SCIENCE

Using the Next Generation Science Standards, All Souls embraces scientific inquiry and promotes the learning of the scientific process across all grade levels. It is not uncommon to find Transitional Kindergarten students making hypotheses about the weight of a variety of rocks, weighing them on scales, and recording their observations. Second grade students might study animal habitats and consider the effect of the world’s changing weather patterns on these homes. All Souls takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying science and incorporates rich non-fiction literature.

All Souls students must not only read about science but do science through hands on learning experiences and field trips. Each class has a community garden that students care for each week. Lessons focus on plant anatomy, life cycles, ecosystems, soil, weather, and organisms as well as focus on skills such as measuring, charting, collecting data, reporting, and using a variety of scientific instruments.

The study of the environment and care for God’s creation includes a trip to Eaton Canyon or tide pooling where students learn about local plants and animals. On campus, students learn the importance of recycling and making sustainable choices. Additional activities include: A Day of Code and Family Science Nights. All Souls is looking forward to its new 3D printer! 

TECHNOLOGY

​All Souls recognizes the need for students to be able to use technology effectively and efficiently. Students have access to a laptop and iPad center where they learn to do research as well as use our Raz-Kids reading or Mathletics programs. Parent volunteers are currently developing a class on computer coding for our middle elementary students. Our Lego Robotics afterschool program incorporates computer programming skills.

MATHEMATICS (taught in English, Spanish and Mandarin) 

All Souls believes students must understand and apply mathematical concepts in problem solving with skillful and accurate computation. This balanced approach involves teaching students how to compute quickly and efficiently as well as achieve high levels of mathematical understanding such as the “ability to justify, in a way appropriate to the student’s mathematical maturity, why a particular mathematical statement is true or where a mathematical rule comes” (http://www.corestandards.org/Math). Based in the program, EnVision Math Common Core 2015, the rigorous math program at All Souls focuses on computation, word problems, math concepts, and visual representations of math.

​Using individual whiteboards and manipulatives students engage in hands-on math practice. Students work in leveled math groups and therefore receive personalized attention from the teacher. Fast computation is developed through daily mental math practice and Minute Math, where students are timed and therefore expected to memorize math facts. All Souls World Language Catholic School is bridging the Math curriculum across the three languages! 

ART AND MUSIC

Art and Music are integral to the All Souls curriculum and are interwoven throughout all subjects. Importantly, All Souls students participate in a weekly class dedicated to art theory and practice as well as a weekly music lesson which includes note reading, instruction in rhythm, pitch, dynamics and tempo in addition to interactive songs and movement. Fourth grade students and up learn to play the flutophone.

Two working artists are teaching Art at the school. Students learn to appreciate art through lessons in Art History and intro to various techniques. This year, students are learning about Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Emily Carr, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henri Rousseau and Leonardo Da Vinci in Art class. Each student receives their own sketch journal so they can explore negative/positive space, shading, perspective and so much more! 

RELIGION & FAITH FORMATION

At All Souls, the diversity of religious experience is honored while taking seriously our call as Catholics to model the joy of the Catholic faith. Through reflection on their relationship with Jesus and the Christian community, students develop a sense of belonging to God’s family. Through literature, discussion, art projects and drama activities, the values of Jesus become more immediate to everyday life. The religious studies program also prepares children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. For nine weeks leading up to Communion, parents, teachers and students collaborate in preparation for the celebration.

At All Souls students are active participants in the Mass not simple observers. From Transitional Kindergarten on up, all students are welcome to the liturgy, prepare the petitions (in Spanish, English and Mandarin), and share the scriptures. Awareness of the world’s needs and community service allows students to grow as humble servants. Students explore the meaning of church as God’s people who are called to use their gifts in service to others. All Souls places a special emphasis on recognizing the intersection of grace received and the divine call to action. Mass, daily prayer, and service to others go hand and hand. Students collect food and clothing for those in need throughout the year. Students share their gifts of song in multiple languages at the local hospital. One of the most popular enrichment programs at All Souls is choir. Our upbeat contemporary children's choir is accompanied by a guitarist. 

Faith-formation activities include: Twilight Parent Retreat, Family Sacraments Retreat, First Communion, First Reconciliation, Jeans for Jesus, Posadas.