Curriculum

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 the impact of past events on the present and the future. The course materials include secondary sources written for young adults, primary sources, news media, literature, and documentary films.

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.

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, as well as dual and team sports.

• PE 7: Seventh grade physical education classes focus on teamwork. Classes concentrate on intermediate strategies for a variety of 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.

• Venture Out: In physical education, health, and Canterbury’s outdoor education program, Venture Out, students acquire a life-long commitment to health and fitness. They participate in adventure education, team building activities, and group initiatives. They learn essential leadership skills.

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 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.