“The truth is that reading, writing and arithmetic only take about 100 hours to transmit as long as the audience is eager and willing to learn. The trick is to wait until someone asks and then move fast while the mood is on him. Millions of people teach themselves these things; it really isn't very hard. Pick up a fifth grade textbook in math or [writing] from 1850 and you'll see that the texts were pitched then on what would today be college level.”
- John Taylor Gatto, author of ‘Dumbing Us Down: the Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling’
Holistic Curriculum
Seven Oaks is committed to providing a well-balanced path of learning.
At the core of this is Building Brilliance™, a unique curriculum where students learn how to be personally empowered at all levels of their life, so they are able to access their own unlimited potential. Self-expression through Arts and Sport is sourced from the inner awarenesses gained here.
Through a unique and contemporary Eco-Literacy curriculum we provide a deep and comprehensive awareness of the surrounding physical and social worlds. Science and technology is grounded in this extensive knowledge of universal systems.
The Academic curriculum focuses strongly on proficiency in literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy (maths).
Through this balance of powerful personal growth, deep awareness of how the world works and a strong ability in society’s core communication tools, our students are empowered to consciously imagine and create the life that fulfils their ambitions and their dreams.
Year 1 to Year 8
Literacy and Numeracy
Literacy and numeracy open doors to other learning, and are emphasised in the primary years. Many children are keen to read and write at an early age, but others (often boys) are just not ready. It is vital that children have a positive experience in these crucial areas, so that their self-esteem and confidence remain intact. It has been shown that the most important factor in this area, as in any other, is the enthusiasm of the student. We introduce children to the 3R’s via many practical activities, to gently set a foundation and to stimulate their interest. When a student is ready and willing, we formally concentrate on these subjects, so that learning is rapid, comprehensive and above all, positive.
Science
Science-based activities take place regularly, starting in the earliest years with a variety of experiences which involve all children, such as gardening and cooking, through to observing caterpillars turning into butterflies or investigating how birds fly. As students grow and show greater interest in scientific subjects, they will be encouraged and supported to study particular areas of interest. For more, see Eco-Literacy
Arts
Children frequently engage in many forms of artistic activity, such as painting, clay, dance, singing, playing a musical instrument. We recognize that the arts are essential in building a child’s ability and confidence in accessing and expressing their feelings and intuition. For more, see Building Brilliance
Sports
Physical activity is a vital part of each student’s health and well-being. Daily games are a compulsory activity for all students. Educators will usually join in too. The focus of physical activity at this level is on participation, enjoyment and health.
Use of Technology
We take a considered approach to the use of technology. We realise that technology is a fundamental feature of current society, that virtually all children have access to TV, computers, cameras and phones at home, and so are very technology literate. While technology can be empowering it can also be misused to be an addictive way of numbing out to life.
Our approach is to teach the use of technology as a tool to enhance students’ learning, particularly in the areas of communication, presentation and research.
Year 9 to Year 13
As our year 6 students grow closer towards year 9, we will publish our ‘secondary’ curriculum.