Curriculum

All subjects at Oasis are taught solely in English, thus immersing students in an English speaking environment for the full two years of study.

Classes include:

• English Grammar - In Grade One Grammar class, students are introduced to the fundamental building blocks of the English language.  They begin with basic elements such as subject-verb agreement and various tenses.  As the year progresses we move on to more advanced elements of English grammar such as the passive voice, noun and adjective clauses, and modal auxiliaries.  We follow the book Fundamentals of English Grammar, Third Edition, by Betty Schrampfer Azar.  As we expand these building blocks of English grammar, we help our students not only improve their writing ability but their speaking fluency. (4 Quarters)
• Phonics - In Phonics, students are introduced to the basic patterns found in the English language.  This approach is different than the traditional memorization-based teaching techniques used around the world in that it isolates the basic letter patterns in English and attaches a sound to them.  As students become more familiar with not only the vowel and consonant sounds, but also with diphthongs, consonant blends, and common word endings they are able to pronounce new and unfamiliar words.  The class follows the book Keyword Phonics, by DeAnn Killion, and also employs oral comprehension and speaking proficiency elements.  All of these elements lay the foundation for the expansion of the student’s vocabulary and fluency. (7 Quarters)
• Language Acquisition - In this course the students gradually acquire the ability to learn English by using English.  As time goes by, students will be accustomed to using English-English dictionaries and directly understand classes taught by native English speakers. There is a focus on how to build up a large English vocabulary network in the students’ minds and on obtaining flexibility in using English to express oneself. Students also begin to understand the cultural differences between China and native English-speaking countries so they can start to learn some basic skills of translating from English to Chinese or vice versa in preparation for advanced study in the future. (8 Quarters)
• Writing Composition - The curriculum for the writing course centers around the principles of process writing:  prewriting, drafting, peer and self review, revisions, and publishing.  Students learn to critique their own and peer writings, and how to edit for improvement.  Emphasis is equally placed on form and meaning, and students spend considerable time on prewriting and organizational activities.  Whereas most student assignments are paragraph-length writings, the students experiment with a wide variety of writing genre, including business writings such as memos,  letters, email; writing instructions; persuasive articles, news articles, reaction papers, and poetry.  In addition, students do many of their writing assignments on the computer and become familiar with using Microsoft word processing tools and standard formats.  (4 Quarters)
• Literature - In Literature students read through a variety of great American (and British) literature works from Penguin Readers and Treasury of Illustrated Classics. Along with reading for comprehension and vocabulary building, they also aim to dig deeper into each story. Through class discussion, small groups, and other activities students find many things that are applicable to their lives from the reading; along with learning about other cultures and times. (8 Quarters)
• Math - The goal for this class is to prepare students to pass the American GED Math test.  This one and a half hour timed test consists of 50 story problems.  In order to prepare the students for the GED, this class covers a wide range of topics, with an emphasis in problem solving and definitions.  In addition, students learn English vocabulary for math knowledge they have already acquired in Chinese.  The first section covers basic mathematics, including whole numbers, fractional numbers, decimal fractions, and reading charts and graphs.  The next section is an introduction to algebra.  The final topic of the class is geometry, with an emphasis on using basic rules of shapes in problem solving. (2 Quarters)
• Drama - Grade Two Drama is a class that hones the students’ oral English skills as well as expanding their knowledge of western art and culture.  It is unique in that each student has a speaking part in a play of the teacher’s choice.  Not only do we focus on practicing and performing the play, but we also cover things such as drama related vocabulary, pronunciation, emotion, diction, and other basic acting skills.  Drama class acts as a non-conventional way of improving the students’ oral fluency as well as boosting their self confidence. (1 Quarter)
• Study Skills - The Study Skills class is a part of each student's first semester at Oasis and prepares them to study for all of their other classes in a new English learning environment. There are many topics covered in this class with the emphasis placed on managing and using time well, processing information effectively, and relating to other people in beneficial ways. In this class students learn strategies for becoming lifelong learners. (2 Quarters)
• Culture - Based on the book Foriegn to Familiar, by Sarah Lanier, this class discusses the differences between Hot & Cold Climate cultures.  Looking at generalizations of different cultures, the students are able to gain perspective on why their culture is the way it is, as well as why the people they live and work with who are from different cultures might act and be the way they are. This expanded worldview gives each student better tools for success in an international marketplace and prepares them to relate to colleagues and clients from different parts of the world. (1 Quarter)
