Middle School Curriculum Overview

SUBJECT	GRADE 6	GRADE 7	GRADE 8
Literature	Literature 6	Literature 7	Literature 8
Composition	Composition 6	Composition 7	Composition 8
Math	Math 6 Everyday Math	Math 7 Pre-Algebra Pre-Algebra Advanced Algebra I	Pre-Algebra Algebra I Algebra I Advanced Geometry
Science	Science 6	Science 7	Science 8
Social Studies	Western Civilization	Eastern Hemisphere Past/current issues & events	American History 1865-present
Foreign Language	Spanish 6 Latin 6	Spanish 7 Latin 7	Spanish 8 or Latin 8
Theology	New Testament	Church History	Senior Project
PE	PE 6	PE 7	PE 8
Health	Health 6	Health 7	Health 8
Computer	Interdisciplinary focus on skills by content area
Art	Art 6	Electives (Choose one each trimester) Art Drama Creative Writing ACT (Adventures in Computer Technology) Creative Writing Handbells Organic Gardening Leadership Math Challenge Science Explorers Songwriting
Music	Music 6

Middle School Course Descriptions

Literature

Canterbury’s Middle School literature program gives students the opportunity to read and appreciate short stories, poems, novels, drama, and non-fiction essays. Students read to discover universal truths and connections between literature and their own lives.

Literature 6: Students in sixth grade literature will use skills and strategies of the reading process to explore exemplary writings in both fiction and nonfiction. Literary terms and vocabulary will be learned in the context of assigned reading in the literature text and in supplemental resources. Students will read selections from a variety of cultures and historical settings. Independent reading will build comprehension and interest. Class discussion and writing will emphasize the use of Standard English.

Literature 7: Seventh grade students will explore a variety of literary genres through teacher-guided and independent reading activities. Vocabulary will be strengthened through contextual analysis and the examination of word derivation. The study of literary devices as used in short stories, novels, drama, poetry, and non-fiction will foster an appreciation of literature and enhance reading skills.

Literature 8: Eighth grade literature will emphasize selections in all literary genres. Students will learn vocabulary through words in context. Higher order thinking skills will be used to analyze readings. The use and conventions of Standard English will be strengthened through reading, speaking, and writing for various purposes and audiences.

Composition

Our Middle School composition program encourages students to develop a sophisticated writing process that includes prewriting strategies, peer response, proofreading, editing, and revision. Writing in a variety of modes, students work closely with teachers to gain proficiency in grammar, usage, mechanics, and punctuation. Connections with other courses allow for cross-curricular enrichment and reinforcement.

Composition 6: This class is designed to give the student an understanding of and experience in the fundamental grammatical and stylistic elements of composition. Writing assignments include informational reports, opinion essays, and informative essays.

Composition 7: This class will focus on helping the composition student learn to write persuasive, compare and contrast, and research-based essays. Students will also practice effective research strategies and will begin working with more complex grammatical structures.

Composition 8: This class will allow students to hone the skills and strategies necessary to write argumentative and research-based essays. As they learn to consider the arrangement of ideas and the choice of words as a reflection of the writer’s purpose and sense of audience, students will also continue to refine their revision, research, and grammatical skills.

Math

Canterbury’s math curriculum gives students the skills and opportunities to develop mathematical confidence and become creative problem solvers, cooperative and independent learners, and logical and conceptual thinkers. Students progress from general math in sixth grade to a developmentally appropriate sequence of courses in seventh and eighth.

Math 6: Math 6 is a continuation of the Everyday Math curriculum used in grades K-5. Cited for excellence by the US Department of Education, Everyday Math features linking past experience to new learning, solving problems, and developing concept readiness through hands-on experimentation. A number of strands are developed in each grade level: algebra, probability, geometry, measurement, numeration, patterns, and operations.

Math 7: Math 7 includes the study of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integer operations; simple equations; graphing and measurement; and ratio, proportion and percent.

