Classically-Inspired Curriculum

Kingswood Academy offers a rigorous, classically-based education rooted in the Catholic faith. We focus on educating the whole person. We teach each child the value of respect, responsibility, reverence, and independence. We provide a safe and encouraging environment where children can share, explore, question, and develop a love for learning.

Classically-Inspired Education:

Teaches students how to reason and think critically
Exposes children to the greatest minds in Western thought and literature, resulting in well-rounded and culturally literate students
Teaches history chronologically
Emphasizes instruction through written and spoken words instead of through pictures and videos

The classical method of education has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. By the 16th century, it was being used throughout the Western world, and it remained the norm until at least 1850. And the main reason for its widespread use? It works. Many of the world’s greatest authors, saints, statesmen, scientists, and politicians were classically educated.

For the last 50 years, conventional education has experimented with a variety of methods, retaining some while abandoning others as attitudes toward education shift. Much of modern education is so eclectic that the student has little opportunity to make connections between past events and the flood of current information.

In the 1940s, Dorothy Sayers advocated a return to classical education, and to teaching students how to think, instead of teaching to the latest fad. Classical education is a return to a system proven effective for well over 1,000 years.

Commitments for a Classically Inspired Kingswood Experience

Reasoning or the Why
Exposure to great western literature ensures the transmission of the ideals and values of the Catholic Christian cultural heritage. Through literature and poetry students learn to discern good from evil, appreciate beauty, and develop a deeper understanding of the human condition. The exposure to great western literature helps build an understanding of why western civilization should be cherished and appreciated in America principals, institutions and traditions.
Commitments
Teachers should use the novels and resources listed on the curriculum guide. These will give a strong exposure to a variety of strong classical literature. (This is why we use the old versions of basals that are often out of print.) Other resources, discerned by the teacher, can be used. If a teacher has questions you should ask peers and administration. Other literature used should also be classical, connected to other subjects, and or full of Catholic Virtues.
Reasoning or the Why
Writing is a process of thinking.

Students who engage deeply and thoughtfully in literature and poetry are able to write more effectively. Through reading great literature and prose, students' appreciation for linguistic beauty and eloquence grows, and is demonstrated in their writing. Learning to read and write well is highly correlated to exposure to literature and the practice of writing. The better writer you are the better reader you become and vice versa.
Commitments
Remember that writing is a process of thinking. It takes on many forms and should be fun. Writing should be integrated into all subjects. Students should be writing about what they read and learn about in literature, history, or theology. The practice of writing in other subjects helps reinforce skills.

There are defined writing topics that carry throughout the school. (Narrative, Reported Information, Persuasive, Auto Biographical) Teachers should make sure to teach mini lessons planned out properly for these. Grades 1 -3 and 4-8 use the same rubric and graphic organizer. The staff will continue to work together to help score students final copies in these areas.
Reasoning or the Why
Telling the story of the world from the beginning of creation to the present day (spread out over K-8) allows the student to appreciate the beauty of God’s design and providence, as well as to see the world‘s development through a Catholic world view.
Commitments
Each Grade level has certain parts of ancient civilizations to give the students a sense of how the world was developed over time. This can be connected to aspects of scripture and students can begin to see how the world was shaped and in time how the Catholic Faith inspired our Western world.
Reasoning or the Why
Critical thinking is the ability to think and learn for oneself. This is the ancient/classical goal of education. According to Plato, “The goal of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.” In order to love what is beautiful, one must be taught what is good, true, and beautiful and the standards that make it so. (We wish this to be from a Catholic viewpoint) From this knowledge students are able to evaluate the world around them, and ultimately to love the beautiful. Through the study of great books and the development of critical thinking, students can learn to discern truth, make wise decisions, and live virtuous lives.
Commitments
Critical thinking is not developed apart from the normal curriculum. This should be weaved into subjects, students are able to engage with ideas critically.

Knowledge and skills are necessary for critical thinking. Teachers must make space for discussion and debate, allowing students to explore different viewpoints and develop their own perspectives. Through the Socratic method, beginning even in kindergarten, teachers can guide students through questioning and discussion to encourage deeper understanding and critical analysis of ideas.

After reading something teachers should ask: is this true? Why or why not? Based on what we have learned, is this good, beautiful, or true? Why or why not?
Reasoning or the Why
Socratic seminars help to deepen student understanding through active discussion and probing questions about a text. This helps develop dialogue and discussion. The Socratic Method is a dialogue between teacher and students, instigated by the continual probing questions of the teacher, in a concerted effort to explore the underlying beliefs that shape the students views and opinions.
Commitments
This is part of the curriculum from 2nd to 8th grade. The teacher has stories/excerpts from classical literature to share with students. A specific question and response approach is used to help guide and show students how in dialogue with peers.

