Curriculum Overview
Courses in math, science, English, social studies, and world languages make up the core academic experience in Middle School. Each one of these core courses develops necessary time-honored and twenty-first-century academic skills, exposes students to new content and approaches to learning that connect to their world, and challenges student perceptions in order for them to reach new, more sophisticated understandings. These core classes are also places where students learn to access and apply technology with increasing purpose, efficiency, and responsibility.
As a School that focuses on developing the whole child, Pennington’s core Middle School curriculum also features a dynamic Arts program, through which students take quarter-long courses in visual and lens-based or performance-based art, as well as music. While some courses are taken in specific grades, students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of classes throughout the year, ranging from printmaking to ceramics to identity-based arts exploration. Students also take one quarter of Health during this period. This comprehensive approach to learning ensures that the entire campus becomes a classroom.
Grade 6
GRADE 6 PROGRAM
The sixth-grade program was developed with two critical understandings in mind. Academically, students are in need of both specific and general skills that will help them take part in more formal studies specific to content disciplines and a Pennington education. Individually, students are developing their sense of self and sense of place within our community—from the sixth grade, to the Middle School, to our larger Pennington community. Therefore, the sixth-grade program seeks to meet all Middle School students where they are in both their academic and personal development and to help them grow in all of the ways their potential allows. The school year is defined by the joy of learning both as individuals and as a group engaged in exploration and the practice of being scientists, historians, writers, readers, presenters, mathematicians, artists, world travelers, and classroom citizens.
ENGLISH AND SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies and English are dynamic, cross-functional courses that intertwine to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking skills. This knitted approach promotes interdisciplinary learning through connecting history, geography, economics, and other social sciences with literacy proficiency. Students use class discussion, media, research, and collaborative projects as portals to deepen students’ appreciation of diverse cultures while strengthening their core language arts skills. Both courses nurture and support creativity, growth, and expression through encouraging students to engage in projects and activities that build skills in research, developing persuasive arguments, inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and presentation mastery. Students are exposed to diverse writers and literary genres to strengthen their ability to write thoughtfully and fluently with the ultimate goal of discovering and valuing their own unique "voice."
ENGLISH:
Writing lies at the cornerstone of the English curriculum. Students are empowered to write freely and with increased confidence. We will focus on the writing process with revisions encouraged. Building a repertoire of grammatical skills and expanding their vocabulary base adds to each student’s ability to write with a surprisingly higher level of sophistication. Students write various expository, persuasive, and creative pieces, using the class text and unit themes as inspiration.
Students read literature as diverse as the world around them as vehicles to expose them to different styles, perspectives, and personal exploration. Many of the novels we read focus on immigration. Students will explore this theme of push/pull factors throughout the year. By “stepping into the shoes of another,” the students will strengthen their empathy and experience of the world via a new lens.
By developing purposeful reading strategies, students experience and understand the elements of various genres such as drama, novels, short stories, non-fiction, historical fiction, and poetry. Through a balance of reader response, writing, listening, and oral strategies, students become increasingly active critical thinkers and effective communicators.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
As a part of the social studies curriculum, students become world travelers as they study geography, history, diverse cultures, ancient civilizations, and current events. Students will be exposed to ancient civilizations (as far back as 6000 BCE) in order to develop valuable insights into societal development, governance, resource management, and the impact of environmental factors. Students will have the opportunity to appreciate how powerful literature reflects how culture can create convergence, divergence, and conflict in societies.
Students will ask questions such as: “What can we learn from these civilizations’ successes and failures (particularly in areas like adaptability, resilience, and the consequences of unsustainable practices)?” Students will also explore how power in a civilization is gained, kept, utilized, and resisted. Through analyzing technological advances, social structures, language, and cultural expressions, the students develop a deeper understanding of human history that can inform their present-day approach to similar challenges. Through understanding other regions as communities with specific geographic characteristics, governments, economies, beliefs, and struggles, students learn empathy and to appreciate differences. Most importantly, this process allows students to evolve into empathetic global citizens.