Pre-Algebra: Pre-Algebra focuses on the study of integers and rational numbers; equations, geometry and measurement; and ratio, proportion and percent.

Pre-Algebra Advanced: Students in Pre-Algebra Advanced use an algebraic approach to the study of integers and rational numbers; simple equations, geometry and measurement; and ratio, proportion and percent.

Algebra I: In Algebra I, classes focus on the study of algebraic concepts including operations with real numbers; the solving and use of equations and inequalities; relations and functions; and polynomials, factoring, and algebraic fractions.

Algebra I Advanced: Algebra I Advanced provides a more theoretical approach to algebraic concepts and a deeper investigation of systems of equations, polynomials and factoring, and rational and irrational numbers. Emphasis is placed on the application of these concepts in word problems and practical situations.

Geometry: This geometry course, for the most advanced 8th graders, focuses on the concepts of plane geometry, with some additional topics in solid, analytic, and transformational geometry. Problem solving and direct and indirect methods of proof are used to develop understanding and critical thinking skills.

Science

Canterbury’s hands-on, laboratory-oriented Middle School science program seeks to instruct students in the processes and thinking skills of the modern scientist, including measurement, research, the scientific method, and the effective use of scientific tools. Using an integrated approach, the curriculum mixes elements of life, earth, and physical science in each year’s curriculum.

Science 6: Units of study include the nature of science, the classification of living organisms, the universe, animals, waves, electromagnetism, and sound & light.

Science 7: Seventh grade students explore cells, heredity, weather systems, electricity and magnetism, and human biology.

Science 8: In the eighth grade, classes focus on the chemistry of matter; ecology and natural resources; motion, forces, and energy; and Earth science.

Social Studies

Canterbury’s Middle School social studies program seeks to create effective citizens who are informed and active in civic affairs on the local, national, and international levels. Through critical reading, thinking, and discussing, students develop a worldview and a knowledge base of significant historical events throughout the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

Social Studies 6: In Social Studies 6, students engage in a broad study of the ancient world, with an emphasis on comparing the beliefs, behaviors, customs, and attitudes of early civilizations to each other and to our own civilization.

Social Studies 7: Social Studies 7 is a study of world issues and events of the past and present in the Eastern Hemisphere. Students study the origins and early centuries of Islam, modern history of the Middle East, nationalism and the World Wars in Europe, communism in the former Soviet Union and in the People’s Republic of China, apartheid in South Africa, and current issues throughout the Eastern Hemisphere. In addition to the class textbook, supplementary resources include memoirs written for young adults, historical fiction and other current news sources.

Social Studies 8: Students in Social Studies 8 study the United States with a focus on government, 20th century history, and current events; there is emphasis on exploring how events from the past inform the present and the future. The course materials include secondary sources written for young adults, primary sources, news media, literature, and documentary films.

Latin

Canterbury’s Middle School Latin program is a three-year sequence designed to introduce students to the Latin language through the reading method. By building on concepts that gradually increase in complexity, students learn to read and write in Latin at the novice level. Students also study Greek mythology, Roman culture and history, and the impact of Latin on English and the romance languages. Successful completion of this program should enable a student to enroll in Latin II in high school.

Latin 6: Sixth grade Latin emphasizes Greek mythology, Roman culture, and word derivations. Students build vocabulary and skills in reading and writing through such units as numbers, the family, the house, body parts, and animals. Through reading and writing as well as poems and songs, students understand the basic concepts of the Latin language.

Latin 7: Seventh grade Latin focuses on Roman culture and the foundations of Latin grammar. Students continue to study mythology and Roman culture through the textbook, which follows a family in the Roman city of Pompeii. Students begin to build strong vocabulary skills in Latin 7 as the complexity of their readings increases. Through the continuing study of Roman culture, students discover the Roman influence on Western Civilization.

