Linnaea School's curriculum follows BC Ministry of Education guidelines. Within these parameters, subjects are integrated to create an interlinked structure of knowledge. Drama and music are used as powerful learning vehicles. The curriculum cultivates strong math, literacy, research and presentation skills. It provides opportunities to work both independently and cooperatively. The high staff-student ratio facilitates meaningful relationships and opportunities to individualize work according to students' needs. Multiage classrooms build cooperation skills.


Theme
School wide themes integrate several academic areas when possible. For example, a theme on Ancient Egypt covered mythology through story telling and painting for all grades and as the focus for the youngest grades. The middle students made hand-bound alphabet books. The older children wrote and decorated reports. Spelling, creative writing and reading were based on subjects inspired by Ancient Egypt. The study unit ended with a day of time travel in which students dressed up in costumes, shared food and painted murals.


French and Music
Students receive weekly instruction in French with memorization interspersed with activities in which vocabulary is applied. In music, students have learned hand drumming, recorder, and singing. Most years, the Orff method is taught. This year, community members are sharing many musical talents with the students.

Art and PE
Linnaea School emphasizes the life long importance of self expression through the arts for personal satisfaction and to effectively convey ideas. Twice a week, students have the chance to use quality materials while developing their artistic skills and vocabularies. PE classes emphasize skill building, team work and personal bests.

Global Education
Awareness of the world's diversity creates tolerance and acceptance in our students. Stories, songs, drama and staged World Tours introduce children to other cultures. Multicultural holidays provide a fun way to learn about other religions and customs. Students receive a progressively more mature look at current social issues as they move into the higher grades. They learn about the contributions of inspiring individuals, both famous and relatively unknown, drawn from a balancing of ages and gender.

Assessment
Detailed progress reports go home each term. Twice a year parents meet with teachers to review work and set learning goals. One of these conferences is student-lead, which fosters self-assessment and presentation skills. Student portfolios also encourage self-reflection and attractive work presentation. Grades six to eight receive letter grades and develop test-taking skills in preparation for other school systems.