Generations of Excellence in Catholic Education
Saint Agnes Catholic School follows the curriculum set forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Religion
By using the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as the basis of teaching Religion, hopefully we will contribute to developing a strong religious foundation in the Catholic Faith for each student, and invite the student into the mission of the Church which is the mission of Jesus Christ. It is our hope that each child will come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith and be able to articulate this faith.
Mathematics
The Mathematics Curriculum for the elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is divided into eleven levels of instruction beginning with those skills covered in the Early Childhood Curriculum and go beyond eighth grade requirements.
Honors Mathematics
Qualified students in Grades 5-8 participate in an advanced Math curriculum of the Archdiocese with the goal of successfully completing Algebra I at the end of Grade 8.
Students participate in the Pennsylvania Math League Contest in Grades 6-8 and the IHM Math League Contest in Grades 7-8. Special emphasis is put on applying Math skills to real world problems, thinking “outside the box” and projects that are Math related. Students in Grade 8 are taught the use of the graphing calculator and all grades use the computer for review/tests.
Upon completion of the curriculum students go to high school a year in advance and thus are usually able to do college level Math in Junior or Senior years.
English Language Arts
The Language Arts Curriculum focuses on achieving the goal that our students become independent and comprehensive readers, writers, listeners and speakers. In pursuing this goal, the students will develop skills in critical thinking, literary evaluation, methods of research, competency in self-expression and metacognitive awareness.
Science
The Science Curriculum Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic Elementary Schools specifies six general objectives which are addressed at each grade level, K through 8
Students will master these prescribed objectives as they pertain to the content material studied at each grade level:
Social Studies
Saint Agnes Catholic School follows the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The mission of the Elementary Social Studies Curriculum of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the development of Catholic citizens who will uphold democratic principles and serve the Church, the nation, and the world within the framework of Gospel values.
The guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese are based on the definition of Social Studies adopted by the leading national organization in the field, the National Council for Social Studies.
Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, Social Studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and natural sciences. The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world
Art
The Art Program at St Agnes follows a timeline from Cave art in Kindergarten to Modern art in 8th Grade.
We explore methods and materials, styles and periods of art and artists, architecture, portrait drawing , printmaking, clay, illustration , watercolor techniques, and drawing skills.
Music
The Music Curriculum of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is designed to broaden a student’s general knowledge of basic musical skills and concepts at all levels of elementary education. Through participation in the music program, students are lead in a deeper appreciation of liturgy, ethnic cultures, and musical styles. Music holds a prominent place in the spectrum of Arts and is of paramount importance in the development of the whole child.
Physical Education
Physical Education at St. Agnes includes the teaching of physical skills as well as social skills. Children of all grades should be able to listen and follow directions, develop honesty, cooperate with teammates and teacher, use equipment properly and safely, practice good sportmanship, and have fun.
Technology
The Technology currriculum provides students with instruction in basic computer skills, Internet research and the ethical use of technology. Integrating technology throughout the curriculum enables the students to transfer concepts and skills learned in one area to another part of the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on engaged learning through a progression of skills to achieve higher order thinking skills and acquire twenty first century technological skills.