While the classes take place in their respective class periods, English and Social Studies have sixth-grade students embark on a rich, holistic educational journey, fostering a deeper understanding of the past while developing valuable 21st-century skills for their futures.
In addition to independent readings, poems, articles, short stories, and excerpts, below are the books that students will read this year:
- Ties that Bind, Ties that Break by Lensey Namioka
- Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo
- Refugee by Alan Gratz
- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
- The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl
- Our Town by Thornton Wilder
MATHEMATICS
Pennington recognizes that students enter the Middle School with varying knowledge of math content and application of skills. In order to ensure incoming students are enrolled in math courses that meet and/or expand their academic potential, the Middle School uses a placement process that includes review of teacher recommendations and accompanying transcript, and a placement test, if necessary.
Math 6
Math 6 reinforces foundational skills and concepts to achieve a level of mastery and build confidence. This course is about knowing facts and also about gaining a newfound conceptual understanding. Students learn that math is not meant to be learned in isolation and that collaboration is where the best insights often reside. Challenges are infused in practice as proficiency grows. Content includes the computation and comparison of decimals and fractions; ratios, rates, and percents; statistical analysis; probability; angles and polygons; geometric measurement of two-dimensional figures; and an introduction to three-dimensional figures.
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is a course designed to push students to begin to think more abstractly. Accurate execution of basic concepts is expected. Algebraic concepts and applications are covered to give a firm foundation for increased algebraic thought to take place. Content includes computation of rational numbers; order of operations; mathematical properties; one- and two-step equations and inequalities; exponents; ratios, rates, and percents; two- and three-dimensional geometry; and an introduction to the Pythagorean Theorem, irrational numbers, algebraic patterns, and coordinate graphing.
LIFE SCIENCE
Students are immersed in an inquiry-based curriculum where they learn to "think like a scientist." They learn and develop the ability to identify problems, formulate hypotheses, carry out experiments, and draw conclusions. Students are introduced to ecology using local resources of mud dauber wasp nests for a unit covering topics including habitat, animal behavior, classification, insect development, and symbiotic relationships. Throughout the year, students are exposed to animal and plant life, starting at the smallest, cellular level and moving on to a study of more complex animals. This course develops students’ appreciation for the interrelatedness between science, technology, and society. This reality is highlighted by an interdisciplinary unit on marine biology. In conjunction with their other classes, students learn about the marine environment and adaptations of the organisms that live there. Through research, dissection, and collaborative learning, students gain not only a solid understanding of marine biology but also an appreciation for the impact global changes and humans can have on an ecosystem. This course intends to either begin or enhance students’ awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to environmental protection.
WORLD LANGUAGES
Spanish or French
A world language is required for all Middle School students except those who are part of the Cervone Center for Learning. Incoming Grade 6 students will choose between Spanish and French. A placement test will be administered to determine course placement if a student previously studied the language.
Spanish A
Spanish A introduces the basics of Spanish: vocabulary, grammar, conjugations, and spoken Spanish. Students hone their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills while learning to communicate about a wide variety of topics in Spanish.
Spanish B
Spanish B continues to hone students’ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. Students use these skills while exploring topics such as food, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ordering in a restaurant, places we go, and more.
French A
French A introduces foundational vocabulary and grammar for basic expression and communication, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. We boost student confidence and engagement in the language through our exploration of Francophone culture around the world using idioms and expressions, film and literature, and hands-on projects.
STUDY HALL
Study Hall meets for most students during one of the seven periods in their academic schedule. It provides students with a teacher-supervised opportunity to read, complete upcoming assignments, review for assessments, request help from a teacher, or collaborate with fellow group members on a project. This is also a good time for students to organize materials and manage their time given their individual responsibilities and commitments.
EXPLORATORIES/ELECTIVES
In order to provide an opportunity for students to explore and learn about a full range of art courses as well as grade-level health courses, all students take Exploratory/Elective courses in alternating blocks throughout the year. Courses (Health, Music, Artorama, and Electives) run for a quarter semester each and are designed specifically for each grade level. Electives offer a range of courses from which students may choose.
