Building on the Early Years
Fern Hill’s enriched curriculum for the Primary and Junior grades provides students with a solid foundation of both academic and social skills. Students are introduced to French, Music and Physical Education starting in Preschool and those topics expand throughout the Primary and Junior grades.
Fern Hill recognizes the need for an individualized approach to education. In a small class setting, each child is assured a programme geared to an appropriate level of ability and interest. Students are offered a strong academic curriculum and opportunities for learning which stimulate intellectual growth. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and supportive with experienced teachers nurturing the personal growth of each child.
Academic integrity and good work habits are stressed in all aspects of the school programme. The curriculum includes Language, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Life Management, Music, Art, Drama, French, Computers and Physical Education.
The Primary Programme – Grade 1 – 3
In the Primary grades, emphasis is placed on the core skills of reading, written expression and Mathematics. These areas are supported by the courses of study in other subjects with an emphasis on being creative through self-expression, Art, Music and Drama.
In Grades 1 through 3, the Primary programme continues to grow and expand. Our class size enables our teachers to create an individualized programme that extends the boundaries of the curriculum. In Grade 3, History, Geography and Science are introduced as distinct programmes taught by subject-specific teachers.
Fern Hill captures the imagination of each child inspiring a life-long love of learning. The rigorous curriculum prepares our students for the challenges ahead.
At Fern Hill, we seek to educate the whole child. Students in Grades 1 through 3 actively participate in extracurricular activities, house league teams and community-based activities which further enhance and develop community-minded values in all our students.
The Junior Programme – Grade 4 and 5
The Junior grades build upon the skills developed at the Primary level. Homework is assigned regularly and students are expected to demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards their studies.
Math, French, Language, History and Geography progress throughout Fern Hill’s curriculum and Science is expanded to include lab work. Advanced course offerings are available and children are encouraged to work at their fullest potential, often working above grade level. As a result, many of our Grade 8 students have the opportunity to graduate with secondary school credits in Mathematics, French and Computers.
Drama continues to enhance the language programme and by Grade 4, students are eager to take part in their first major school dramatic production. Past performances have included: Annie, Alice in Wonderland Jr., and Oklahoma.
Music in Grade 5 includes vocal instruction and instrumental band involving woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Both are taught by qualified teachers and musicians.
In the Junior grades, students are able to begin to tryout for athletic teams which compete with other area independent schools. In addition to House games, we offer a wide-range of sports to students beginning with Cross Country and Track and Field in Grade 3 and expanding in the upper grades to eventually include Soccer, Touch Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Softball and more.
As our students progress through the curriculum they develop a strong foundation for the Grade 6, 7 and 8 experience. Through various mentoring and leadership opportunities, students in Grades 4 and 5 learn to be responsible citizens who can have a significant impact on the world. They are able to look up to role models in the Intermediate grades and look forward to their chance to be a Grade 8 leader.