Connect classes
The standard course of study is augmented by Connects classes, explorations in the fine arts and physical education. Instructional content is thematically woven with grade-level instructional units and provides students with an outlet for creative and physical expression. Connect classes for Kindergarten through 8th grade include Theatre, Visual Arts, Spanish, Physical Education, and Social Emotional Learning.
The Arts
In the Basic School model, students explore various fields of knowledge within a framework called the Core Commonalities. These eight tenets are based on shared human experience and integrate subjects in a way that helps students see connections across the disciplines and in their lives. This includes responses to the fine arts, the instructional core of Pioneer Springs's Connects classes. Theatre and Visual Arts offer opportunities for students to respond to the universal experience of Art.
Theatre
PSCS theatre classes are intended to expose students to the formal study of theater, both through consideration of plays and playwrights as well as through the creation and production of their own ideas. Students discover that drama, like art and music, is a significant human experience woven through history and across cultures.
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Visual Art
Art and the creative exploration of core curriculum are an essential part of every student’s daily experience at Pioneer Springs. In addition, each K-5th student participates in weekly Art Connect Classes, which are thematically tied to each grade’s units of study. PSCS art teacher Jen Marsh is fond of saying, “artists are people who see things in a new way.” To that end, and in keeping with our mission, natural, recycled, and upcycled materials are often utilized.
Art instruction at Pioneer Springs is always process-oriented, with the emphasis on the journey of each project. This approach allows students to make their own discoveries, promotes higher-level thinking, and develops innovation, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Art projects are often open-ended, meaning the finished product is not modeled for students, but instead materials are provided that can be used in a variety of ways. At the close of a project, students are encouraged to evaluate their own work, participating in teacher-facilitated reflections.
Art instruction at Pioneer Springs is always process-oriented, with the emphasis on the journey of each project. This approach allows students to make their own discoveries, promotes higher-level thinking, and develops innovation, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Art projects are often open-ended, meaning the finished product is not modeled for students, but instead materials are provided that can be used in a variety of ways. At the close of a project, students are encouraged to evaluate their own work, participating in teacher-facilitated reflections.
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social connects
In addition to learning about the Core Commonalities through the arts, students at Pioneer Springs also explore how culture and community connect people. Through Physical Education, World Languages and Social-Emotional Learning, students learn how to connect to one another and to themselves in meaningful ways through teamwork, communication, and learning about others’ experiences of the world.
SPanish
Studying World Languages connects students to other cultures, and enhances their appreciation of spoken and written languages. At Pioneer Springs, students in Kindergarten through eighth grade study Spanish. Spanish language classes explore culture, and make use of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and singing.
Physical EducationP.E. at PSCS takes a non-traditional approach to introducing all students to grade specific essential standards for physical health. Using elements such as obstacle courses and team assignments PE teaches collaboration, team work and the appreciation of difference. Working together students find and make connections, learning one another’s strengths and gifts. Just as in the classrooms there is a P.E. promise, a commitment to respecting others, the equipment and the environment. The promise includes honoring personal space and a commitment to having fun. P.E. takes place outside in the full range of Carolina weather.
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Social emotional learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) includes the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. As a Basic School, Pioneer Springs believes that SEL is an essential component of character education. SEL is woven throughout the school day, from Morning Mindfulness, to exploring SEL themes in the curriculum and in social interactions, to Closing Reflection. Additionally, students meet with our Guidance Counselor weekly to develop their SEL skills.