Artorama 6
In this team-taught course, sixth-grade students are introduced to the art forms of visual art and theatre. With the theme of storytelling, students learn focus and concentration, storytelling basics, and scene preparation as part of their theatrical studies. In the art studio, students are involved in mask-making, narrative art, quilt-making, and clay decoration. Students use their masks and their theatrical knowledge to perform a scene, complete with script, set, lighting, and sound. While each finished product reflects the rich collaborative effort of the group, it is the unique contributions of each individual that make this experience special.
Health 6
Our aim in Middle School Health classes is to provide relevant information and activities so that our students can be empowered to make sound decisions regarding all parts of their health, specifically physical, mental/emotional, and social health. In sixth grade, topics covered include nutrition, exercise/movement, hygiene, decision-making, consent, body systems, gender identity, communication, mental health, and safety and violence prevention.
As is the case with all health courses in the Middle School, students gain a toolbox full of information and strategies that can empower them to make responsible decisions. Both intra- and inter-personal skills are strengthened throughout the health experience.
Music 6
Music 6 offers sixth-grade students the opportunity to experience both an instrumental and vocal component. Each student spends time learning to play the keyboard and sing in an ensemble. At the end of the experience, students have learned basic proficiency on the keyboard and healthy singing practices. Through both individual and collaborative experiences, by the end of Music 6, students record a performance of original music. Playing and building an appreciation for music are experiences that prove to enhance students’ lives forever.
ELECTIVES
A series of elective courses is offered by faculty in three blocks each academic year. Students rank their preferences for elective courses at the beginning of each block based on their individual interests, expertise, and/or curiosity. These courses vary from year to year and from block to block. All elective courses are mixed-grade groups, so that all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students are able to take an elective together. Courses that have been offered in recent years include but are not limited to instrumental ensemble, chorus, puppetry, filmmaking, photography, dramatic improvisation, songwriting, comic-making, upcycling, and ceramics. Offering such classes allows students to pursue a passion or try something for the very first time.
Grade 7
GRADE 7 PROGRAM
The seventh-grade program was created with developmentally significant academic and personal needs in mind. Seventh-grade students learn to become increasingly self-reliant as learners and to accept ownership for knowledge, engagement, processes, and outcomes. Students are experiencing social, physical, and cognitive changes that have a profound impact on their academic and personal lives. Therefore, the curriculum allows students to tap into the complexities of this stage of development to think more deeply and purposefully, connect with content, learn the reward of perseverance, and develop a level of character and citizenship they can be proud of.
ENGLISH 7
English 7 seeks to build students’ ability to be increasingly critical and creative communicators, readers, and thinkers. The course is structured around the theme of personal agency, with a focus on the following guiding questions: How do we develop agency as readers, writers, and thinkers? How do we form opinions and make choices in order to actively participate in our lives and our world? The texts read and discussed in the seventh grade may include Skellig by David Almond, Schooled by Gordan Korman, Show Me a Sign by Anne Clare LeZotte, and Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, in addition to a variety of poetry, short stories, and articles. Additionally, students will each choose at least one book to read and analyze from a prepared list of titles. Through these readings, students can engage directly with examples of agency in their analysis of themes, plot, and characterization, or exercise their own agency by choosing their own text, monitoring their own reading, and forming their own rich understanding of a story with guidance from their teacher. Additionally, students build on the critical thinking and communication skills established in sixth-grade humanities as they learn to develop more critical, analytical, and argument-driven responses to what they read. Alongside each text, students practice close-reading strategies to enhance their understanding. They use the writing process to become more familiar with their own writing practice and writer’s voice. Grammar, vocabulary, and style lessons enrich the quality of their writing, speech, and reading comprehension. Finally, through regular discussion, students practice sharing their original opinions with clarity and confidence, and they understand how to listen and respond to their peers with empathy and respect.
