Curriculum Descriptions MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADE 7

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1 MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADE 7 English The student is provided with a variety of experiences, which stimulate reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Expository, descriptive and narrative writing are practiced, and the student is exposed to different types of literature, including a Shakespearean comedy and the Greek myths. Time is spent learning vocabulary and grammar in order to improve the student s written and spoken diction. Oral presentations are frequent, and range from improvisations to formal, properly researched debates. French (de base) Speaking, reading, writing and listening are the four skills that are addressed. Formal grammar and vocabulary receive more attention in F115, and the texts used are more linguistically sophisticated. Integration of the French, science and computer studies programs is in practice. This allows for the manipulation of French software and familiarization with French Internet sites. The three departments work together to enhance the French experience of the students. This ensures a high level of competency and opens new cultural avenues. Français (programme enrichi) L objectif global de l enseignement du français est d assurer aux élèves la maîtrise des habiletés à comprendre et à rédiger des textes variés, ainsi qu à communiquer oralement. Le programme de français met en oeuvre deux orientations: la première est d accroître la maîtrise de la langue écrite et parlée; la seconde conduit à donner une importance accrue à la lecture d oeuvres littéraires et de textes courants, ainsi qu à l écoute de documents audiovisuels. Français (programme accéléré) L objectif global de l enseignement du français est d assurer aux élèves la maîtrise des habiletés à comprendre et à rédiger des textes variés, ainsi qu à communiquer oralement. En écriture Amener les élèves à accroître leur habileté à exprimer leur pensée et leur imaginaire dans des textes conformes aux règles de fonctionnement de la langue écrite et dont le contenu et l organisation favorisent la compréhension. En lecture Amener les élèves à comprendre le sens des textes littéraires narratifs, dramatiques et poétiques et des textes courants, à en reconstituer le contenu et l organisation, à en discerner le point de vue et à y réagir. En communication orale Amener les élèves à exprimer leurs idées de façon précise au cours de situations telles que la discussion, l exposé et le débat. Mathematics As students in grade 7 come from a variety of mathematical backgrounds, topics such as natural numbers, decimals, fractions, and basic geometry will be reviewed and extended. In these areas, mastery is the goal. Other topics, such as algebra, statistics, and transformational geometry are presented as introductions to future courses. In these, the goal is to experience the topics and to lay a foundation for what is to come. 1

2 Physical and Health Education The grade 7 course promotes an active lifestyle through maximum participation in a wide variety of physical activities. Students gain knowledge and competency in age-appropriate team games and individual sports. The health component focuses on the body, bones, muscles, and the basic methods for training safely and achieving a healthy lifestyle. The sport education component teaches character education through sports. Ethics/Advisory Grade 7 Ethics/Advisory meets twice in a ten-day cycle to explore, through dialogue and in workshops, age appropriate issues related to early adolescence. In small groups, advisors discuss with their students concerns related to social behaviour, psychological development, school, and home. In keeping with a character education model, guidance is provided to the students for some of the difficult ethical dilemmas that arise within this age group. This program is an integral element of the Middle School experience ensuring that every student is known well by at least one adult, has an advocate when support is needed, and feels part of a group or team. Pre-History to Ancient History This course covers the time period from pre-history to early Greek civilization. An explanation of historical terms and of the various sciences, which help the historian, precedes examination of the development of human societies and early civilizations. Additionally, each student is required to choose and research the life of a person of historical note, as a contribution to the annual History Night. Geography This introductory course to the study of geography is designed to provide students with a better understanding of their world. It looks at the relationship between humans and their natural and created environments. Local case studies are included to make this course relevant to students. At the same time, international examples are used to broaden students geographical view of the world. Géographie Le cours de géographie de 7e année est la première partie d un programme de deux ans qui a pour but de piquer l intérêt des élèves pour la géographie, tout en les préparant pour les cours avancés en sciences sociales. À l aide d activités variées, les élèves découvriront le monde qui les entoure. L utilisation des outils technologiques à notre disposition, apportera un enrichissement et permettra d approfondir les apprentissages. 2