Latin 8: Eighth grade Latin focuses on the study of the Latin language, with the majority of the coursework consisting of textbook readings, which follow a family in Roman Britain and Roman Alexandria. During this course, students develop a stronger sense of vocabulary and language structure. In addition, students continue to study mythology and Roman influence in the modern world.

Spanish

Canterbury’s Spanish program is a three-year sequence designed to teach students how to listen, speak, read and write in Spanish. Spanish is the primary language used in class by the teacher and the students. At each grade level, students experience the Spanish culture and language through active participation in skits, projects, and real life scenarios. Successful completion of this program should enable a student to enroll in Spanish II in the ninth grade.

Spanish 6: Sixth grade Spanish emphasizes simple dialogues and present tense verbs. Students learn basic vocabulary and how to read short written passages. Students listen, speak, and write about the weather, family members, time, and other practical topics. This course serves as a basis for Spanish 7 and 8.

Spanish 7: Seventh grade Spanish focuses on Latin-American culture, vocabulary, basic vocabulary, grammatical concepts, and verbs.

Spanish 8: Eighth grade Spanish continues the focus on Latin-American culture, basic grammar, and verb conjugations in present, past, and future tenses. Reading comprehension and writing are also emphasized through the study of simple Spanish novels.

Theology

Canterbury’s middle school theology program builds on the students’ foundation of spiritual formation and faith begun in grades K-5 and provides a more academic focus. Students will move from learning the stories of faith to articulating their own faith. An honest exploration of questions and ideas is encouraged.

Theology 6: In Theology 6, students explore the New Testament, its structure, and its books. Particular attention is paid to the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who is the person Jesus, and what does he have to say to us? Students will explore Jesus’ teachings and begin to articulate their own thoughts and theology.

Theology 7: Seventh grade theology is an exploration of church history. Focusing on a series of contrasts, students will learn about the Early Church vis a vis the Roman Empire; Medieval determinism vs. Enlightenment free will; the radical simplicity of monasticism vs. the ecclesiastical splendor of Gothic architecture and the Renaissance; and aspects of the Protestant Reformation. Through this study of the rich variety of manifestations of the Christian faith, students will be continuing to develop their own ideas about how their faith best finds its expression.

Theology 8: In eighth grade theology, students explore the major concepts and themes of the Christian faith and look for ways to connect these concepts with their own lives. The course culminates in a senior project in which each student articulates some aspect of his or her spiritual life.

Physical Education

Canterbury’s Middle School physical education program is designed to help each student acquire a life-long commitment to health and fitness and an understanding that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Classes focus on developing specific motor skills, physical fitness, and the skills and knowledge required for games and sports. Cooperative challenges are used to foster sportsmanship, a sense of fair play, and a heightened awareness of safety.

PE 6: 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, and learn principles of physical fitness. They gain skills in and knowledge of net and invasive games and dual and team sports.

PE 7: Seventh grade physical education classes focus on teamwork. Classes concentrate on intermediate strategies for net and invasive games, individual and team sports, and physical fitness activities. Students work cooperatively to create team games. Individual students set personal goals for physical fitness and monitor their progress throughout the year.

PE 8: Eighth grade students develop personalized fitness programs for a healthy lifestyle. They develop movement and sports-specific skills that are used in a variety of individual/dual and team sports. Frequent net and invasive games provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate advanced strategies.

Outdoor Education: With on-site low and high ropes course elements and a climbing wall, our program exhibits a strong commitment to adventure education, team building activities, and group initiatives. These on-site facilities allow the PE curriculum to become increasingly infused with connections to outdoor and experiential education.

Health

Canterbury’s Middle School health program places a strong emphasis on the development of the communication, problem solving, interpersonal, and decision-making skills necessary to develop a healthy lifestyle. Through a variety of class activities and experiences, students learn to accept responsibility for their own health, recognize the positive and negative determinants of health, understand major individual and public health problems, and become skillful consumers of health-related resources and products.

