Specials for Pre-K through Grade 8
Special classes at the Academy of Notre Dame include offerings in art, music, world languages (grades Kindergarten-8), library and physical education. We believe that the specialist courses allow students to discover their gifts and talents in unique disciplines, while connecting scientific and artistic talents to academic coursework.
In order to achieve this, the academic excellence and spiritual formation of the Academy curriculum is strengthened by its extracurricular, or “specials” curriculum. Our students in kindergarten through grade 8 have the opportunity to participate in a variety of specialist courses.
Physical fitness is a high priority at the Academy, with weekly physical education classes and extensive intramural and competitive athletic opportunities. Students in grades 5 - 8 can participate on school athletic teams. Academy students are also eligible to participate fully in Tyngsboro town teams, both recreational and travel.
Use the tabs below to read grade overview descriptions of each special.
Art
Students in grades 3-4 are taught fundamentals and principles of art such as design, color and space. Assignments encourage more independent thinking for expression using these new skills.
Older students in grades 5-8 explore acrylic painting and 3D sculpture. In fifth grade, students make animal masks and study portraiture; sixth graders create 3D animal sculptures; and seventh graders study still life and landscapes with acrylics. As a final project, eighth grade students sand, design and paint a piece of furniture that remains in the school.
Library
Music
Fourth and sixth graders get familiar with the symphony orchestra learning the families of instruments, names of instruments and sound of each instrument. Classes are introduced to Gustav Holst’s The Planets and students guess which planet Holst was trying to represent in sound. They do this by listening for musical clues including tempo, dynamics and instrumentation.
Seventh grade students listen to excerpts from many Broadway musicals as they explore groundbreaking shows by Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim like Carousel and Into the Woods.
Finally, eighth graders finish an introduction to classical music. Students compare musical styles in each period from several great composers including Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.
PE
At each grade level, students are working with partners and small and large groups to encourage communicating, working together, and supporting one another. Most importantly, we stress to all students that PE class is supposed to be fun!
STEAM
STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. This class teaches how to integrate all four of these disciplines to solve problems and create innovative projects the same way everyday scientists and engineers do in our modern era. Students are taught STEAM concepts through an inquiry-based teaching method where they work collaboratively to solve real-world problems. STEAM concepts are also integrated into all courses.
Technology is integrated into classroom teaching beginning in Pre-K3 with students as young as 2.9 years old. Older students participate in experimental labs, play interactive computer games and do coding, and they work in groups to create models of real life solutions to problems which are STEAM related. They learn the design process for engineering, as well as develop a deeper understanding of what technology means (not just computers and computerized toys). Lower grades, for example, build bridges and archways and towers using simple materials like straws, tinfoil, pipe cleaners and raw spaghetti. Higher grades build mechanical arms that can pick up a cup, windmills that raise a miniature car ten inches, and ziplines for ping pong balls.
World Languages
The principal aim of the World Language program is to provide students with the skills needed to communicate in a second language and to develop strong fundamentals skills in oral communication (listening and speaking), reading, and writing.
From Kindergarten to grade 5 Spanish and French are offered as a special that meets once a week transitioning from one language to the other after the second trimester.
In Grade 6, French or Spanish is chosen and followed throughout the entire year. From that point forward, classes meet five days a week and are part of the regular academic requirements. The 7th and 8th grade level curriculum is designed to follow a first year high school curriculum, divided in two years. Upon completion of the program, students should be eligible to enter Spanish/French 2 or a corresponding Honors Level Program at the freshman level in high school.
The program adopts a broad spectrum of communication skills utilizing the five C’s of essential foreign language education: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Community. Additionally, elements of the Catholic faith tradition are integrated in the target language curriculum in order to provide a meaningful language and cultural experience within the context of the Catholic faith. The program follows the guidelines of an immersion program where the language of choice is taught for a minimum of 50% of the total instructional time at every grade level of study.
We extend an invitation for you to visit us in person. Please contact the Admissions Office via email at [email protected] or by calling 978-649-7611, Ext 337 to arrange a tour. We’d love the opportunity to meet you and your child.