Middle School Core Curriculum Overview
Bible
Christian Living (6th Grade)
The curriculum instructs in three ways: an overview of the New Testament; an
in-depth, personalized study of popular passages; and application of these Scriptures
to important issues faced by sixth graders. The focus is on personal Bible study
and the understanding of principles that can guide all of life's decisions.
During each quarter the students memorize one verse each week that corresponds
with the theme of that week.
Christ and Christianity (7th Grade)
This Old Testament course involves a look at the origin and development of the
Messianic hope in the redemption of mankind. Focus on personal Bible study continues throughout the course, and students engage in discussions of applying God's principles. During each quarter the students memorize one verse each week that corresponds
with the theme of that week.
Historical Theology (8th Grade)
This New Testament course takes a look at the life of Jesus Christ, the early
church and its progress throughout the centuries. As a complement to this study,
time is given to compare and contrast Christ's teachings with other world religions
and modern Christian cults. During each quarter the students memorize one verse each week that corresponds
with the theme of that week.
History
World Studies I (6th Grade)
This study tours the lands, peoples and cultures of ancient civilization of
Egypt, Israel, China, Greece, Africa and the Mayas, as well as the Roman world
and the Middle Ages. Then and now maps are explored in detail to better contrast
and understand these ancient civilizations with the modern world. Students are
challenged to read and think critically through homework assignments, class
discussions, projects and evaluative assessments.
World Studies II (7th Grade)
Students are guided through an overview of world and cultural studies from The
Renaissance to the present. Young people are challenged to think about the validity
of Christianity in light of world thoughts and religion. The emphasis on geography
that began during the sixth grade year will be expanded. Class discussions,
guided critical reading, independent projects are integral components. An emphasis
is placed on building critical thinking skills taught in 6th grade.
American Republic (8th Grade)
Students are challenged to think about the men, women, and ideas that helped
to shape our country. The history of the nation is presented chronologically
while exploring its foundations and characteristics from a biblical perspective.
Critical reading and thinking skills are more fully developed and reinforced
through this comprehensive survey as young people delve into ideas and philosophies.
Math
Mathematics 6 (6th Grade)
This curriculum provides new and review material of a variety of arithmetic
including; problem solving, whole numbers, measures, factoring, fractions, decimals,
percents, graphs, geometry, algebra and practical life applications skills.
Pre-Algebra (7th Grade)
Students are introduced to basic principles of algebra, including integers,
expressions, solving equations, and graphing linear equations. The course is
a survey intended to give students exposure to core algebraic concepts and develop
abstract thinking skills.
Algebra I (8th Grade)
Students develop a solid foundation in basic algebra skills, including expressions,
equations, polynomials, linear equations, radicals, and quadratic equations.
Students who complete this course successfully are prepared to advance to Geometry.
Science
Life Science (6th Grade)
Life science includes the study of all five living kingdoms, the scientific
method, and man's use of God's creation. Students are guided to make observations
and decisions about living things and understand their function as it relates
to the world as a whole.
Earth Science (7th Grade)
This course involves the study of the celestial sphere, the atmosphere, and
he hydrosphere. Course components include space exploration, weather forecasting,
geology, and an examination of water and hwy it makes Earth distinctive. Students
explore the uniqueness of God's creation and their responsibility to all aspects
of their world
Physical Science (8th Grade)
Middle School Physics is an introductory course to the study of physics which is the science of
matter and energy and their interactions. This course will engage the students on a level that
they understand and enjoy through the use of hands on activities and labs. Some topics this year
will include motion, work and machines, sound, flight, magnetism and electricity.
English
English 6 (6th Grade)
Sixth grade English encompasses literature, grammar, vocabulary and writing.
Students are challenged to read short stories, poems and novels. An emphasis
is placed on critical reading and thinking skills through synthesizing basic
facts and applying them to other situations and reasoning inferentially. Vocabulary
study stimulates systematic vocabulary growth and equips students to function
with more scholarly verbiage both orally and in their writing. Sixth graders
engage in The Shurley Method to underpin and enrich their grammar skills. This
grammar program uses both written, workbook-type exercises and oral drill (chants
and jingles) to teach and reinforce grammar concepts. Writing is another component
of the course. Students experience formal and informal writing assignments and
are challenged to analyze and report on complex issues. Focus is placed on sentence
structure, unity, coherence and correct grammatical mechanics.