A Junior Great books story is required one per quarter with the discussion method. The discussion method can be used throughout the year with all subjects.
Reasoning or the Why
Exposing students to nature and how the world around them is ordered allows them to experience wonder and awe in God’s creation, delight in its beauty and precision, and ultimately to see God’s handiwork in all created things.
Commitments
Students should be exposed to nature throughout the world. Lessons, activities, and discussions should be used to help give students a sense of nature and how it is ordered and gives glory to Our Lord.

Examples: A simple lesson outside where students observe and write about its beauty. Exposure to different types of landscapes. Write a poem about the beauty of birds.
Reasoning or the Why
Knowledge without virtue is worse than useless, it is harmful over time. We must teach students how to act with virtue. The Catholic Faith is wrapped around this fact. Opus Dei is also rooted in this approach. We must learn, practice, and model Catholic Character traits and virtues. This will help form the responsible citizens our community needs. A Catholic school has the obligation to nurture wisdom and virtue for knowledge to be used for the good.
Commitments
Teachers should use the defined Character/Virtue Program. Teachers need to use the activities and resources inside each week to teach and reinforce the program throughout all lessons. The Catholic Faith and virtues can be worked into each subject and the Catholic Faith can be highlighted.
Reasoning or the Why
Students exercise and develop their brain and views when they memorize information. This is best done with literature. If done right, we can take students on a journey where life was glorious, deeds were noble, and change is possible. They can learn about the great virtues of the past.
Commitments
Students should be taught through some memorization of prayers, poems, quotes, historical quotes, math facts, and more. Some can be required, however, it should also be optional and help inspire students to want to study certain topics.

This will help students remember some of the most important aspects of any subject 20 years from now, such as scripture, poems, speeches, or songs.
Rhetoric definition: Rhetoric is the art and skill of effective or persuasive communication, encompassing both spoken and written language. It is a discipline that studies how language is used to influence, inform, or move an audience. Rhetoric can be used to persuade, emphasize key ideas, connect with an audience, and even clarify complex topics.
Reasoning or the Why
The skill of speaking and communication is needed to discern truth. Students need to be able to discuss, present, and defend their opinions. It helps them learn to think more critically. Rhetoric seeks to prepare students to “observe all the available means” of persuasion, enabling them to more easily master every kind of writing and speaking including but not limited to: analytical reports, argumentative essays, and speeches. This is especially helpful with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. AI can regurgitate information, but only a human person can understand and empathize with another person enough to persuade another using, “ all available means.”
Commitments
As a school certain grades do the science fair, Saints Fair, and Wax Museum. However, teachers should plan within other subjects to have students present and speak to peers and in front of the group. This does not need to be a formal grade each time, but a sharing of ideas. Students can get into the character and learn their point of view.

Examples: Students explain a poster they did in history from a character's point of view. A student presents a poem they wrote or the Gettysburg Address or memorized. Students perform on skits they learned in class. Students can read an essay or story that they have written.
Reasoning or the Why
The Latin and Greek languages are the foundational languages of the western world. The study of these words is helpful in helping build vocabulary, the sciences, and why English is the way it is in many areas. Latin is also the language of the Catholic Church. While we do not teach Latin, we do wish to give some basics.
Commitments

Grades 3 and 4 use the Latin/Greek section in the Vocabulary books.

Grades 5 - 8 have specific words assigned and learn them in a notecard format.

Students also begin to learn some prayers in Latin starting in Grade 3. Again this connects us to our Faith and beautiful liturgy.
Reasoning or the Why
Music and art tastes are formed very early, so developing a healthy musical and artistic life should be a priority for any Catholic elementary school. Before children are concerned about what is, “cool,” they are very delighted to hear the great works of Mozart or Rossini. Classical music and art form the spirit, and exposure to the richness of the western canon of music and art helps a child to appreciate and find enjoyment in the amazingly rich traditions of the west. Our museums are filled with fine art- what a pity if our children walked right past a masterpiece without being able to realize and delight in its beauty.
Commitments
Art and music instruction should expose students to classical genres/themes that show an appreciation of truth and beauty. This can also be done in the classroom.

Examples: Exposure to Latin hymns and prayers in mass. Showing the famous fruit bowl painting and students learn to shade by doing an apple. Listening to classical music connected to the history being studied. Showing classical images of Saints or scripture.
Reasoning or the Why
Learning is all connected. Education rightly ordered in a school is an adventure in discovery, not a dull chore. It shows students that our world is connected and their education/learning process is as well.
Commitments
When you are studying a subject or skill, work to connect is across subjects. This is why much of our literature is connected to periods of time in history. You can easily show the connections between science, everyday life, and math.
Reasoning or the Why
Part of a classical inspired education should be about learning that inspires and interests the students. Students are naturally curious. Students are inspired to learn more when their interests are piqued. Student choice is a highly motivating way to pull students into learning.
Commitments
We must give students time to ponder what they are studying. This allows them to be creative and relish what they are learning. Students should not be rushed. One should not rush a fine meal, likewise one should not rush a good book discussion or story, poem, or musical piece that a student would like to share. You may have, “gotten through,” your curriculum, but did the children enjoy it and see the importance?