Curriculum Philosophy
Elementary School
The elementary curriculum provides young learners with a carefully planned, sequential course of study including reading and language arts, mathematics, English, science, social studies, computer applications, art, music, physical education, and Spanish (beginning in 3rd grade). Throughout the elementary curriculum, study skills such as organization and planning, listening, and note-taking are developed in relation to each discipline and learning activity in developmentally appropriate ways. The school believes in the tremendous benefit of project-based and interdisciplinary learning, and weaves these dynamics into the overall curriculum. In addition, access to rich technological resources provokes and inspires many different forms of teaching and learning, while instilling necessary skills and confidence. The ultimate goal is the acquisition and development of abilities that can be applied to real life situations.
Elementary students are guided by eight community standards/values to guide them through their daily lives at school.
- These standards/values include:
- Respect for self and others
- Honesty
- Learning
- Safety
- Safety
- Respect for personal and school property
- Sportsmanship
- Respect for all forms of life and the environment
Secondary School
The assumptions underlying the Campbell Hall curriculum are that students are in the process of developing the power to reason; that they are evolving a pattern of faith for daily living, part of which involves their emergence as decent and caring human beings; that they are preparing for further education; and that they are learning to become responsible and informed contributors in society.
Furthermore, the school assumes that learning is best when associated with students’ individual needs, with their natural curiosity, and with their desire to be challenged; that learning encourages risk, requires self-examination, and promotes the understanding that humans, while interdependent, must ultimately take responsibility for their own lives; that learning manifests in the joy of discovery, in the pride of accomplishment, and in the satisfaction of personal growth; and that learning is fostered by supportive relationships with teachers.
The curriculum, based upon these assumptions, offers a systematic progression of required and elective courses. The formal course of study serves to build a knowledge base and both intellectual and personal skills, which nurture the development of reasoning and independent critical thinking; the ability to play, work, and learn cooperatively; the use of language in effective communication; and aesthetic, emotional, and social growth.
In addition, the curriculum reflects the school’s commitment to students’ spiritual lives and to their growth as persons of faith, to their engagement in experiential education and interdisciplinary study, to their understanding of cultural diversity and of issues related to gender, to their sense of the past and of human traditions, to their participation in community service, and to their physical well-being.
