Fifth-grade students are developing confidence in academics, art, and movement. They are also becoming more socially adept and building character as they meet the demands of approaching adolescence. It is an age of rapidly flowering powers. The pictorial element is still strong in the children’s thought process. Still, they are also developing the capacity for comprehending matter-of-fact, sense-free concepts and dawning a sense of conscience and personal responsibility. Physically, the children are coordinated, with increased stamina and an ability to bring beauty to their movement, which is given expression in their fifth year through participation in the Olympic games.

This year the aim is to make the transition from myth to history and its emphasis on the individual. The children should develop a greater consciousness of the interrelatedness of life and environment – particularly in the study of botany and geography. There will be an emphasis on the original Olympian ideal in which group distinctions are subservient to the greater whole and in which qualities such as beauty are as valued as speed and distance. The children should be encouraged to strengthen their memory by learning such things as vocabulary and by visualising spaces through the use of maps.

Grade 5 Curriculum at Nairobi Waldorf School Trust

In Grade 5, students embark on an exciting journey of growth and exploration, deepening their understanding of the world around them. The curriculum integrates hands-on learning with academic subjects, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and the development of strong social skills.

Core Subjects:

• Mathematics: Grade 5 students master more advanced arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, and geometry, through practical and artistic methods.
• Literature & Language Arts: Reading, writing, and oral presentations flourish as students study classic tales, myths, and legends from various cultures, enhancing their communication skills.
• Science: Focused on the natural world, students explore topics like botany, geology, and physics, often through experiments and nature walks.
• History: Students journey through the ancient civilizations, exploring the cultures and achievements of early societies, fostering a strong understanding of human history.
• Geography: The study of geography includes map-making and the exploration of physical features and cultures around the globe, encouraging a broader worldview.

Creative & Physical Development:

• Arts: Students participate in drawing, painting, and modeling, using art to connect with and internalize the academic subjects they study.
• Movement: Physical education emphasizes teamwork, coordination, and rhythm, helping children build confidence and a sense of physical well-being.
• Music: Students continue to develop their musical abilities through instrument study, choral singing, and rhythm exercises.

Through these diverse subjects, Grade 5 students at NWST cultivate their intellectual curiosity, enhance their personal growth, and develop a balanced sense of self. This stage in their education nurtures their social skills and prepares them for the more complex challenges ahead.