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ArtInternal curriculum Art for years Flex-6 (in German) ICTMathematicsAt NMS, Mathematics is taught in German in grades 1-6. In grades 5 and 6, students are also prepared for Mathematics classes held in English because, in the secondary school, Mathematics is partly taught in English. In the six Flex classes of the ‘Eingangsstufe’ Mathematics is taught in a mixed age group setting. First and second graders learn together. The Mathematics textbook Zahlenzauber, published by Oldenbourg, is used in grades 1-4. In grades 5-6, students use mathe live, published by Klett. The maths lessons follow the requirements of the Berlin curriculum. In addition, the Mathematics Faculty has agreed on ‘minimum requirements ’ for students finishing grade 2, 4 and 6. These minimum requirements are a useful guideline when new students are assigned to their grade level. If these requirements are not met, the student’s future success in Mathematics is at risk. At NMS, all subjects are taught in an interdisciplinary way. In Mathematics, the emphasis is placed on integrating the subject into the students’ project work (see also page 6 in the Newsletter 11/2009). For example, students are introduced to the concepts of litre and millilitre by measuring the volume of water and recording the results (topic: Water); students compare the population of Berlin suburbs (topic: Where do I live); or create diagrams to document their loss of baby teeth (topic: My Body). In order to cater for students’ different learning paths and approaches, concrete materials and appealing practice materials are used to support students individually (see page 4 in Newsletter 5/2009). From third grade on, NMS students participate in the worldwide mathematics competition: ‘Känguru-Wettbewerb’. This is a mathematical multiple-choice competition, in which more than 4.5 million students from both European and non-European countries take part. The competition aims to nurture a love for Mathematics and mathematical thinking and a passion for working mathematically (http://www.mathe-kaenguru.de/). Music in Years 5 and 6The teaching of music in years 5 and 6 follows a path that is specific to our school: students have a choice of general music lessons, the choir, and the school band, all of which cover the necessary curriculum areas. More information... Social LearningSocial learning as a subject is taught by the educators, preferably in co-operation with the rest of the teaching team. The pedagogical teams in our school regularly observe and discuss the processes within their classrooms. Social Learning promotes the whole development of children because it combines regular instruction with extra-curricular learning. More information on social learning and extra-curricular activities at NMS: Elective Courses – WUV (Wahlpflichtunterricht verbindlich)Every semester, students of grades 5 and 6 are offered different courses from which they have to choose. These include computer, school newspaper, dance, French for beginners, volleyball, drama, pottery, wood work or African crafts. Students cite three courses they would like to complete and though we try to offer all students their number one choice, this is not always possible. Attendance for one semester is mandatory. From 2007/2008 onwards, French can be chosen for the whole period of two years, effectively bringing forward the teaching of French as a foreign language by two years.
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