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CEDAR HOUSE
JUNIOR STAGE
PROSPECTUS
2016
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE JUNIOR STAGE CURRICULUM .... 3 PROJECT-­‐BASED LEARNING ................ 4 HUMANITIES: HISTORY ........................ 4 HUMANITIES: GEOGRAPHY ................. 6 NATURAL SCIENCES ............................... 8 BUSINESS STUDIES ............................... 11 COMPUTER STUDIES ........................... 12 DESIGN ..................................................... 13 DRAMATIC ARTS ................................... 14 VISUAL ARTS .......................................... 15 3
THE JUNIOR STAGE CURRICULUM The Junior Stage is a two-year stage, spanning Grades 6 and 7.
Students learn in multi-age groups. Each of the two years is
divided into two six-month Semesters. This implies that the Junior
Stage comprises four semesters.
During each Semester, all students learn English, Mathematics and
Afrikaans or isiXhosa. Every student does Physical Education, Life
Orientation and Project-based Learning for the year.
In addition to the compulsory subjects listed above, each student is
required to choose three optional modules in each semester of the
Stage, making a total of twelve optional modules by the end of the
two years.
The following restrictions apply to these choices:
• During the course of each academic year, every student must
select at least one Natural Sciences module and one
Humanities module. More than one may, of course, be
selected.
• No module may be selected twice.
While we do our best to cater to every student’s needs, timetabling
constraints sometimes imply that we will have to request that a
subject choice be reconsidered and altered to fit into the timetable.
The modules are intensive and in-depth, with six hours of contact
time in a nine-day cycle. This results in a rich and deep learning
experience. This, combined with some freedom of choice and a
range of exciting learning possibilities, has resulted in energized
and directed Junior Stage student group.
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PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Project-based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain
knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to
investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question,
problem, or challenge. PBL is the ongoing act of learning about
different subjects simultaneously. All students partake in Project
lessons and this is done in mentor groups, where students
complete tasks individually and in groups. Project-based learning
emphasises learning activities that are student-centred and
students have to organise their own work and manage their own
time in a project-based class.
HUMANITIES: HISTORY
MODULE 1: Mighty Warriors (JSHUM08)
What is a warrior? It is defined as a person specializing in combat
or warfare, especially within a tribe or clan-based society.
This exciting module takes an in depth look at warriors through the
ages – from the fighting men of Ancient Greece and Rome, to the
Knights and Crusaders of the Middle Ages. We will also explore the
lives of our own South African warriors, in particular Shaka Zulu and
Nelson Mandela. The interesting life of the Argentinian
revolutionary, Che Guevara, will expose our students to the life of a
modern warrior.
The module will include debates, course work, movies, research
work and discussions.
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★ NEW!
MODULE 2: Kingdoms of Africa (JSHUM12)
In this module, students will explore some of the mighty kingdoms
of our African continent.
While Europe was experiencing its Dark Ages, Africans were
experiencing an exciting renaissance after the decline of the Nile
Valley civilizations of Ancient Egypt and Nubia.
We will be exploring the fascinating civilizations of this African
rebirth: the Axum Empire, the Kingdom of Ghana, the Mali Empire,
the Songhai Empire, the Ethiopian Empire, the Mossi Kingdoms,
the Benin Empire and the southern kingdom of Mapungubwe!
We will uncover their rise to power and wealth through trade and
war, and experience the cultures of these fascinating and colourful
people.
This module will be based around an exciting technology based
webquest; that will lead the students through activities, projects,
visual media and tasks as they journey
back in time to visit these incredible
civilizations!
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HUMANITIES: GEOGRAPHY
MODULE 1: The African Odyssey (JSHUM10)
In this module, we will be taking a journey through the African
continent, from Table Mountain to the famous Nile river of Egypt.
This course focuses on all that Africa has to offer, from its incredible
islands and wildlife sanctuaries to the Megacities scattered
throughout the continent.
We will be learning about the diversity of population in urban
centres, flights from one country to another, through multiple time
zones and the magnificent climates of Africa. Explorations of
famous natural landmarks are a highlight of this module and will
help to build an appreciation of the majesty of Africa’s environment.
Key to this module is the idea of conservation and how we can help
make a difference in preserving the natural splendour of our
continent.
We will be enjoying various documentaries to draw on the vast
experiences of many famous explorers, as well as enjoying some
exciting outings to broaden our knowledge in real world situations.
This module promises to open up an exciting new world and build
an appreciation for our beautiful continent.
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★ NEW!