Explorations in English (7th Grade)
English 7 covers a wide variety of new and review areas including vocabulary,
grammar concepts, in-depth literature and novel studies, poetry, and creative
writing. Emphasis is made on structuring sentences and paragraphs for book reports,
paragraphs, summaries and essays. Grammar starts with review of punctuation
and capitalization rules and progresses to a unit study of each part of speech.
The knowledge of the parts of speech is incorporated with sentence structure
for greater variation and interest in writing.
Excursions in English (8th Grade)
This curriculum covers a wide spectrum, including the following: vocabulary,
reading comprehension, grammar, literature, poetry, and creative writing. In
depth novel studies, literature notebooks, and research papers complement the
curriculum. Reasoning and critical thinking are incorporated into the writing
and literature studies. Grammar ranges from review of capitalization and punctuation
to use of verbals, phrases and clauses in sentence structure.
Spanish
Spanish 6 (6th Grade)
This course is part of "the wheel" so that the duration of the course is one quarter and serves as an introduction to basic Spanish
(spoken and written), including vocabulary, verb conjugations, and usage, basic
Spanish grammar, Hispanic culture, pronunciation, and Bible verses.
Latin
Latin I
Latin I introduces the Latin language through a study of Roman culture and grammar
exercises. By building on concepts that gradually increase in complexity, students
learn to read Latin at the elementary level. Of important note, students not
only learn Latin but also a method of dealing with language studies in general.
Once they understand that language is a process with a well-defined system they
can learn to use that process to satisfy their own needs and to build on their
own knowledge. The course seeks to demonstrate that language acquisition-and
the intricacies of grammatical concepts-are within the grasp of every student.
Specifically students must master the noun-case system and verb conjugations
in the present, perfect, and future tenses. Students also begin to build strong
vocabulary skills in Latin 7 as the complexity of their translations increases.
Latin II
Latin II builds upon the student's knowledge of vocabulary and grammar gained
from Latin I in order to prepare the student for more intense foreign language
study in the future. While seeking to promote higher concentration and discipline
of mind, this course challenges the student both to think clearly about the
principles of language and to translate more intricate Latin sentences. Moreover,
Latin II emphasizes not only Roman secular culture but also the use of Latin
in Christian literature. Specifically, students learn many uses of the noun
case system as well as an in-depth look at adjectives, pronouns, and certain
clausal constructions and their uses. Students also develop a strong sense of
vocabulary as they are exposed to complex grammar structures.
6th Grade Electives
Choir
The sixth grade program builds on the musical understanding students have gained
in grades K-5 by focusing on more complex skills and concepts. This course also
offers more performance opportunities for the young people.
Band
Sixth grade band focuses on the development of individual student musicianship in preparation for middle school band and beyond. Students will learn basic music reading, instrument technique and ensemble skills required for successful band participation. The band performs an annual Christmas concert, spring concert and may participate in the March ACSI fine arts festival.
Physical Education
Students in sixth grade physical education enhance their skills through a variety
of cooperative activities. Students focus on refining locomotor, non-locomotor
and manipulative skills while also learning principles of physical fitness.
They complete a session of fitness stations focusing on strength, agility, quickness,
cardiovascular endurance as well as flexibility each and every day. They use
these skills in the development and knowledge that goes into games and team
sports.
Drama
The drama elective is designed to stimulate the student’s dramatic imagination and provide experience and confidence in personal communication skills. Through the use of free-form, creative role playing/improvisation, awareness of voice and body, students are given opportunities to respond spiritually, emotionally, reflectively, and imaginatively to their worlds and themselves.
Dance
The student explores basic elements of dance movement. Whether a novice or experienced dancer, each student spends time disciplining his or her body with a structured barre routine. Each year the class participated in a dance recital that showcases various forms of dance that the student learns.
Art
Sixth grade art is experienced for one quarter and reinforces and extends the instructional goals of grades K-5 with a broad
introduction of art history. Students have the opportunity to experiment with activities
designed to enhance their understanding of master artists and the techniques and media that
are used, in order to enhance their own concepts of art production and be able to communicate
intended meanings.
