Art refers to visual art, meaning the images and objects that humans create to express what they imagine, see, think, and feel. Visual art can be a drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, photograph, and more.

Astronomy is slowly opening the universe to human understanding. Students study astronomy as it concerns the most concrete realities as well as abstract concepts, all in relation to humanity as it explores its place in the universe. Topics include constellations, light years, astronomical tools, stars, the sun, the earth, the solar system, the moon, tides, eclipses, meteors, asteroids, comets, and space exploration.

AIMS Upper Elementary Botany and Microscopic Study manual is designed to instil in students a fascination with the world of plants and an appreciation for the role plants play in shaping the environment where people and animals live. It begins with plant review to prepare students for the more technical classification section that follows. Students then look at the structure and function of plant parts, then move toward identifying plants in the school garden and the wider environment.

Microscopic study begins with the exploration of plant and animal cells, and how cells work together to perform specific functions. The second section studies microorganisms and food spoilage, showing how the method of reproduction used by many microorganisms allows them to quickly spoil unpreserved food. The students are then involved in two methods of preserving foods.

Ecology is the study of relationships between living things and their environments. Students learn about ecosystems and biodiversity in the context of the interconnectedness of all living things on earth, and the balance and resilience this interconnectedness creates.

Geography is the study of the earth and the effects of human activities upon it. This is, to say the least, a very broad field of study. Because of the range of topics, the study of geography has evolved into two separate fields:

●  Physical Geography: the study of the earth’s physical environment, including its formation and ongoing evolution. This subject focuses on earth’s biosphere, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere – parts of the earth where living things reside. Students discover how these three spheres of activity are inextricably linked, and that logical patterns emerge over time. Examining these patterns leads to an understanding of weather and weather systems, how the earth evolved into its current form, and how it may change in the future.

●  Cultural Geography: the study of specific places and peoples on earth, with an emphasis on the interaction between the two. AIMS Upper Elementary Cultural Geography curriculum provides a detailed study of global continents, examining the major regions of the earth through the different facets of cultural geography to achieve a balanced view and thorough analysis. Maps and mapping are explored and treated as elements of culture created to serve human needs in relation to the environment.

Montessori believed that a healthy body, spirit and mind were the keys to creating peaceful, productive citizens. Our approach to health sciences in the UE curriculum encompasses a comprehensive range of topics, including food handling, studying the human body and its nutritional needs, individual and community development, wellness, and physical education.

Physical education regenerates young minds, increases heart rate, and promotes blood flow to all parts of the body. Through physical activity, students discharge surplus energy, and often in the process renew energy levels and feelings of well-being. Many skills that students develop in physical education activities are the same skills needed for success in the classroom and general community. Specifically, students learn to cooperate and communicate with one another. They also learn how to lead, take direction, listen, and encourage one another.

Furthering the solid skills developed in Lower Elementary, our Upper Elementary Language curriculum fosters a love of reading and communicating. At the core of this subject: skill development in speaking and listening, handwriting, spelling, grammar and syntax, reading, word study, the mechanics of writing, writing essays and research skills, literature and persuasion.

Montessori maths continues with the hands-on approach, moving further into critical thinking and problem-solving skills, covering everything from the decimal system to graphs, statistics, practical applications, pre-algebra, and geometry.

Through this subject’s activities and experiments, students will grow to appreciate the ways in which humans discovered, and continue to discover, the nature of matter and energy and the astounding inventions and innovations that have occurred as a result of these discoveries. For students who learn to appreciate science, the journey through the history of scientific knowledge provides endless fascinating explorations.

This subject is organised into two major sections:

●      Matter — explores the nature of matter and elementary chemistry, the study of how matter changes from one form to another

●  Energy — explores the nature of energy and elementary physics, the study of how motion, force, and energy affect matter

Classical music will be introduced to the students. ‘Fun with Composers’ brings the great classics to life! The power of storytelling will draw students into the intriguing world of classical music. Students will sing, dance, act, and play to the music of Strauss, Mozart, and other greats.

They will also learn about different types of musical rhythm, rock, pop, etc. and its movement. The students will have the opportunity to make and play some simple instruments.

Students explore the tools and procedures that scientists use to further their knowledge about the world, examining the basic machines and tools of technology, and their history and application. Older students (years 5 and 6) are provided opportunities to conduct small- or medium-scope research projects with the teacher’s guidance.

Students learn about the indigenous peoples, exploration and settlement by non-natives, colonial times, and formation of the country, technological and social change, the effect of world events in the early 1900s, states/provinces /territories, the people, government, politics and citizenship.

Humankind’s short time on earth is full of fascinating events and amazing developments that affect our daily lives. History at the Upper Elementary level centres on prehistory, archeology, ancient civilizations, and early exploration of the world, European history and history through art. At the upper elementary level, the history of modern countries is presented as an opportunity for older students to carry out a major research project.

As future stewards of the land, students explore the animal kingdom and develop an understanding of its interconnections. The Upper Elementary Zoology curriculum investigates animal routines and how they are designed for survival, and then external anatomy and classification, building significantly upon classification principles covered in the Lower Elementary Zoology curriculum. Students then apply their new understanding of classification to identifying animals. Internal anatomy and physiology, including reproduction, is then explored, followed by adaptation and then the relationship of humans with animals.