MODULE 2: Weather Wise (JSHUM11)
In this fun filled module we will look at weather and climate change,
locally, as well as globally. We will discuss the effects of climate
change on the environment.
In depth discussions and specific questions such as:
• “What is the difference between weather and climate”
• “What is climate change?”
• “The ethics of climate change” will be answered
The learners will analyse and record the weather for a selected
period of time. They will be given an opportunity to be a weather
reporter. This will be an iPad activity.
Group projects will include exploring and comparing different
weather phenomena. For example, Tornadoes and Hurricanes.
We will make different devices to measure rainfall and wind
direction.
During the module we'll watch the movie “Erin Brokovich” to tie in
with the discussion on what we can do to save our planet.
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NATURAL SCIENCES
MODULE 1: Flying to the Moon (JSNSC06)
In this module, we will be preparing ourselves as Astronauts going
on an imaginary trip to the moon. We will learn about forces and
gravity on the moon, and also the tides and phases of the moon.
We will also look at fitness, diets and Energy Transformations. All
this will be through the lens of energy, where we will look at the
seven forms of energy and how the moon and ‘rocket trip’ to the
moon relate to these. We will also be watching the movie Apollo 13,
imagining ourselves on this exciting trip. Our term ends with making
and launching our own bottle rockets. If you enjoy Physics,
experiments and have a good sense of adventure, then choose this
module!
★ NEW!
MODULE 2: Everything Matters (JSNSC09)
In this module, students will utilize the scientific method to explore
the physical and chemical nature of our world. Students will identify
the size and structure of an atom, through modeling atomic size
comparisons to a cricket pitch and computer modeling to connect
atoms to the periodic table’s universal diversity. Students will
conduct individual research on an atom of their choice.
We will focus on the molecule of water by analyzing some magic
tricks. We will analyze the physical and chemical changes of water
purification and explore how water chemistry influences healthy
habitats on an outing to Kenilworth Conservation Area. We will hold
a town meeting debate about the social implications of pollution and
maintaining high water quality standards.
After exploring molecular bonding and charged ions, students will
witness generation of electric current and purification of metals from
electrolysis of ionic solutions. Students will grow different geometric
shaped crystals as purified and organized molecules.
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Lastly, students will explore the phenomena of fireworks through
flame tests and light spectra analysis of different coloured light.
MODULE 3: The Tree of Life (JSNSC07)
In this exciting module, we start off by categorizing animals into
their various groups of vertebrates and invertebrates. Next, we take
an in depth look at the fascinating world of arthropods as we
examine the life cycles, habits and habitats of various insects, and
arachnids.
Next we look at various kinds of communities and ecosystems and
how they function. We also look at threats to these communities
and how we can help preserve these communities and help them to
function better.
Lastly we look at how flowering plants reproduce and make food.
We then put this learning into action by growing our own vegetables
in a sustainable manner in our very own school vegetable garden.
Our outings will include visits to Kenilworth racecourse – a very
local and wonderful fynbos ecosystem - and also a visit to a seaside
ecosystem.
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MODULE 4: Back to the Future (JSNSC08)
In this module, we travel back in time and explore the history of life
on earth. Our investigation starts 4600 million years ago, where we
look at the very first life forms on earth. We will get to know the
animals that roamed the earth during the Dinosaur Era. We will look
at various dinosaurs, as well as their habitats, diets, armour and
plenty more. We explore the life of a palaeontologist and find out
just how easy or difficult it is to extract fossils. We will also explore
what an Ice Age is and look at what animals were around during
this very cold time.
We then travel to the future and explore topics that are affecting our
earth and how we will live in the years to come. These topics
include globalization, climate change, technology and science.
We will watch the Jurassic World and Ice Age movies, as well as
many video clips - to give students an idea of what life was like
during various eras of our history. This module is fun, interactive,
hands-on and will make you think about our future.
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BUSINESS STUDIES
★ NEW!
MODULE 1: (JSBUS01)
Oh the places you’ll go, Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting. So……get on your
way! (Dr. Seuss)
We all have BIG dreams for ourselves!
Everyone needs to know how to manage
and grow their money so that they can make
their dreams become realities.
This module looks at the interesting history
and role of money. The students will learn
about creating budgets, saving, planning
and, of course, buying! They will learn about
banks, their services and how to open and manage their own
accounts.
