District-Adopted Curriculum

For language arts, BUSD uses the TCRWP program (Teachers’ College Reading Writing Project).  Students go through the writing process, ending with a “published piece” that is shared with families.  Students read books at their independent and instructional reading levels.  Teachers cover learning concepts through mini-lessons and by reading with small groups.  For math, BUSD uses A Story of Units (ASOU) as the curriculum.  In addition to district-adopted curriculum, teachers supplement learning with other resources to meet the needs of the students.

Enrichment Programs

Oxford Elementary’s learning opportunities are enhanced by a variety of enrichment programs, offered during the school day (free) and after school (fee-based).

Music

Every class at Oxford receives weekly music instruction. The Oxford PTA pays for Kindergarten music or dance instruction and the District-wide music program begins in the first grade.

Kindergarten through 3rd grade students have music instruction once a week. The 3rd graders learn to read music and play the recorder. All 4th and 5th graders learn to play an instrument. In fourth grade each student receives an instrument (wind, brass or string) and begins instrumental instruction twice a week through 5th grade.

Music training continues into middle school, where students can participate in band or orchestra.

Art

Oxford has received Arts Anchor School funding for several years. Visiting artist, teacher Anna Rainer is working with classroom teachers at all grade levels to integrate the visual arts into their content-area instruction.

Science

Students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades have science once a week with the science teacher; students in the 4th and 5th grades have science instruction two times a week.  The curriculum is based upon the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Physical Education (P.E.)

Every class has P.E. instruction at least once a week, and sports and games are organized for students during recess.

Reading

We are fortunate to have a Literacy Coach at Oxford.  The Literacy Coach reads with small groups of students, in need of additional reading support.  She also works with teachers, providing instructional coaching and support.

Each class goes to the Oxford Library once a week on a regularly scheduled day to hear a story and to check out and return books.. The library is also open during recesses for students who prefer a quiet alternative to outdoor play.

Field Trips

Each class designs its own field trip opportunities based on what fits best into the teacher’s curriculum, but most teachers welcome ideas from parents. In previous years, students have gone to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oakland Airport, on a ranger-led walk to understand more about butterflies in Tilden Park, to the Chagall Art Exhibit at the Judah Magnes museum, and to the Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park. The Oxford PTA subsidizes field trips for each class.