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Theme Learning

Theme-based learning was pioneered over 20 years ago at Halifax Independent School on the Dalhousie campus. At its core is the in-depth study of various topics, under the umbrella of the larger “theme” and in which all the traditional core subjects are integrated. Five rotating year-long themes, which rotate and which are studied by the whole Elementary and Pre-Primary school. The themes are of broad interest, appropriate for any age group and are chosen to reflect a balance of science and social studies sub-topics. Language Arts skills are built into all topics as students report and explore. In the Middle School, theme is integrated wherever possible through inter-disciplinary topics. For example, the Earth and Space Studies unit in Science is complemented by the History of Scientific Theories in Social Studies. Another term, the Ecology unit in Science is complemented by examining the social implications of environmental issues in Social Studies.

The five themes are as follows:

Oceans, The World of Work, Discovery, Living Things and Nova Scotia

Using the theme approach, children see no barriers to their learning or interests. No buzzers or bells disturb their investigations; one interest and one subject discipline can naturally flow into the next. Furthermore, the broad scope allows each child to pursue a particular individual interest in depth, and then to share this expertise with others. Within one theme, different aspects of science and social studies are covered throughout the year. For example during the “World of Work” one year, the Olds spent a term looking at the physics of work. They did experiments, wrote them up, and applied what they had learned about simple machines to the creation of an “invention” which was designed to help with some everyday activity. Research booklets, demonstrations and creative writing about their inventions reinforced basic skills through purposeful real life practice.

Each theme study involves an extensive investigation of concrete situations and materials including thorough use of community resources. An essential goal of our theme studies is to foster an appreciation of the community and environment in which the children live.

In working through theme, the children learn how to question, analyse, classify and present their discoveries. The sense of ownership, pride and confidence that naturally flows from their learning experiences benefits our children for life.