Overview
At Quincy Catholic Academy, we strongly believe in the transformative power of the Fine Arts. We know that early exposure to and participation in Music, Theatre & Dance can greatly benefit the growth and development of children in many ways.
Even beyond the obvious benefits of developing creativity and uncovering innate gifts and talents, being involved in the Performing Arts offers many other advantages such as: developing social and communication skills, strengthening self-esteem, building confidence, exploring imagination, enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication, demanding self-discipline, working collaboratively as part of a team – on stage and behind the scenes.
Computers & Technology
Quincy Catholic Academy is proud of its successful Computer Program. At QCA, our technology program integrates classwork curriculum with hands-on use of several different computer devices. QCA boasts a State-of-the-Art Computer Lab (24 Apple computers), Chrome books for every student in grades 5-8 and Classroom iPad sets in lower grades. Some highlights of our Tech Program include: Google Classroom Platform; grade appropriate exposure to Microsoft Programs, Robotics, Website Development, Digital Coding and more. Students are also taught to have an appreciation for technology and a significant emphasis is placed on Digital Citizenship.
Visual Arts
Quincy Catholic Academy has an exceptional Visual Arts Program which provides a rich and creative experience for all students from PreK-8. The overall concept of the Art Program at QCA is for students to be challenged to create artwork based on the idea of doing “art with meaning.” With this perspective, students move from doing art just for the sake of art, to understanding how to connect themselves and their artwork.
The students focus on improving their technical skills, as well as utilizing the elements and principles of design in their artwork. The art curriculum is designed with the three main components in art to ensure that students believe Visual Art has an intrinsic cognition and spiritual values that will assist them in the future, while using a variety of media, techniques and processes. These components includes:
- Art Critique (Knowing why)
- Art History (Knowing who, when and what)
- Art Production (Knowing how)
The art curriculum is designed so that students will be able to critically analyze various artworks by style and historical background through written and oral communication. Artist selection is based on a multi-culture dynamic of the school’s population. This allows the students to view Art through the eyes of their identity. (Art from around the world).
In addition to the aforementioned, students at QCA are exposed to a formal Art Club which further exposes them to additional Visual Art techniques, such as Screen Printing, Ceramics, and Painting.
Music
Music is the universal language. At Quincy Catholic Academy, the power of music is fully embraced and experienced in multiple ways. Students in grades Pre-K through Grade 5 receive a well-rounded education in Music so they can become functional, literate musicians. With the core curriculum and the discipline which music offers, children will acquire a clear progression and appreciation for Music as a subject, and also for its aesthetic quality.
With a carefully designed, spiral based curriculum, aligned with the state and national standards, students will demonstrate an understanding of the musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, form, expression and timbre by externalizing what they learn. Children will develop musical skills through active involvement in singing, listening, moving and playing various classroom percussion instruments, including playing the recorder in Grades 3 and 4. Students also heighten their learning by reading and writing musical notation, studying about composers, improvising and performing. These experiences will allow for emotional expression and creativity.
Outside the Music classroom, all QCA students are encouraged to participate in a variety of musical activities including: Piano and Violin lessons, Band, Choir and Musical Theatre workshops and productions.
Musical Theatre
We are extremely proud of the high-quality productions we produce at QCA. Many people have commented that QCA shows are equal to, or superior to many high school productions. Over the years, we have tackled many challenging shows to fantastic acclaim including:
- 2013 Musical: Jungle Book Jr.
- 2014 Musical: Aladdin Jr.
- 2015 Musical: Peter Pan Jr.
- 2016 Musical: Sleeping Beauty Jr.
- 2017 Musical: Little Mermaid Jr.
- 2018 Musical: Wizard of Oz Jr.
- 2018 Christmas Show: Its a Wonderful Life Jr.
- 2019 Musical: Beauty and the Beast Jr.
- 2019 Winter Musical: Frozen Jr.
- 2021 Musical: High School Musical Jr.
- 2022 Musical: Little Mermaid Jr.
- 2023 Musical: Annie Jr.
“I attended a performance of your production of “Annie” last night. It was spectacular, far beyond any middle school performances I have seen… and I dare say better than many high school productions. Congratulations!”
Director of Music & Art, Archbishop Williams High School, Braintree, MA
QCA School Choir
In 2022, Principal Paul Kelly, initiated a QCA Choir, opened to students in grades 3-8. It was met with tremendous enthusiasm and success and over 40 students participated, rehearsing weekly to prepare music for the monthly liturgies and all-school assemblies and events.
The group quickly grew in popularity and quality and has become a highlight in QCA’s identity. Musical repertoire ranges from traditional style to contemporary, pop and Broadway.
Every event sparkles with student energy and angelic harmonies!
Library
The mission of the library program is to foster a life-long love of reading and to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. This mission is accomplished:
- By collaborating with classroom teachers to design learning strategies to meet students’ needs
- By promoting a love of reading and lifelong learning
- By fostering a creative, flexible environment so that the school library is an essential part of the learning community
- By empowering students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers and ethical users of information.
- By providing intellectual and physical access to materials in all formats
The Library also provides instruction that implements, enriches, and supports the curriculum and educational goals of Quincy Catholic Academy. The Library program encourages literacy and literature appreciation by extending and enhancing classroom experiences, and we support reading for personal satisfaction by providing a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction materials intended to engage readers of all ages.
Physical Education
Quincy Catholic Academy’s Physical Education Program provides the students with a fun and active program that focuses on sportsmanship, respect for others, and overall exercise in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. The main focus is to encourage each student to do his/her best as well as for students to support classmates to do their best. Some highlights of the program include:
- Importance of Stretching/Warming Up prior to doing activities
- Presidential Fitness Challenge
- Learning Skills/Rules for Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball
- Developing Teamwork/Communication Skills through playing a variety of games, such as Capture the Flag, Jail Ball, Wiffle Ball
- Developing sportsmanship through team-building activities
- End of the Year Field Day Grade Level Team Game
SEL (Social & Emotional Learning)
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) involves teaching and facilitating skills that everyone needs to be successful in life – at home, at school, and at work. When students are aware of themselves and the world around them, they can manage themselves independently and with others. They can listen to others’ perspectives, use positive communication, be aware of their emotions and behaviors, set and achieve goals, and take personal responsibility. As students face growing demands and stressors in their lives, these skills have become especially important!
A habit of practice
SEL becomes a habit of practice when the entire school community incorporates our SEL skills throughout the day across the curriculum, covering topics such as identifying and managing emotions, conflict resolution, embracing diversity, and building a growth mindset.
How do we achieve SEL?
Climate – Creating a safe and respectful learning environment, which is well-managed, supportive, and engaging, is a core value at QCA.
Direct instruction – The classroom teachers and school counselor use a variety of programs to deliberately teach the SEL skills students need to be successful learners. This will continue if the need for remote learning returns.
Infusion – When teachers integrate SEL skills throughout the day and in all curriculum areas, students can practice skills and strategies that maximize learning.
