Our Programs
Vernon Christian School follows the curriculum guidelines of the Society of Christian Schools in BC. The newly written “Integrated Resource Packages” by the Ministry of Education of BC are being adhered to in as far as they agree with the schools educational philosophy. Materials from Christian School International and other Christian publishers are also used to supplement areas of study. God’s Word is applied to all areas of study.
The primary years from Kindergarten to Grade 3 welcome children into our community of learners at VCS. They are the foundational years for nurturing an attitude of wonder and delight in learning and for experiencing success in acquiring basic skills.
Our curriculum includes prayer and study of Bible stories, music and art, enjoying and reading literature, phonics and spelling, writing and drama, beginning to speak and understand French, PE and intramurals, science and social studies, math, multi-age special themes, and resource-based learning which integrates classroom study with library skills.
Learning is structured so as to have a balance of direct instruction, meaningful practice, exploration of materials and ideas, and opportunities to praise God, share, cooperate and serve others. Parents are welcome and involved in primary classrooms.
Grades 4, 5 and 6 are the intermediate years of the elementary school program. During this time, learning shifts from the acquisition of “basic skills” to applying those skills to learning in all subject areas at a higher level of thinking. More cooperative group work and the introduction of percentages for report cards are two big changes for students.
Vernon Christian Secondary School program is comprised of students in Grade 7 - 12. The middle years curriculum is foundationally Christian, presented from a Christian perspective, and follows the BC Ministry of Education guidelines. Students also participate in Exploratories in the Middle School years and Electives in the High School years. Evaluation is continuous and formal reporting to parents occurs three times during the academic year. At Vernon Christian Middle High School the curriculum has been expanded to include unique learning opportunities that go beyond BC ministry of Education requirements. We plan to include outdoor exploration trip of BC history, computer projects in every core subject and locally developed applied skills courses.
One of the most important components of the curriculum offered by Vernon Christian School is its focus on service. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are given opportunities to serve in a manner that is appropriate to their grade level. For example, grade one students have raised funds to purchase farm animals, personal belongings and food for underprivileged people in developing countries while Middle High School students have served hot lunch to Vernon’s homeless and poor. Our school has also supported the Operation Christmas Child program. Our service program also includes a Grade 9 mission’s trip to Mexico in March and a senior missions trip to Belize.