Introduction to the Curriculum of SJCA
Mastery of any activity is only obtained through repeated, guided exercises. The historic-classical curriculum provides the space for such mastery on at least three fronts.
Exercise to Perfection: The classical pupil perfects his first exercises before he moves to his second exercises. Because he is not drowned by a surfeit of subjects, the classical pupil gains confidence by mastering each step in the said subject before moving on to the next. He remains at step one until he masters step one. The classical pupil does not simply pass tests; he masters intellectual content and skills. He wastes no time. He masters his exercises through concentration and repetition. His mind is not cluttered with half-remembered facts but is organized by fixed points, flexible to learn anything because he has developed the intellectual habits of mastery.
Master Tutor: A master tutor is necessary for classical mastery. SJCA is a classical tutorship in which the pupils are coached and trained one-on-one. Pupils must perform. They must perform repeated mental acts well in order to master their academic subjects. The tutor makes that possible because he is always coaching, prodding, correcting, and informing the pupil. Unlike modern students, the classical pupil cannot hide in the lecture room. He is not left alone in his passivity. He must act; he must act well. The “gadfly” tutor is working with the pupil one-on-one ensuring that there are no half measures.
Continuity: Following the stages of the Medieval Trivium (Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric), the classical pupil deepens his understanding of familiar content. The seeds of the Grammar Stage bear fruit in the Dialectic and Rhetoric stages. This repeated exposure and continuity ensures that the pupil’s mind is fertile ground for mastery.
Grade-by-Grade Breakdown of the Curriculum of SCJA (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
(The full curriculum is also available in the Intro for Families packet.)
Mastery of any activity is only obtained through repeated, guided exercises. The historic-classical curriculum provides the space for such mastery on at least three fronts.
Exercise to Perfection: The classical pupil perfects his first exercises before he moves to his second exercises. Because he is not drowned by a surfeit of subjects, the classical pupil gains confidence by mastering each step in the said subject before moving on to the next. He remains at step one until he masters step one. The classical pupil does not simply pass tests; he masters intellectual content and skills. He wastes no time. He masters his exercises through concentration and repetition. His mind is not cluttered with half-remembered facts but is organized by fixed points, flexible to learn anything because he has developed the intellectual habits of mastery.
Master Tutor: A master tutor is necessary for classical mastery. SJCA is a classical tutorship in which the pupils are coached and trained one-on-one. Pupils must perform. They must perform repeated mental acts well in order to master their academic subjects. The tutor makes that possible because he is always coaching, prodding, correcting, and informing the pupil. Unlike modern students, the classical pupil cannot hide in the lecture room. He is not left alone in his passivity. He must act; he must act well. The “gadfly” tutor is working with the pupil one-on-one ensuring that there are no half measures.
Continuity: Following the stages of the Medieval Trivium (Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric), the classical pupil deepens his understanding of familiar content. The seeds of the Grammar Stage bear fruit in the Dialectic and Rhetoric stages. This repeated exposure and continuity ensures that the pupil’s mind is fertile ground for mastery.
Grade-by-Grade Breakdown of the Curriculum of SCJA (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
(The full curriculum is also available in the Intro for Families packet.)