You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you
just might find you get what you need! (Rolling Stones)
This module will also expose the students to the basic economic
problem of scarcity in our South African and a global context. They
will explore their wants and needs in a world of limited resources
and vast inequalities: investigating the causes of socio-economic
imbalances and how this can be addressed through education,
skills development and sustainable job opportunities.
There are wonderful outings incorporated in this module, including
trips to local businesses - both formal and informal, and to a
banking institution. These outings are always an exciting and
practical way in which to explore, learn and experience knowledge
first-hand.
This module is designed for to give
every student the skills and know-how
to manage their money and invest
positively in their community!
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COMPUTER STUDIES
MODULE 1: Apple Mac applications (JSCOM01)
The Computer Studies module will introduce students to the basics
of Apple Mac apps and hardware. The focus will be on apps that
are generic to all subjects e.g. Pages, Keynote, Comic Life and
Garage Band.
Students will also be introduced to the world of Google Apps, which
includes Website design, Word Processing and Presentations.
Continuous assessment happens through projects done throughout
the semester. There will be a final assessment towards the end of
the semester, which will focus on skills learnt in an app studied
during the module.
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DESIGN
★ NEW!
MODULE 1: Powerful Patterns (JSDES05)
This module is based on exploring the elements of Design through
patterns. Students will work in 2D form (drawing and painting), as
well as in 3D.
Students will learn about pattern design, mood boards, creating
patterns and experimenting with them using various materials. We
will explore lines, shapes, colours, textures and patterns, through
mandalas and wrapping paper. They will then create their own
design of a mandala on fabric, as well as their very own wrapping
paper.
We will explore advertising and logos and look at how some of the
world’s most iconic logos around the world have changed over time.
Students will go on an outing to the Clay Café in Hout Bay, where
they will produce their very own, one-of-a-kind piece of crockery.
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DRAMATIC ARTS
MODULE 1: Telling Tales: From Fables to Fantasy (JSDRA02)
This module is designed for students with little or no theatre
experience. In it we will promote enjoyment and appreciation for all
aspects of theatre. Classes will focus on the exploration of theatre
performance, historical and cultural connections, and dramatic
theory. Improvisation, creative dramatics, and confidence building
activities are used to introduce students to acting and character
development. Incorporation of other art forms in theatre will also be
used to help students gain appreciation for other art forms, such as
music, dance, and visual art. The module will provide opportunities
for students to develop skills in critical listening and thinking, as well
as stage presence, ensemble work, and aesthetic awareness
culminating in periodic classroom and/or public performances.
Telling Tales: From Fables to Fantasy
A module exploring the nature of storytelling and its prevalence in
our lives. Students will be led through a series of practical tasks to
develop verbal and physical storytelling skills, as well as explore the
power of character in the telling of stories.
The module will cover:
• Telling Stories Physically:
Non-verbal communication, Physical Theatre, Mime, Reading
Images (Facial Expression, Posture, Gesture)
• Telling Stories Vocally:
Vocal technique and modulation, Vocal Plays and Audiobooks
• Telling Stories Visually:
Telling stories through Images, Looking at tableau (composition),
Puppetry, Reading Images (Famous Paintings, Storyboards,
Comics)
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• Telling Stories through People
Creating characters
• From Fables to Fantasy
Different kinds of stories
• Narrative Devices and Analysis:
Text Study
Introduction to themes, symbols, setting, structure, conflict
Each section will be taught through practical exercises and tasks.
VISUAL ARTS
MODULE 1: Arts and Crafts (JSVAR03)
In this module, students will explore their own unique creativity in
the field of crafts. Several crafts will be introduced with a brief look
at the cultures that have practiced those crafts as well as how the
crafts have developed over time. Students will have an opportunity
to practice each craft by carrying out exciting projects. While there
is a theoretical context to the work, the emphasis is on fun, active
involvement on a practical level.
Some crafts that students can expect to explore are; decoupage;
weaving; mosaic; candle making; beading and tie-dyeing.
Continuous Assessment will be done throughout and there will be a
final assessment at the end of the semester, which will involve
some preparatory research beforehand.
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MODULE 2: Art and Soul (JSVAR04)
This module is a practical exploration of art and of what kind of
artist each one of us is. Students can look forward to a range of fun
projects, which will introduce them to different media and
techniques, and will guide them through a personal process of
discovering and expressing more about themselves.
The practical work is the main emphasis of this module. However, it
will be carried out in the context of a brief introduction to the
elements of art, as well as a look at some of the great artists and
movements in Art History.
Continuous Assessment will be done throughout and there will be a
final assessment at the end of the semester, which will involve
some preparatory research beforehand.