At Maryvale, history is taught school-wide on a four-year cycle. History is taught from a Catholic world-view perspective and starts with Ancient Cultures in Year 1 extending to Modern Times in Year 4. Each year there is also additional focus on Canadian History. While younger students do not necessarily receive a “history lesson”, they will be exposed to poetry, literature and arts and crafts pertaining to the time period being studied by older students. Older students will learn history through readings from various sources, class discussions, hands-on activities and projects.

We endeavour to use a cross-curricular approach whenever possible. One or two historical fiction novels are selected per year that pertain to what is studied during History class. These novel studies bring historical events to life, allowing students to “experience” a time period in a more personal way by reading about them and even acting them out. For example, in the study of the ancient cultures, students will read “Tirzah” written by Lucille Travis, a story about an Israelite girl in Egyptian bondage. In the study of the Middle Ages when the Catholic faith permeated European culture at all levels, students will be exposed to interesting fictions such as “The Adventures of Robin Hood” by Roger Lancelyn Green and “The Door in the Wall” by Marguerite de Angeli, as well as real life stories of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church such as “St Joan: the Girl Soldier” by Louis de Wohl, “Frances and Clare: Saints of Assisi” by Helen Homan and many others. Likewise, the topic for a “Writing Lesson” may be related to History class and map skills are incorporated to add a geographical dimension to the study of history. This integrated approach allows for deeper focus on History while concurrently working on language and other skills.

Geography at Maryvale is integrated into other subjects, such as language arts, history and science. In the lower grades, students will learn geography songs (provinces & territories of Canada, continents and oceans, etc.) as well as some basic map skills. Older students will learn global, European and New World geography in conjunction with the history program and physical geography in the science program.