3 Science This course is a two-year program, designed to give the student a solid background in the biological, chemical and physical sciences, as well as introduce them to the idea of scientific/technological problem solving. The content and skills are approached with the philosophy that science and thinking scientifically are areas in which all students are able to achieve success. When possible, we will teach concepts using guided discovery which allows the students to see the phenomenon under discussion and develop a sense of what it is to do science. As well, every chance possible will be taken to study the topic at hand with a real world issue or problem. Activities that involve students in investigating issues related to science and technology in the world outside the school provide opportunities for them to develop the attitudes and values needed to make informed and responsible decisions. Topics are studied within the following areas of study: The Material World; Earth and Space; The Technological World and The Living World. Sciences Ce cours général de sciences, qui s appuie sur les principes de biologie, de chimie, et de physique, est le premier d un programme qui s échelonne sur trois années. Nous privilégions tant la compréhension et l application de la démarche scientifique que le contenu du cours. L élève développera la pensée scientifique lors de la résolution de problèmes, lors d expériences en laboratoire ou lors de recherches. Les quatre unités au programme sont: l écologie, les substances et les mélanges, la thermodynamique et la résistance structurelle et la stabilité. Art The elements and principles of art are covered, together with colour theory and basic drawing skills. Although some theoretical concepts are taught, the majority of the student s time is spent doing hands-on studio work in a relaxed and creative environment. Music All students will take part in the concert band program. Students will learn to read music and play a wind or percussion instrument. We begin the first year of band right from the beginning. If the child has no musical ability, they will be able to read and play music by December. By the end of the year, each student will have control over the instrument. We begin the year by asking our students to try every instrument to find the three instruments that best suit their abilities. They submit these three choices to the music department, which then creates a balanced concert band, based on these choices. Our first concert is the Winter Holiday which takes place the end of November. Special note concerning music: Music is compulsory in grade 7. Every grade 7 student will take part in an instrumental concert band program, which will then continue in subsequent years as a year long option. Students are expected to practice a minimum of one hundred minutes per week. All rehearsals, concerts, presentations, and home practice will be considered part of the course work. 3

4 Spanish I This is the first year of an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture. Its aim is to provide the student with a sound basis in vocabulary and basic sentence structure. The method used is strictly communicative in nature and presents lively situations in which basic oral communication is used. 4

5 GRADE 8: CURRICULUM English Students read a broad spectrum of literary work, and the writing component of the course draws its focus from literature read during the year. Students are encouraged to synthesize the themes of the literature and to look for commonalities between the readings and their own lives. Cooperative learning plays a significant role in this course, and the need to recognize different audiences is emphasized in order to teach the student when to use a more formal style versus a more relaxed style of communication. French (de base) The structures of both of these courses parallel F114 and F115 respectively, but with appropriately higher demands and expectations. The themes focus more on the world around the student. Integration of French and computer studies continues to develop. PowerPoint presentations, desktop publishing and website design give the students a hands-on approach and take the language course a step further. Français (programme enrichi) Le cours de français enrichi 8e année renforcera les concepts de la langue appris en 7e année. L élève maîtrisera davantage les différents savoirs (lecture, expression écrite, expression orale, écoute) et enrichira ses connaissances de la francophonie. Les thèmes suivants seront à l étude: les Amérindiens, les catastrophes naturelles, les épaves et les trésors, les animaux et la musique. Au programme, deux romans: La Gaillarde et Chanson pour Frédéric. À travers ce cours, l élève sera amené à découvrir les avantages et l importance qu offre la compréhension du français. Français (programme accéléré) L objectif global de l enseignement du français est d assurer aux élèves la maîtrise des habiletés à comprendre des documents divers, à rédiger des textes variés, ainsi qu à communiquer oralement. Ce cours de français langue maternelle s adresse aux étudiants qui parlent couramment le français. Il vise à améliorer la compréhension de lecture et la production écrite chez l élève. Les thèmes suivants seront à l étude: Le roman d aventures, la nouvelle, la poésie ainsi que la culture francophone. Mathematics Problem-solving is central to all aspects of this course. Attempts will be made to move from practical problems to the more abstract where possible. Diagrams, patterns, labels, graphs, probability, and algebra are some of the models that will be used for problem-solving in algebra and geometry. 5

