Cedars Christian School

Overview

The primary years are important in forming basic attitudes about school and developing basic skills in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The primary program at Cedars seeks to develop the whole child: spiritually, academically, physically, aesthetically and socially in keeping with the school's vision statement and the Ministry of Education guidelines.

The intermediate years add to the foundation laid in the primary program, the self-discipline and skills needed to function independently in junior and senior high school. These are also character-building years and frequently the time of developing a meaningful personal relationship with Jesus Christ. These years have great bearing on how students perform in high school and how well they hold up under the pressures of teenage life.

Educational Objectives

At Cedars, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights for responsible citizenship in BC. More importantly, they are equipped for responsible citizenship in the Kingdom of Christ.

It is our hope and desire that students will increase their understanding of the way in which God created our world - its beautiful unity and rich variety. The students learn about plants, about animals and about man in society. They will see how all parts of creation are inter-related and how each has its own unique function. God, through his creative and redemptive work is brought out in every subject taught at Cedars, not only in Bible classes and weekly chapels.

At Cedars, students learn that they can be special people, as children of the Lord, and they can have a special place in the world. They learn that to be really happy and joyful as Christians means living in the covenant relationship that God has given us in Christ. They are challenged daily in working this out in the God-given tasks. They are also challenged to develop a transforming influence in our society, and develop a Christian culture and lifestyle according to the norms of God's Word.

Responsive Discipleship

Students are challenged to become responsive disciples of Jesus Christ. This means they will have to develop skills, knowledge and insights to live the full Christian life - through all occasions - as church members, as citizens, as family members, as neighbours, as friends, as workers and as consumers. Responsive discipleship has three parts. First, our goal is to unwrap student gifts and find ways in which students can exercise these gifts. Second, we place a strong emphasis on creating a community in which students and families feel connected to one another. This means specifically looking out for the weaker among us and including them. Third, it means teaching children how to be ‘world Christians', thinking in terms of missions, stewardship and conservation.

The Elementary School Program At Cedars

Bible and Chapel

Bible is taught as a specific area of study along with being integrated into the whole curriculum. The Bible is taught as the source of all true knowledge and wisdom. For ease of instruction and uniformity in memorizing Bible verses, Cedars has adopted the New International Version of the Bible as its official version but because of personal preferences some parents request that their children use the King James Version. Weekly chapel services are held where students worship together in word and song.

Even though we use some textbooks published by secular authors, Christian perspective is integrated into all areas of the curriculum.

Language Arts

The Language Arts is taught within Themes much of the time at the Primary Grades. The Language Arts Program is comprised of a: Basal Reading Program / Spelling Program / Phonics Program / Writing Program. Teachers use a variety of teaching approaches such as Whole Language and Phonics.

Math

At the primary level Math Manipulatives are used to teach the different concepts. The Math Quest Program is used from Grades 1 - 3 and The Journeys Math Program is used for Grades 4 - 6. Computers are also used to reinforce basic facts.

Social Studies and Science

The "Explorations Series" is used to cover topics about Community, Neighbourhoods, Community Helpers, Exploring Canada and BC's Past. The Christian Schools International Science Program is used from Grades 1 - 6.

Physical Education

Each Primary class receives 3 periods of PE each week to develop their physical well-being and basic skills needed for team sports in the Intermediate Program. In the Intermediate years, students participate more extensively in sports activities such as intermurals, volleyball and basketball with the local Public School District #57.

Rudy and Friends

In grade 6, a student's last year at Cedars Elementary School, students learn how to run a puppet/technology show for the rest of the school. It includes learning about sound systems, PowerPoint, video editing, puppet motion and dialogue, script-writing and acting. Students learn many gifts which can be used in churches or ministry later in life through this program.

Learning Assistance

Students who have learning disabilities or delayed language development are supported by a Learning Assistance Program. Individual Educational Plans are developed for each child in consultation with the classroom teacher. Psychological testing is occasionally carried out with a shared cost between the parents and the school.

In addition to the Core Curriculum, the Elementary Program offers:

• French as a second language, Music, Library, Computers, Art, Rudy and Friends (Grade 6 students learn how to put on a Video-Worship-Puppet-PowerPoint extravaganza for the school as well as a buddy program, teaching leadership skills)
• Counseling / Speech Therapy / Teaching Staff
• Some Personal Counseling is provided for those students who are in need. We have a private contract arrangement with a qualified Speech Language Pathologist. Services provided are assessments and therapy. The school and the parents share in the cost. The staff are all committed Christians dedicated to delivery a Christ-centered curriculum. They are all certified by the BC College of Teachers or the Independent Schools Branch of the Ministry of Education.