Curriculum
The curriculum of the Psychico College Elementary School has been designed to foster students’ intellectual development and to build character. These objectives are pursued through the great variety of courses of study and other educational activities provided at the Full Day School, through the teaching and learning approaches employed, as well as through the “hidden curriculum”, the pedagogical environment, interpersonal relations and educational work done at the School.
Courses Taught
The Athens College Elementary School curriculum includes the courses of study required by the National curriculum (Religion, Greek, Math, English, History, Environmental Studies, Physics, Geography, Civics Education, Music and Physical Education). These courses are supplemented by additional time in the classroom and taught using modern approaches and in some cases in special facilities (laboratories). In addition to the text books required by the National Curriculum for elementary schools, supplementary activities and projects are introduced. English, French or German, computers and library time are on offer as supplementary courses.
English
 English is the core foreign language taught at Psychiko College. The objective of this course is for students to achieve a high level of fluency in and comprehension of the English language through instruction and activities which focus on the long-lasting mastery of the language.
The methodology employed reflects the Communicative Approach, based on the premise that foreign languages are acquired in the same way that children acquire their native tongue.
In the 1st and 2nd grades, children participate in easy and fun pedagogical activities (songs, games, painting, poems) under the guidance of their teachers, who address them in English only. From the 3rd through the 6th grade, English instruction reflects a more standardized approach and is taught in groups, formed according to the initial communication competence of the students in English.
English at Psychico College, by Warren Helm »
Presentation of the English program to the Athens College Parents' Association Dec.18, 2006 »
Second Foreign Language
During the 5th and 6th grades, it is mandatory for all students at Psychico College to study a second foreign language, either French or German, taught by qualified teachers.
National French Language Competition (Francophonie 2007) »
Computers
 From the 3rd through the 6th grade, a computer course is taught, comprising the following key elements:
- Students become familiar with computers, surfing the Internet and using e-mail.
- The computer is used as a pedagogical tool that fosters creative thinking, experimentation and conclusion-drawing; managing information and working with data; inspiring enterprising and team spirit; and supports work done in other courses.
- The course is implemented by all Faculty members, who receive continuous training in this field.
Computers are also used for English language teaching (word processing) as well as in producing the English magazine in the related Club.
Curriculum »
Creative Activities – Visual Arts
The main objectives of the Creative Activities are for students to expand their horizons and develop their imagination and self-expression. This course is principally experiential in nature. Two fully stocked workshops are available to students, in which they can find all the materials and guidance they need in order to express their creativity.
By working individually or in groups, students develop their aesthetic skills and art vocabulary. Projects are often interdisciplinary in nature and realized in collaboration with other Faculty members.
Using artistic subject matter as a point of departure, various periods in art history are covered; form and meaning in art are investigated. As an inseparable part of our lives, art is there every day and in every school activity (theater performances, holiday celebrations, exhibitions, field trips, competitions, publications).
Music
The objective of understanding music literature is served through listening to music, singing and playing the musical instruments of the “Orff orchestra”. Through playing the “Orff orchestra” instruments and the flute, students are introduced to music improvisation. Special course units are dedicated to:
- Traditional Greek music
- Cross-cultural communication through music
- Interdisciplinary study of the elements and concepts of music, interfacing with other courses in the curriculum
Choir and orchestral groups also enable students to develop their special talents. Musical activities culminate in the Music Day, featuring solo and group performances.
Music teaching takes place in specially equipped rooms.
Physical Education »
Swimming Class Schedule »
Library
The Library is an integral part of the educational program of the Elementary School. The main objectives here are to familiarize students with reading and basic research techniques and to acquaint them with the rules of conduct on the library premises. The ultimate goal is to encourage students to use the library for life.
Students of the 1st through 4th grades visit the Library once a week according to their schedule. In addition to book reading, children attend special programs and presentations concerning various topics of interest to them and dramatize children’s stories or other texts.
Students in the 5th and 6th grades work in the library fortnightly. In addition to the aforementioned activities, students learn how to conduct research and compose essays, and prepare for the future use of the Junior and Senior High School Library.
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