A Relational Education
Part of the beauty of the Alveary curriculum lies in how its subjects weave together, creating depth and richness across the curriculum. Each subject stands alone with its unique contributions to a child's education, but many are intentionally intertwined with other areas, offering opportunities for deeper understanding and connections across disciplines.
Understanding how these subjects function independently, build through the years, or complement each other can help guide your decisions about which courses to include or omit when adjustments to your schedule are necessary.
Standalone Subjects
These subjects can be taught independently, focusing solely on their content:
- Art Instruction
- Bible History
- New Testament (NT)
- Old Testament (OT)
- Citizenship
- Latin
- Literature
- Math
- Modern Languages
- PE
- Poetry Study
- Science
- Shakespeare
- Sloyd
- Solfa
Subjects Intertwined with History
Mason referred to history as the “pivot on which the curriculum turns.” Several subjects are enriched by connections to the historical periods being studied:
- Architecture (Grades 7–12): Highlights historical and cultural influences on design.
- Civics/Government (Grades 8–11): One term each year examines historical governance and societal structures.
- Composer Study: Explores music tied to historical and cultural contexts.
- Copywork/Dictation: Draws from literature or speeches relevant to specific time periods.
- Geography (Grades 7–12): Focuses on regions significant to historical events.
- Handicrafts: Reflect traditional skills linked to specific periods.
- Hymns and Folk Songs: Showcase the cultural history of various times.
- Literature (Grade 4+) and Poetry Reading (Grade 7+ especially): Reflect the cultural beliefs, literary forms, and values of different eras.
- Picture Study: Illuminates historical perspectives through art.
- Recitation: Often incorporates passages from historical texts.
Flexible Subjects
These subjects can adapt to the flow of the curriculum, skipped or emphasized as needed:
- Art Instruction
- Bible
- Citizenship
- Copywork/Dictation
- Folk Songs
- Geography
- Hymns
- Language Studies
- Life Skills
- Picture Study
- Poetry
- Recitation
- Solfa
Subjects that Build Over Time
Some areas of study naturally grow in complexity as students progress:
- Art Instruction
- Geography (Grades 1–6)
- Latin
- Language Studies (Reading, Composition, Grammar)
- Math
- Modern Languages
- Sloyd
- Solfa
Highlights of Interdisciplinary Connections
Certain subjects act as bridges, linking multiple disciplines:
- Composer and Picture Study: Enhance appreciation for history, literature, and the arts.
- Shakespeare and Plutarch: Offer timeless lessons in human nature, citizenship, and governance.
- Poetry Reading: Provides emotional depth to historical and literary studies.
- Handicrafts/Life Skills: Integrates practical skills with creativity.
The interconnectedness of these subjects not only fosters a well-rounded education but also encourages students to see relationships between ideas, cultivating a love for lifelong learning.