U.S. HISTORY and GOVERNMENT
The first part of U.S. History and Government increases student awareness about how and why the United States was formed, beginning with the Age of Exploration and culminating with the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Students then focus on how to become active and engaged citizens by learning about the three branches of government and increasing their awareness of civil rights and civil liberties. By considering events from multiple perspectives, students understand how all people in the history of our country possess historical agency. Awareness of these processes assists student comprehension of the complicated nature of the American story. The class uses both historical and current events to highlight important concepts and to initiate purposeful discussions and debates. The flexibility of this course allows it to capitalize on governmental activity and elections taking place during the academic year. Skills taught during this course include critical thinking, effective study and note-taking strategies, appropriate use of primary and secondary source material, research and presentation skills, essay writing, and effective use of technology. The class helps students to become increasingly efficient, responsible, and critical consumers of information because no textbook exists. All resources are both supplied and discovered in and out of class. Students collaborate often as a way to expand knowledge and challenge perceptions.
MATHEMATICS
Pennington recognizes that students enter the Middle School with varying knowledge of math content and application of skills. In order to ensure incoming students are enrolled in math courses that meet and/or expand their academic potential, the Middle School uses a placement process that includes a review of teacher recommendations and transcripts and a placement test, if necessary.
Math 7
Math 7 tackles the important skills and concepts covered in a pre-algebra course. This course pushes students to begin thinking more abstractly. Accurate execution of basic concepts is expected. Algebraic concepts and applications are discovered to give a firm foundation for increased algebraic thought to take place. Content includes computation of fractions and integers; order of operations; properties; solving one- and two-step equations and inequalities; exponents; ratios, rates, and percents; two- and three-dimensional geometry; and an introduction to the Pythagorean theorem, irrational numbers, algebraic patterns, and coordinate graphing.
Algebra IA
Algebra IA represents the first half of an in-depth, two-year Algebra I course. Through time and carefully selected activities, experiences, and units of study, this course challenges participants by expecting mastery of basic skills and processes, building conceptual understanding for algebraic models, and increasing their ability to apply concepts in multiple representations. This course provides students with opportunities to gain mathematical fluency and confidence while also reaching a depth of knowledge that will be meaningful and lasting. Topics include but are not limited to computing all rational numbers; simplifying expressions; writing, solving and graphing linear equations and systems; and integrating geometric applications. The mathematical experience in Algebra IA prepares students to tackle the more abstract lessons in Algebra IB.
EARTH SCIENCE
Have you ever wondered what life was like on Earth three billion years ago? Do you want to learn how to make solar hot chocolate or a modern version of an ancient Roman aqueduct? What happens when lightning strikes a sailboat? Why do hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes form and do what they do? How can humankind continue to evolve in ways that will leave a planet fit for our grandchildren? What if your local stream is polluted, and what can be done about it? These are just some of the ideas students explore in Earth Science. This course intends to spark more questions as students look to discover answers. The classroom, the campus, and the surrounding area supply students with a laboratory ready for exploration and natural "in-real-time" data. A year spent in earth science develops students into the citizen scientists that are within us all. In a highly interactive and engaging experience, seventh-grade students deepen their understanding of their environment through laboratory exercises and cooperative and individual projects that deal with the earth’s interior, rocks and elements, natural resources, water systems, weather, and climate.
WORLD LANGUAGES
A world language is required for all Middle School students except those who are part of the Cervone Center for Learning. Incoming students will choose between Spanish and French. A placement test will be administered to determine course placement if a student previously studied the language.
Spanish A
Spanish A introduces the basics of Spanish: vocabulary, grammar, conjugations, and spoken Spanish. Students hone their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills while learning to communicate about a wide variety of topics in Spanish.
Spanish B
Spanish B continues to hone students’ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. Students use these skills while exploring topics such as food, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ordering in a restaurant, places we go, and more.
