Grade 1 and 2
Our education method cultivates creative, critical, and analytical thinking in a non-linear, emergent cognitive manner.
Program
Our 1:8 ratio grade 1 and 2 programs are for families who would like their child to continue enriched in-person learning in a small group setting.
Age & Time
Eligible children are turning 6 and 7 years of age by December of the enrollment year. The program runs Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm or 7:30am-6:30pm.
The Program
We develop customized education plans taking each student’s aptitude, learning style, and interests into account. Students learn collaboratively, developing strong emotional intelligence, self-reliance, and self-esteem while establishing time management and clear communication skills.
Each student is assessed regularly to ensure all of the building blocks of learning they need are in place. Work and records of what students are researching and investigating through the curriculum is documented. This supports reflection, questioning, and discussion on specific learning topics and demonstrates students’ developmental growth over a period of time.
The inquiry and project-based process support intellectual risk-taking and curiosity that develops three-dimensional and out-of-the-box thinking. Children develop practical, effective problem-solving skills so they can master, retain, and apply what they’ve discovered long after the test is over.
Curriculum
Science
Utilizing the natural curiosity within children, Ridley Orchard expands the scope from the playground to the lab in ways that have children excited to engage in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) world. Students at Ridley Orchard are presented with STEM challenges each week that allow them to participate and play an active role in advancing STEM fields of study. They jump into the real-world problems we face around us and work to find creative solutions.
Students delve into science by exploring, experimenting, and discovering varied materials, tools, and the fundamentals of – matter, energy, biology, environment, earth, and space. They develop the following process – collecting, identifying, investigating, comparing, predicting, and recording. Children establish cause and effect, discuss observations, and problem solve by answering the what, where, when, how, and why. Students research, collect materials, develop and conduct experiments, document by drawing and writing in their science journals, and present their findings.
We believe that one of the beautiful aspects of the STEM field is generational cooperation. As we build upon the shoulders of the giants before us, we learn to respectfully understand how civilization has come this far in a way that allows us to continue and improve upon the world of tomorrow.
Mathematics
Mathematical instruction is conducted in sequential and cumulative phases using research-based and proven methodologies. Students are challenged to explore and explain the world through a mathematical perspective. Through various thought strategies students will develop sound critical thinking skills. Ridley Orchard supports students in developing another important life skill: recognizing that solutions to a problem are multilayered and are achieved by looking at the same problem from different angles.
Higher education demands a strengthening of core skills. Customized education plans support, identify, and strengthen the needs of each student. Our Mathematical Program is carefully designed to guide discovery, practice, training, and evaluation professionally.
Coding
Just as learning a new language allows us to participate in new communities, so too does coding. Children once expressed themselves through pen and paper; they now also desire to do so by designing applications, websites, and other access points into the digital world. Learning a new language and coding have much in common. Though coding itself may be relatively new as a subject at such a young age, language is not.
This self-expression works similarly to reading and writing any language spoken in the world today, and the benefits of such multilingual education are well documented. Ridley Orchard combines unplugged coding and technology-based coding for a well-rounded exploration of programming.
Writing
A lot happens before we can comprehend words while reading: a concept grown and nurtured by someone else – inspired by an experience or thought not our own – a language that the writer has learned and attempted to translate their thoughts. Reading comprehension demands an understanding of writing because writing is an attempt to explain abstract ideas. To truly understand someone’s work is a near-impossible and yet miraculous aspect of humanity. It is perhaps our greatest gift that requires the most attention and care. Learning to clarify our thoughts before writing down words, setting goals for our paragraphs, sticking to them, and remembering important information is all necessary for writing.
Students of each grade learn to use standard written forms and language conventions to communicate clearly and effectively. In weekly discussions on reading, speech, writing workshops, journaling, and home-related projects, students receive the tools they need to produce successfully communicated original writing, reflecting their ability to think and express themselves independently and critically. Furthermore, children learn to edit, revisit, and effectively present their work.
Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is vital to a child’s literacy development. Daily guided, independent, and group reading time build the foundations of solid reading comprehension. Students are exposed to various reading materials and genres. They discover fascinating things that interest them and their peers. From letter sounds to word relationships to sentence structures, children understand how our language works and how it relates to the world. Building on comprehension, children learn to analyze and access texts in increasing complexity.
Project Presentation
Through presentations and speeches, students verbally communicate their thoughts and ideas on various topics and learn from each other about the world around them. While students present their projects, share their thoughts and ideas about what they are learning, they ultimately strengthen their receptive and expressive language skills. By responding to their peer’s questions and comments, students practice collaboration and further develop and apply their abstract thinking.
Social Studies
By understanding the history of our diverse community, we are better able to develop within it. The concepts explored provide students with a means to develop their ability to reflect and adapt to an ever-changing world. Students learn to investigate and communicate their findings, analyze important events, and assess the strength of arguments within their creative investigation. With a focus on fostering critical thinking skills and research practices, Ridley Orchard supports student’s capacity for conflict resolution and strengthens communication skills to help them achieve their goals.
Learning how to make resources, such as maps and graphs, allows students to understand the people, places, and things they will be analyzing in their research. Visual data and information are an essential part of our Social Studies lessons as they contribute to both theoretical and practical comprehension from the student. Each year, students have the opportunity to learn what it means to be a responsible and active citizen of our school community and the various communities they belong to outside of school. Within the Social Studies program, students learn the how and why they are part of many communities. Even more than that, they realize that they are members of both individual communities and, more significantly, a global society.
Community Connection
Children are fully engaged when they can explore the world around them. With their natural curiosity and exuberance, they feel valued, form meaningful relationships with others, and contribute as part of a group. Community teaches us that participation is valued and appreciated. Ridley Orchard supports the significance of that harmony. Working with family, extended family, friends, neighbours, and local organizations, students experience the reality of a strong growing community in a way that empowers them to not only participate but take up the leadership role in leading us all to a better tomorrow.
Athletics
Ridley Orchard’s athletic program focuses on developing teamwork, commitment, sportsmanship, resilience, and a healthy lifestyle. Students will learn soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey, baseball, yoga, tennis, and more. Movement is a fundamental part of a child’s development, and physical literacy is a part of every student’s daily schedule. Team games and activities promote cooperation while having tons of fun. These activities create a unique opportunity where we challenge character growth in a way that has children eager to participate.
Creative Arts
Students create using various media and techniques, experimenting with colour, line, shape, form, texture, and space. They acquire a sense of invention, completion, and accomplishment. Creative projects allow children to mix information with imagination and self-expression, create confidence, and inspire others.
And more..
Students enjoy weekly music and drama classes along with beginner French and Spanish.
Sign up Today
Ready to get started? Ask us for a tour of our facilities and ask any questions you might have.