Middle School - Fifth through Eighth Grades |
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The academic program of the Middle School is designed to build upon the foundation that students have acquired in Lower School and to prepare these students for the educational opportunities in the future. The Middle School program provides the balance between the rigorous demands of a college-preparatory school and the needs of the growing adolescent. The primary mission of our Middle School is to provide the bridge for maturing students. The curriculum addresses intellectual, social/emotional, creative, physical and moral development. Opportunities are available for students to work individually and collaboratively. The curriculum is designed to encourage students to think critically, explore problem solving solutions, and question thoughts and ideas.
Art The middle school art program is designed to build on the experiences introduced in the lower school art program. Students encounter a variety of activities to develop skills in aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and production. The instructor emphasizes the development of drawing skills and encourages students to experiment with different drawing media to discover expressive drawing techniques. The program includes a survey of major trends in the history of art and activities which directly relate this study to the production of creative student works. The goal of the middle school program in art is to provide students with a broad background in the basic art disciplines and to allow maximum time for individual experimentation and creative application of the ideas presented. Fifth Grade Students become more self-reliant as they begin middle school art. Projects are multi-layered, and students must make decisions as they work on various levels of an assignment. Advance exploration of color is a central focus throughout the year. Students are free to experiment and help themselves to materials during time in the classroom. Critical analysis of their work as well as work of others continues. New painting techniques are introduced. Working from life and creating the illusion of dimension are emphasized. Sixth Grade Importance is placed on exploring unusual techniques. Assignments include creating a foil and ink relief, drawing with glue, and exploring the concept of depicting emotion by using color. The students keep a sketchbook that is filled with quick drawing assignments presented at the beginning of each class. Shading and creating depth using light and shadow is further developed. Rudimentary perspective is taught. Assignments are designed to introduce some of the concepts that will be explored in greater depth in upper school. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace, as different skill levels emerge in individual students as they mature. Seventh Grade At this level, students learn to apply the principles and elements of design using abstraction in modern art. They are introduced to scientific perspective and given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of media. Special emphasis is placed on drawing skills and perceptions. Sketchbooks are introduced as a valuable organizational tool. Students are introduced to aesthetics through teacher lead critiques. Eighth Grade In the last middle school opportunity for art, students will learn to implement the elements of design. They will refine their understanding of scientific perspective as increased emphasis is placed on life drawing skills. Students are introduced to basic color mixing skills and the usage of color schemes. Students will be exposed to art criticism and aesthetics through teacher lead critiques of works of art. Students further their use of the sketchbook, with emphasis placed on time management and responsibility for workspace. The Middle School English curriculum is rooted in grammar, literature and building writing skills. Each sequential level builds on the previous year as well as on the foundation begun in Lower School. As a student progresses through the Middle School English program, he/she has the opportunity to read a wide range of both classic and contemporary literature. Grammar is taught in conjunction with building writing skills. At each grade level, writing in a wide variety of genres is addressed. Poetry is a focus throughout Middle School English. Fifth Grade The fifth grade English curriculum focuses on literature, grammar, and on expository and creative writing. In literature, students read selections from an anthology as well as selected trade novels. Experiences both in expository and creative writing are provided throughout the year and across the curriculum. Grammar constitutes a review of the eight parts of speech with some diagramming. In addition, there is a study skills component that is an integral part of the program. Sixth Grade Sixth Grade English focuses on expanding the writing skills taught in fifth grade. Students write daily in writer’s notebooks in a number of writing genres. This course continues the Middle School study of grammar, vocabulary and literature. Grammar and vocabulary are reinforced through the study of textbook material. A study of Latin roots is also incorporated into the year. Students read a variety of literature genres and novels. Independent novel reading is also encouraged through a weekly reading program. The year ends with the students collecting their work into individual portfolios of the year’s work. Seventh Grade Seventh Grade English centers around utilizing writing skills taught in the previous grades. Emphasis is placed on responsive writing as well as other writing genres. A writer’s notebook is kept by each student with a required number of entries and vocabulary entries for each week. This course focuses on writing style, word choice, grammar application, and exploration of a wide variety of writing genres. Grammar is taught using the Daily Grammar Practice series that is used in grades first through twelfth. Vocabulary derivation is studied, using Latin roots as the basis. Students read contemporary Intermediate and Young Adult Literature as well as classic short stories and poetry. The year culminates with each student producing a self-portrait poetry anthology reflective of that student and his/her writing. Eighth Grade In English 8 students continue to focus on improving their writing skills through writing poetry, short stories, and responses to various forms of literature. Students are encouraged to look at all literature with a critical eye towards author focus, style, and objective. Students read short stories by Poe, London, Jewett and Hemingway. The students read novels by Avi, Orwell, Lowry and Feiffer. Throughout the year students build their writing styles repertoire to include narrative, concrete, invented language and free verse poetry, short stories, dialogue, personal reflection, and newspaper articles. As a culmination to their work the students complete a multi-genre research paper The Foreign Language program includes instruction in the French, Spanish and Latin languages and incorporates the 5 content standards of language learning as supported by the American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities. Instruction is designed to facilitate communication in the target language, to assist students in adapting to foreign environments, to prepare for career opportunities, and to develop an appreciation of foreign cultures and literatures. The basic objectives of the Middle School Foreign Language program are:
Instructors emphasize imitation and memorization at appropriate age levels advancing towards reflective, analytical and critical thinking as the program progresses. Our approach supports the philosophy that learning a foreign language is more than vocabulary and grammar study. Effective language learning recognizes the importance of cultural and historical aspects of language origins and incorporates this belief into the overall study program. Fifth Grade - Latin Fifth Grade students begin their introduction to the Latin language with an exposure to simple Latin grammar and vocabulary, as well as a taste of the history and culture of ancient Rome. Students will learn to recognize “words within words” while strengthening their English language skills. As the study of Latin enriches foreign language learning, Latin vocabulary will also be compared to its French, Spanish and English counterparts. This first-year Latin exploratory course includes units of study designed to give our 5th graders practice in recognizing and using: Roman numerals, family and classroom terms, greetings and simple conversations, and calendar vocabulary. Students will become familiar with a variety of Latin proverbs and famous sayings, Roman mythology, and the basics of Latin grammar. Sixth Grade - Latin The study of Latin will continue from the 5th grade. New units of vocabulary will be introduced, and simple sentence structures will reinforce English grammar. Sixth grade will also study derivatives—Latin roots and prefixes which help the study of the English language. The comparison of Latin to French and Spanish will also aid students when they begin studying these languages in 7th grade. Seventh and Eighth - French These two years of middle school courses cover the equivalent of the first upper school French course. They provide, however, more time to develop listening and speaking skills. Students gradually move into grammar study and complete individual research projects on francophone cultures throughout the year. Students who are comfortable with the language fundamentals introduced in the two middle school French courses may with teacher recommendation be placed into French II as they enter upper school. Seventh and Eighth - Spanish These two years of middle school courses cover the equivalent of upper school Spanish I. Students begin to acquire proficiency in Spanish through a linguistic, communicative, and cultural approach to language learning. They are quickly immersed in thematic vocabulary and grammar units which promote the core foreign language goals of listening, speaking, reading and the writing of Spanish. The text is augmented with multimedia software, digital mp3 audio file creation, interactive Smart technologies, web 2.0 applications, video, and music. Active participation in class, daily preparation, and memorization are essential to acquire basic communication skills. Students who do well in the middle school course may be promoted to the Spanish II level upon entry into the upper school. This may be done with teacher recommendation and/or placement test. Middle School/Upper School Through open access to the Library /Media Center and collaboration with classroom teachers, the Media Specialist will provide assistance in the following areas:
Middle school mathematics courses are designed to reinforce basic math concepts learned in lower school and to add new concepts necessary for moving to upper school level math requirements. All students take 5th and 6th grade math and pre-algebra; however, at the 7th grade level, it is possible for gifted math students to move at a faster pace. Fifth Grade Fifth grade covers many concepts that prepare students for later math courses. Concepts introduced and revisited at the fifth grade level include problem solving, order of operations, exponents, decimals, fractions, percents, basic geometry, integers, algebraic expressions and simple equations. Sixth Grade Sixth grade math is a comprehensive and well-balanced program that prepares middle school students for success in algebra and geometry. Through a carefully planned scope and sequence of mathematical topics, students encounter, practice, and extend their knowledge of mathematics to promote confidence and mastery. Sixth grade students are introduced to the following topics: problem solving, geometry, pre-algebra, application of decimals, integers, application of fractions, proportions, percentages, basic geometry, and basic algebraic equations. Seventh Grade In Pre-algebra, students will evaluate expressions involving rational numbers and study properties of equality. Solving equations and inequalities is stressed with problem solving and real world applications. The algebraic language is reinforced with vocabulary. Geometric concepts are introduced and practiced. Eighth Grade Pre-requisite is Pre-Algebra Grades 5-8: Choral Students build on previous knowledge of musical elements through exposure to songs from our American heritage and the study of periods of music and composers including the following: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, Rock and Roll, Jazz, the Blues, and Opera. Students engage in a study of Broadway musicals, including the singing of various selections, the reading and acting of the script, and a mini-class performance of such. Students continue to play instruments and refine their techniques. Students also study concert etiquette. Grades 5-8: Instrumental Ensemble Middle School students may participate in Musical Ensemble. In this performance oriented class, students perform contemporary music in a modern, rock band setting. Selections range from current radio favorites to Jazz, Blues, and other styles. All instruments are welcome as are beginners wanting to learn their first instrument.
