THE ARTS & FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Foreign Language

In an effort to prepare our students to be agents of reconciliation in this world and provide them with a broad introduction to our culture and that of other people groups, our students are introduced to a second language beginning in kindergarten. Young children are able to assimilate language best before the age of 10, and we seek to take advantage of this ability and eagerness.

Since our country is the fifth largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world, and because Spanish is the primary language of neighboring countries, we have chosen Spanish as our primary foreign language focus. Our goal is to provide an exploratory program that will introduce each student to language learning. Students will develop an appreciation of the value of communicating in another language and strengthen their understanding of the English language. It is our hope that this exposure to second language learning will be a motivating factor for future language study.

Music

We at Cornerstone Community School recognize that young children inherently enjoy music and movement; therefore, music education is emphasized and taught as a regular part of the curriculum. Music provides creative, emotional, and intellectual benefits to children and is one vehicle to assist them in their ability to learn effectively across the curriculum.

Our students are introduced to the great musical masters and their works. They learn to identify various musical genres, instruments and styles from around the world. Our students learn to read music, have opportunities for singing chorale and solo, and, at the Form Two level, may begin to gain skills on a musical instrument. Form Three (5th and 6th grade) all begin band instruction.Our musical heritage is rich, and worshipping God through music is an important expression that is part of our typical school day’s activities.

The influence of contemporary music is profound in the lives of young people. As we work together with parents and the church, we seek to help our students develop a critical and discerning ear for assessing contemporary music. Finally, our local community is able to provide many opportunities for intensive, individual training for advanced skill with instruments and voice, and we encourage our students to take advantage of these opportunities for further study. CCS may occasionally host music workshops to be held on an extra-curricular basis.

Visual and Performing Arts

Culture is expressed through the visual and performing arts which play an integral role in our curriculum. It is natural for young children to perform and “get messy” while working with their hands and creating with various media. God has created people with an amazing array of artistic abilities—gifts we esteem and affirm in our students. Giving our children regular opportunities to express themselves and create works in clay, paint, fabric, and found materials is one way of reflecting the work of our Creator. Our students also study drawing as part of the regular curriculum at CCS.

Students have many opportunities to perform through reader’s theaters, classroom skits and recitation. Involving the whole self in learning is important and enables children with varied learning styles to experience their studies and life in fresh new ways. CCS students also gain knowledge about the great artistic masters, architects and craftspeople as they learn about history and God’s work of redemption in every area of life.