Primary Years

Kindergarten:
The Kindergarten program at Vancouver College aims to provide a variety of experiences which foster each child’s religious, emotional, social, physical, aesthetic, and intellectual development.  The teacher’s role is to facilitate learning while the student’s role is to learn through active involvement and play. Vancouver College offers 2 classes (13 students per class) of full-day Kindergarten.

Grade 1:
Grade 1 is a very important year as it sets the tone for the rest of the student’s school experience. At Vancouver College, everyone works together to make sure it is a positive one. This is the first year that the boys are in school for a full day and for some, the transition can be difficult. To help with the adjustment, Grade 1 students are dismissed earlier (1:30 pm) for the first two weeks of school.  The boys quickly get into the routine of eating lunch with their classmates in the school cafeteria.  It is recommended, however, that the boys bring a packed lunch and that parents wait until at least October before ordering lunches. Another new experience is having recess outside with the rest of the elementary classes. All these new experiences make Grade 1 a very exciting year.

Grade 2:
Grade 2 is an important year for the growth of each student as it provides the building blocks that will be an asset throughout each student’s educational career.  In Grade 1, the students are given the tools and in Grade 2, the boys learn to apply these tools while learning new strategies.  In Grade 2, students will begin to learn and appreciate their strengths and become more confident learners. Not only is it important to praise each student’s individual strengths but also to help them with their weaknesses and ensure that each student is well-rounded.  The students learn how to work more independently with less teacher support.  The students learn the importance of hardwork, respectful behaviour, and classroom participation.  Each student’s progress is tracked on a daily basis.  Students are aware and understand the system which helps them see their progress and encourages them to work harder.  The students learn key routines that they follow with ease throughout the year.  There is also a focus on creativity, whether in writing or artistic expression.   Students are encouraged to challenge themselves to ensure they create the best work they are capable of.  Throughout the day there are a variety of activities, such as Explode the Code workbooks, knitting, or math games and centres, that the students can choose to work on independently.  As well, there are a lot of activities that the whole class participates in throughout the day, including but not limited to, daily trivia, five minute fitness, and music appreciation.  Concepts are reinforced through homework folders which include daily activities, reading, and book reports.   Grade 2 is a great year for each individual to learn who they are as students while learning new strategies that will help them in years to come.

Grade 3:
Grade 3 at Vancouver College is a year when the boys are preparing for the upcoming intermediate years.  The students are eager to learn and the focus of all programs is to encourage a love for life long learning and a strong work ethic.  Some of the highlights of the grade three year are visits to the Space Centre and Police Museum.  Home Projects are assigned on researching a family treasure, reporting on a planet, presenting information on a famous Canadian site, and building a structure or bridge.  Students are expected to spend at least 15 minutes an evening reading and up to 30 minutes doing other assigned homework or work not completed in class.  If students are not completing work assigned for homework, they receive an “overdue homework” notice with the assignments listed and a place for parents to sign once the work is complete.  Also if a student is absent they will receive a “while you were away” notice with assignments that were missed listed.  The students are held accountable for their assignments and repeat offenders do have consequences.  Communication is very important between the teacher and parents in grade three.  If there are any times when your son is needing reminders regarding his behavior on a frequent basis, you will be contacted by phone or email.  Also if there are any circumstances that may affect your son at school, it is important to let his teacher know as soon as possible.

For further information on the Elementary School curriculum, including individual grade level programs, please refer to the Elementary School Program of Studies 2010-2011.