Religion We spend the first part of the year preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
, then explore the Old Testament, the Liturgical Year, the Saints, and various Feast Days. We reflect using
Praying in Color, engage in “ancient” scroll writing, and participate in a variety of community service projects (Stockings for Soldiers, Valentines for Veterans, and several food drives.)
Math Because Junior High Math is a three-year program, we focus on mental math, computation skills, and problem-solving strategies that build throughout the 6
th, 7
th and 8
th grade years and will prepare the students for high school. We combine individual and group work, as well as traditional testing, partner assessments, the First in Math program, Smartboard and netbook technology, and hands-on projects and activities that offer real-life learning opportunities.
Areas of focus include: Fractions, Percents, Area/Volume/Surface Area, Simple Algebraic Equations, Introduction of Integers and Absolute Values, and Analyzing Data, Graphs, and Statistics.
Science We focus not only on learning the scientific facts, but on tying them into real-life situations and potential learning opportunities. We learn about Scientific Method and conduct many hands-on activities and experiments, which are concluded with formal lab reports. Traditional testing, partner assessments, research and discovery learning, as well as individual and group projects and presentations allow our students to show their knowledge and understanding. Sixth grade the focus is on Earth Science.
Art We begin with basic line and color study and proceed with a focus on composition and sketching. We complete our studies with a focus on realism and abstract art. We experience various mediums such as crayon, watercolor, and pastel (oil and chalk).
English Language Arts Students read curriculum-based trade books from which their Spelling/Vocabulary words are taken and incorporated into their writing. Writing assignments are rubric-based and explore Poetry, Expository Writing, Persuasive Writing, Narrative Writing and writing a Research Paper. A focus is placed on Speaking and Listening skills using a variety of projects and presentations based on the Reading/Writing topics. Examples would include: debates, mock trials, commercials, skits, song-writing, newscasts and mock elections. An emphasis is placed on the use of technology for projects and presentations. Alternative assessments utilize programs such as Google Classroom and Edmodo.
Social Studies We travel to the Eastern Hemisphere with a focus on the Five Themes of Geography. We learn through various activities, games, and collaborative group work
Seventh Grade
Religion We study the life of Jesus through the New Testament. We experience prayer through guided meditations and contemplation as well as
Praying in Color.
Science Program focuses on Life Science. We begin with a study of cells and continue to organ systems with everything in between. We gain a basic understanding of the Spanish language in World Language through conversation, games, and activities.
Art We begin with basic line and color study and proceed with a focus on composition and sketching. We complete our studies with a focus on realism and abstract art. We experience various mediums such as crayon, watercolor, and pastel (oil and chalk).
English Language Arts Students read curriculum-based trade books from which their Spelling/Vocabulary words are taken and incorporated into their writing. Writing assignments are rubric-based and explore Poetry, Expository Writing, Persuasive Writing, Narrative Writing and writing a Research Paper. A focus is placed on Speaking and Listening skills using a variety of projects and presentations based on the Reading/Writing topics. Examples would include: debates, mock trials, commercials, skits, song-writing, newscasts and mock elections. An emphasis is placed on the use of technology for projects and presentations. Alternative assessments utilize programs such as Google Classroom and Edmodo.
Math Because Junior High Math is a three-year program, we focus on mental math, computation skills, and problem-solving strategies that build throughout the 6
th, 7
th and 8
th grade years and will prepare the students for high school. We combine individual and group work, as well as traditional testing, partner assessments, the First in Math program, Smartboard and netbook technology, and hands-on projects and activities that offer real-life learning opportunities.
Areas of focus include: Algebraic Expressions and Equations, Using Integers, Inequalities, Proportional Relationships, Percents in Everyday Life (tax, interest, tip, etc), Unit Rates, Scale Drawings, and Probability and Predictions.
Social Studies We explore the many facets of American History beginning with Pre-History and working to the Civil War Period.
Eighth Grade
Religion: The 8
th grade studies the history of the Church with a focus on social justice and the feasts and seasons of the Church. Emphasis is placed on Community Service and Outreach projects. Students visit The CADES School in Swarthmore to help the students with various activities.
English Language Arts: Students read curriculum-based trade books from which their Spelling/Vocabulary words are taken and incorporated into their writing. Writing assignments are rubric-based and explore Poetry, Expository Writing, Persuasive Writing, Narrative Writing and writing a Research Paper. A focus is placed on Speaking and Listening skills using a variety of projects and presentations based on the Reading/Writing topics. Examples would include: debates, mock trials, commercials, skits, song-writing, newscasts and mock elections. An emphasis is placed on the use of technology for projects and presentations. Alternative assessments utilize programs such as Google Classroom and Edmodo.
Social Studies In Grade 8, we continue our study of American History starting with the Civil War Period and working to the present.
We learn through collaborative projects which include role-play, oral presentations, debates, and mock trials. We also discuss current events with technology playing a key role in our learning.
Art: We begin with basic line and color study and proceed with a focus on composition and sketching. We complete our studies with a focus on realism and abstract art. We experience various mediums such as crayon, watercolor, and pastel (oil and chalk).
Math Because Junior High Math is a three-year program, we focus on mental math, computation skills, and problem-solving strategies that build throughout the 6
th, 7
th and 8
th grade years and will prepare the students for high school. We combine individual and group work, as well as traditional testing, partner assessments, the First in Math program, Smartboard and netbook technology, and hands-on projects and activities that offer real-life learning opportunities.
Areas of focus include: Scientific Notation, Roots, Rational Numbers, Solving and Graphing Algebraic Equations, Analyzing Functions and Graphs, Slopes and Linear Functions, Pythagorean Theorem and Right-Triangle Relationships, and Translations/Rotations/Reflections.
Science We focus not only on learning the scientific facts, but on tying them into real-life situations and potential learning opportunities. We learn about Scientific Method and conduct many hands-on activities and experiments, which are concluded with formal lab reports. Traditional testing, partner assessments, research and discovery learning, as well as individual and group projects and presentations allow our students to show their knowledge and understanding. Eighth grade turns its attention to Physical Science.