Middle School: Grades 6 through 8

Introduction

In sixth grade, students begin to have different teachers by subject, but remain in their homeroom. By seventh and eighth grade, students move from classroom to classroom and start to select electives from the curriculum, in preparation for their transition to high school.

English

Our English program develops students who can write with understanding and grace, who can read and understand what they have read, and who have begun to understand the lessons of life to be learned through acquaintance with the great characters of literature. Our goal is understanding, which cannot be rushed or quickly produced. To that end, we have divided our program into four parts: the studies of grammar, vocabulary, writing, and literature.

grammar

We teach grammar thoroughly at every grade level because this study is fundamental to a real understanding of reading and writing our beautiful English language. Fads come and go about whether to teach grammar. We have found, however, that while students need no instruction in current slang and colloquialisms, they do need to be taught the higher and harder language of literature—the only one of lasting value.

vocabulary

Each week we devote some time to vocabulary study because many reading and writing difficulties come directly from not knowing what words mean. Moreover, since vocabulary knowledge is so important on standardized tests like the SAT, regular drill gives students experience in the form and content of test questions. Finally, careful use of words stems directly from our respect for the Word, God’s agent in creation.

writing

Middle School continues the program begun in the earlier grades: to produce correct and interesting sentences; to understand the paragraph as a unit; and to produce reports and essays with clear organization.

literature

Our literature choices emphasize—but are not limited to—the classics of Western civilization, chiefly those written in English. We choose works of proven and lasting value because we believe exposure to things that are true, honest, pure, lovely, and of good report will help our students recognize those things, or the lack of them, in whatever literature they encounter.
Students learn to analyze these works for content, form, style, and theme. In literary analysis, we insist on careful, thorough, open-minded reading, and we insist that students produce evidence for their opinions from the text itself, not from some disconnected imaginings.

Mathematics

In the lower school, students are expected to master most arithmetic skills. While developing these skills, they are introduced to topics in algebra, geometry, probability and statistics.

As students enter high school those subjects have traditionally been separated into classes like Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Unfortunately, during the year that students study geometry they spend only a limited time with algebra. This ultimately necessitates a great deal of review and re-teaching.

At St. Thomas' we view math as one subject with many interdependent parts. Geometric formulae help us develop the concept of variables for algebra, graphing equations in algebra helps us learn to predict the behavior of a given function and predicting future behavior is possibly the most important reason we study statistics. Because we believe that it is impossible to separate the various branches of mathematics without destroying the whole, we now retain in the middle and high schools the integrated approach to math started in the lower school.

sixth grade

Students continue to explore arithmetic operations and their applications, ratios and proportions and their applications, percents and probabilities for simple experiments. They study arithmetic and geometric sequences, perimeters and areas of triangles and quadrilaterals, surface areas and volumes of prisms and cones, and graphing and reflecting points in a plane. They also study properties of triangles and quadrilaterals.

seventh grade

The application of arithmetic operations, ratios, and proportions continues. Percents are applied to business problems and probabilities for two-level experiments. Students find formulae for the nth term of arithmetic and geometric sequences and they relate formulae for arithmetic sequences to linear equations, which they also learn to graph. Perimeter, area, and volume problems deal with composite shapes (e.g., part triangle, part semicircle). They also study properties dealing with intersecting and parallel lines.

eighth grade - algebra, geometry 1a & 1b

Students are introduced to functions as relationships. They study how to perform operations with monomials, binomials, and polynomials. Students work with systems of linear equations and quadratic equations and they find their solutions numerically, algebraically, and graphically. They continue to review solid geometry topics and begin to explore the plain geometry topics involving congruent polygons. They also explore more complicated experiments in probability and statistics.

eighth grade - algebra, geometry 1a & 1b accelerated

Students on the regular track who distinguish themselves can be promoted to this track. At this level, the accelerated track covers the same topics as the regular class, but performs a more detailed study of the different forms of quadratic equations, their vertices, and lines of symmetry.

Prerequisite: This accelerated course is reserved for individuals who maintain an A average throughout the seventh grade. Furthermore, students must maintain a B average to remain on the accelerated track.

