Intermediate School Curriculum

Through our Art Program, students are encouraged to express themselves creatively through a variety of media such as: painting, drawing, 3-D sculpture, printmaking, collage, fiber art and computer art. Art projects can be realistic or abstract.  They study a wide variety of artists and offer their own interpretations on the different movements in Art History.

Third Grade – Students focus on different cultures around the world as they learn about the art of those cultures.
Fourth Grade – Students focus on different artists and using a variety of art media and techniques. By the end of grade they have learned about over 15 artists.
Fifth Grade- Students focus on different media such as 3-D projects, printmaking and weaving. One of fifth grade’s favorite projects is a giant candy bar sculpture inspired by Andy Warhol.

The Creative and Performing Arts program at St. Bede school is an introduction to theatrical play, basic/beginner dance classes, and auditory music exploration for students in Preschool 4-3rd grade. Students participate in theater games, have mini dance classes, and are taught to sing along with music and karaoke tracks with music selections ranging through classical, swing, rock n roll, and Broadway musicals . The spring semester brings rehearsal and performance classes in preparation for an end of year showcase exhibiting skills children have learned throughout the year. This class promotes early literacy for reading, speaking and listening, taps into basic mathematics (sorting, grouping, spatial awareness, counting), provides social-emotional support, and enhances communication and collaboration in pairs, as well as small and large groups with peers.

The Language Arts Curriculum enables each student to be introduced to language as a viable form of communication, an invaluable skill, and an art to be enjoyed. Classes center on improving writing, grammar and speaking, as well as expanding vocabulary and improving spelling.  Language, as a skill, provides the student with the important tools to speak fluently, to read and comprehend, and to spell correctly.

Using a variety of assessment tools, including DIBELS, the classroom teachers and Title teachers are able to target specific skills individualized to each student.

The 5th grade is partnered with the Frick Art & Historical Center in a program which involves a monthly trip to the Frick. While there, the students tour the various sites on the Frick’ s grounds, learn about the Fricks and Pittsburgh history, and take part in various writing and art activities.

Reading is one of the most important skills children will ever learn. The child who reads well and loves to read-will excel in school and achieve personal growth.

The most important goal regarding Accelerated Reader (AR) is to encourage a love for reading by developing confidence through practice. Research demonstrates that reading practice is the most important factor in a student’s literacy development. Literature-based reading practice allows students to perfect the reading skills they learn so that they can move beyond the struggle of decoding text and begin reading for learning and pleasure.

Accelerated Reader is an individualized reading program for students. It is only one part of the total reading program at St. Bede. It allows teachers to set goals, track growth and monitor comprehension.

We have 10,000 Accelerated Reader quizzes available at St. Bede and over 15,000 books. The book levels range from 0.2 to 12.0, so we have a wide variety of books for students to select. We encourage students to choose books within their reading level that are of interest to them. Accelerated Reader is a wonderful tool for allowing this love of reading to happen.

Accelerated Reader has three main objectives:
1) Dramatically improve student reading performance
2) Additionally improve student’s critical-thinking skills
3) Instill in students a lifelong love of reading

Our students receive an individualized approach to their elementary math with small class sizes.  Our math teacher to student ratio is 1:15.  The math program cultivates conceptual understanding and procedural fluency equally – it provides explicit in-depth instruction in fundamental mathematical concepts.  It places a key emphasis on the development of higher-order thinking skills and fluency with math vocabulary.  Problem solving is valued in our math program as a creative activity that is open to discussion.  Varied approaches to problem-solving strategies develop strategic competence and help students build a true concept of what it means to “do” math.

The Science Program is hands-on with plenty of opportunities for exploration and experimentation.  Lessons engage student in science inquiry, STREAM activities, and problem-based learning.  The Science curriculum is specifically designed to develop a student’s understanding of science in human experience and the individuals’s role in the community and in society.  Examples of scientific phenomena are explained and demonstrated.  Students become scientists as they learn to understand and use the scientific method to organize ways to solve problems.

Through the stories of intriguing people, exciting places, and fascinating events that make social studies relevant to their lives, students gain a global perspective.  They also learn the social studies themes and skills they need to become informed, participating citizens who consider diverse points-of-view, use critical thinking skills, and are active in their communities.  Students are able to explore the meaning of the past in relation to how we are as a society modern day. Discussions, games, and other challenges are implemented to make the study of social studies collaborative and interesting.

The Saint Bede School curriculum is proud to provide students with a Spanish World Language course. We offer Spanish in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our goal is that the students understand learning a language is learning a new civilization and culture. To achieve this our students work toward proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Spanish World Language students in grades 5 through 8 meet three times per week. Upon completion St. Bede School graduates are typically ready to enroll in a high school Spanish language program at level 2 or 3.

Students have a number of different performance opportunities throughout the school year including a Christmas Program, Spring Show, and a Variety Talent Show. They also study different music forms and styles from both a composition and appreciation perspective.

Students in grades 3-5 study the recorder and have a performance.

The Physical Education curriculum strives to establish healthy, active students so that each child can develop to his or her full potential.  Students learn to be physically active, respect the rights of others, to be part of a team, and the positive effects of teamwork.  The skills, habits, and attitudes developed within the program provide opportunities for greater success in the students’ lives.

The Religion curriculum allows students to go from knowing the Faith to living the Faith.  It leads them into an ever-deepening prayer life.  Students encounter Scripture in a meaningful age-appropriate way.  They are given the opportunity to discuss sacred art and to dive into vivid stories of the saints.  The instruction is differentiated which enables students at various skill levels, backgrounds, and familiarity with the Catholic Faith to be reached.