Curriculum & Courses
Primary Program - Kindergarten to Grade 3
In the Primary grades (Kindergarten to Grade 3) Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Physical Education are often integrated into connected learning themes. My Community and I, The Seasons, The Sea, Fish, Dragons, BC Towns, and seasonal holidays, are a small sampling of such themes. Teaching in the context of a theme helps keep the learning relevant and the students engaged in their learning.
Our Kindergarten students enjoy a full-day program, one we have been proud to offer for the past 17 years. Kindergarten students spend a significant part of their day engaged in structured ‘play’ learning about their new environment and our expectations for behaviour, acquiring social skills, developing communication strategies, and developing their curiosity and appreciation of the world around them. 
The English Language Arts curriculum addresses and expands students’ abilities to:
Communicate effectively in written, spoken, and visual forms develop positive attitudes toward learning the effective use of the English language make connections to other areas of study and life outside the classroom use language to assist them to think critically and creatively appreciate their own culture and the culture of others.
Our teachers use a balanced literacy approach which includes read aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, modeled writing, shared writing, writer’s workshop, guided writing, and independent writing. These approaches can take on many guises from journal writing to research reports, from novel studies to choral readings. Teachers at each grade level will choose developmentally appropriate approaches to literacy.
The Social Studies curriculum is designed to bring out the community values necessary to be a contributing citizen in our society. A focus on communities, beginning with the family and extending to all of Canada, extends the student’s awareness of the structure of our society and his or her place in it.
In the Primary years, students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for scientific literacy through four major processes: working scientifically, communicating scientifically, using science, and acting responsibly. An important part of learning about science is ‘doing science’. Our primary teachers build on our students’ natural curiosity about the world. They take them out into the forest, out to farms and the surrounding community to observe, collect samples and data, and to begin to recognize that life on earth is interrelated and co-dependent. They also bring the world to our students and have them examine specimens from the ocean, rocks from near and far. The students discuss science, talk about science, and write about science. In the process, they learn about personal safety, how to ask meaningful questions, and how to be stewards of our earth.
Mathematics is another essential area of the curriculum. Students begin by exploring numbers and counting, making patterns, examining and handling objects and shapes, solving problems, and making graphs. The foundations of arithmetic are introduced and by the end of Grade 3, students are familiar with the basic operations (+, -, x, ÷).
At QMS your child receives instruction in French from a specialist teacher from Kindergarten up. The focus at this level is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the French culture and to learn basic vocabulary, songs, and greetings. We also offer an introduction to the Japanese language and culture. An exchange teacher from Japan helps to facilitate this program.
All primary students receive instruction in Music from our specialist teacher. The music program provides extensive instruction reading rhythms and notes, singing, conducting, and music appreciation.
Intermediate Program - Grades 4 to 6
School in Grades 4 to 6 is quite different than in the Primary years. Letter grades appear for the first time and 30 to 60 minutes of homework becomes a reality. Although we expect that students in Grade 4 can read independently, it will be important to continue to support your child with homework help. A quiet place to do homework at a regular time will go a long way to developing good habits that will carry your son or daughter through high school and on into university.
In the Intermediate years, your child will undergo a number of physical and social changes. But some things don't change. Communication between home and school remains of utmost importance. You should continue to talk with your child's teacher to share information and common concerns, and to work together in ways that further your child's development and learning. 
Your child’s Homeroom Teacher instructs in the following core subject areas:
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Physical Education
Specialist Teachers instruct in the following subject areas:
- French
- Choral Music and Band
- Information Technology
- Home Economics
- Art and Drama
Transition Year - Grade 7/8
We prepare our Grade 7 students (including our Grade 7/8 All Boys High School Preparation Program) for life as a senior student. We give them the tools they will need in order to excel in an environment where organization, motivation, collaboration, and independence of habit and thought are expected. To assist in this maturation process, the students receive instruction from more teachers than ever before. 
Our Senior School (Grade 9-12) is an all girls environment, which encourages self-expression, and eliminates many distractions that naturally occur at this age, leaving our girls to develop to their full potential.
Your child’s Homeroom Teacher instructs in the following core subject areas:
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
Specialist Teachers instruct in the following subject areas:
- Math
- Science
- French
- Physical Education
- Choral Music and Band
- Information Technology
- Art and Drama
