Curriculum
The Delphi curriculum contains courses, both required and elective, designed to
help students attain the graduation requirements of each Form. Key to making all
this run well is a step-by-step study guide for each course called a checksheet.
Checksheets are designed to bring students into useful understanding of a specific
subject, ensuring they get a proper balance of the theory and the practical aspects
of it. Finishing a course means finishing a checksheet.
In the Lower School, checksheets are more often used by the teacher to provide a
systematic approach to teaching any subject to a classroom, a group of students
or even individual students. New concepts in subjects like math, history and science
are presented in a seminar setting at this level. In the Elementary and Middle Schools,
students are in a classroom environment and increasingly learn to work on their
checksheets and studies more independently. At this level, Delphi classes are not
conducted lecture-style but with a variety of teaching methods that permit the student
to gain conceptual understanding while applying the subject in a practical way.
The curriculum is designed and built on our philosophy of education. It is developed
and published by Heron Books. Through Middle School level, there are over 300 courses
covering the full spectrum of academic subjects designed to work in conjunction
with the study and teaching methods used within the program.
A rigorous mastery of the basics forms the core of the curriculum, with the complete
program developing a wide spectrum of skills and knowledge in cultural, scientific
and social subjects. A map of the particular curriculum at each academic level is
available through the Admissions Office.
Heron Basics™ Program
Reading, writing and mathematics are taken to a level of solid mastery in the Heron
Basics Program, a fully developed program that begins with the youngest students
(Beginner 1) and continues through Form 6 in the Middle School (equivalent to the
end of ninth grade). These basic tools are the foundation on which the rest of the
student's education is based, so refining them is a part of every student's daily
routine.
READING
Understanding and interpreting the written word is the primary way in which one
accesses the accumulated knowledge of mankind. It has long been the key to a student's
education, and despite the use of new media, reading will remain the key. The goal
and routine result of the Heron Basics Reading Program is a student who reads well,
reads widely and truly enjoys reading. Starting with a solid grounding in phonetics
and moving through a broad and intensive reading program, the student is introduced
in a personal way to history, science, geography, and eventually, social and political
issues.
WRITING
Having the ability to express one's thoughts through the written word is a skill
so often lacking, even in the most "educated" of us. Yet in the worlds of business,
science, technology, the humanities and politics, it is a critical form of communication––one
that can sometimes determine success or failure in a career. The Heron Basics Writing
Program stresses such vital mechanics as spelling, grammar and composition. The
ability to express oneself easily and clearly through the written word is a key
goal of the program and is accomplished through daily practice and review.
MATHEMATICS
To understand mathematics is to understand relationships. Besides ensuring math
facts are known cold, the Heron Basics Math Program ensures that every student obtains
a solid grasp of math basics and thinks with them in problem solving. A valuable
by-product of the program is that it instills a strong sense of discipline and challenges
the student to think precisely. We want our students to gain a genuine enthusiasm
for mathematics as a real language for resolving problems.
Focus on Study
All students begin the curriculum with courses on how to study, whether they are
coming for just the summer program or are year-round students. Using the
Study Technology developed by American philosopher and educator, L. Ron
Hubbard, students are put firmly in the driver's seat for learning. Mr. Hubbard
identified barriers to study that individuals face when trying to learn something
new, but more importantly, he developed methods to overcome these barriers which
any person can apply. With these methods, Delphi students learn how to recognize
when they don't understand something and what to do about it.
A Broad Curriculum
The Delphi program includes a fully rounded curriculum available for all
age levels. Even the very youngest students are exposed to basic concepts of science,
history and the various humanities. In addition to traditional academic subjects,
students get training in practical areas such as communication, manners, computers,
nutrition and organization. Ethics, logic and research, often considered advanced
topics, are not only offered but are begun early on.
Practical Application
We use an integrated approach. Students delve into a wide variety of academic subjects
that have been presented in a way that both parallels and accesses the real world.
No subject is isolated, and all subjects require the student to engage in explorative,
hands-on activities, both inside and outside of the classroom. At the lower levels,
this hands-on approach can be found in the many field trips students take, in the
"projects" they tackle, and in the emphasis throughout the day on practical activities.
In the Elementary and Middle Schools, "projects" become more involved and field
trips are often more extended. Middle School students can even take on apprenticeships,
allowing them to align their academic work towards their own goals and areas of
interest.
Lower School
Elementary School
Middle School