Fifth Grade The fifth grade science course provides a foundation for future coursework throughout the middle and upper school levels. Students are introduced to both their physical and living worlds through investigations in light, sound, matter, and life. Earth as a dynamic planet and its relationship in the universe are explored. Students develop scientific problem solving techniques through participation in laboratory activities and projects. Sixth Grade The study of life introduces students to the simplest, microscopic organisms and takes them to the most complex plants and animals. Classification is studied, and all kingdoms are explored for their uniqueness in the scheme of life. Emphasis is placed on the environment and the ecological relationships that are important for all. The scientific method is further developed by doing a science project and laboratory experimentation throughout the year. Seventh Grade Students will learn that the study of planet Earth is actually a study of several sciences. Major topics in this course include astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, and geology. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between geology, their environment and, in turn, the universe. Laboratory experimentation is an important component of this course. Eighth Grade Physical Science is a study of introductory physics and chemistry concepts. It is the foundation for future coursework at the upper school level. Physics topics include the laws of motion, energy, electricity, heat, sound, and light. The study of chemistry introduces the student to the structure and behavior of matter. Laboratory experimentation is the cornerstone of Physical Science and develops the techniques and skills needed for upper school coursework. Outdoor Education
The Experience: Lessons and activities are hands-on and experiential, frequently involving hiking, exploration, or simulation games. Some of the many kinds of lessons and activities offered include: a forest study, wetland succession, pond study, writing in the outdoors, estuary and rocky shore studies, micro-environments, archeological dig, weather monitoring, and map and compass. After each lesson, students are encouraged to discuss what they learned and its broader relationship to the world they live in. The Challenge: Group challenge (Initiative) activities are an integral part of the outdoor education experience. Each group of students works through several stages of trust building, cooperative activities, problem solving, group challenge, and individual challenge. Through these components, individuals and groups learn to share responsibility and initiative; improve their social skills; develop a greater sense of responsibility; increase their feelings of self confidence and trust; and increase their ability to listen, encourage, and accept others. Integration: The Outdoor Education Program is designed to integrate across the educational spectrum. The activities touch on all the academic disciples as well as the emotional and social needs of our students.
The middle school physical education program places emphasis on basic skills and personal fitness. Team and individual sports are introduced, as well as a continuation or fitness activities throughout the middle school years. Fifth Grade The fifth grade program is much like the fourth grade program except for an increased allotment of time for the selected sports. Fitness activities are more difficult and more structured. There is emphasis on learning to play fair, following rules, and cooperating with peers through cooperative games and individual as well as group challenges. Students receive a basic introduction to team sports at this level. Sixth Grade Selected sport activities are the largest part of the sixth grade program. The student will have experiences in regular or modified versions of basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, speedball, team handball, dance, jumping rope, and track and field. The emphasis at this level is on personal fitness activities, and an introduction to skills necessary for lifetime fitness. Seventh Grade The seventh grade physical education program is a continuance of lifetime fitness skills and varied team sports, such as, Sepak Tekraw, speedball, floor hockey, team handball, tinikling, styxball, and softball. Eighth Grade The eighth grade program continues to emphasize lifetime fitness skills and team effort with more attention to specific rules and regulations guiding the sports. Specialized weight training is also offered during the eighth grade year. Students participate in individual and team competitions to master skills and develop socially. Activities in the eighth grade year include: tennis-volleyball, net ball, pickle ball, badminton, flag football, weight training, volleyball, softball, and soccer. The middle school Social Studies program will survey world civilizations, past and present, American history, and world geography. Students encounter the basic knowledge necessary for advancement to the upper school at this level. The curriculum especially stresses the assimilation of factual knowledge, note-taking, and study skills in the middle school years. Fifth Grade - US History The fifth grade social studies curriculum begins with the development of the Industrial United States. We continue through the twentieth century, placing an emphasis on the emergence of modern America through the Great Depression and WWII. The study of twentieth century America concludes with post war United States into the contemporary United States. The last quarter of this course is spent on Ancient Civilizations and the study of archeology. Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on study skills, note-taking, and organizational skills to prepare the students for upper level courses. Instruction includes large and small group discussion, lectures, group projects, plays, guest speakers, field trips, and films. An added feature to the program is the use of literature to help create a sense of the time periods. Sixth Grade - Civilizations The aim of this course is to foster an appreciation for the origins of western civilization through a study encompassing prehistoric man, the classical civilizations of Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages. Through the course material and hands-on simulations, students learn to think critically about various issues of the past, present and future. Seventh Grade - Geography
