“Without music, rhythms, art, [Woodshop], sports,
children could not assimilate subject matter with depth
nor create with such perception.”
The Roots of Excellence
Integrating academics, the arts, technology and physical education, appreciating the process of learning, and exploring topics in-depth are at the heart of Far Brook’s philosophy. An integrated curriculum taught through themes allows children to learn and develop skills through a variety of approaches, making meaning of knowledge. In this way, learning becomes part of every child, fosters deep understanding, and connects them to the world around them.
Teaching through themes, or a "core curriculum," allows us to engage children in sophisticated thinking skills such as observing, listening, questioning, analyzing, and making conclusions. We believe skills are retained and made relevant when taught in a rich, meaningful context and that students learn best when they are actively engaged in and appreciate the process of learning.
In the earliest years (Nursery and Kindergarten), the themes chosen are close to the experiences of younger children. In these early grades, the exploratory study of a particular theme may last anywhere from one week to two or three months, depending upon the interests of the children and the activities that develop. Year-long themes begin in First Grade with a study of patterns. The Second Grade studies “Child and Universe,” and the Third Grade studies “Native Americans.”
From Grades Four through Eight, skill development is continued through core curriculum topics which focus on the development of cultures and historical eras. The choice and sequencing of topics provide experiences that deepen students’ understanding of ideas, human inquiry and achievement, and engage students in the skills of making inferences, evaluating information, finding commonality in disparate ideas, and understanding the perspectives of others. The core curriculum explores essential questions in the fields of social studies and history such as: What defines a culture? How do geographic features influence a culture? What factors contribute to the rise of a culture? How does a culture express its knowledge and achievement?
Far Brook encourages students to think thoroughly and creatively about the curriculum, themselves, and the experiences that they share with others.