Curriculum Map

WESLEY WESLEY CURRICULUM MAP

MISSION STATEMENT “Within a community of belonging, we nurture joyful, confident learners to think critically, creatively, and compassionately.”

Welcome to the Wesley Curriculum Map - descriptions and graphics that outline our studentcentered, mission-aligned course of study. As you engage with the map, please keep in mind that you are seeing an over-arching view of what we teach and when, rather than an in-depth examination of particular subjects or grade levels. It does serve to demonstrate the path that our children take from Kindergarten to 8th grade on their way to becoming graduates. The curriculum map is also constantly evolving as we continue to assess and then refine our subject areas.

We begin our view of Wesley’s academic experience by centering on the importance of socialemotional learning and belonging, which is at the heart of everything we do. Academic engagement and excellence are dependent on these core principles of our program.

A Lens of Belonging These Concepts build on one another!

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Belonging At The Wesley School, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are foundational values that strengthen our community and enrich student learning. Rooted in our mission to foster a “community of belonging,” we believe that true belonging is not just a feeling but a practice— one built through intentional action, mutual respect, and the celebration of our differences.

We are committed to creating an environment where all identities and lived experiences are seen, valued, and supported, including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, family structure, and ability.

This work is ongoing, grounded in the principles of intersectionality, and essential to preparing our students to be thoughtful, compassionate citizens. Belonging means ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, a voice that is heard, and a story that matters.

SEL and Whole-Child Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and mindfulness at Wesley is about our daily way of being in a community. When students learn to tune into themselves and the world around them, they become more aware of their own needs as well as the needs of others: the “me and the we.” At Wesley, we start mindful awareness practices in Kindergarten. These practices help children and adults alike to pause, breathe, and be: learning to give ourselves the breathing room required to take in what’s happening in and around us, see through a clearer lens, and respond more intentionally. By being curious about, and attending to, our present moment, we start to learn about our emotions, reactions, and patterns. This is a key life skill. We begin to understand that we have a choice and can make space so that we may respond with compassion towards ourselves and others.

Advisory In Middle School, advisory is an essential part of our week, led by teachers and administrators who serve as students’ mentors, advocates, and primary links between home and school.

Advisory is a safe, supportive, small group environment in which we intentionally nurture healthy middle school social-emotional development, and enhance students’ sense of belonging, sense of self, and of being in community with their peers and trusted adults. Each grade-level’s curriculum is specific to that age-group, but includes shared themes and goals, such as relationship skills, identity and inclusion, academic and future readiness, action and leadership, and more. As part of our advisory program, students also demonstrate agency through leading their own advisory conferences twice per year, and prepare for these through a reflective process that boosts students’ metacognition.

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Mathematics Wesley incorporates enVision Mathematics, which is organized around the Common Core standards for mathematics. The enVision concept is to “build a curriculum that achieves focus and coherence in a way that is best for developing deep understanding of mathematical content.” In addition, in keeping with Wesley’s educational philosophy, enVision incorporates STEAM projects as practical, engaging examples of mathematical application; because it incorporates robust word problems and analytical approaches, it also strengthens our students’ vocabulary, problem solving, and critical thinking.

KINDER

numbers 0-100 classify and count data understanding addition and subtraction identify, describe, analyze, compare & create shapes describe and compare measurable attributes

addition and subtraction facts to 20

1ST

represent and interpret data understanding and using place value compare two-digit numbers measure lengths, shapes, time, and money

fluently add and subtract within 100

2ND

extension of concepts in time and money add and subtract within 1,000 using models and strategies measuring length, graphs, and data

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3RD

fluently multiply and divide by 100 fluently add and subtract within 1,000 area and perimeter use operations with whole numbers to solve understanding fractions measure lengths, shapes, time, and money

4TH

place value understanding fluently add/subtract multi-digit whole numbers multiply and divide up to two digit numbers add, subtract, multiply with fractions understand and compare decimals utilize lines, angles, and shapes

Mathematics 5TH

use models and strategies to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and decimals operations with fractions volume, converting, 2D figures graphing interpreting numerical expressions

6TH

integers and rational numbers numeric and algebraic expressions represent and solve equations and inequalities ratio, rate, percent area, surface area, advanced volume display, describe, and summarize data

