Core Curriculum Course Overview

Christian Studies

Character First – NIV Bible version

The 49 Character First definitions, presented in this curriculum focus on practical application. The 49 character qualities also connect to leadership traits which are presented throughout the curriculum. All character qualities are linked to Biblical application through scripture and Bible character studies.

English

Grade 6 – English

Rubric based instruction provides students with clear guidelines and expectations for their writing, so they know what to do to succeed. The curriculum uses a model-practice-apply instructional plan, which helps students improve their writing by carefully walking them through the writing process. In developing the writing process students are shown how to systematically organize their writing in five modes: narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, and test writing.

Grammar instruction is taught in conjunction with writing, so that students learn to best apply grammar to writing. Vocabulary is also taught in conjunction with writing, giving the student an immediate connection to their written work, in order to best learn the application and importance of an expanded vocabulary.

Grade 7 – English

Students will focus on developing oral communication skills and will be come aware of the effects of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in oral communication. Students will read a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry while becoming more independent and analytical. Students will continue to refine writing skills with attention to word choice, organization, style and grammar. Students will learn the importance of giving credit to reference sources. A demonstration of correct use of language, spelling and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking is a common thread throughout seventh grade English.

Grade 8 – English

Students will demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking. The student will plan, draft, revise, and edit writing, with emphasis on exposition and persuasion. The student will apply reading and writing skills in all subjects, as well as respond critically to literature. The student will continue development of vocabulary, with attention to connotations and figurative language.

Literature

The teacher, according to the student’s individual reading level and readiness, will choose Fiction & Non-Fiction literature books. Classroom instruction will include activities that relate to the readings and will focus on enhancing the student’s reading skills.

SCIENCE

6th Grade Earth Science

Students are given an opportunity to experience Science concepts in a hands-on interactive way. All Virginia Standards of Learning are addressed in this course, which include topics such as Force, Energy, and Motion; Matter; Living Systems, a thorough study of the Solar System and the various bodies that comprise it; and an in-depth study of Environmental Resources.

7th Grade Life Science

Students are given an opportunity to experience Life Science concepts through an active learning approach. All Virginia Standards of Learning are addressed in this course, which include topics such as cell structure and organelles; cellular organization; basic needs of organisms; classification of organisms; basic physical and chemical processes of photosynthesis; ecosystems; interactions among biological communities and the effects of those interactions; organisms adaptations to biotic and a biotic factors in the ecosystem; as well as reproduction and transmission genetic information.

8th Grade Physical Science

Students are given an opportunity to experience Physical Science concepts through an active learning approach. All Virginia Standards of Learning are addressed in this course, which include topics such as the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas covered are the organization and use of the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion.

HISTORY

6th Grade American History: 1877 to Present

Students will examine American history from 1877 to Present. The standards for this course relate to the history of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to the present. Fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history will be presented in addition to the political, economic, and social challenges facing the nation reunited after civil war.

7th Grade Civics and Economics

Students will examine Civics and Economics and the roles citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems in the United States. Topics include the constitutions of Virginia and the United States; identifying the rights, duties and responsibilities of citizens; and describing the structure and operation of government at the local, state, and national levels. An investigation of the American market economy and a look at the government’s role in it is also a focus for seventh grade students.

8th Grade World History & Geography to 1500 A.D.

Students will explore the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from ancient times until 1500 A.D. in terms of the impact on Western civilization. Historical understanding requires students to engage in historical thinking: to raise questions and marshal evidence in support of their answers. Students engaged in historical thinking draw upon chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research, and decision making. These skills are developed through the study of significant historical substance from the era or society being studied.

MATHEMATICS

Middle School Math Course Placement

Students entering into middle school will be given a math placement test. Students will be placed in a math course based on the results of the math placement test, the results of their most recent achievement test and by prior math teacher’s recommendation.

Math Grade 6 – Course 1

Mathematics: Applications and Concepts is intended to motivate students, enable them to see the usefulness of mathematics in the world around them, enhance their fluency in the language of mathematics, and prepare them for success in algebra and geometry.

Math Grade 7 – Course 2

Mathematics will be approached through hands-on learning methods, which engage the students in the learning process. Students will focus on solving problems involving consumer-applications, using proportional reasoning, and gaining proficiency in computations with integers. Topics will include properties of real numbers, one-step linear equations and inequalities, data analysis techniques, two- and three-dimensional representations, graphing in the coordinate plane, and probability.

Pre-Algebra

This course intends to weave together three themes–applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry–by focusing on arithmetic operations in mathematics and the real world. The course will introduce algebra by examining the uses of variables and variable representation on the number line and coordinate plane. The course will also introduces basic algebra skills and connect geometry to arithmetic, measurement, and algebra.

Algebra I

Students will use algebra as a tool for representing and solving a variety of practical problems. Tables and graphs will be used to interpret algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities and to analyze functions. Matrices will be used to organize and manipulate data. Graphing calculators, computers, and other appropriate technology tools will be used to assist in teaching and learning.

Foreign language

French Elective

Level I French focuses on the development of students’ communicative competence in French and their understanding of the cultures of French speaking countries.  The communicative competence is divided into two strands:  speaking and writing as an interactive process in which students learn to communicate with another French speaker; reading and listening as a receptive process in which comprehension of French texts is developed.

Spanish I Elective

Students will be given an introduction to the Spanish language.  The Spanish Level I course focuses on beginning communication, reading, and listening skills.  This course is meant for the beginning Spanish student.

Spanish II Elective

This course will review the concepts of Spanish I and is meant to provide students with the skills they need to create language for communication.  Culture is integrated throughout the course.  Spanish Level I is a pre-requisite.

Fine arts

Art Elective

The emphasis on this course is exploration.  Using the elements of art and the principles of design as a framework, students investigate a variety of experiences and concepts.  Students explore various two-dimensional and three-dimensional art media using a variety of expressive and technical approaches.  Students are brought to understand the factors that distinguish artistic styles that clarify the role of art in American culture.  Through critical examination, students will determine how artists convey meaning through the use of forms, media, and symbols.  Students will test and develop their own ideas regarding the nature of art and will encounter philosophical and ethical questions.

Drama Elective

The goals for this course are for the student to think and act creatively by solving problems individually or collaboratively and by employing originality, flexibility, and imagination; to develop the acting skills necessary for creative dramatic performance; and to demonstrate knowledge of the elements of theatre production. 

physical education & health

M-SPAN P.E. Program

Developed through research from San Diego State University Project M-SPAN (Middle School Physical Activity and Nutrition), funded by the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, provides activities, along with effective teaching tips. to respond to the needs of a developing middle school student.  Students use feedback to initiate and maintain practice to improve skill performance. Students assess their health-related fitness status and set reasonable and appropriate goals for development, maintenance, and improvement. Social interaction becomes more complex as peer pressure becomes increasingly pronounced, impacting individual performance. Students solve problems and make responsible decisions as they work together.

Health – ACSI Total Health: Talking About Life’s Changes

Total Health focuses on the early teen years. Included in the student text are quotes from Junior High students from Christian schools expressing their questions and concerns about life. The author integrates scriptures and personal testimonies that help teens understand the value of opening up to their parents and to God as they face their unique challenges.

other electives

All courses are finalized and made available at beginning of the school year and are based on teacher availability as well as student interest.