Bishop Elementary School
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Bishop Elementary School
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Educational Programs
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Classroom Curriculum
Bishop School, together with the Sunnyvale School District, has rewritten its curriculum (what students are expected to learn) to follow the new California Curriculum Frameworks in Mathematics and English/Language Arts. This process, which takes place over a 7-year cycle, includes buying new textbooks and developing the Standards of Achievement of skills and concepts for kindergarten through 8th grade for each subject. Individual classroom art projects, science projects and musical and physical activities also support the enrichment programs. This integrated thematic approach is one of the effective ways of teaching which Bishop teachers use as they work to make sure all students are successful. Language Arts Program (listening, speaking, reading and writing). In the literature-based program using Heath and McGraw Hill language arts program, students learn the basic reading skills and develop their comprehension skills. Learning is organized around significant themes. For example, a unit of study in the fall might expose students to listening and reading (seasonal stories), writing (language experience stories and poems), speaking (recitations and sharing), science (weather patterns, how pumpkin grow), and social studies (customs in different lands). The mathematics program emphasizes hands-on learning and problem solving activities. Students are given many different opportunities to use mathematical concepts to solve "real world" problems. Students use a variety of ways to learn and practice mathematics skills, including the use of computers in our Computer Lab. History/Social Science Program The history/social science program includes self, family, school, neighborhood, community, California, The United States, and the world. Literature, art, music, and other academic areas are integrated into the history/social science curriculum in a well-developed and sequential manner. Cooperative grouping, field trips, and team teaching enhance instruction. The science program focuses are on inter-dependent themes of life, earth, physical, and environmental sciences. Lessons are provided using a variety of techniques, including use of textbook, as well as hands on experiences. Special speakers, science assemblies, field trips, and classroom science kits enrich the science program. Fifth graders attend a week long program at the Walden West outdoor school. Visual and Performing Arts Program The arts are integrated with the core curriculum, including creative expression, aesthetic experiences, and the historical/cultural context. Art enrichment is also experienced through after school arts activities, field trips, and in-school performances. Students' work is displayed throughout the campus and in the classrooms. Physical education is an integral part of school for all students at Bishop. Quality and fun P.E. activities are provided at least once a week to our students. Students in grades 4 through 5 have instructional aides for P.E. All students participate in class-time programs offered incorporate social, art, music, recreational, cultural, and curricular activities. Bishop School uses the talents of the staff and community to allow students the opportunity to participate in many wonderful after school programs such band, orchestra, dance, choir, and a variety of sports activities.
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