French A
French A introduces foundational vocabulary and grammar for basic expression and communication, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. We boost student confidence and engagement in the language through our exploration of Francophone culture around the world using idioms and expressions, film and literature, and hands-on projects.
Latin B
Latin B builds upon the foundational knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary acquired in Latin A. Through textbook readings and exercises, students gain the ability to comprehend increasingly complex ideas in the language. As students gain a stronger understanding of the expressive possibilities of Latin, they also encounter more nuanced questions about the history and culture of the ancient Roman world and its relevance to our lives today. Students explore these questions through creative projects and classroom discussions. This course strives to deepen students’ historical and geographical knowledge, to help them build productive study habits, and to illuminate their knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of the English language through comparison with Latin. Successful completion of the course will set up students for success in the continuing study of Latin and will equip them with an invaluable set of tools for learning modern languages as well.
STUDY HALL
Study hall allows students the opportunity to read, complete upcoming assignments, review for assessments, or collaborate with fellow group members on a project. This is also a good time for students to organize materials and manage their time given their individual responsibilities and commitments.
EXPLORATORIES/ELECTIVES
In order to provide an opportunity for students to explore and learn about a full range of art courses as well as grade-level health courses, all students take Exploratory/Elective courses in alternating blocks throughout the year. Courses (Health, Music, Artorama, and Electives) run for a quarter semester each and are designed specifically for each grade level. Electives offer a range of courses from which students may choose.
Artorama 7
In this team-taught course, seventh-grade students are immersed in a highly interactive, interdisciplinary experience in visual arts and theatre. Focusing on the theme of puppetry, students investigate character and develop speechwriting and public speaking techniques in their theatrical studies. In the art studio, students work with light, shadow, and perspective in line and shadow drawings, as well as with puppetry. Students demonstrate their artistic and dramatic skills in a one-act scene written, created, and directed collaboratively within their group.
Health 7
Our aim in Middle School Health classes is to provide relevant information and activities so that our students can be empowered to make sound decisions regarding all parts of their health, specifically physical, mental/emotional, and social health. In seventh grade, topics covered include body systems, nutrition, mental wellness, social/emotional skills, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, sexual/reproductive health, gender terminology and identity, and violence prevention.
As is the case with all health courses in the Middle School, students gain a toolbox full of information and strategies that can empower them to make responsible decisions. Both intra- and inter-personal skills are strengthened throughout the health experience.
Music 7
Music 7 offers seventh-grade students two distinct, yet integrated, musical experiences. Each student spends half the time learning to play electric guitar and the other half building vocal performance skills. By aligning both guitar and vocal basics, students are able to combine those skills to perform together. An added element of Music 7 is that students are introduced to video production and film their peers' performances. Collaboration in this way builds appreciation and understanding of music that prepares students for deeper study.
ELECTIVES
A series of elective courses is offered by faculty in four blocks each academic year. Students rank their preferences for elective courses at the beginning of each block based on their individual interest, expertise, and/or curiosity. These courses vary from year to year and from block to block. All elective courses are mixed-grade groups, so that all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students are able to take an elective together. Courses that have been offered in recent years include but are not limited to instrumental ensemble, chorus, puppetry, filmmaking, photography, dramatic improvisation, songwriting, comic-making, upcycling, and ceramics. Offering such classes allows students to pursue a passion or try something for the very first time.
Grade 8
GRADE 8 PROGRAM
Two pronounced themes drive the eighth-grade experience: identity and leadership. Through personal and intellectual interactions with peers, faculty, and advisors, students learn more about themselves and their connection to their world. As the oldest students in the Middle School, eighth-graders learn what it means to be leaders and role models—accepting responsibility to co-create the culture and community and to lead the way for others. The academic program challenges students to apply their growing sense of independence and purpose to their coursework through critical thinking, curiosity, intellectual risks, novel application of knowledge and skills, sound research practices, new connections, development of their personal voice (both written and spoken), and reflection. Students develop the skills and habits of mind that enable them to be confident, engaged leaders in any classroom and in any club or activity in the Upper School, regardless of discipline or level of challenge.
