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Our Programme of Inquiry - Year 3

Beacon Hill School Programme of Inquiry 2009-2010

Who we are
Definition An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
Unit Unit 5
Central idea The human body is comprised of a variety of interconnecting systems.
Key concepts form, function, connection
Related concepts systems
Lines of Inquiry
  • What the body systems are like
  • Connections between the body systems
Where we are in place and time
Definition An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations from local and global perspectives.
Unit Unit 3
Central idea Individuals can make a difference through their actions and contributions.
Key concepts causation, perspective
Related concepts opinions, impact, consequences
Lines of Inquiry
  • The milestones and timelines of influential people
  • The difference that these people make to the world

*Expressive Arts
How we express ourselves
Definition An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Unit Unit 1
Central idea Traditions and artifacts help us to understand the beliefs and values of others.
Key concepts form, connection
Related concepts traditions, culture, representation
Lines of Inquiry
  • Traditions and artifacts that some cultures use to mark important events
  • How traditions and celebrations are expressed through the arts

*Music
How the world works
Definition An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
Unit Unit 4
Central idea Forces are all around us and have an impact on people and objects.
Key concepts form, function, reflection
Related concepts force, influence
Lines of Inquiry
  • Types of forces
  • Conducting scientific investigations
  • How we use forces in our lives
How we organize ourselves
Definition An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human made-systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on human kind and the environment.
Unit Unit 6
Central idea Communities provide interconnected services designed to meet the needs of the people.
Key concepts causation, connection
Related concepts amenities, dependence, settlements
Lines of Inquiry
  • Different types of communities
  • Services needed to support a community
Sharing the planet
Definition An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
Unit Unit 2
Central idea Plants are a life sustaining resource for other living things.
Key concepts perspective, change, responsibility
Related concepts plants, interdependence, consumption
Lines of Inquiry
  • What plants provide for humans and animals
  • Caring for plant life
  • How human interaction with plants can affect the balance of systems