BIBLE
The Bible course includes prayer and weekly Scripture memorization. The students’ study of God’s Word consists of stories about creation; Noah and the flood; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Joseph; the life of Moses; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; Jesus’ earthly ministry; and the life of Paul. Spiritual life applications are also included in each lesson. Students also attend weekly chapel services.
MATH
Lessons in the Math course cover two pages of text per day and separate homework lessons are assigned two to three times a week. Review and drill games are a frequent part of the lessons. Concentrations include place value, notation and numeration through billions, basic whole number fractions, Roman numerals, fractions, decimals, algebraic equations with one unknown, basic geometry (polygons, perimeter and area), English and metric measurements and their conversions, a study of line graphs, pictographs and bar graphs. Word problems to increase reasoning skills are included in each lesson.
HEALTH
The Health course presents the active lifestyle with specific emphasis on maintaining daily health habits. An in-depth study of the various body systems adds to the student’s knowledge of physical fitness. The study of nutrition focuses on the importance of a healthful diet and its effects on overall fitness.
HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY
The history and geography of the Eastern Hemisphere is studied comprehensively, including The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe,
LANGUAGE
The Shurley Method forms the basis of Language instruction. Students use rhythm and a set of specific questions to classify sentences orally, identifying each sentence part and the overall sentence structure.
A literature based unit of study of the first five books of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis forms the core of the teaching of reading. With the subject matter promoting motivation, there is an emphasis on vocabulary, oral reading, literal comprehension and critical thinking skills. Creative opportunities are offered through projects and reports. Additional comprehension practice is provided with Read and Think Skill Sheets.
SCIENCE
The Science course leads students continually from the known to the unknown by teaching important science concepts within the context of things they can see and know. The aim is to help them really understand basic principles of science rather than merely to teach them science vocabulary. “Hands on” activities supplement this study of science. The text presents the world as the Creation of God and glorifies Him as its Sustainer and Upholder. The course introduces great scientists and naturalists who believed in the biblical account of Creation.
SPELLING
The Spelling class focuses on usage, pronunciation and word-analysis skills as weekly spelling lists are introduced. Exercises that promote vocabulary skills are presented each week and weekly tests are given in order to monitor the student’s progress in this academic area.
WRITING
As a component of The Shurley Method of Language instruction, students learn how to expand, improve and edit their writing. The students then learn how to express their own ideas through journals, essays and creative writing.