Science

The goal of the science program at St. Thomas’ is to provide our graduates with a fundamental and integrated knowledge of those sciences that explain the nature of our Creator’s orderly universe.

sixth grade: earth science

Earth science in sixth grade begins with the scientific method and atomic theory, progressing to physical geology. It also includes a detailed study of rocks and minerals, the weather, and astronomy. The class incorporates demonstration and experimentation.

seventh grade: life science

Life science introduces students to cell biology and genetics as well as topics in physiology, anatomy, zoology, botany, and ecology. The class incorporates demonstration and experimentation.

eighth grade: physical science

This integrated physical science and chemistry course lays the groundwork for high school science. Topics include mechanics and basic chemical reactions.

History

Our history program instills in students an understanding of the heritage of Western Civilization and the Christian principles that have formed Western social and political institutions. History classes proceed in a mostly chronological order but are arranged so that the more demanding and complex materials are considered in the later grades.

sixth grade: ancient history

Sixth grade students study the history of the great empires of the first millennium B.C.: the Kingdom of Solomon, the Divided Kingdom (Israel), and the Assyrian, Chaldean (Babylonian), Persian, Greek, Maccabean, and Roman Empires. The course provides a framework for placing events in context and emphasizes note taking.

seventh grade: roman history

Seventh grade students study the Roman Republic and Roman Empire with emphasis on the lives of key Roman leaders that shaped early Western Civilization. particular attendiont is paid to the life of Christ, the journeys of St. Paul, the early Church, and Church Councils.

eighth grade: world medieval history

Eighth grade students study the thousand years of Western Civilization from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. The course includes a brief study of the history of China, Japan, India, Africa, and the Americas. Particular attendion is paid to the Franks, the Rise of the Papacy, the Crusades, and the rise of the Reformation.

French

sixth grade

Sixth graders continue to work on more complex grammar, including adjectives, idioms, and irregular verb forms learned in the Lower School. They are also encouraged to apply this knowledge to reading and composition.

Text: Bon Voyage - Level I

seventh & eighth grades

Students focus on aural and oral work as well as reading comprehension, composition, and dictation. The class covers French history through Francis I (1500).

In these grades we cover MANY irregular verbs as well as the following verb tenses: present, composed past, near future, future, and imperfect. Students are often assigned to watch movies in French (not French movies) as homework to help train the ear for French speech.

Text: Bon Voyage - Level I (7th Grade)
Bon Voyage - Level II (8th Grade)

Spanish

The Spanish curriculum is intensive, focusing primarily on spoken and written mastery of the Spanish language and the cultural and literary heritage of the Spanish-speaking peoples. Students may elect to take Spanish starting in the fourth grade.

sixth grade

Students begin their study of Spanish by learning the alphabet, rules of pronunciation and accents, greetings and simple conversations, ordering in a restaurant, counting, and the weather before moving on to more complicated grammar.

Covered this year will be -ar, -er, -ir and irregular verbs, both in the present and preterite tense, adjectives and adverbs. Ser vs. estar are covered thoroughly as well as direct and indirect object pronouns. The vocabulary comes from lessons on friendships, student life, shopping, time, school activities, eating out, family life, sports, health, the seasons, cultural events, and vacationing. Labs are incorporated into the classroom routine on a regular basis.

seventh grade

Students begin their study of Spanish by learning the alphabet, rules of pronunciation and accents, greetings and simple conversations, ordering in a restaurant, counting, and the weather before moving on to more complicated grammar.

Covered this year will be -ar, -er, -ir and irregular verbs, both in the present and preterite tense, adjectives and adverbs. Ser vs. estar are covered thoroughly as well as direct and indirect object pronouns. The vocabulary comes from lessons on friendships, student life, shopping, time, school activities, eating out, family life, sports, health, the seasons, cultural events, and vacationing. Labs are incorporated into the classroom routine on a regular basis.

eighth grade

Students complete the equivalent of high school Spanish I, which they began studying in 7th Grade. Students become fully competent in the present tense. By the end of the year they start becoming comfortable using the past tenses. Vocabulary ranges from talking about the university, the family, shopping terms,and different types of housing, to food.

