St. Joseph/ St. Robert School follows the prescribed Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade curriculum developed by the Curriculum Committees of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Curriculum modification and adapted grading procedures are employed for students with special learning needs.
Religion
The Religion guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia may be accessed on the website of the Office of Catholic Education under the Curriculum tab:
www.catholicschools-phl.org
English and Language Arts
The English/ Language Arts curriculum reflects the standards found in the Common Core State Standards which were adopted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The English/Language Arts (ELA) curriculum may be found on the website of the Office of Catholic Education under the Curriculum tab: www.catholicschools-phl.org
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum reflects the Core Curriculum State Standards as adopted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Mathematics curriculum may be accessed through the website of the Office of Catholic Education under the Curriculum tab: www.catholicschools-phl.org
Honors Mathematics
The Elementary Honors Mathematics Program is designed to meet the needs of students who are capable of completing the regular mathematics curriculum in seven rather than 8 years. Students eligible for participation in this program are identified at the end of Grade 4 and begin formal instruction in Grade 5. Students who remain in the program are expected to complete an Algebra 1 course in Grade 8. The criteria, as defined by the Office of Catholic Education, for participation/continued participation in the Honors mathematics Program are as follows:
- Cognitive Skills Quotient falling in the range of 125 in the Terra Nova Test
- Standardized test scores in Mathematics of 90% or above
- Standardized test score in reading Comprehension of 80% or above
- End of year test grade of 85 or above
- Final grade of 90 or above
The teacher periodically evaluates the students to determine continued participation in this program.
Science
The Science curriculum is based on the standards set by the Lab Learner Science Program with the approval of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Information about the Learning Cells presented in this program can be accessed on the Lab Learner website: www.lablearner.com under the Parents tab.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum is based on the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Standards. The curriculum guidelines may be accessed on the Office of Catholic Education website under the Parents tab: www.catholicschools-phl.org
Technology
The technology curriculum is based on the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and is cumulative in nature. Because of our belief in the continual integration of the use of technology, we do not support a stand-alone computer lab. Instead technology classes are taught in the homerooms using Netbooks and/or Ipads.
Information about the Technology course of study may be found on the website of the Office of Catholic Education under the Parents tab: www.catholicschools-phl.org
Art
The art curriculum of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is based on the National Standards for Art Education introducing each grade to the elements and principles of art. Students explore their creativity by experiencing a wide range of artists and their styles, media and techniques. Information about the course of study may be found on the website of the Office of Catholic Education under the Parents tab:
www.catholicschools-phl.org
Music
Students are taught that music has universal meaning. In grades PreK-2 children learn body motion, type and tone of sound, beat and rhythm, types of songs, group and solo singing, musical terms and symbols. Grades 3-5 learn a variety of rhythms, concepts of unison and harmony, musical notation and create instruments from everyday objects. Grades 6-8 translate music to stories, write short melodies and concentrate on styles, composers and different types of music. Specific information about the course of study may be found on the website of the Office of Catholic Education: www.catholicschools-phl.org
Physical Education
Physical fitness and teamwork are emphasized throughout all grade levels. In grades PreK- grade 2, children participate in activities involving movement, gross motor skills and rhythmic activities. In grades 3-5 these skills are reinforced and team sports are introduced through low organized and non-competitive games. In grades 6-8 there is continued team building through sports and cooperative activities as well as fitness-for-life skills education. More information about the course of study may be found on the website of the Office of Catholic Education: www.catholicschools-phl.org