Homeroom teachers instruct in math, language arts (reading, grammar, spelling, phonics, and writing), handwriting, art, and social studies. Specialty teachers teach music, technology, science, French and physical education.
In the primary grades, the science programme introduces the students to the scientific process. Students learn to form hypotheses, make observations, ask questions, and draw conclusions from their studies. Student learn about the scientific process by both observing teacher-demonstrated experiments and by taking part in hands-on labs.
Computer literacy is vital to the future of your child. Thus, computers have become an integral part of the student’s area of study. At Mentor College, students begin their technology studies at Junior Kindergarten level. In each subsequent grade level, students are taught the skills and concepts necessary to become computer literate and to use a variety of software.
The active involvement with technology gives students the interest and the knowledge to use the computer facilities for all subject areas. In the younger grades, students play games that reinforce math and language skills taught in class and also develop creativity and fine motor control with drawing programs. Students enjoy learning math, spelling, mapping, and other subjects with Bee-bots. In Grade 1 students start learning to type with two hands, focusing more on Home Row in Grade 2. Students practice word processing and LEGO robotics in Grades 2, 3 and 4. Grade 4 introduces graphing with spreadsheets and Internet Safety. Students in all grades take part in coding activities.
Embracing 21st century technology, Mentor College has a mobile iPad lab – which allows teachers the opportunity to expand on the curriculum in an engaging and exciting way through the use of devices that are familiar to the students.
Beginning in JK, the French programme in the Primary Division makes use of AIM (Accelerated Integration Method) – using gestures, music, dance, and theatre to help students learn. Students enjoy interactive lessons filled with singing and dramatization – where they get an introduction to conversational French: salutations, weather, counting, calendar, etc.
Students are introduced to written French in Grade 2 – when they are also involved with their first French play! In Grade 3 – where the emphasis is still on oral communication – students also progress in written French by asking and answering both spoken and written questions and answers.
In Grade 4, emphasis is still placed on oral work, but more written work is done. Building a solid base of vocabulary is the goal. By the end of Grade 4, most students are able to write a 3 or 4-paragraph space fantasy based on a class play.
The activity-based programme featured in the earliest years focuses on expression and creativity. The curriculum is derived from current Kodaly and Orff philosophies. An emphasis is placed on movement, rhythm, speech, singing, listening, and, most importantly, enjoyment. Together these skills help develop your child’s coordination, laterality, directionality, focus, and socialization. Orff instruments are introduced in Grade 1 and recorders in Grade 3. Activities are offered such as Primary Choir, the award-winning Children’s Chorus, Orff Ensemble, and Recorder Club.
In our Primary Division, children use different media to enhance theme studies in their homeroom class and the hallways are used to display the creative work of the student body for all to enjoy. Our programme teaches the skills and techniques that enable your children to express creative ideas successfully. Each year, students create and explore art pieces while focusing on the different elements of design (space, colour, value, texture, line, shape, and form.
Students from JK to Grade 4 enjoy physical education classes every other day. Taught by teachers with a specialization in physical education, our youngest students enjoy a curriculum that is focused on teamwork and cooperation.
With an emphasis on skill development, students play soccer baseball, volleyball, floor hockey, and more in a fun and exciting environment! Other student favourites are dodge ball, tag games, circuit games, and the school’s Jump For Heart fundraiser!
