Special Subject Areas:

Prekindergarten through Grade 8

Overview
Immaculata Catholic School offers special subject area instruction in art, media center, music, physical education, and Spanish. All students participate in the art, music, physical education and Spanish programs which follow the Diocese of Raleigh curriculum guidelines. Students in middle school explore the media center and use of research media as part of their core course work.

Art
The visual art program provides students with the opportunity to creatively explore a variety of media. Through this exploration, students are encouraged to express individuality as they apply  knowledge of the elements and principles of design.  The art program promotes an appreciation of many cultures through the study of art history. Art classes provide students with opportunities to learn and apply knowledge about design and to experiment with cretive problem solving.  Students begin learning basic skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, weaving and sculpture in pre-school and primary grades.  As students progress through the art program, they are challenged to continually develop these skills.  Students in the intermediate and middle school grades study more advance drawing, painting and sculpture, weaving, papermaking and printmaking.  Middle school students who want to explore art-making further can choose Art Club as one of their electives.

Physical Education
The physical education program involves students in a wide range of activities and encourages a life-long commitment to physical activity. Students learn sportsmanship, work ethic, the importance of healthy living and the ability to learn from mistakes.  Effort and conduct are the cornerstones of grading.  An important part of our physical education program is supporting the mission of our church and school in bringing our children closer to God.   We do this through a thought for the week which we discuss before each class and the thought of the year which is a theme we focus on throughout the entire year.

Spanish
Prekindergarten to second grade students learn basic Spanish vocabulary related to their school, home and world and are also exposed to different customs and celebrations of the Spanish speaking world. They also learn simple prayers, songs, and games.  In grades 2-5, students continue expanding their vocabulary and begin to learn basic grammar rules, the “Our Father”, the "Hail Mary" and "The Prayer of St. Francis", simple conversational phrases, reading, and writing.  They also learn basic facts, information and traditions of the Hispanic culture. The curriculum for PK – 5 is taught following developmentally appropriate practices.  Students in grades 1-5 use a simple vocabulary workbook in class and do a lot of hands-on activities.  In grades 6-8, students learn more prayers in Spanish and emphasis shifts more to conversation, reading, and grammar.  Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to take Spanish more often to build a stronger foundation for high school Spanish.  Facts and information about the Spanish speaking world are researched and discussed. 

Media center
For students in prekindergarten through grade 3, the curriculum focuses on learning and appreciating different types of literature. Fourth and fifth graders learn to use the media center to conduct research. For middle schoolers, use of the media center is integrated into subject areas. Students may check out books any morning before schoo.  Instruction is also provided for grades K-3 in technology and computer skills.

Music
Music classes provide students with oppotunities to experience basic elements of music such as rhythm, pitch, texture and dynamics, and students are given exposure to a wide variety of musical styles and genres. Students participate in many movement activities, part singing with rounds and partner songs, and playing percussion and Orff instruments.  Students in the Middle School are given instruction in guitar and handbells, as well.  Basic music notation is introduced through these activities, to help students become independent musicians.  Students have several opportunities for performance, as well.  The Primary Division presents an advent program where students take part in a musical play based on the Christmas story.  Each April, the Intermediate Division demonstrates skills learned in the classroom including singing, movement and instrumental accompaniment.  The Middle School Division prepares the Way of the Cross Litergy which tells of the Passion of Christ through music and drama. Preparing for the various liturgies through the seasons of the church is also a very important aspect of the music curriculum, as this gives students a strong sense of their faith community.

Computer/Technology
A fully-equipped computer lab enables students to use computer technology in their subject area classes.  Each class has a scheduled weekly time in the computer lab.  The school isequipped with wireless remote access and a small portable computer lab.

For the 2010-11 school year, due to successful fundraising efforts of the H&SA, we will be adding a technology teacher, interactive smart boards with additional software.  Classroom teachers will have daily access to technology infused lessons.