Programs

VTT PROGRAMS

A glimpse at our academic programs from early childhood through to grade seven.

Early childhood is rishonim (age 3) and junior kindergarten (age 4). The primary years begin in senior kindergarten (age 5) and conclude in third grade. Grade four is the beginning of the intermediate years and grade six and seven represent the senior intermediate grades. The descriptors below represent the general studies curriculum only. VTT students complete the BC Ministry of Education requirements in half a day. The second part of the day is devoted to the acquisition of Hebrew language and Judaic studies.

VTT believes in the power of play. In our early childhood program, PLAY is the primary--and most--important vehicle for learning and socialization.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our goals are to enhance, enrich and exemplify our Jewish traditions and culture, and educate the whole child. Through our play-based program, we aim to foster social and emotional learning, independence, confidence, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and both fine and gross motor skills.
Curriculum focus:

PRIMARY YEARS

SENIOR KINDERGARTEN
Senior Kindergarten (SK) marks our students' first formal education experience in the primary years and follows the learning outcomes as outlined by the BC Ministry of Education. Our program provides a dynamic and playful curriculum that encourages children’s innate sense of curiosity and creative potential. Students engage in rich and meaningful early learning experiences that support independence, communication, critical thinking, cooperation and collaboration.
THE PRIMARY YEARS: GRADES 1 to 3
Our primary years program provides students with the opportunity to build strong foundational skills in the areas of literacy, numeracy, science and social studies in both a cross-curricular and engaging manner. Students are offered a variety of learning opportunities with the goal of fostering independence, self-regulation, social responsibility, leadership and global awareness. While core subjects are taught by a homeroom teacher, specialist teachers introduce students to art, drama, physical education and music. Throughout the year, students also have access to guest speakers, curriculum-inspired field trips and outdoor education. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

SENIOR KINDERGARTEN
GRADE ONE
GRADE TWO
GRADE THREE
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THE INTERMEDIATE YEARS

Grades 4 through 7

Our intermediate years program allows students to build on their foundational skills and continue to develop critical thinking and reasoning abilities. Students in the intermediate program assume greater responsibility for their learning and for themselves. VTT places a special focus on teaching social responsibility, leadership and global awareness. From grade four, students have the option to join house team lunchtime intramurals to foster fitness and friendly competition. Our dedicated 1-to-1 laptop programs begins in grade four.

GRADE 4 HIGHLIGHTS

Students learn to be more independent, and develop responsibility for their assignments and supplies. Using the natural world and general Canadian geography and history, students develop a stronger sense of self, and what it means to be Canadian.
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GRADE 5 HIGHLIGHTS

In grade five, students explore different topics through a critical thinking lens. Students employ the Big Ideas from the BC Curriculum to approach a variety of topics such as the human body in science, problem-solving challenges in mathematics, government in social studies and exploring texts from a variety of perspectives and writing exercises for different audiences and purposes in language arts.

GRADE 6 & 7 STUDENTS

As students move into grades six and seven, developing strong leadership skills becomes a central focus through joining clubs that serve both the school and greater community. These two years are also devoted to preparing students for secondary school thus we transition to a middle-school model of learning with students traveling from class to class to learn from specialist faculty. Judaics instruction includes rabbinics, prophets, Torah, Hebrew language and Jewish history. Music instruction is instrument-based and throughout the year students have access to guest speakers, curriculum-inspired field trips, intramural sports and challenging outdoor education opportunities.

OUR SENIOR STUDENTS:

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

GRADE SIX
The overarching focus in grade six is global citizenship. Using literature, social studies' texts, and other sources, students investigate topics such as poverty, human rights, regional and international conflict, immigration, governance and world religions.
GRADE SEVEN
Leadership is solidified in seventh grade. Students are offered a myriad of opportunities to lead their peers in acts of kindness and care of self, others and the school community.