ENGLISH 8
Eighth-grade English guides students to become increasingly responsible, adaptable, creative, and purposeful readers and writers with the goal of understanding their own shifting identities within their wider community. Students learn to read with an eye for detail in order to make connections beyond themselves, select and use evidence to build ideas and claims, and appreciate the literary techniques of a wide range of authors. Students learn to strengthen their writer’s “voice” while making sound, supportive arguments. Carefully selected literature, including poetry, short stories, and other readings provide a multitude of opportunities for students to learn meaningful lessons about how an individual can have an impact on their society. Grammar and vocabulary lessons are targeted to each text, with the goal of enhancing how students use the English language in writing and discussion. Students respond analytically and creatively to what they read and write, and collaborate frequently in student-centered discussions to articulate ideas and exchange perspectives. English 8 culminates in an interdisciplinary experience, paired with their Global Perspectives class, that solidifies skills, connects key terms from the two courses, and strengthens each student’s own understanding of the responsibility of an individual within a community. Texts may include Fahrenheit 451, Stargirl, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Night, Becoming, and various short stories and poems.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
This course takes students to places around the world that are facing significant, if not historic, times. At the beginning of the year, students gain a thorough understanding of physical and human geography to serve as the basis for studying current events. From there, students are immersed in issues from different regions of the world. Current issues are examined through a variety of resources and perspectives intended to inform and challenge students' beliefs. At the end of the year, students participate in an interdisciplinary experience with their English class, and learn about WWI, the rise of Hitler, and the Holocaust. A deeper understanding of racism, prejudice, and genocide is a natural result of this interdisciplinary unit. This course has no textbook and, therefore, emphasizes learning through online inquiry and primary sources. Students become increasingly information-literate, learning how to be discerning consumers of information and efficient, responsible, and resourceful researchers.
MATHEMATICS
Pennington recognizes that students enter the Middle School with varying knowledge of math content and application of skills. In order to ensure incoming students are enrolled in math courses that meet and/or expand their academic potential, the Middle School uses a placement process that includes a review of teacher recommendations and transcripts and a placement test, if necessary.
Introduction to Algebra
Intro to Algebra builds all the necessary skills and thinking that best enable student success in a comprehensive Algebra I course; these include specific skills and algorithms, as well as the proper application of such knowledge. Content includes algebraic expressions; solving equations and inequalities; exposure to solving, graphing, and writing linear equations; real numbers; proportion and percent; exponents; simplifying expressions; mastering geometric measurement; data and chart analysis; and probability.
Algebra IB
Algebra IB represents the second half of an in-depth, two-year Algebra I course. Through time and carefully selected activities, experiences, and units of study, this course challenges participants by expecting prior knowledge to be applied and built upon as students face new, more abstract, and complex algebraic processes and understandings. This course provides students with a working knowledge of algebra in the real world while also affording opportunities to extend that knowledge. Topics include but are not limited to simplifying exponential expressions; computing, factoring, and manipulating polynomials; working with rational expressions; applying quadratic equations; and integrating geometric applications. The experience in Algebra IB prepares students to succeed in a formal Geometry I or Geometry I Honors course (upon teacher recommendation).
Algebra I
A one-year Algebra course is offered to those students who, for reasons of acceleration, would benefit from this fast-paced class. This course is designed to enable students to think and apply mathematical concepts in a more abstract manner and intends its participants to master basic concepts and algorithms, build a core knowledge of algebraic concepts and skills that can be confidently and consistently applied, and experience more complex applications to be extended in future courses. This class requires participants to have demonstrated mastery of mathematical skills in pre-algebra as well as the ability to work best independently.