PRE-ALGEBRA OR ACCELERATED PRE-ALGEBRA

7TH

integers, Algebra and rational numbers linear equations inequalities and functions applying Algebra to Geometry extending Algebra to statistics and polynomials

ALGEBRA 1 OR ACCELERATED ALGEBRA 1

8TH

extension of 7th grade pre-algebra concepts linear equations and inequalities graphing & data analysis quadratic functions polynomials

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Science Wesley utilizes STEMscopes Science, which is rooted in “Student-driven inquiry of phenomena, real-world connections, and hands-on exploration [that] provide students a meaningful learning experience.” STEM scopes Science is both NGSS and California standard-aligned, employing lessons and experiences featuring lab experiments, active exploration of ideas, and interpretation of what students observe, which develops their ability to relate and apply scientific concepts to the real world.

KINDER

animal and plant needs animals and plants influence their environments weather patterns energy from the Sun pushes and pulls

1ST

plant shapes animal sounds shadows and light patterns of motion objects in the sky

landscape shapes

2ND

landscape materials landscape changes biodiversity in landscapes

playground forces

3RD

life cycles of survival surviving in different environments weather impacts

4TH

5

energy transfer renewable energy sculpting landscapes earthquake engineering animal senses

Science what is matter made of

5TH

from matter to organisms interacting Earth systems patterns in the night sky

EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

6TH

systems and subsystems in Earth & Life science how Earth system interactions create weather causes and effects of regional climates effects of global warming on living systems

BIOLOGY

7TH

cells and systems metabolic reactions matter cycling genetics and natural selection

Physical Science and Chemistry

8TH

forces and motion chemical and physical properties of matter interaction of matter and energy the forms and properties of energy basic concepts in chemistry and physics

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Social Studies Wesley incorporates TCI’s Social Studies Alive, which is aligned with the Common Core standards for social studies as well as those for English language arts and literacy. This literacy and analytical approach ensures deep understanding of a rich and varied content base from a multicultural perspective while also strengthening the connections among analysis, critical thinking, discernment, and application.

Me and My World

KINDER

who am I? what is a family? how do I get along with others? how do I solve problems with others? what is in my neighborhood? where am I in the world?

My School and Family

1ST

why is it important to learn from each other? what is a map? what groups do we belong to? how are families special, what do they need, and how do they change? what are family traditions??

My Community

2ND

what is a community and how are they different? what is geography? how do people use our environment? how are goods made and brought to us? how do communities change?

California’s Community

3RD

understanding the geography of the world finding places in California indigenous peoples in California making communities better government in the United States

California’s Promise

4TH

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California’s golden landscape Mexican California California’s statehood The Gold Rush

Governing California The people of California Bringing water to a thirsty state

Social Studies 5TH AMERICA’S PAST geography of the United States indigenous peoples, their lands, and cultural regions how and why Europeans came to the New World early English settlements slavery in the Americas Colonial Williamsburg Declaration of Independence American Revolution the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

6TH Ancient Civilizations analysis of the evolution of human beings and the creation of ancient civilizations examination of the process of archaeology, including the necessity and importance of historic artifacts and fossils study of early man, identification of main ideas and details, complex cause and effect, relationships, and critical vocabulary within non-fiction texts map skills and world geography ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China research skills such as: identifying credible sources for research, differentiation between primary and secondary sources, note-taking skills, paraphrasing and summarizing texts, and using various organizational tools first-person creative, written and performance opportunities expository writing based on textual evidence, lectures, and class discussions

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Social Studies 7TH Geography and the Exchange of Ideas the fall of the Roman Empire to the Age of Enlightenment exploration of civilizations and cultures in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, China, Japan, Central America, and South America discovery of cultural differences as well as understanding the interconnectedness of cultures throughout the world as information, ideology, art, technology, and more diffuse from one culture to another examination of places and cultures of the world with open minds while relating events in history to the events of their own lives students incorporate expository writing skills on a weekly basis and develop skills in the presentation of information in multiple project forms (posters, artwork, sketches, short films, etc.) at least once per unit as they analyze numerous events in history and their impact on civilizations students expand their knowledge of world geography, refine their map skills, and synthesize how geography has shaped cultures around the world as well as our own mindful development of cultural sensitivity and civic responsibility

