The curriculum of study used at Saint Katherine of Siena School is determined by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education. It provides an extensive framework for Religion, Mathematics, Integrated Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science instruction. Fine Arts, Physical Education and Technology are also included. Teachers at Saint Katherine School encourage higher level, critical thinking through their planning and lesson presentation. Knowing that children learn in a variety of ways, teachers present information using multi-sensory methods. Textbooks are continually being updated and upgraded so that the children can be exposed to the latest information available.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten curriculum covers a diverse range of topics. The Kindergarten program at Saint Katherine of Siena is two-pronged. First, the children are introduced to many academic subjects. They do work in Religion, Reading Readiness, basic Math and Science. Our kindergarten children enjoy Library and Computer time. In addition, they have a rich sense of play and hands-on fun. The classrooms are equipped with extensive play areas, and each day includes structured and unstructured opportunities for socialization.
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Primary
Our primary unit, grades one through three, concentrates on the basic curriculum--- Religion, Integrated Language Arts, and Mathematics. During these early years, the Religion curriculum instructs the children in the unconditional love of God for them and also prepares the children for the reception of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Emphasis is placed on Reading and Phonics in these grades and children also master the skills of Listening and Speaking. Mathematics is also stressed in these early years with a special focus on basic math facts that are the foundation for higher level math. This includes math operations, addition and subtraction facts, and the multiplication tables. In addition, the children are exposed to Social Studies and Science.
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Middle Grades
Our middle grades, four, five, and six, participate in an extensive curriculum that includes Religion, Math, Integrated Language Arts, Science and Social Studies as major subjects. While learning about God and his love for His people, the children are involved in service projects that reflect their understanding of this loving relationship. Sixth grade students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation after preparing for it, and after showing the community of Saint Katherine that they are ready to receive the sacrament through their service commitment and their participation in the life of the church. Reading and Writing are emphasized during these years as well as Math instruction.
During these three years, the children are exposed to life within our city and state, our country and then within the global community. Through Social Studies and Science, they are shown their place in our world.
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Junior High
In a departmental setting, the seventh and eighth grade students continue the learning process begun in earlier years. Areas of concentration continue to be Religion, the Integrated Language Arts, and Mathematics. Science and Social Studies are major subjects. By seventh and eighth grade, the children are fully initiated members of the Catholic Church and have a sense of the church and their role in it. Seventh and eighth grade religion focuses on the life of Jesus and on the church as it was established at the time of His death. The basis of study in these grades is the New Testament. The Math curriculum moves children into pre-algebra and geometry. Critical thinking comes into play in other subject areas as well, namely, in Language Arts, the children analyze literature and write their own responses to literature in the form of poetry and prose. In Social Studies and Science, the students study their history and their environment in terms of our nation, and its geography and history.
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The Arts
The St. Katherine Of Siena School’s Music Program follows the National Standards for Music Education and the Archdiocesan Elementary Music Guidelines. The Music Curriculum broadens a student's knowledge of basic musical skills and concepts. Through music, students are lead into a deeper appreciation of liturgy, multi cultural music, musical styles, and eras. Music unlocks the creative potential of the human mind and holds a prominent place in the Arts. Music is of paramount importance in the development of the whole child therefore all students attend music class once a week.
St. Katherine’s has a school choir for students in grades four to eight. Some sixth grade students participate in the Archdiocesan Elementary School Chorus every Spring. They also participate in the Celebration of the Arts which has been held in the past at the Academy of Music and Temple University. The music department holds an annual Christmas and spring concert in their recently built Parish Center.
Our music room is equipped with a Yamaha Digital Clavinova Piano with many capabilities. Students use smart board technology with various software programs, as well as, three computers which are hooked up to keyboards.
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Technology
The students of Saint Katherine of Siena School are exposed to the arts in a variety of ways. Each student has a full class period of Library Science each week. Our state of the art Library and Technology Center is the backdrop for this learning experience. The library flows into the computer room, thus allowing the interaction of these disciplines. Although each child has a scheduled weekly technology class, his/her use of the technology center is not limited to that class time. Through the integration of other subject areas with computer, the children use the technology center to complete class assignments and to supplement their store of technological knowledge.
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Physical Education
Students learn a great deal about themselves and others through play. At a time when they are beginning to enjoy interacting with one another, it is crucial that these experiences be positive and nurturing. An important characteristic any child can possess is a positive self-esteem. It is the seed from which all other growth spurts. St. Katherine’s physical education program is dedicated to providing positive growth experiences for students of all ages and at all levels of development. The non-competitive atmosphere encourages participation from children of all abilities. Games and activities are selected and designed to foster spatial and body awareness along with good sportsmanship. Gym classes are held once a week for all students in the new regulation size gymnasium.
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