Logic School (Grades 5-8)

The strong knowledge base established in the grammar school provides a solid foundation as students enter the logic school. As perspective widens, students start to make meaningful connections across the curriculum. Students show more independence in their learning and establish systems in self-regulation and personal study skills. Shaping students’ habits of heart, mind, and soul is a key focus as students deepen their understanding of God’s purpose for his creation and their role in his redemptive plan. Teachers continue to foster the love of learning, and students have opportunities to show marked maturity academically and spiritually as they learn to critically analyze ideas and speak to issues in light of God’s purposes.

Bible

Innova Academy teaches the Bible as the infallible Word of God which speaks to every area of life. All scripture testifies to God’s redemptive plan fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and students learn to articulate the gospel, God’s plan of salvation. Grades five and six biblical studies focus on the life of Christ and the growth of the early church. The themes of servanthood and stewardship are studied in depth. Students are taught to interpret verses in context rather than isolation, and introduced to inductive Bible study practices. Beginning in grade six, students study competing worldviews and begin to develop a cohesive Christian worldview through which they can interpret the world around them and respond biblically in their thoughts and actions. Students will also begin to explore Christian apologetics where they examine the validity of the claims of Christianity, exploring such questions as: Is the Bible a historical text, and did Jesus rise from the dead?

Literature

Literature is carefully selected to immerse students in works of excellent writing style, engaging stories, and elevated ideas. Students read from a variety of genres including general fiction, historical fiction, poetry, biography, and informative non-fiction. Students explore the meaning of the text, as well as techniques the author uses to engage the reader. Some elements studied include point of view, symbolism, plot development, and literary and poetic devices. Literature selections are often linked to the historical period being studied.

Composition and Oral Communication

Innova Academy’s writing program, Writing and Rhetoric, is based on the ancient Greco-Roman model of progymnasmata, meaning “preliminary exercises”. These excellent time-tested practices of teaching writing in conjunction with critical thinking and speaking are adapted to meet the needs of today’s learners. Students are immersed in models of excellent writing that they imitate as they progress down the path to masterful writing and speaking. In the logic stage, students learn to use sound arguments to explain their opinions, employ narrative to further the purpose of exposition, effectively support a thesis statement, use literary and persuasive devices, write and present speeches, and compose well structured research papers. Oral presentation skills are further developed as students engage in group discussions, memorize great poems and monologues, participate in speech competitions, deliver oral reports, and present dramas.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

Innova’s grammar program incrementally and systematically teaches the rules that govern the English language. By practicing analytical skills, students learn to identify the elements of good sentence structure and apply them to original writing. In the logic stage, students review the parts of speech and learn to identify and properly use complements, phrases, verbals, and clauses. Students review the use of proper punctuation and apply the rules of grammar and punctuation to daily writing across the curriculum.

Mathematics

Using the renowned Math in Focus: Singapore Math program, students learn mathematical concepts using a concrete–pictorial–abstract learning progression. This approach helps students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills to provide a strong foundation for higher level math reasoning. Students are called upon to demonstrate understanding by applying concepts learned in a variety of ways.

History and Geography

Logic stage students continue their study of chronological world history, beginning with the renaissance and reformation in grade five through modern times in grade eight. As history is integrated with geography, literature, writing, art, and music, students are immersed in the time period, generating enthusiasm and deeper understanding of God’s unfolding story of redemption.

Science

Students at Innova Academy will understand that scientific knowledge reveals the orderly and wondrous ways God has designed the universe and the laws that govern it. The study of science enriches students’ knowledge of creation, affirm their faith in the Creator, and empower them to be good stewards of God’s world. Students learn to articulate how science supports evidence for a creator. Logic school students implement the scientific method (develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, record observations) and topics studied include physiology, motion and force, astronomy, weather, energy and electricity, and geology.

Latin

The study of Latin is a fundamental component of a classical education. Through Latin, students expand their vocabulary, develop a deep understanding of grammar, and learn to think systematically and critically. Logic stage students continue to develop an understanding of Latin grammar and vocabulary, and begin to read Latin texts as well as practice more advanced translation.

Physical Education

Physical well-being is an essential part of classical and Christian education. Students at Innova Academy understand that God made their bodies to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, and therefore develop their physical abilities to the glory of God. Coordination, endurance, positive attitude, and sportsmanship are emphasized. Students will continue to build strength, flexibility, and endurance through physical fitness, set personal goals to improve one’s physical fitness, refine skills in individual and team sports, and learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Fine Arts

Our fine arts program is twofold: the study of the arts throughout history, and the development of artistic skills. In cultures around the world, music and art have been powerful God-given means of expression. Students study the chronological progress of the fine arts as they move through their history program.

Our logic school choral music program is based on Kodaly methodology. Students develop skills in ear training, reading and writing musical notation, facility with beat, rhythm, and metre, and two and three-part singing. Students will further develop music skills and appreciation by learning to play a musical instrument.

Our art program introduces students to the works of the masters and encourages them to appreciate and imitate the beauty of creation in their own works of art. Students explore the fundamentals of art: line, shape, texture, value, colour, and perspective. Through drawing, students explore proportion, depth, and shadow. Students knowledgeably use a variety of art media including pencil, charcoal, tempera, watercolour and acrylic paints, calligraphy supplies, pen and ink, relief carving and block printing tools, and sculpting materials.

Innova Academy