8TH The United States and Government American history from early colonization through the Civil War Students begin to understand the origins of a nation and how our country has changed and developed politically, socially, economically, and culturally utilizing daily note-taking and discussion, weekly expository writing, and multiple projects per trimester, students learn how to organize, interpret, and present information and understand how it may correspond to their daily lives through analysis of various historical events in North America after European colonization, students recognize the interrelationship of geography, economics, culture, belief systems, and political systems Students survey our nation’s military and political leaders, exploration of the roles and experiences of people from various social classes, along with those of women and other underserved populations in order to develop the ability to see history through multiple lenses and to explore issues related to social justice and advocacy in studying our Constitution, students learn the ins and outs of the political process while analyzing its effectiveness and, at times, ineffectiveness. Students actively share and discuss current events related to topics of cultural, political, social, and/or economic significance.

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English Language Arts Our language arts program promotes a true love for reading and writing while building foundational skills and scaffolding instruction to meet specific needs. Students learn a variety of strategies to use in their “toolbelt” while reading books they choose.

K-5 Our reading program uses a combination of the following curriculums: Great Minds Geodes Geodes are designed to be highly readable for beginning readers. All students find moments of pride and accomplishment as they progress from Wordless Picture Books and Sound Search Books to Duet Books and, finally, to independent reading of picture books and chapter books.

Wilson Fundations The Fundations program provides K students with the foundational skills for reading and spelling.

As part of the core language arts instruction, it’s delivered to all students in general education classrooms for 15-20 minutes per day. Fundations is supplemental to the core and provides a systematic program to comprehensively address foundational Word Study Skills such as: - Print concepts (a child's understanding of the nature and uses of print; the understanding that written language carries meaning) - Phonological and phonemic awareness (phonological awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate units of oral language—parts such as words and syllables; phonemic awareness is the ability to focus on and manipulate individual sounds [phonemes] in spoken words) - Phonics and word study, including high frequency sight words (the ability to recognize the relationship between letters [graphemes] and sounds [phonemes] and letter patterns) - Fluency (the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression) - Comprehension, Spelling, and Handwriting Skills Additionally, Fundations significantly reinforces reading comprehension and vocabulary in an integrated approach.

Our Writing Program uses the following curriculum: Step Up to Writing Step Up to Writing® is a comprehensive program of multisensory writing strategies that develop students’ ability to create thoughtful, well-written compositions. The solution’s explicit and systematic approach to teaching writing is designed to provide clear strategies, methods, and supports for increased writing success in all content areas. Created for all students, the strategies can be integrated into any curriculum or implemented as a standalone writing solution.

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English Language Arts 6TH The 6th grade language arts curriculum balances the study of literary analysis, research, and writing. The theme of 6th grade literature is identity, and students work to examine characters’ identities in an effort to better understand their own. Students read short stories at the start of the course to familiarize themselves with literary devices and terminology, such as figurative language, plot, types of conflict, and points-of-view. They are expected to use these terms in their literary discourse throughout the year.

Significant focus then shifts to understanding how to make inferences throughout a text.

Students learn to annotate texts to identify evidence of character development, foreshadowing, types of conflict, symbolism, and theme. They apply these skills as they read different novels throughout the year, as well as learning to analyze an author’s purpose, tone, voice, and use of literary devices. Throughout the study of each novel, students learn new vocabulary and participate in analytical literature circles, creative writing, class discussions, and creative projects.

Throughout all literature units, students focus on expository writing and learn to analyze literature, using strong textual evidence to support assertions. Students also complete a social justice unit which teaches them to research a chosen topic, identify credible sources, summarize information, and creatively advocate for those affected by the issue. Students also practice an understanding of grammar throughout the year as they study parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation.

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English Language Arts 7TH This course focuses on the prominence of social, political, cultural, and historical ideologies within the United States. Through the study of diverse writers, students will examine what it means to be the hero/heroine in modern-day America. Through cross-cultural communication, each student will gain the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse and inclusive educational structure. The course will acknowledge and celebrate culture, race, and gender identity. From a literary and media perspective, each unit will examine significant elements that define the heroic experience, including: language & citizenship; education & reform; religion & spirituality; folklore & myths; political ideologies; identities and related terminology, and modern-day feminism.

