5th-grade Capstone Project
A capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students, typically at the end of an academic program (elementary school). By completing the capstone project, GVA-DC 5th-grade students will demonstrate the authentic use of two languages; English and the target language.
Components of the GVA DC Capstone Project include
- A written essay, in English, on why bilingualism is important to them personally, to their community, and to the world.
- An end-of-the-year 5th-grade project demonstrating appropriate oral and written skills in addition to collaboration and socio-cultural skills in the target language. The project includes the use of multimedia and applies 21st-century skills.
- Completing 10 hours of community service using target language skills in service to the school or community while demonstrating the ability to use translation in social situations and/or documented cultural experiences in the target language.
The Capstone Project must be completed before students attend the end-of-year Outdoor Education trip in May. Successful completion of the Capstone Project automatically qualifies students for the Global Village Academy Pathway Award. Certificates for this award will be presented at the 5th Grade End-of-Year Celebration.
In addition to the Pathway Award, 5th-grade students can earn the GVA Jr. Seal of Biliteracy Award. This award celebrates students in our dual language program who are on the path leading to bilingualism, biliteracy, and socio-cultural competence by recognizing grade level and above performance in both English and the Target language.
Jr. Seal of Biliteracy Requirements
- The successful completion of the 5th-grade Capstone Project (Pathway Award)
- English: iReady score of “Early on grade level” or “Mid or above Grade Level.”
- Immersion Language: STAMP 4Se- 4(Intermediate Low) score or higher