6 Physical and Health Education The grade 8 course promotes an active lifestyle through maximum participation in a wide variety of physical activities. Students gain knowledge and competency in age-appropriate team games and individual sports. The health component focuses on the cardiovascular system and the sport education program promotes character education through sports. Ethics/Advisory Grade 8 ethics/advisory meets twice in a ten-day cycle to explore, through dialogue and in workshops, age-appropriate issues related to adolescent concerns. In small groups, advisors discuss with their students social behaviour, school and home issues, and the best strategies for dealing with obstacles that arise within this age group. Ancient to Medieval History This is a continuation course of the previous year. It begins with a study of the one-man empire of Alexander the Great, continues with the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and then focuses on the subsequent medieval period from 500AD to about 1500AD. The course concludes with a brief look at the Renaissance in Europe and exploration of the New World. Throughout, the various topics are examined under three main headings: the conqueror in history, the builder in history, and inventions and discoveries in history. Geography This course builds on the foundation laid in the previous year s geography course. The units covered encourage students to widen their perspectives of the world around them and further afield. Géographie Le cours de géographie de 8e année est la suite logique de ce que les étudiants ont appris en 7e année. Les thèmes et le contenu permettront aux élèves d approfondir leurs connaissances et de comprendre de nouveaux concepts plus complexes. Ils exploreront les thèmes géographiques de façon à leur permettre créer des liens entre eux et le monde qui les entoure. Science This course is a two-year program designed to give the student a solid background in the biological, chemical and physical sciences, as well as introduce them to the idea of scientific/technological problem solving. The content and skills are approached with the philosophy that science and thinking scientifically are areas in which all students are able to achieve success. When possible, we will teach concepts using guided discovery which allows the students to see the phenomenon under discussion and develop a sense of what it is to do science. As well, every chance possible will be taken to study the topic at hand with a real world issue or problem. Activities that involve students in investigating issues related to science and technology in the world outside the school provide opportunities for them to develop the attitudes and values needed to make informed and responsible decisions. Topics are studied within the following areas of study: The Material World; Earth and Space; The Technological World and The Living World. 6

7 Sciences Ce cours de deuxième année d un programme général en sciences s étalant sur trois ans vise à améliorer les connaissances de l élève en biologie, en physique et en chimie. Les élèves continuent à développer des habiletés qui leur permettront d analyser les divers phénomènes scientifiques qu ils rencontrent dans leur vie quotidienne ainsi qu en classe. Les élèves développeront un mode de pensée scientifique qui deviendra un outil important dans la résolution de problèmes. Afin de renforcer l acquisition de concepts, les élèves seront encouragés à développer un projet scientifique personnel. Les quatre unités d apprentissage de ce programme sont: les cellules et les systèmes du corps humain, les fluides, la lumière et les instruments d optique et l efficacité et l avantage mécanique. Spanish II This is the second year of an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture. Its aim is to provide the student with a sound basis in vocabulary and basic sentence structure. The method used is strictly communicative in nature and presents lively situations in which basic oral communication is used. Optional Courses Art The course is divided between studio art and art appreciation. Students use the basic media to draw from observation and from their own imagination. In painting, basic brushwork is stressed, and colour is used to describe objects or enhance narrative themes. The goal of art appreciation is to give the student an overview of the elements and principles of design, and to help them discuss how famous artists have communicated through their art. Drama Drama focuses on developing a stage presence, poise, and self-confidence. The successful student will discover the excitement of being on stage and, through the performance of classic monologues, impromptu presentations and skits, will develop acting skills while learning the basics of script-writing and important stage terminology. Music This is a year-long, optional course for students who have played a wind or percussion instrument for one year. We continue the concert band program as students develop their abilities and are able to play more challenging music. In this course, we will learn aspects of music history, theory, and begin dealing with the higher musical concepts such as emotional communication through music, tuning and all of the finer points of this art form that allow our students to speak the musical language. 7