The English program at Saint ThomasChoir School provides students with a solid foundation in reading and writing. Traditional spelling, vocabulary and grammar instruction strengthen comprehension and expression. The literature curriculum exposes the students to a wide range of genres and authors, which in turn develops the boys’ understanding of different forms of writing and their sensitivity to various styles and cultural experiences. Most importantly, the program develops confident readers and writers and fosters a love of language that the boys will retain for the rest of their lives.
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THE MATHEMATICS PROGRAM
The objectives of the mathematics program are problem solving, pattern analysis, arithmetic fluency, and flexibility with rational expressions, rigorous logic (using Euclid's Elements), statistical analysis, formal algebra, and confidence.
The curriculum is based on discovery through exploration, algorithm creation by necessity, and respectful questioning dialogue. Through the use of manipulatives, computers, SmartBoards, writing, and games, children become active participants in the process of developing mathematical techniques. This allows the boys to work from their personal strengths as they develop understanding.
Grades three and four use the Everyday Mathematics Series which leads into the Connected Mathematics series which is used in grades five through eight.
THE SCIENCE PROGRAM
The Science program at Saint ThomasChoir School seeks to instill in students an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the laws which govern the natural world. The course of study includes Earth Science in the fifth grade, Biology in the sixth and eighth grades, and Chemistry and Physics in the seventh grade.
In addition to the facts and theories of science, students learn about what science is, and, just as importantly, what science is not. Students become aware that intuition and personal experience are often inadequate to developing an accurate understanding of the natural world. While common sense tells us the sun "rises” in the east, science has shown that what we experience as sunrise is the rotation of the Earth, not the movement of the Sun around the Earth. This fact need not diminish in any way our enjoyment of this event.
Students learn about how science is done, and how the application of the scientific method ensure reliable results and conclusions. When appropriate, we read current, peer-reviewed research articles from major journals. The understanding of concepts is emphasized over the memorization of facts.
In the laboratory portion of the courses, we perform simple and safe experiments to support class work. Students write lab reports in the style of an article for publication, complete with references.
THE HISTORY PROGRAM
History has traditionally served two distinct, but complimentary, purposes, to delight and to instruct. It was one of the first entertainments in pre-literate societies. It has produced bestsellers since the beginning of the print revolution in 15th Century Europe. It still fascinates in its more theoretical academic and sensational electronic guises.
History delights by solving some mysteries while suggesting others. The most compelling "Who-Done-It?” of all for individuals and nations is the question of origins. This irresistible genealogical impulse links history’s delights with its instruction.
The study of our family or cultural past leads to the realization that the people in the rear-view mirror are more like us than they appear. The immutability of human nature humbles our modern pretensions and reminds us of the unending struggle between good and evil in each of us. History dramatizes this conflict on stages great and small. Done well, it inspires genuine moral reflection… and makes for engaging company on rainy days.
THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
Students at St. Thomas take Latin and French. French is taught in grades 3-8, Latin in grades 6-8.Students are taught French for its beauty, as well its role as the vehicle for the rich cultural traditions of France and the Francophone world. In addition, the study of French exposes students to a language spoken by 300 million people in 41 countries worldwide.
Latin is taught for its numerous intellectual benefits. It cultivates a student's powers of expression in English, both oral and written, and it strengthens his ability to analyze and interpret written texts. Latin also provides an especially useful complement to the study of French, and is a valuable point of reference in the study of other modern languages, especially Romance languages. The study of Latin also gives students a line of connection to the fundamental unifying element of the humanities as pursued in the occidental world for over two millennia.
In both Latin and French class, students are regularly encouraged to develop a feel for the workings of language per se, and to climb out of the confines of their maternal language. It is hoped that in doing so is they can put their own language and culture into full perspective in both time and place.
