Corpus Christi School, Shaping the Future

Serving the children of Corpus Christi and St. Mary of the Assumption parishes.

Academics: Curriculum

The curriculum at Corpus Christi School, as based upon diocesan guidelines, seeks to meet the needs of all students and is integrated with the Gospel values set forth in our philosophy. The content and methods used in the different subject areas reflect concern for the students' academic and moral growth. Christian values are infused in the daily interaction between students and teachers and among the students themselves. Through a well-defined curriculum, enrichment opportunities and supplemental programs we strive toward excellence in learning and harmony in our school atmosphere.

Corpus Christi School implements the curriculum and guidelines of the Diocese of Wilmington, which follows the standards and curriculum set by the State of Delaware:

Religion:
A formal Religion class is taught daily to all students at every grade level. Children learn traditional Catholic prayers and practices; they celebrate the liturgy of the Eucharist and participate in seasonal prayer services. Opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation are provided. There is a strong Franciscan charism that permeates the environment emanating from our Franciscan sisters. The priests from both St. Mary of the Assumption and Corpus Christi parishes are encouraged to be active in the classrooms. Classes in Family Life and other social concerns such as Aids Awareness, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Peace and Justice Issues are integrated into the curriculum throughout the grades.
Language Arts:
The Language Arts program includes the following subjects: reading, grammar, composition, spelling, penmanship and vocabulary. Each of these subjects has a defined scope and sequence of skills that are taught at the appropriate grade levels. A strong foundation of basic reading skills is established at the primary level; comprehension skills are continuously developed into higher order thinking and reasoning skills. A love of reading is encouraged by exposing students to award winning children's literature at every grade level and by providing a period each week for students to borrow books from the library. Children learn to write sentences using correct capitalization and punctuation; these sentences are extended to paragraphs and stories while many different genres of writing are explored. In addition to traditional assessments, creative reports, projects and literature circles are used in many instances to assess skills and strategies. Vocabulary and Spelling skills are extended through the writing process.
Mathematics:
Mathematical concepts, computation and problem solving are the standards addressed at each level in the Mathematics curriculum. Math concepts are taught using direct instruction and cooperative learning. An extensive use of manipulative, drill work math labs, tapes and calculators provide reinforcement of concepts presented. Grouping at the upper levels allows the program to meet the individual needs of all students. Algebra is offered to qualifying students in the eighth grade.
Science:
The Science program is based on a continuum of concepts and skills offered at successive levels that correlate to the student's developmental needs and abilities with the appropriate scientific process. The program emphasizes the development and application of process skills using an inquiry approach. The use of the metric system is incorporated in investigations. Students are taught how to hypothesize, investigate, collect and analyze data, and make conclusions. Science is related to the scientific content of the real world. The physical sciences and life sciences are all emphasized throughout the grade levels. Environmental topics are taught in every grade since understanding the environment and how to preserve and protect it are the core of our covenant with the earth. We teach process skills and problem solving using an inquiry approach.
Social Studies:
The social studies curriculum includes concepts and skills in understanding historical, economic, geographical, social, political, and cultural events of our diverse American nation and interdependent world. Current events and research projects are incorporated in the lessons.
Spanish:
The Spanish program is based on the theory that the purpose of learning Spanish is to authentically communicate with people who speak it while developing an understanding of the culture surrounding the language. At the Primary level students learn to listen and speak in a basic conversational manner. Students at the Intermediate level add Spanish phonics and writing skills to their conversation practice. Middle School students speak, read and write in Spanish. Many of our graduates can work at the Spanish Two level as high school freshmen.
Technology

Each class is scheduled for one computer class per week and the students are encouraged to use the computers in the lab as well as those in the classroom. At the Primary level the curriculum acquaints the students with computer literacy and mouse control. The children are encouraged to use creativity while learning basic computer commands.

Students in the Intermediate level progress to word processing skills and publishing. Research methods and Internet searches are introduced with the necessary security measures taken. Middle school students learn to use the computer to create Powerpoint presentations, reports and spreadsheets.

Art:
The Art curriculum involves creative thinking, art skill competency, knowledge of art vocabulary and art history. The students have the opportunity to experience various mediums such as pencil and pen, pastels, collage, paint, origami and sculpture. The focus at the Primary level is on the enjoyment and adventure aspects of art. The projects at this level are success oriented thus building confidence and artistic skills. Students in grades four through eight integrate artistic skills and knowledge for more advanced artwork. Projects include perspective, color theory, sculpture, ceramics and independent projects.
Music:
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 participate in weekly music lessons. All aspects of the Music curriculum are emphasized as lessons are taught on rhythm, reading music, singing and listening. Students also become familiar with composers, along with the different families of musical instruments and their sounds.
Instrumental Music:
A school band program is available for students in grades four through eight. Sections meet for weekly lessons during the school day and for one after school practice a week. The band performs two concerts yearly.
Physical Education:
All classes participate in weekly Physical Education classes. Emphasis is placed on the fine and gross motor skills, an understanding of the rules and skills of particular games and the practice of good sportsmanship. The Presidential Fitness Program is integrated into the curriculum at all grade levels.
Guidance:
Classroom guidance programs are presented throughout the school year by the counselor or someone engaged by the counselor to provide developmental or social skills.