Geometry
This course provides a thorough treatment of geometric concepts, introduced both visually and analytically, then inductively, and finally, deductively. Throughout the course, students are asked to make conjectures about figures and about relationships among figures. Constructions, computer labs, and hands-on activities are integral parts of this course.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
This course provides students with an introduction to experiential physics and chemistry. Using energy as a framework to connect concepts, students study topics such as force, motion, simple machines, waves, chemical and physical properties, atomic structure, molecular bonding, and chemical reactions. As students observe various phenomena through collaborative, inquiry-based lab experiments, they learn to think critically and support their conclusions with evidence. Through the use of demonstrations, labs, and building projects, students are guided to develop their own understanding of content and have the opportunity to apply it in novel situations. For example, students may use their understanding of Newton’s Third Law to design a bottle rocket or balloon car and might connect energy transformations to simple machines in order to design a Rube Goldberg device. Scientific inquiry, exploration, design engineering, and discovery are paramount to their experience. Students will learn that asking more questions often leads to much deeper knowledge and reveals more interesting and meaningful discoveries to investigate. We hope eighth-grade scientists will become engrossed with how things interact with one another and why.
WORLD LANGUAGES
A world language is required for all Middle School students except those who are part of the Cervone Center for Learning. Incoming eighth-grade students choose between Chinese, French, German, Latin, and Spanish. A placement test will be administered to determine course placement if a student previously studied the language.
Chinese I
Students in Chinese I start their language journey from understanding the basics about the Chinese-speaking world and Chinese language, exploring the seemingly intimidating mystery of Chinese characters, and learning the Pinyin system for pronunciation. Students learn to talk about themselves, family, and friends across a variety of topics related to everyday life. Reading, writing, and typing skills are developed through daily study and practice of vocabulary and grammatical structures. The emphases are on recognizing and applying frequently used Chinese characters and having meaningful interactions. In addition to using textbooks, watching and listening with other materials, and having in-class dialogue practices, students will have authentic language use through presentations and interview projects. Opportunities to converse with Chinese speakers are provided and encouraged to help students develop listening and speaking skills and build an understanding of Chinese culture.
French I
The principal goal of French I is to develop a solid foundation of basic French vocabulary, sentence structure, and verb forms. The students learn to talk and write about themselves, their likes and dislikes, their school day, and what they do on the weekends and during vacations. The basic grammar includes the present and near future verb tenses of several high-frequency irregular verbs, as well as the three groups of regular verbs. The students listen to authentic French speakers and practice their pronunciation in the language lab. The students learn about French culture in France and other Francophone countries.
German I
This course serves as an introduction to the German language. In German I, students learn to read, write, speak, and listen to German through classroom and textbook work. Emphasis is placed on conversational German, where the question-and-answer model and partner work are heavily used. Language recordings and videos provide students with additional examples of authentic German in use. By course completion, students are able to describe in detail–both orally and in writing–themselves and their home (vital statistics, pets, family members, their bedroom), their home town/city, hobbies, household chores, school-day routine, present and past occurrences, and summer travel plans. At the end of this level, students will achieve a proficiency of novice mid as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Latin I
The introductory level of Latin provides a sound foundation in the forms, grammar, and vocabulary of the Latin language in order to prepare students to eventually read the great literary works of ancient Roman authors. The verb and noun systems are studied in detail, and students learn essential translation skills. Students explore ancient Roman history and culture through research projects, as well as during preparation for the National Latin Exam. The course stresses Latin’s influence on the English language. With an emphasis on English derivatives from Latin roots and grammar, the course reinforces the understanding of the mechanics of both languages.
MS Latin B
Latin B builds upon the foundational knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary acquired in Latin A. Through textbook readings and exercises, students gain the ability to comprehend increasingly complex ideas in the language. As students gain a stronger understanding of the expressive possibilities of Latin, they also encounter more nuanced questions about the history and culture of the ancient Roman world and its relevance to our lives today. Students explore these questions through creative projects and classroom discussions. This course strives to deepen students’ historical and geographical knowledge, to help them build productive study habits, and to illuminate their knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of the English language through comparison with Latin. Successful completion of the course will set up students for success in continuing to study Latin, and will equip them with an invaluable set of tools for learning modern languages as well.