Using literature as a stepping stone, students will explore historical, political, and anthropological issues raised by the class materials and compare them to their ideological counterparts here in America. Students will advance their writing and verbal skills through analytical essays, oral presentations, and historical research papers. This course will ultimately combine Film Studies, English, History, Sociology, and Anthropology.

8TH This course is designed for students who aspire to learn in an advanced pedagogical environment that incorporates a 21st Century approach towards learning; following the mindset of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences, the class advocates the values of visual, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, spatial, and logical learners. Students within this course are tracked to study in Independent High Schools that will offer Honors and AP courses within their English Department. The class will first approach literature from a philosophical standpoint: discussing Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” to guide each student with the understanding of a character’s journey and the ability to seek out truth within one’s society. Students of the class will conduct their studied units as an opportunity to explore historical, political, and anthropological issues, which are raised by the reading and compare them to their socio-ideological counterparts of present-day America.

During each unit, students will be assigned a variety of projects to assess their ability to comprehend, identify, and analyze the author’s purpose. Course assignments will include analytical and persuasive essays (in-class and take-home), creative writing projects (letters, original monologues, oral/multi-media presentations, screenplays, song journals, editorials, original poems, original short stories, and a personal narrative), and unit quizzes and tests to assess the academic progress of each student.

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Spanish 1ST-5TH Students in 1st - 5th grade explore introductory vocabulary, syntax, cultural elements, and sounds related to Spanish language and culture. They process through basic Spanish vocabulary, phrases and grammar, including noun/adjective agreement, pronouns, and conjugating common verbs (ser, estar, tener, etc.) as well as expressions of tener. This is practiced through real-world conversations and questioning. Games, dialogues, songs, videos, literature, and educational technology (using their 1-to-1 laptops for Señor Wooly, and G Suite for Education) are used to make the learning fun and engaging. Authentic music and multimedia tools are used whenever possible to present students with additional language models, and students are encouraged to continue their language learning at home through online and mobile apps. Members of the Wesley community (staff and parents) are invited into the classroom to teach students about their countries of origin. In addition, we include a cultural component school wide with the celebration of Día de Muertos. Students also have the opportunity to learn about different celebrations that take place throughout Latin America.

6TH-8TH Middle School Spanish is a three-year course which focuses on the repetition of communicating in Spanish to enhance retention and comprehension, ultimately resulting in strong preparation for high school Spanish. Each course starts with a review of the previous year’s building blocks of Spanish vocabulary and syntax, and builds to a more complex understanding and application of the Spanish language, with more opportunities to gain written and spoken language proficiency. In addition, students will continue to develop an awareness of the distinct cultures, traditions, celebrations, arts, geography, and/or ancient civilizations of the Spanish-speaking world. Reading, writing, and comprehension exercises are highlighted through collaborative work, student-led whole-group activities, engaging projects, and extension projects to challenge and deepen their understanding of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures.

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Fine Arts Wesley’s Mission calls for us to develop the whole child, and one’s education and preparation for life experience simply can’t be complete without an understanding of and appreciation for the arts. Our goal is to first give children access to various disciplines in order to create a well-rounded experience, and then to hopefully inspire many of them to explore an extended journey in one or more of these artistic endeavors.

MUSIC vocabulary building form, emotion, key, orchestration, and how the music enhances the theatrical experience sight-singing, harmonizing listening to music from other cultures and countries, describing the differences in scale and mode presenting and participating in various holiday shows and Community

VISUAL ART line drawing, geometric shapes, texture, color, and form are explored through art projects practicing eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills, and cutting skills exploration of the self through self portraits

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Physical Education & Health/Human Development Welcome to The Wesley School Physical Education (PE) Department! Here at Wesley, we support all student athletes for their individual achievements, as well as for their team efforts, and we push every student to be an athlete, regardless of their natural ability level. Wesley students have a great time learning traditional sports and games, as well as participating in other class activities that are developmentally appropriate for their age level. Our goal is for students to develop lifelong healthy habits and an appreciation for physical activity and collaboration.

