Language Arts (Time Allocated: 25% or 6 hours per week)

- Reading
Beginning in our reception class, pre-reading activities encourage each child's use of language and develop specific pre-reading skills. Formal reading instruction is introduced when appropriate. An extensive range of reading materials, both fiction and non fiction, are provided. Thinking skills are developed, including the ability to identify ideas, draw inferences, make comparisons and draw conclusions. The reading program at the upper levels is designed to stimulate student interest in literature, to teach the use of literary skills and to prepare students for the more formal study of literature at the secondary school level. The skills aspect of this program is aimed at improving critical thinking and writing ability. Extensive studies of novels, poetry, plays and short stories are also undertaken, and all students are expected to read widely from the school library. Throughout the school, a love of books is fostered through reading to the children on a regular basis and weekly visits to our librarian. Students are encouraged to develop reading habits from which they derive enjoyment.

- Language
The language program is closely linked to the reading program and covers all aspects of oral and written communication. English composition, grammar, word usage, spelling, handwriting, listening skills, vocabulary development, speech making, interpersonal communication, etc., are dealt with in this subject area. Experience is provided with a variety of written expression and skills are developed in the various stages of the writing process.

Students requiring ESL (English as a Second Language) lessons are tutored individually or in small groups so that they may quickly learn to function effectively in English and become fully integrated into the life of the school. Speaking, reading, writing and listening skills are developed through a variety of activities and the use of materials appropriate to the age, maturity, understanding and ability of each student.

Mathematics (Time Allocated: 20% or 5 hours per week)

At the Kennedy School we emphasize the importance of applying mathematics to real-life situations. Key concepts and essential skills are presented and reinforced in a logical sequence from reception through to the eighth grade. These are related to number, measurement, logic, patterns and functions, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics, etc. Manipulatives are used to help build concepts of number, set theory and the basic operations. Students are expected to master basic skills, and are taught to reason mathematically and make deductions, gather data, produce reports and build arguments to support ideas. Systematic problem solving strategies are developed and students are given the opportunity to work both alone and in group situations to solve problems. Calculators and computers are made use of to enhance student interest and understanding.

Science (Time Allocated: 25% or 6 hours per week)

Our science program leads to the discovery, understanding, appreciation and application of important scientific principles. The main purpose of the program is to introduce students to scientific information, scientific methods and scientific thought as a way of solving problems. Much experimentation is carried out in an effort to improve observation and recording skills and to give students practical experience with the methods of science. Students are helped to value the environment, to understand the interdependence of living systems and to investigate the effect of scientific advances on contemporary life. The study of the human body, including good health practices, is also incorporated into this program. At least one topic drawn from the earth sciences, one from the biological sciences and one from the physical sciences are studied each year.

Social Studies (Time Allocated: 10% or 2.5 hours per week)

Our social studies program reflects an international dimension and a global perspective. It develops the students' awareness of the world as a set of systems which undergo constant change. An understanding of the ideas and beliefs of others is fostered. Opportunities are provided for children to investigate a variety of cultural heritages and to understand the importance of geographical and historical influences upon social systems. All students are expected to have a good knowledge of the history and geography of their native country and of the host country, Switzerland. It is hoped that the body of social science knowledge and the skills to which students are exposed will help them to make informed decisions in matters that will affect them in their social relations and in the political and economic affairs of their community, nation and world.

French (Time Allocated: 15-20% or 3 to 5 hours per week)

From grade one, students have daily lessons in the French language. French classes are conducted at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, depending on the students' backgrounds and appropriate stages of development. The main emphasis of the program is on practical conversational French and the fundamentals of French grammar. As students advance through the program, greater importance is placed on reading, grammar and written expression. Active participation is encouraged to acquire fluency in conversation.

Art (Time Allocated: 5% or 1.5 hours per week)

All classes have a formal art lesson each week with a qualified art teacher. The art teacher works together with the classroom teachers to design a course that will meet the needs of the class and will insure that art and art-related skills are being used effectively in all areas of the curriculum. Art work is approached as a natural means of expression that is accessible to anyone with proper training and encouragement, and provision is made for children of varying artistic ability. During art lessons students learn to work with a variety of media such as pencil, ink, pastels, paint, clay, etc. Both two and three-dimensional projects are undertaken.

Music and Drama (Time Allocated: 5% or 1.5 hours per week)

The music program provides opportunities for children to sing, learn to sing in tune and develop a repertoire of songs. Opportunities are also provided for a variety of rhythm activities, including experiences to develop the children's creative response to music through movement. An introduction to the reading of music notation, music history and appreciation are included for older students. Drama activities are incorporated in this program. Students take part in improvisation and role play situations, as well as in the more formal practice and preparation for school-wide drama/music productions.

Computer Education (Time Allocated: 5% or 1.5 hours per week)

It is compulsory for all students in grades 3 - 8 to have a Mac lap top and join our state-of-the-art computer network. Our buildings and computers are part of the JFK network providing both traditional and wireless highspeed access to the internet. These computers are used daily by students as tools for exploration and investigation. They are also used for word processing, desktop publishing and as graphics tools. Educational programs and simulations are utilized to develop problem-solving skills. In addition, the computers are used to individualize instruction in both drill and enrichment areas. Students in reception to grade 2 have access to school workstations and lap tops.

Physical Education (Time Allocated: 5% or 1.5 hours per week)

Many sports and physical activities are of an individual nature at the Kennedy School. All students receive instruction in swimming, skiing, track and field, ice-skating and hiking as part of the regular program. In addition, one period of physical education per class is scheduled each week in the local primary school gymnasium. These classes provide instruction in group and team games, gymnastics, movement and conditioning exercises. Provision is made for different levels of ability. The concepts of fitness and constructive use of leisure time are stressed.

Extra Curricular Activities

The main objectives of our activities program are to aid in the development of the whole person and to provide students with practical alternatives so that they might learn to use their leisure time productively. During non-class time, including many Thursday afternoons and on weekends, the school provides students with the opportunity to participate in a large variety of sports, activities, excursions and interest groups.

The excursion program is a conscious effort to link classroom studies to the lessons to be learned through practical experience and observation in the real world. Approximately 20 such excursions take place throughout the school year, including major overnight trips of up to 6 days in length during the spring term. These outings range from mountain hiking and camping expeditions in the autumn to more culturally-oriented field trips to such places as Bern, Lausanne and Luzern during May and June.

During the winter months skiing becomes the main focus of the sports program. The children have the opportunity to ski each afternoon, Monday to Friday, under the supervision of Swiss ski instructors.

Professional instruction is also available in music, ballet, modern jazz dancing, tennis, karate and horseback riding.

Spring term "interest groups" are a final feature of our extra-curricular program. These might include such activities as photography, pottery, film-making, rock climbing, drama, etc. Students have the opportunity to choose any two activities in which they wish to receive instruction.