The Art program is designed to provide each student with an awareness of their God-given gifts and abilities and confidence in using them, a sensitivity to God's creation and means to respond to what they see; the opportunity to express ideas visually, by developing skills in
drawing, sculpting, designing, and crafting; and a fundamental knowledge of artistic heritage and how art history relates to the present.
Computer
Students continue to sharpen their computer skills using the Microsoft
Office suite of applications during this quarter-long course. Projects are completed using Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and Publisher that build on topics covered in the students
other subject areas. The desire is to help students see the computer as
a tool for use in their other academic courses and not as an isolated
class. This course meets for one quarter as part of the sixth grade
wheel.
7th & 8th Grade Electives
Choir
7th and 8th graders combine to sing in a choral setting. At this age, students
concentrate on fostering their evolving voices including the boys' changing
voice. The course also includes review of music theory basics with opportunities
to advance those skills.
Band
Middle school band seeks to develop comprehensive musicianship. There is an emphasis on music reading, instrument technique and ensemble skills required for successful band participation in high school. The band performs an annual Christmas concert, spring concert and participates in the March ACSI fine arts festival (other performance opportunities may be required). Select middle school students may also be eligible to participate in NCCSA all-state bands and the NRCA marching band.
Physical Education
Students in seventh and eighth grade physical education focus on teamwork and
and developing a personalized, lifetime love for physical fitness activities.
Students learn to work cooperatively with each other while also being placed
in leadership positions. Students develop movement and sports-specific skills
that are used in a variety of individual/dual and team sports. Frequent net
type of activities and strategic games provide an opportunity for students to
problem solve and demonstrate advanced strategies.
Drama
This drama elective builds on the sixth grade elective and enhances higher dramatic skills including technical theater (lights, sound, stage). Time is given to the study of proper stage communication and creativity.
Dance
This elective builds on technical dance skills. Various forms of dance are introduced as well as improvisational, worship dance. Discipline in form is stressed as the student becomes more aware of his or her body and ability to communicate with it.
Art
Middle school art students have a different focus in this introductory methods
class. This curriculum was designed in order to increase students knowledge
of and experience with different techniques and methods of drawing, as well
as, experimentation with different media. Introduction of the elements of art
and the principles of design will be introduced.
The Art program is designed to provide each student with: an awareness of their
God-given gifts and abilities, and confidence is using them; a sensitivity to
God's creation and means to respond to what they see; the opportunity to express
ideas visually, by developing skills in drawing, sculpting, designing, and crafting;
a fundamental knowledge of artistic heritage and art history relates to the
present; the opportunity to make qualitative judgments as they learn to appreciate
diverse expressions of creativity. Students in 7th and 8th grade art are expected
to participate in the school's art exhibit competition, the Art Extravaganza,
and are required to attend the event. If the art student's work is chosen, their
participation in the Association of Christian Schools International Fine Arts
Festival is also mandatory.
Photo Journalism
The course explores various aspects of the media in American culture and how
photography plays an important role in conveying information to our society.
Students learn about the history of photography and photo journalism, how cameras
work, proper photography techniques, as well as take a look at current events
through the eyes of a photojournalist. They have hands-on experience with cameras
and journalism, conduct interviews and see their work in print. They also assist
the high school yearbook and newspaper staffs throughout the year, writing articles
and submitting photographs.
Introduction to Technology
This introductory course is a survey of the basic principles of computer hardware,
communications, operating systems, security, systems development, impact on
society, and the impact of technology on a Christ-centered life. Class activities
include hands-on use of software, including operating system basics, word processing,
spreadsheets, and presentation software. The class will also study artificial
intelligence and robotics.
Video Journalism
Video Journalism focuses on integrating media with other school subjects. Students
participate in videography and film making. This course helps students hone their research,
writing, video shooting, editing, and storytelling skills. Students working in small,
cross-disciplinary groups produce broadcast quality, character-driven documentaries.
Home Economics
This course is an elective to learn how to manage and maintain a Christian household. During the course students will study personal hygiene and appearance; basic baking and sewing; proper etiquette; and social relationships. The course meets two days a week.
