Curriculum


East Catholic School offers a strong traditional curriculum. In addition to meeting all the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the curriculum gives special attention to the integration of gospel values.


Curriculum Guidelines for all subject areas, provided by the Department for Catholic Schools and based on Pennsylvania State Standards, are utilized by the Catholic elementary schools.  The guidelines endeavor to give continuity to the teaching/learning process, and are geared to meet the individual needs of students and to guide the teaching/learning process.


All textbooks are selected from the list of recommended texts distributed by the education Consultants of the Diocese.  They are approved because the philosophy is consistent with the Catholic philosophy of education, the subject matter is adaptable to the Continuous Growth program and there is a sequential, consistent development of material.

  1. Cathechetics (Religion)

    2. A formal catechetical program is taught daily.  The Diocesan Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, ”Growing in God’s Covenant” contains a balance of doctrinal content, scriptural understanding, faith formation and prayer and worship experiences.  A variety of materials and resources are used to foster both spiritual growth and moral development.


  2. Computer

    3. The computer curriculum in the primary grades develops familiarity with functional uses of the computer through the use of programmed software.  In the upper grades, skills such as word processing, database, composition and entry, and the use of spreadsheets are emphasized.


  3. Fine Arts

    4. Instruction in the Fine Arts contributes to the development of the whole person, promotes individual expression, allows experimentation with diverse materials and elements, enables exploration and appreciation of the works of other students and major artists; develops an awareness and sensitivity toward the environment and finally promotes a deeper understanding of heritage and culture.


    The Fine Arts curriculum provides a holistic approach to education, which incorporates many aspects of the core curriculum and can be integrated into the total educational experience.


  4. Foreign Language

    5. The World Language Program was developed from the curriculum guidelines established by the Diocese of Pittsburgh which covers grades K-8. East Catholic currently teaches French and Spanish in grades 2-8 following the guidelines for these grades in which prayers, greetings, suggested vocabulary, holidays, and feast days are celebrated. Selected lessons in Spanish are used that are part of the Espanol Para Ti program to enhance the learning process with grades 2 and 3.


French

Fifth and sixth grade students learn vocabulary and engage in some conversation through short dialogues. Students continue to develop vocabulary skills and engage in more conversation in grades seven and eight. A greater emphasis is placed on grammatical skills through various projects. French culture is discussed in all grades, and the students will be able to recite prayers in French.


Spanish

    Fifth and sixth grade students are introduced to basic conversation, culture and traditions of the Spanish language. They are also introduced to some basic vocabulary. In grades seven and eight, the more advanced subject matter is taught such as correct sentence construction, verb conjugation and the correct use of conversation. This is accomplished through various projects and assignments stressing these ideas.


  1. Health and Physical Education

    2. Health education, which leads to the total well being of each student, is the goal of the diocesan ”Health for Success” program. The program is a complete, comprehensive approach to developing our students physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. A health text, along with current periodicals such as ”Current Health”, is used. Guest speakers are invited to speak to the students about various health related topics, as needed.


    A quality Physical Education program recognizes the value of teaching students to stay physically active and develop skills needed for present and future leisure. To achieve this goal the school incorporates the Department for Catholic Schools Curriculum, “Fit for Life”, into the program. This program assists students to identify their strengths, to build on their strengths, and to achieve personal goals.


    The health and physical education curriculums strive to establish healthy, active students so that each child can develop to his or her full potential. Students learn to respect the right of others and to follow rules through games and to be physically active. Learning to constructively channel energies helps the student to develop a good self-image. The skills, habits and attitudes developed within the program provide opportunities for greater success in the students’ lives.


  1. Library

    2. Students in grades 1-6 go to the Library on a weekly basis. They are taught Library Skills – parts of the book, types of books, authors, the Dewey Decimal system, and information about the card catalog. Students in grades 7 & 8 go to the computer lab for their Library period. They use the computer as a research tool for the Language Arts class.


Additional information about groups of Grades and relevant course summaries is available. Learn More>>.