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June 2011
WIS graduating 8th grade students stand with Middle School Teachers Anne Powling (L) and Dawn Brenner (R) and former Head of School Stanley Way. |
Language Arts and Literature
The eighth grade English program is designed to further student reading skills, interpretation and analysis of texts and breadth of genres. Students read historical fiction with an emphasis on American history, nonfiction and drama, including Shakespeare. Students will develop an understanding of the cultural significance of historical fiction, take part in formal debates and be challenged by independent reading projects.
The classroom is a writing workshop where students learn from self – reflection, from peer editing and conferencing, and from master writers as students refine their writing skills. Also, students will begin to recognize various elements of writing through their reading and practice writing five paragraph essays. Grammar, usage and foreign phrases commonly used in English are studied.
Algebra
This course is designed to enhance problem-solving skills and to further develop mathematical reasoning. In addition, it will provide a solid foundation for upper level mathematics courses. Students will be asked to apply concepts and to analyze, interpret, and create original problems. A basic text combined with a variety of supplementary materials will be utilized to afford maximum exposure to and practice with the different concepts. The course builds on the skills presented in Pre-Algebra and extends them into higher levels of mathematical sophistication.
Science
This course is designed as a survey of the fundamental topics in Chemistry, cells and genetics evolution and the history of the earth and life forms. Students will explore the concepts through inquiry-based learning: explorations, explanation, and extension. Students will develop an understanding of the major scientific concepts in the course topics, and an appreciation of how we know what we know in science. They will develop the skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the physical world and apply the knowledge they learn to everyday life.
Humanities
America in the twentieth century is the major theme of the seventh grade social studies program. The eighth grade curriculum gives students the opportunity to broaden their key understanding of the development of American society. This curriculum further explores the concept of culture and what it means to be a citizen of the world through the in-depth study of historic and current global issues and conflicts, and the creation of a model United Nations.
Human Ingenuity
According to Webster’s dictionary, ingenious means skilled in inventing or thinking out new ideas; curious or clever in design. In Human Ingenuity students develop creative thinking while developing innovative products. Original works are created as a means of expression and students develop cultural understanding and global awareness. Students also contribute to project teams to learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration in manufacturing and how to work successfully as a team.
Spanish
Students are presented vocabulary and language structures through dialogues and readings depicting everyday life situations. After mastering the content, students engage in a variety of communicative activities in pairs and in small groups. These situations are designed to imitate everyday occurrences so that students achieve a practical level of proficiency, enabling them to communicate efficiently both in speaking and writing. Students learn to function appropriately, both linguistically and socially as they gain knowledge of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Art
Middle School Art is a studio/hands-on approach to visual arts learning. Discrete design elements are connected to students’ personal experiences to teach aesthetic perceptions, historical/cultural developments, and visual art knowledge/skills. Classroom work is integrated with the topics of social studies, giving student an understanding of the art history periods of the first half of the 20th century.
Music
In seventh grade, students build upon their musical foundation to explore jazz idioms and improvisational skills. Students learn basic conducting patterns and expand their compositional and performance skills. Topics in music history and world music focus on links to historical art and literature.
Physical Education/Health
Physical Education offers a balance between academic, physical and personal growth. The emphasis is on improving individual fitness, skill acquisition and sport participation. Cooperative games, problem solving activities and small group work enable learners to achieve higher performance and improve social relationships. The study of health topics and fitness complement the physical education program.
Technology and Design
Students will reinforce the foundation of computer skills established in sixth grade. Additional computer application skills are introduced in the seventh grade, as well as introductory troubleshooting strategies. These goals are achieved through direct, hands-on learning of computer hardware and software skills, while integrating academic subject area projects where feasible. Also in this course students will develop skills in project design, which will be applicable in other courses.
Research Skills/Library
Students will continue to develop their research skills in seventh grade. Seventh graders will search for answers to their individual research questions from one of the global problems discussed in social studies, research a perspective of one nation on this problem, present their solutions to their class.
Learning and Personal Advisory
The advisory program is designed to meet the personal, emotional, academic and social challenges of the young teenager. Course time will be used to respond to student and group needs in the context of our school community. Our mission themes of honesty, self-discipline and fair play will be exemplified in the class discussions. The student and advisor will also problem solve any academic challenges the student may be facing.
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