The student will be introduced to different types of statistical information, along with what it represents and how it may be produced, displayed and/or interpreted. The students will use charts, graphs, and other demographic tools to perform these skills. The other broad unit of study focuses on regional studies of the Earth. These regions include Europe, the United States and Canada, Latin America, Russia and the Eurasian Republics, The Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, South-East Asia, and Australia, Antarctica and Oceania. In each of these regional studies, the students will cover basic information about physical characteristics, climate, vegetation, population patterns, history, government, culture, lifestyles, and the economies particular to that region. During the course of the year, the teacher will use a wide array of techniques to convey the above information. Additionally, the students will be assigned one major project during the course of year that will require them to work in small groups in order to create a presentation on a country as part of one the various regional studies. Eighth Grade - World History I This course begins with prehistory and extends through the medieval period. It embraces a study of the four centers of ancient civilization (the Middle East, Egypt, India, and China), a survey of Greek, Roman, and early Christian cultures, and a description of Europe’s Middle Ages along with the Golden Ages of India, China, and Japan. The course explores the facts, interpretations, and significance of the events of the past. It analyzes the various people of the world from an interdisciplinary perspective through a look at their geography, politics, economics, philosophy, religion, arts, important persons, customs, traditions, and contributions to civilization. Students will learn to use and interpret maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, and photographs and to understand historical chronology in this course. Computer classes in middle school are the bridge between knowledge gained in lower school and the technology necessary for Upper School. While students approach technology with varying degrees of experience and competency, the classes attempt to give each student the necessary tools while allowing students with greater familiarity the opportunity to expand their knowledge base. Fifth Grade In fifth grade, computer begins with a review of home keys, numbers, and symbols – basic keyboard skills. Students begin to work on speed drills. Using Microsoft Word, they add skills such as changing bullets, numbering, and the drawing toolbar. Scavenger Hunts are used to practice using the Internet and to practice research skills. Animation and sound are added to their PowerPoint slide show from the previous year. They will also learn to use the scanner to import family pictures to PowerPoint. There are two projects: 1) create a slide show on a given topic, and 2) create a slide show about their family. Sixth Grade In sixth grade, students review home keys, numbers, and symbols (Keyboard). They work up to 15-30 words per minute with speed drills. Using Microsoft Word, they create a webpage and save pictures from the Internet in a file. Using Microsoft Excel, they create spreadsheet projects: 1) a summer tours business and 2) construct charts. With regard to email, they discuss the do’s and don’ts, chat rooms, and how to send an attachment. There is a webpage evaluation and discussion of the criteria for web design. Seventh Grade In seventh grade, students review home keys, numbers, and symbols (Keyboard). They continue to work on speed to attain 31-45 words per minute with speed drills. In Microsoft Publisher, they create Publisher projects: 1) business cards, flyers, brochures, calendars, etc. 2) logo for a business. In Microsoft Excel, they create a spreadsheet with charts/graphs to illustrate expenditures. They use the Internet to research business opportunities and PowerPoint to create business presentations. Eighth Grade In eighth grade, students review home keys, numbers, and symbols (Keyboard). They continue to work on speed to attain 32-45 words per minute with speed drills. In Microsoft Word, they create a project to be used in Microsoft Publisher. They have additional Publisher Projects: 1) business cards, flyers, brochures, calendars, etc. 2) logo for a business. In Microsoft Excel, they create a spreadsheet with charts/graphs to illustrate expenditures. They use the Internet to research business opportunities and PowerPoint to create Business presentations. Additionally, they develop a web page for the business to include in the PowerPoint presentation.
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Fine Arts instruction in middle school builds on the foundations laid in lower school. There are three courses offered at this level: art, choral music, and instrumental music. They are taught on rotating basis by quarter.
The middle school science program is sequentially designed to prepare students for the more advanced upper school science curriculum in the areas of Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences. The courses stimulate curiosity and develop inquiry skills while providing a core of knowledge in the specific subject areas. Instructors place emphasis on using the scientific method, interpreting scientific data and measurements, and manipulating laboratory materials.
The Heritage School’s Outdoor Education Program for students in grades five through eight integrates a variety of sequential lessons and activities to help students gain insight into the natural environment, their community, themselves, and the inter-relationship of all. The program, delivered within the boundaries of The Heritage School Campus and off-campus Outdoor Education Trips, is experiential and consists of three elements: experience, challenge, and integration.
This course is organized into two broad units of study. One unit introduces the student to the study of physical geography and the use of demographics. In this unit, the student will be introduced to the Five Geographic Themes: Location, Place, Movement, Region, and Human/Environment Interaction. They will also learn map-reading skills and be able to use and interpret different types of maps. The student will be exposed to a study of weather and climate and their affect. Student will also learn an extensive body of geographic terminology.