Health 6: Sixth grade health classes focus on human growth and development, with a close examination of puberty, nutrient functions, diet, wellness, and heart disease.

Health 7: Seventh grade students investigate human anatomy and physiology, the harmful effects of drugs, and healthy patterns of interaction.

Health 8: In the eighth grade, the health curriculum covers the functions of the human body and the diseases that can affect those functions. Students learn about risky behaviors, healthy choices, health-care products, and health-care services.

Art

Canterbury’s Middle School art program uses a hands-on approach designed to empower all students as art makers by developing a specific series of skills in drawing and a variety of other media. Self-reflection and evaluation are integral parts of the art making process, and learning and goal setting are viewed as collaboration between the student and the teacher. Art from a variety of cultures is explored so that students gain an understanding of the diverse aesthetics, motivations, and goals of people who make art, as well as an appreciation for artistic excellence throughout history.

Art 6: Students in sixth grade art complete four intensive units designed to complement the social studies curriculum. Focusing on some of the most interesting historical art periods, students delve into the motivation and goals of artists as well as the processes they have used to create their art. Studio experiences are designed to capture the interests of the students and to develop skills in drawing and design.

Art Elective 7/8: Building on previous experiences in drawing and various media, art elective students further develop their skills while exploring personal interests and directions. Students are required to be self-motivated and to do regular self-evaluations in written and other forms. The semester culminates in an art show in which each student presents a body of work and an artist’s statement reflecting his or her goals and major influences.

Music

Canterbury’s Middle School music program seeks to foster an appreciation for many different styles of music and to foster skill development in singing, playing in ensembles, and creating music. Students learn about the five elements of music and the major musical periods throughout history. Classes engage students in singing, moving, playing instruments, reading, writing, and improvising and expose them to a wide variety of ethnic music. Teaching methods include Kodaly, Orff, Dalcroze, and Music for People.

Music 6: The sixth grade program builds on the musical understanding students have gained in grades K-5 by focusing on more complex skills and concepts. Classes expose students to obscure orchestral instruments and sophisticated musical forms. Students read and write complex rhythms and sing in multi-part harmony. Musical periods and composers are studied in depth

Electives

ACT (Adventures in Computer Technology): ACT is designed to help students make the best use of all the newest technology available at Canterbury. Using digital cameras, midi keyboards, and video camcorders, students learn the different components of the Apple iLife series of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and GarageBand, and how they easily integrate to create impressive multimedia presentations. Skills such as adding video and sound files to PowerPoint or creating graphic organizers with Inspiration software enhance the creative process.

Art 7/8 (see ART)

Creative Writing: The Creative Writing Elective allows students the opportunity to explore and to unleash their creative spirit. Students learn about and produce a variety of styles of creative writing, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The class focuses on writing as an expression of the self with conventions and characteristics different from academic writing. All students read their work aloud during either the Winter or Spring Arts Festival.

Drama: The Drama Elective is designed to stimulate the student’s natural “dramatic” imagination and provide experience and confidence in personal communication. Through free-form, creative role-playing, scene construction, awareness of voice and body, and disciplined dramatic performance, students are given the opportunity to respond emotionally, reflectively, and imaginatively to their world and themselves.

Handbells: Students who choose Handbells as their elective learn to read musical scores, use musical dynamics, and play three different octaves of bells. Students also learn a variety of techniques, including martellato, swing, echo, pluck, and the use of mallets. Students perform throughout the semester in chapel and school-wide programs.

Organic Gardening: Students in this elective learn the fundamentals of gardening the organic way, including basic concepts about soil, ground cover, weed and pest control, harmful and beneficial organisms, and composting. Students prepare and plant and enjoy the harvest of a seasonal garden in fall and spring.

Math Challenge: For those who love math puzzles and games, this Fall only elective also prepares students for the math competitions in which Canterbury School participates. Using materials from Mensa, Math Counts, websites, and other sources, students will practice a variety of problem solving strategies to help them improve the speed and range of their abilities.