Students spend time actively using the language in games and skits. To increase listening comprehension, students are exposed to the different dialects of Spanish by watching videos of native speakers and through their lab work.

Latin

Latin plays an important role at St. Thomas’. It is required of every student every year starting in the sixth grade until he or she completes the study of Vergil. For many students this means they will finish Latin in their senior year.

We believe Latin is important for many reasons. The major language of the Western world for more than two thousand years, it is the parent language of French, Spanish, and Italian, among others, and is a cousin to Greek, Sanskrit, and the Germanic languages. Thus, a good understanding of Latin facilitates learning both the Romance and the Germanic languages. English itself is overwhelmingly indebted to Latin.

It is far easier for a student to learn English vocabulary when he or she can analyze the basic Latin roots and infer the definition rather than memorize meanings in a vacuum. Latin is also an invaluable aid in teaching English grammar because basic grammatical concepts become clearer in a student’s mind when presented in the logical structure of the Latin language. Finally, the ability logically to deduce sense from statement, i.e. comprehension, is greatly increased.

the program

The sixth grade through eighth grades are spent mastering the basic vocabulary and grammar of the Latin language. The eighth grade level is correlated in the history program with an intensive study in Roman history and civilization. Eighth grade students participate in the American Classical League’s National Latin Exam, in which they regularly excel.

In eighth grade, the students are divided into two levels: regular and honors. New students arriving after the sixth grade are placed at the beginning level within their peer group. Students with initiative in the regular track may switch to honors if their grades warrant it.

Texbook: Ecce Romani series

Ancient Greek

In the eighth grade, students may elect to take an introductory course in Classical Greek. This course addresses basic grammar.

Computer

sixth grade computer literacy

First, students learn word processing techniques using Microsoft Word. The course teaches basics of creating documents such as setting margins, indenting, spacing, using fonts and clip art, and sorting paragraphs. Next, these techniques are applied to the formatting of a formal, MLA style report and a business letter.

In addition to word processing, students learn spreadsheet basics using Excel. Data is collected, tabulated, and graphed while students develop a basic understanding of worksheets.

The course also includes a unit on creating slide presentations using PowerPoint and a short unit on Internet safety.

seventh grade computer literacy

Building upon the skills learned in the 6th grade computer literacy class, students develop intermediate skills using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Use of the Internet as well as various searching methodologies are introduced as students perform research to support the building of a PowerPoint presentation.

eighth grade computer literacy

Students in the 8th grade work on projects which allow them to apply the computer skills acquired in the previous grades. A small business is modeled using Excel. After building the initial spreadsheet, students analyze what-if conditions as they run a virtual Lemonade Stand.

In addition, two internet research units are included. First students do research work to create a PowerPoint presentation. Next they begin researching a topic for a term paper they will eventually write for their English class. In the process, students also learn new word processing skills as they study how to create an outline and a cover page in MLA style for their research reports.

Music

upper school choir - grades 7-12

Choir becomes an elective for students in the 7th through 12th grades. Proper tone placement supported by correct breathing from the diaphragm and extension of the vocal range both high and low are practiced. We do careful preparation of music used in the Chapel service in order to lead the student body. Literature, in addition to hymns and psalms, includes sacred anthems, classical music, and secular music. Concerts are held at Christmas and in the spring.

upper school string ensemble: grades 7-12

Students with prior experience and the appropriate level of note reading and technical skills on violin, viola, cello and bass are instructed in orchestral and chamber music literature. Different musical periods and their stylistic characteristics are explored and performed in ensemble. Classes offer opportunities for students to develop leadership and independence playing solos with the orchestra. Performing opportunities include Chapel services, Christmas and spring concerts, community concerts and activities. Advanced students may audition for Region and All-State honor orchestras.

private instruction

Private music lessons in piano, voice, organ, violin, viola, cello, flute, and classical guitar are offered. A very fine group of teachers has been engaged to provide this convenient service. Recitals are presented by these students in the spring.

duke talent identification program

Seventh grade students are selected for this program by scoring in the 97th percentile in at least one of several tested areas on their sixth grade Stanford Achievement Test. Qualifying students take SAT I. Recognition levels are based on SAT scores received.