gross motor, collaboration, team work, and team building skills

K-2

motor skills and movement patterns essential for various physical activities fostering a lifelong commitment to physical fitness

refinement of basic locomotor skills, development of manipulative skills such as throwing and catching, and

3-5

integration of movement patterns into game-like scenarios emphasize sportsmanship and cooperation, ensure an understanding of safety rules, and establish a solid foundation for more complex activities

build on K-5 locomotor skills with an emphasis on

MIDDLE SCHOOL

collaboration create opportunities for all students to access the benefits of physical activity to support mental and emotional health participate in creative games that strengthen seasonoriented skill building

understanding their bodies and feeling equipped to handle

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

physical and emotional changes that occur improving interpersonal communication skills related to boundaries and consent increasing comfort communicating with trusted adults about puberty, health, and safety

5th= Puberty Talk 7th = Human Development

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Electives and Enrichment The Elective and Enrichment Program offers opportunities for students to express themselves through visual arts, music and performance, and technology, develop character and strong relationships, and foster creative growth in a safe, fun, positive, and inspiring environment. Our mission is to provide a learning space in which technical development, problem solving, critical thinking, and independence/interdependence can thrive. We not only focus on growth in students’ confidence, integrity, acceptance, adaptability, poise, and self-knowledge, but also work to integrate the arts with social justice, diversity, inclusivity, identity, and community through teamwork and collaboration.

STEAM

coding & programming robotics design thinking 3D designs music technology

introduction to acting

THEATRE

introduction to theatre middle school play middle school musical

music technology

MUSIC

performance songwriting music theory music history

ART

3D designs advanced drawing/painting street art

LEGAL SYSTEMS

speech and performance intro to legal systems mock trial

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Field Trips/Overnight Trips The outdoor education program includes day trips for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders; a fall 6th grade overnight trip; 7th and 8th grade overnight trips in the fall, and a spring 7th grade overnight leadership retreat. Our program culminates with a signature 8th grade trip to London the week prior to spring break. This trip augments elements of the English curriculum, specifically Shakespeare, and provides those students who attend with a remarkable experience, one that enhances their participation in our 8th grade program both socially and academically.

Trips such as these, that grow out of the school curriculum, allow teachers the opportunity to incorporate the pending experience into their teaching, providing a remarkable opportunity for applying learned information, building independence, creating global awareness, forming even stronger friendship bonds, and providing new venues for cognitive development through authentic experiences. All of these programs are included in tuition.

The Teaching Zoo

FIELD TRIPS K-5

6-8 RETREATS

The Public Library Underwood Family Farms

Natural History Museum

The Chumash Indian

Los Angeles Music Center

Museum

Fulcrum Team Building

6th Grade: Astro Camp and Theatricum Botanics 7th Grade: Malibu camping/leadership 7th & 8th Grades: CIMI (Catalina) 8th Grade: London

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Student Activities Much of the magic that happens in an independent school transpires outside of the subject-specific arena, and Wesley intentionally provides a palette of varied experiences in order to fulfill and inspire our children. We offer extension in academic disciplines, competition in athletic and academic arenas, opportunities for personal growth and advocacy, and other optional or enrichment activities that rotate throughout the year. We also work to establish signature experiences for grade and program level engagement, and these are a joy to share with families as well.

SPORTS

Soccer

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Track/Cross Country

Golf

Volleyball Spirit Squad

BEFORE/ AFTER SCHOOL

SIGNATURE MOMENTS K-5

SIGNATURE MOMENTS 6-8

STUDENT CLUBS

Middle School Play Mock Trial LEAP Enrichment STEM Allies in Action Morning Math

Middle School Musical Peer Tutoring

Kinder Tea

5th : CarnEvil

1st : Grade: M.A.R.P

Lower School Science Fair

2

nd

: Grade: W.O.R.L.D

STEAM Night

3 : Grade: Chumash

Spelling Bee

Project

Palooza

rd

th

4 Cooking with Fractions

Mythology Bee

Middle School Science Fair Greek Festival Middle School Play STEAM Night Palooza

Builders Club ASL Club Latinx Leadership Club Writer’s Choice Wesley QSA The Lions’ Latest Newspaper *Offerings may change yearly due to student interest.

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2025-2026

WESLEY WESLEY