- General And Jewish Studies
- Languages
- Academic Excellence
- Support Services
General And Jewish Studies
Bialik's goal is that our students develop a love of learning and become independent problem solvers and life-long learners. We provide our students with a variety of learning opportunities in order for them to develop their thinking, communication, analytical and study skills. We set and meet high expectations for all students in all subject areas. Lessons are planned to allow for the development of multiple intelligences and different learning styles, and include opportunities for students to work independently, in pairs and in cooperative groups. Whenever possible, Jewish and General Studies themes and topics are integrated; for example, when we study Rosh Hashanah in Jewish Studies, students in grade 2 learn about the life cycle of the honey bee as part of their science unit. Students studying topics such as weather, water and mapping concurrently study related topics in Moledet (Jewish Social Studies) via our Israel Interactive Centre. In grade 8, the poetry of Yehuda Amichai is studied in both English and Hebrew. By integrating units across Jewish and General Studies using a synergistic approach, we create learning experiences that are truly greater than the sum of their parts.
GENERAL STUDIES
Bialik's General Studies program runs from Junior Kindergarten to grade 8 and follows the guidelines and expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education. We teach all subject areas, including Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, French, Physical and Health Education and the Arts.
We develop integrated themes and units across many subject areas. For example, in grade 1, students do an "All About Me" unit and in grade 4 a "Medieval" unit. Each of these units integrates language arts, mathematics, social studies and science and technology. Integration enables us to meet all curricular expectations in a way that is meaningful and relevant to our students.
It is important for students to experience a variety of learning opportunities in order for them to consolidate their learning. Teachers develop extensions at all levels to provide challenges for students. A variety of field trips and in-school presentations complement our rich curriculum.
Our students develop excellent academic, communication and thinking skills, and excel in all areas when they graduate from Bialik.
JEWISH STUDIES
Our Jewish Studies program aims to help our students learn to value their Jewish heritage within a Canadian context. The curriculum is designed to foster a strong Jewish identity and a strong connection to Israel. From Junior Kindergarten all the way to Grade 8, we teach the customs and traditions of Shabbat and other Jewish festivals and holidays through music, drama, dance, crafts and creative writing.
Hebrew immersion, the central focus of our Jewish Studies program, is introduced in Grade 1 to achieve the goal of fluency. In Grade 3, Yiddish is added as a component of Jewish Studies. Bialik is one of the few Jewish day schools in North America that teaches Yiddish. Both languages are studied as living languages, representing vital links with our past and our vibrant, modern Jewish culture. Within the Jewish Studies curriculum, our students learn Hebrew language and literature, Bible, Prayers, Jewish Social Studies, History, Mishna and Talmud.
We use up-to-date educational resources, including computers, Smartboards, the internet and videoconferencing throughout our classes and in our Israel Interactive Centre.
Our Jewish Studies program actively emphasizes the connection between Jewish culture and our students' lives. Upon graduation, our students have acquired a love for learning and the skills they need to enable them to become productive and creative leaders in the communities of their choice.
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