Spanish I
This course is an introduction to Spanish language and culture. Students acquire increased proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Spanish in order to have successful interactions with Spanish-speakers in the community and abroad. In this course, students greet others, introduce themselves, and ask and answer simple questions to give and get basic personal information. They also describe themselves and others; ask and answer questions about their family and friends; state preferences, likes, and dislikes about general interests and activities; and give information about a typical day in school and compare it to schools in other Spanish-speaking countries. In addition, this course gives students the tools to communicate effectively in different situations such as asking for and giving directions, giving recommendations, making a purchase, and ordering food. At the end of this level, students achieve a proficiency level of novice mid-high as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
MS Spanish B
Spanish B is the second year of the three-year Spanish program in Middle School. It continues to hone students’ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. Students use these skills while exploring topics such as food, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ordering in a restaurant, places we go, and more. Students progress to either Spanish C or Spanish 2 the following year.
MS Spanish C
Spanish C builds on Spanish B and advances students’ speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. At this level, students begin navigating between multiple verb tenses and focus more intentionally on using connector words to increase their fluency. Throughout the year, students explore topics such as the home, chores, shopping, and travel. This course prepares students for Spanish 2 in the Upper School.
MS Spanish 2
MS Spanish 2 builds on Spanish B and advances students’ speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. At this level, students begin navigating between multiple verb tenses and focus more intentionally on using connector words to increase their fluency. Throughout the year, students explore topics such as the home, chores, personal routines, shopping, and travel. This course moves at a quicker pace, explores concepts in greater depth, and covers a greater number of advanced topics. This course prepares students for either Spanish 3 or Spanish 3 Honors in the Upper School.
STUDY HALL
Study Hall meets for most students during one of the seven periods in their academic schedule. It provides students with a teacher-supervised opportunity to read, complete upcoming assignments, review for assessments, request help from a teacher, or collaborate with fellow group members on a project. This is also a good time for students to organize materials and manage their time given their individual responsibilities and commitments.
EXPLORATORIES/ELECTIVES
In order to provide an opportunity for students to explore and learn about a full range of art courses as well as grade-level health courses, all students take Exploratory/Elective courses in alternating blocks throughout the year. Courses (Health, Music, Artorama, and Electives) run for a quarter semester each and are designed specifically for each grade level. Electives offer a range of courses from which students may choose.
Artorama 8
Artorama is a one-of-a-kind course that integrates visual arts and theatre. In designated teams, eighth-grade students view a series of artwork from diverse artists, styles, and genres. Each team selects a work of art and engages in a historical analysis of that piece of art. The team then uses that analysis and is responsible for bringing that art to life through a self-written, -produced, and -directed dramatic presentation. Imagination, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity abound.
Health 8
Our aim in Middle School health classes is to provide relevant information and activities so that our students can be empowered to make sound decisions regarding all parts of their health, specifically physical, mental/emotional, and social health. In eighth grade, topics covered include emotional health, personal growth and development, social/sexual health, community health services, and alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
As is the case with all health courses in the Middle School, students gain a toolbox full of information and strategies that can empower them to make responsible decisions. Both intra- and inter-personal skills are strengthened throughout the health experience.
Music 8
Music 8 introduces eighth-grade students to elements of music by providing them with opportunities for hands-on exploration of both vocal and electronic music making. They learn focus and concentration on their own and in group situations. At the end of this experience, students are prepared for all Level 1 music courses offered in the Upper School.
ELECTIVES
A series of elective courses is offered by faculty in four blocks each academic year. Students rank their preferences for elective courses at the beginning of each block based on their individual interest, expertise, and/or curiosity. These courses vary from year to year and from block to block. All elective courses are mixed-grade groups, so all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students take electives together. Courses that have been offered in recent years include but are not limited to instrumental ensemble, chorus, puppetry, filmmaking, photography, dramatic improvisation, songwriting, comic-making, upcycling, and ceramics. Offering such classes allows students to pursue a passion or try something for the very first time.