Inquiry-Based Themed Learning
Via Vita Academy uses an inquiry-based approach to delivering a themed curriculum, starting in Pre-Kindergarten up to grade nine. This approach connects curriculum together and engages the child continuously, challenging them to think deeper, critically, and build concrete understanding of real-life, applicable concepts. Sciences, Social Studies, Health, Art, Music, Physical Activity, Language and Math are interconnected under a theme, where students work to solve problems collaboratively that relate to their own curiosity. Students are posed questions rather than delivered information, which in turn develops skills in innovation, motivation, collaboration, and critical thinking that are invaluable to our ever-changing world. We aim to instill independence, confidence, and the ability to engage in solving one's own inquiries - essentially creating the ability to thrive in a world filled with continuous change and information,
Via Vita Academy has three main themes in the school year, one for each term. Within the yearly curriculum plans, our teachers explore all outcomes within the Nova Scotia Department of Education Curriculum to ensure each student is engaged in material specific to their grade-level information by using an inquiry-based approach, students always exceed these outcomes through their own abilities to inquire, problem solve, and collaborate. Students cover a wide range of subjects throughout the year, deeply engaging in learning material and experiences far beyond what is specific to their grade level.
Inquiry-Based themed curriculum allows learning to be natural, inspired by the curiosity and previous knowledge of each student. Guided by the teacher, the learning follows a track of questions, information seeking, critical thinking, discovery, and presentation. Each step of the way builds upon each other and makes concrete connections to the learner, building a solid foundation for learning that will stay with them as they grow.
Teaching in this way offers the opportunity for learning to be more student-driven, connecting to real-life, making the information practical and useful. Students build meaning in each learning activity as it follows a natural path of discovery - it makes sense to them why they would learn it. The teacher provides guidance, support, encouragement, resources and information to build upon each inquiry. The theme provides an outlet to gain new skills, explore the unknown, share previous knowledge and experiences, and work together towards new discoveries. It fosters a motivation to learn and a support for working together, no matter the ability. It also places the student in control of their learning, building responsibility and confidence. They see there is no limit to learning, no one to blame if goals are not met, and a deep rooted motivation to succeed.
Inquiry-based themed learning allows literacy to grow progressively, with linked vocabulary and experiences, motivating students to explore their writing potential. It provides applicable situations to apply math reasoning and problem solving. This model strengthens the ability to think critically and creatively, celebrating individual differences, leadership and teamwork skills. Inquiry encourages hard work, strong efforts, and active participation. It recognizes individual strengths, abilities, interests and helps to round out challenges and obstacles in learning. Inquiry-based themed learning naturally enhances school curriculum by offering students the ability to gain from their learning and appreciate it. This model of learning builds learning experiences that last and carry forward into the ever-changing, vast and often unpredictable future.
Via Vita Academy has three main themes in the school year, one for each term. Within the yearly curriculum plans, our teachers explore all outcomes within the Nova Scotia Department of Education Curriculum to ensure each student is engaged in material specific to their grade-level information by using an inquiry-based approach, students always exceed these outcomes through their own abilities to inquire, problem solve, and collaborate. Students cover a wide range of subjects throughout the year, deeply engaging in learning material and experiences far beyond what is specific to their grade level.
Inquiry-Based themed curriculum allows learning to be natural, inspired by the curiosity and previous knowledge of each student. Guided by the teacher, the learning follows a track of questions, information seeking, critical thinking, discovery, and presentation. Each step of the way builds upon each other and makes concrete connections to the learner, building a solid foundation for learning that will stay with them as they grow.
Teaching in this way offers the opportunity for learning to be more student-driven, connecting to real-life, making the information practical and useful. Students build meaning in each learning activity as it follows a natural path of discovery - it makes sense to them why they would learn it. The teacher provides guidance, support, encouragement, resources and information to build upon each inquiry. The theme provides an outlet to gain new skills, explore the unknown, share previous knowledge and experiences, and work together towards new discoveries. It fosters a motivation to learn and a support for working together, no matter the ability. It also places the student in control of their learning, building responsibility and confidence. They see there is no limit to learning, no one to blame if goals are not met, and a deep rooted motivation to succeed.
Inquiry-based themed learning allows literacy to grow progressively, with linked vocabulary and experiences, motivating students to explore their writing potential. It provides applicable situations to apply math reasoning and problem solving. This model strengthens the ability to think critically and creatively, celebrating individual differences, leadership and teamwork skills. Inquiry encourages hard work, strong efforts, and active participation. It recognizes individual strengths, abilities, interests and helps to round out challenges and obstacles in learning. Inquiry-based themed learning naturally enhances school curriculum by offering students the ability to gain from their learning and appreciate it. This model of learning builds learning experiences that last and carry forward into the ever-changing, vast and often unpredictable future.