Classical Christian Education
What is Classical Christian Education?
Classical Christian education is a timeless approach to education that seeks to use the best of the past and the best of the present. At the Primary level, it is a significantly knowledge-based approach that also equips pupils with the skills to learn better. It is a more rigorous education than that which is offered by other schools but it is also more enjoyable for the children.
There are three over-arching stages to Classical Christian education: Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric.
In the first stage of learning, the Grammar stage, children are encouraged to soak up knowledge like sponges so that they will love to repeat what they hear and read. They are curious about how things work and want to know why things happen.
As they get older, they start asking questions and thinking about how things fit together (Logic). Finally, they learn to eloquently share their ideas and solve problems (Rhetoric).
Classical Christian Education
At Dóxa Theó Christian School
At our school we are primarily focused on the first stage and the beginning of the second stage of learning. In this first and second stage at Dóxa Theó Christian School, children are equipped with a strong foundation for all future learning activities. They will develop a solid understanding of grammar, a rich vocabulary and strong reading comprehension. Students will also be encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills and analyse information. Moreover, students will be taught to memorise facts and information which will enhance their memory and their recall. And very importantly, we will instil a love of learning through meaningful and engaging content.
Among the ways we make this engaging for the students is through the use of storytelling and song to teach history, literature and other subjects. This makes their learning memorable. These methods are also incorporated in their learning of grammar and other concepts. Using these methods stimulate the imagination of our children and encourage their creativity.
Aspects of our curriculum that make the education at our school more rigorous also include memorising facts and information, regularly reciting what they have learned, and routinely practising their handwriting, spelling, and grammar through copywork and dictation. We also use a systematic Maths programme in which the children learn a wide range of numeracy skills and explore mathematical ideas. This has a clear and structured approach to teaching Maths making it easy for learners to follow and develop the essential mathematical skills they need for success.
The school's curriculum aligns to a fair extent with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence in terms of learning outcomes, ensuring that students can easily transition to or from any Scottish school. However, the school's approach differs from the Curriculum for Excellence’s ethos. While the Curriculum for Excellence focuses on a general education, the school aims to reveal the beauty of creation, the importance of truth and virtue, and the love of God. This Christian perspective guides the school's curriculum, but it still adheres to the Curriculum for Excellence's learning objectives to provide students with the necessary qualifications.
Overall, Dóxa Theó Christian School focuses on equipping our children with important skills for learning, memorisation techniques and cultivating a love of learning.