Central Subject

The Central Subject curriculum at the Bancroft Lower School places the student at the heart of the learning process. Students take an active role in their learning, participating in activities, discussions, and problem-solving, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and self-directed learning skills. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding and supporting students as they explore topics, encouraging autonomy and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The foundations of the Central Subject curriculum are engagement in inquiry-based learning, developing transdisciplinary skills and dispositions, and a concept-based curriculum that promotes global awareness and citizenship.

Inquiry at Bancroft refers to the process of constructing knowledge and understanding by asking questions, investigating, and exploring. It involves curiosity-driven exploration, critical thinking, and analysis to gather information, solve problems, or discover new insights. These skills and outcomes are highly valuable in preparing students to navigate an ever-evolving world, encouraging them to become active, curious, and lifelong learners.

The development of Skills and Dispositions refer to the nurturing of abilities, attributes, and attitudes that extend beyond academic disciplines or subject areas. These skills and dispositions are essential for navigating a complex, interconnected world and for effectively addressing multifaceted challenges.

The nature of our concept-based curriculum focuses learning around overarching concepts founded in history, geography, economics, and global citizenship. This approach engages students in deeper understanding of essential concepts that remain central and enduring, allowing students to transfer their understanding to new situations. This method helps learners develop a more profound and interconnected understanding of the world, fostering higher-order thinking skills and an appreciation for cultural awareness and social justice.

The Concepts refer to the big ideas that are interwoven throughout our curriculum. These concepts activate prior knowledge, spark new wonders, and help make sense of the world. We aim to deepen students’ understanding and application of concepts through identifying patterns, generalizations, and systems.

The Concepts

Globalization – The interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.
Identity – Examining how individuals or groups perceive themselves within societal contexts, considering factors like race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status.
Power & Authority – Understanding the structures and mechanisms that govern societies, including political systems, leadership, and social hierarchies.
Conflict & Cooperation – Exploring the dynamics of conflicts, their causes, resolution, and the role of diplomacy and cooperation in social interactions.
Sustainability – Investigating the balance between economic development, environmental preservation, and social well-being for present and future generations.
Cultural Awareness – Analyzing how cultures interact, share, and influence each other through migration, trade, and communication.
Rights & Social Justice – Examining principles of equality, fairness, and the protection of human rights within societal structures.
Historical Perspectives – Studying historical events, their impact on societies, and how they shape contemporary issues and narratives.
Economics & Resources – Investigating the distribution, utilization, and management of resources within societies and their economic implications.