THE MUSIC THEORY PROGRAM
It is one of the world’s marvels that the beautiful sounds we hear sung at St. Thomas or in the concert hall can actually be written down. Indeed, they must be written down, so that performers miles and centuries removed from the composer can recreate his intentions. Understanding musical notation, or what musical sound looks like, is an important aspect of music theory. The objective of music theory at St. Thomas is to teach students to read notation (i.e. perform) as well as be able to write it. The legendary music teacher, Nadia Boulanger, believed composing to be the one thing all musicians must be able to do. Musicians must have some exposure to this art as background to their own specialty. In keeping with this belief, students are required to complete several composition assignments each year. Not only does this ground them in notational practice, it also gives the boys the excitement of hearing something they wrote performed. Perhaps most importantly, it allows them to have some creative involvement in music other than performing. Whether or not the boys at St. Thomas choose to become professional musicians is not at all the point. To these talented and gifted boys music will always be important; they will always support and appreciate it. It is a happy thought that each year St. Thomas graduates another group of boys who have experienced art in sound at such an impressive level, and made the world just a little bit more musical.
THE VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM
The art program at Saint Thomas is based upon the idea that all children are inherently creative and expressive. The projects in the classes encourage and reveal such tendencies through a wide range of experimentation and play. Discovery is at the forefront of all assignments. Since children respond to the materials on very intimate and personal levels, the art program tries to offer a copious variety of media in both two- and three-dimensions in order for each child to find the medium that speaks to him most clearly. The media introduced in the fourth grade are returned to over and again throughout the children’s tenure at Saint Thomas with the techniques and concepts behind the projects advancing with each successive year.
THE COMPUTER PROGRAM
The goals of the computer program are 1) to provide modern computer literacy for every student, and 2) to support and enhance the overall academic curriculum through the availability of computers as class enrichment and research tools in every grade level. Specifically, modern computer literacy comprises knowledge of basic computer hardware terminology and functions, keyboarding (typing) proficiency, general operating system knowledge, file system navigation, software proficiency including word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and email programs. Our students use computers as an everyday academic research and communication tool. Our network consists of Pentium class computers, file servers, email servers, web servers, and a fast full-time T1 internet connection. Students have supervised access to computers in our computer lab, which offers 12 computers, a scanner, and a laser printer. Each computer has a full complement of software and email functionality. Students may email family and friends most evenings after their academic assignments are completed. We are very mindful of online safety issues, and we require all students and their parents to sign an Acceptable Use Policy, which outlines in detail the appropriate use of our computers.
THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
The philosophy of the physical education program is to provide an arena where boys can enjoy themselves in a structured environment while developing motor skills and coordination. Equally as important is the development of proper sportsmanship and learning the appropriate actions of a supportive teammate. Students are encouraged to exert a maximum effort and achieve their best. Class activities focus on getting everyone involved and teach students to enjoy and appreciate physical activity. Minimal emphasis is placed on individual athletic results.
APPLIED MUSIC STUDIES
Each boy at Saint Thomas chooses with his parents, the Master of Choristers and Headmaster one musical instrument for study. The purpose of the program is not to turn out professional instrumentalists, but to broaden each boy’s musical experience while at Saint Thomas. It is an opportunity for each student to develop and express his musicianship individually in contrast to his contribution to the collective work of the choir. The program also helps to improve and strengthen a student’s musical skills which will contribute to both his group and individual work. Lessons are arranged with some of the finest musicians in the city. Practice time is included in the schedule on a daily basis and is monitored by the faculty. Some examples of instruments in which instruction is offered are violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet and piano.
THE THEOLOGY PROGRAM
The theology program at Saint Thomas is designed to introduce students to the great themes of Christianity in the context of the Anglican tradition. The classes are held weekly seeking not only conversance with these great themes and master phrases of the Bible, but open discussion and debate about their meaning for today. A unique feature of theology classes is pairing each scripture lesson with an experience with the arts, whether painting, sculpture, wire and paper collage, sewing, calligraphy, book- and folio- making or field trips to museums and spiritual centers. Thus the creation of each student's work corresponds with the creation of a foundation of Christianity that is both intellectual and manifest, a spiritual experience in the classroom, chapel and city. The goal of the program is for each student to embrace his faith and make it a part of himself as something he will take with him as he goes through life with courage, hope and love.
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