Lower School (Grades Primary to 6)

Lower School Curriculum

The principal aim of the Lower School is to encourage students to realize their full potential through immersion in a curriculum of high academic standards and expectations. At Armbrae, we follow the Nova Scotia curriculum, but it is enriched in many areas and we provide our students with opportunities to think critically and dig deeper into concepts.

In the Lower School, our small class sizes enable teachers to differentiate curriculum in order to support the individual needs of each student. Our curriculum is designed to allow students to develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, Science and French alongside social, emotional and learning skills.

Our focus is on helping students develop self-confidence, self-discipline and a lifelong love of learning. Developing a well rounded student is of paramount importance so our Lower School curriculum is enriched with Drama, Music, Art, Physical and Health Education, Library and Computer Studies. Field trips are also integral to our program and allow children to widen their interests and further their personal growth. These programs both enrich and challenge students’ interests as we prepare them for our Middle and Upper School Programs.

Lower School Director

Throughout her 20 year teaching career, Tara Burt has taught in both public and independent schools and has been a teacher at Armbrae for the past 18 years. During this time, she has taught a variety of grades in the Lower School including Grades 2, 3, 5 and 6. Tara was appointed to the position of Lower School Director in July of 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dalhousie University, and both a Bachelor of Elementary Education Degree and a Masters in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Vincent University. She is currently working on her CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership with the hopes of graduating with that certificate this summer.

Tara is committed to excellence in teaching and learning and is well known for developing positive and collaborative relationships with students, colleagues and parents. She has an excellent understanding of child development and the needs of young learners. This year Tara has been highly involved in developing lessons for the Lower School on resilience as part of our new partnership with Dr. Michael Ungar’s R2: Rugged and Resourced curriculum.

Overview

A typical day in the Lower School consists of five one hour periods with three breaks for outdoor playtime. For three periods of the day, students are with their homeroom teacher for core subjects (Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) and two periods are with specialist teachers (French, Music, Physical and Health Education, Art, Drama, Library and Computers).

Lower School Schedule

Mondays,Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Features Include: 5 x 60 min periods | 60 min lunch

7:30am - 8:00am BeforeCare (P-6 Students)
8:00am - 8:25am Drop off Outside Play (P - 6)
8:20am Students line up
8:25am - 8:40am Daily Homeroom
8:40am - 9:40am PERIOD 1
9:40am - 9:55am Recess
9:55am - 10:55am PERIOD 2
10:55am - 11:00am Travel/Movement Break
11:00am - 12:00pm PERIOD 3
12:00pm - 12:30pm Lunch (Classrooms) 12:00-12:20
12:30pm - 1:00pm Outside 12:20-1:00
1:00pm - 2:00pm PERIOD 4
2:00pm - 2:15pm Recess
2:15pm - 3:15pm PERIOD 5
3:30pm - 4:00pm Co-Curricular Activities
4:30pm - 5:45pm AfterCare


*SCHEDULE for Thursdays

Features Include: 5 x 50 min periods | 60 min lunch | Full School Assembly | Advisory Period

Download 2023-2024 Bell Schedule

To learn more about Armbrae Academy please Email Suzanne Morrison or call directly 902-830-1418