• Character First - Character First is a course created from a list of character traits that should be developed in order to lead lives of virtue and character.  It includes such topics as Truthfulness, Virtue, Wisdom, Attentiveness, Responsibility, Humility, Forgiveness, Obedience, Patience, and many other character traits.  Each lesson is developed around five key words and key concepts which help the student remember the main points of the trait.  The student also learns some aspects of zoology, as each trait has an animal which represents it.  Graduates of the school often refer to the value of this course once they get into life in society. (8 Quarters)
• Speech/Public Speaking - This class is designed to help the students practice their spoken English presentation skills and prepare them for the many unrehearsed speaking situations in real life. Students prepare a Powerpoint presentation, a 3-5 minute impromptu speech on a random topic drawn out of a hat, and each student writes their own exit speech or what they would like to say to all of Oasis and their families at graduation. Throughout preparing for these and other projects, students learn how to prepare different varieties of speech, such as persuasive and small group speeches, and also how to speak on special occasions. (3 Quarters)
• English Computer Applications: From the time students enter Oasis to when they leave, they are being taught different aspects of computer applications.  Students begin with the basics of Keyboarding, Internet use, and computer vocabulary.  In each of the following quarters, they learn both basic and advanced usages of the Microsoft programs. The goal is that each student gains the knowledge necessary to maneuver their way through programs that will assist them in their professional careers. (8 Quarters)
  • Basic Computer Skills - In their first semester at Oasis, the students begin using the computer lab.  By first learning the basics of keyboarding, the students become familiar with using a computer and then practice and improve their typing ability before moving on to any other programs.  After keyboarding, they learn about computer systems including computer vocabulary; then they learn the basics of the internet in English. (2 Quarters)
  • MS Word - This class is taught to Grade One students and teaches them both foundational concepts for using Word, as well as the skills needed to use the advanced features of this complex, widely used program.  A variety of practical projects are utilized to teach formatting and advanced text editing. (2 Quarters)
  • MS Outlook - This class is taught to students in Grade One to introduce them to the world of email.  They learn to manage contacts, make a calendar, send and receive mail and create distribution lists.  After this class they are able to communicate with their English speaking contacts all over the world. (1 Quarter)
  • MS PowerPoint - This class is taught to students in Grade Two. Students learn the importance of giving a quality presentation, learn the skills needed to create a presentation that is visually pleasing, and learn to meet the needs of their audience and the presentation venue.  At the end of the class, the students have an opportunity to create a business and market their business through a PowerPoint presentation which they then deliver to the class. (1 Quarter)
  • MS Excel - This class is taught to students in Grade Two to give the students a good comprehension of using spreadsheets and databases to analyze, store and process information. Whenever possible, real life examples are introduced to bring the importance of this program to light. Students are given a variety of projects, such as creating a personal budget, to improve their skills. (1 Quarter)
  • GIMP Photo-editing - This Grade Two class is designed to teach the students how to use the computer program GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program).  This program helps students to enhance, edit, repair, and combine graphic images.  These skills will be helpful in many jobs to make them better able to create promotional materials or presentations for the companies they work for in the future.  During the quarter, they learn the basics of working with photos and also a few advanced techniques, such as creating animations or logos.   Using a combination of the book by Akkana Peck, Beginning Gimp: From Novice to Professional and staff expertise, the students have a rich opportunity for hands-on learning. (1 Quarter)
• Business Jobs - Business Jobs is a Grade Two class focused on equipping students to enter the work place. The initial focus is on building their business English vocabulary by using the book Business Vocabulary in Use, by Bill Mascull. This aspect will enable them to communicate effectively in the business world. This course also emphasizes the practical issues facing students who are entering the business world for the first time. During the year students learn how to write a formal letter, compile a resumé in English and they are prepped to be interviewed for a job in English. Finally, the students are introduced to ethical problems they will face on the job by studying real cases from the book Making Business Decisions, by Frances Boyd. (3 Quarters)
• World Geography - This class familiarizes students with basic concepts of the orderly and amazing earth on which we live so that they can have an accurate awareness of their world - continents, oceans, world regions, and countries. Students learn to mentally navigate world maps and regional maps in order to grasp the abstract concept of global positioning. They learn basic geography terms in order to converse meaningfully with English speakers whether for business purposes or casual conversation. (2 Quarters)
• Physical Education - Physical Education is offered for students as an opportunity to promote physical fitness and encourage an active lifestyle.  Students are exposed to a variety of American and international sports, including basketball, kickball, softball, soccer, and Ultimate Frisbee. This program encourages sportsmanship and teamwork using a variety of fun group activities.  It also provides an opportunity for students to learn sports-related terminology and to practice their oral English in an organized setting outside of the classroom. (4 Quarters)

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