video Spanish Program in grades K and 1. In partnership with the University City Arts League, students can take part in an afterschool foreign language class.
ART
Students receive a balanced art education through exposure to art history, critique, production and aesthetics. Through the exploration of a wide range of media, students starting in Kindergarten, build a foundation in the elements and principles of design. Drawing on what they have learned in studio class, students incorporate their new skills into projects that often extend into other content areas. For example, first graders studying their neighborhood recently created a cityscape collage of University City. Trips to area museums give students the chance to learn about the arts beyond the classroom walls.
MUSIC
The school’s balanced, sequential program presents the basic elements of music-melody, rhythm, harmony, form and tone color. Listening, singing, moving and playing classroom instruments encourage students to experience the joy of music. The school offers an instrumental music program for string, woodwind and percussion instruments, as well as an opportunity for children in Grades 3,4,5 to join the choir.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In physical education classes, students learn by participating in a variety of activities and games. While mental and physical skills, fitness, cooperation, sportsmanship, and teamwork are important goals, the athletics program encourages enthusiasm, effort and fun.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
With input from teachers, parents and Penn faculty, PAS has developed has a specially designed program that reflects our vision for the school. Four principles are woven throughout the program:
Primary focus on academic excellence with equal access of learning opportunities for all students
Development of students' passion for learning
Using the community as a context for real-world learning
Opportunities for students to exercise choice
Academic Program: Rigorous academic content is key, and the development of students’ skills is crucial. All students take courses list below and are taught by specialist teachers. Also, the school has added two mobile carts of iBook computers for students to use during class.
The relationship between teachers and students is at the heart of the educational program. Teachers demand the very best from students and from themselves. Personal attention, small class size, flexible learning groups, and out-of-class assistance are ways we attend to student needs and interests.
Advisory: Each student has an advisor who oversees the progress of a small group of students. Advisory fosters socialization, team building, and development of study skills. 8th grade students provide service to the school community by assisting students and teachers during one period each week.
Choice: A highlight of the middle grades experience is our “choice” program, which is designed to enhance the curriculum with enrichment opportunities during the school day. Student choice fosters identity development, promotes accountability and provides opportunities to develop individual talents and interests. Students select three choice courses each year. Choice meets two times a cycle during the last period of the day. Choice courses include photography, cooking, yearbook, journalism, poetry, sports, student government, handbells and computer animation.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT, CLUBS, & SPORTS
Penn Alexander provides a range of opportunities outside the classroom for extra academic assistance or advancement. The teaching staff directs a number of clubs in areas of student interest, including everything from basketball and gymnastics to student government and board games.
Each year, the school community comes together to perform a school wide musical. Children in grades 3-8 are invited to audition for parts. Children can participate as members of the cast or stage crew.
