Curriculum Year B
Central Subject: The Question for Friendship, Courage & Hope
Ancient Civilizations, World Religions, & World Geography
In social studies in the first term, students discover the interconnection of geography and climate with the rise of trade, the invention of writing and law and the birth of civilizations in the fertile crescent. They study atlases and maps, as well as ancient and Biblical stories, to see how faiths, kingdoms and even small bands of nomads left their mark on the geography of Jerusalem, the Middle East and the World. Students then look at the Ancient Nubian empire that once ruled and rivaled Ancient Egypt in its pursuit of eternal glory. In the final term, students consider how the ancient Mayans and Aztecs developed thriving civilizations in Central and South America. In every term, students reflect upon average persons, who pursue great things, journey to new lands and raise monumental hopes in this world.
Major Projects:
- Grade 6: Atlas of the Ancient Middle East; Ancient Africa; and Ancient Central & South America & Discussion of Three World Religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism)
- Grade 7: History Exhibition
Reading, Literature & the Humanities
This year, as students read informational texts, ancient myth, folklore and memoir, they encounter legendary and ordinary individuals, who, like us, work to sustain friendships, invent solutions, find hope and build civilizations in places from Israel to South Africa to Nicaragua. Novels and anthologies include: One More River; Dark Sons; Flag of Childhood; Gilgamesh, The Hero; Things Fall Apart; Dream Freedom; A Treasury of African Folktales; Julius Caesar; The Tree is Older Than You Are; Before We Were Free; Any Small Goodness; and Baseball in April.
Major Projects:
- Reading Self-Analysis & Portfolio that documents independent reading for the year (1 book per week)
- Book Review Collection
- Map of a Mythical or Fictional World
More on the reading and literature program.
Writing Composition
As students complete routine assignments in vocabulary, grammar, writing mechanics, and spelling, they work towards creating written compositions of significance. Through the writing of poetry, students deepen their understanding of figurative language, imagery, rich vocabulary, and language structure. As they compose persuasive and process essays, students gain strength in the ability to compose reasoned explanations and arguments. Finally, as students develop memoirs, they consider how words are used to compose one’s own life and living.
Major Projects:
- Grade 6: Memoir; Informational Essays, and Portfolio
- Grade 7: Literature & Writing Exhibition
- Grade 8: Final Graduation Project
Science
In science, students study the universe and our planet’s place in the creation. This year’s science program includes three units: 1) Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies and the Universe 2) Human Body Systems and 3) Rocketry and Space Exploration. In the fall and spring, science studies integrate with physical geography, navigation by the stars, and climate. Throughout the year, students learn and practice observational skills, recording and interpreting data and reading maps of earth and space.
Major Projects:
- Grade 6: Map of the Stars (Constellations) & A Simulation at the Beuhler Challenger Center
- Grade 7: Science Exhibition
Visual Arts
In the visual arts, students work with a wide variety of media, including drawing materials, paints, clay, printmaking materials, mixed media sculpture and digital media. The year begins with a study of the principles of design, as well as a study of significant works of art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and leads to the creation of a works that synthesize what has been learned and extends learning of ancient civilizations.
Music
The first instrument of musical instruction is through the human voice, as students develop musical literacy though vigorous exposure to authentic folk music and music theory. Students also learn to read and compose music through study the baroque recorder. Students who elect to join the chorus will perform at the Las Posadas Celebration and at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Those who are accepted (by audition) for the second term will participate in a set of spring performances and the Annual Spring Concert.
Major Projects:
- Grades 7 & 8: Academic Exhibition in Music
- Annual Spring Concert