As another school year starts we were very excited to unpack the homeschool box and check out the Seton Homeschool Curriculum for Grade 6. This is the third year we have Homeschooled our son at Seton and we’re very keen to see how Grades 4, 5 and 6 compare.
Why Seton Homeschooling?
You may wonder why on earth a travel blog is writing about homeschooling? For our family, homeschooling has played such a huge part in our ability to travel around the world. We don’t have to wait for school holidays to go travelling. We just take the school with us wherever we go.
So far we have been very impressed with the Seton Homeschool Curriculum through grades 4 and 5. Seton claims to be flexible, affordable and academically excellent. Let’s examine this further.
Flexible Homeschooling
We have travelled extensively across the globe since we left Australia in 2016. Our plans have constantly changed throughout, as we recalibrated on several occasions. Though out all the changes and uncertainty we found the Seton Homeschool Curriculum to be remarkably adaptable.
About the biggest challenge we faced was travelling through Europe, we wanted to travel with light baggage weighing less than 10kg each, for all 3 of us. The total Seton Homeschooling Curriculum weighs in at around 18kg including all the school books. So we merely divided it in half. Our son studied the first half of the subjects in Europe, and the second half after we returned to Asia. I’d call that flexible!
Academically Excellent
We have found the standard to be very high academically, such that our son can easily mix it with the traditionally school kids. I am constantly amazed at how in-depth the language subjects such as English and Phonics journey into the English language.
Affordable
The total cost per year was a little over $1,000 per year, and that included a few supplemental books such as readers. By Australian standards that is remarkably cheap. There is not a lot of extras required, just the basic writing equipment such as pencils and paper.
And considering the cost we saved by not purchasing school uniforms, it’s quite a bargain.
The Seton Homeschool Curriculum for Grade 6
Like any school, the curriculum does evolve over time, according to the age of the child. However in grades 4, 5 and 6 the Seton Homeschool Curriculum and range of subjects virtually unchanged. Each year we find the curriculum merely delves deeper into the subject, and examines them from differing perspectives.
Maths
Maths is probably the subject I’m most pleased with, because as well as presenting the subject in an informative and well structured manner, there are many many exercises which are somewhat repetitive. I believe this is a key to getting the maths to sink in.
Science
Science branches off into a wide range of areas, but there is a large section on human health and physiology, and another large section on animals – biology and so on. This is our son’s favourite subject because it is so interesting.
History
The history has covered mainly early United States history, which has fascinate me because we learnt nothing of this in Australia. It is rather like reading a long story book, except it is real history. Grade 6 however changes to World History, and covers right back to ancient history around the world.
English
The depth of this core subject is phenomenal, covering all manner of grammar and creative writing. The focus in grade 6 is on writing paragraphs with a new assignment each week.
Phonics
This was one of the easier language subjects in grades 4 and 5, however it is not included in the Seton Homeschooling Curriculum for Grade 6.
Vocabulary
Working with a Thesaurus and a Dictionary, there are daily excercises which help children to express themselves more thoughtfully.
Comprehension
In this subject there is a new short story to read each week, and then several questions to test how well the student understood the meaning of the reading.
Spelling
Covering some great spelling quizzes each day as well as some problem solving and comprehension learnings.
Reading
Possibly the most time consuming of all subjects, because there are 4 readers of around 170 pages each to read followed by a book report. In addition there are quite a few other thick books to read. The idea is to develop a habit of reading every day, and to love reading. I have had many long bonding sessions reading these books with my son. Treasured times indeed.
Handwriting
Daily exercises on Cursive style of handwriting.
Religious Education
Another of the more demanding subject, studying the Baltimore Catechism as well as Children’s Bible History. There are daily lessons in this subject, and it is quite intense.
Art
One of the minor subjects, this covers a new art project each week. It can be done in an hour, and a keen artist will learn a few tricks that they can use on their own later. This is one of the few subjects without assessment tests, instead parents are encouraged to grade students on attitude and effort.
Music
This is a flexible subject, with a one hour lesson each week. This is one of the few subjects without assessment tests. Children are encouraged to learn to play a musical instrument. As an added bonus, kids that read music generally do better at Maths.
Physical Education
15 minutes per day with a new focus each week, from running and jumping to exercises and skipping ropes. This encourages daily exercise. This is one of the few subjects without assessment tests.
Testing and Grading
Most of the testing is done through online tests. Probably two thirds are computer graded and the remainder are human graded. And there is an easy to use upload feature on the Seton website for uploading assignments, reports etc. for grading. We love this style of assessment.
What we Feel the Curriculum is Lacking
Overall we feel the academic strengths of the curriculum are outstanding. But what’s lacking?
- Computing – most kids in Australia are little masters at computing by the time they reach secondary school, however the use of computers is low in the Seton Homeschooling Curriculum.
- Group Activities – probably not an issue with large families, but for an only child this can be an issue.
- Public Speaking – standing up in front of a class to read is good training for public speaking.
- Discipline – yes it’s easy to be a little soft when you’re the parent. But I guess that not the fault of the curriculum now, is it.
Do we Recommend the Seton Homeschool Curriculum?
Overall it’s a resounding yes. The curriculum is detailed and well structured. Seton has spent years refining it, so attention to detail is extremely high.
The choice to participate in homeschooling is a big one, and a huge change in family lifestyle. If you have made the decision to homeschool, then we strongly recommend Seton as the school to provide a strong education for your child.
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