Grade 6

BIBLE

Bible 6: New Testament, Part I
This New Testament course focuses on the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Students are taught that Old Testament prophecy is revealed in Jesus, the promised Messiah. As the perfect covenant Mediator, Jesus stands as the reason for all human history. The New Testament not only reveals Christ to man, it also is the foundational document for people to understand man’s relationship with God and other individuals. Hence, this course is not only a study of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, it is also the Christian’s guide to life.
(Semester Course)

ENGLISH

English 6                 
This course develops skills in three major areas: literature, writing, and speaking.  In literature, students continue the study of various literary genres, reading for both comprehension and pleasure. In writing, students study the stages of the writing process in their composition of essays and fully explore narrative, expository, and persuasive writing with a particular emphasis on writing test responses.  In addition, students continue their study of the research process and the importance of proper citations.  Oral skills are integrated throughout the course, from reading passages aloud in class to making project presentations.
(Full Year Course)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Phenomenon of Language, Part II (Grade 6)    
This course will continue to build upon the foundation of Phenomenon of Language 5.  In conjunction with their Latin study, students will continue work to strengthen their knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary.  
(Full Year Course)

HISTORY

European History (Grade 6)
This course begins with a study of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, then moves on to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and concludes with the Reformation. Students will review the origins and philosophies of these civilizations, as they learn to recognize how these principles manifest themselves in all facets of society.  This course will provide a strong precursor to the introduction of U.S. history.
(Full Year Course)

MATHEMATICS (Students will be tested/placed in the appropriate level)

Math 6 – Glencoe Course 1      
This course covers integers, decimals, and fractions using the fundamental operations of arithmetic.  Pre-algebra is introduced through the study of inverse operations, exponents, graphing, and the use of variables in mathematical expressions and equations.  Basic skills are developed for solving problems involving geometry, percent, ratio, scientific notation, number theory, and the metric system.  Carefully sequenced lessons develop a broad spectrum of skills and concepts that build upon prior learning.
(Full Year Course)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education 5/6
The Physical Education program comprises the training of the body so that the important developmental skills of our students are practiced and strengthened.  Some of these skills include running, jumping, throwing, balancing, batting, catching, net skills, racquet skills, and dribbling.  Implementation of these skills provides the necessary building blocks for the broader goals of the P.E. program such as cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, eye /hand coordination, body control, tracking, upper body strength, balance, eye/foot coordination, and lower body strength. Children are encouraged to engage in physical activity in order to develop a desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle by practicing physical fitness throughout life.  The P.E. program also addresses the character issues that are involved in sports and sports-related activities, such as respect, teamwork, cooperation, leadership, safety, initiative, sportsmanship, trust, and winning and losing.  Students are taught that they have been given a unique and special body by God and as stewards of that gift it should be cherished and cared for. 2011-12 PE.
(Semester Course) 

SCIENCE

Earth Science (Grade 6)             
This course is a study of the earth, how it works, its history, and its place in the solar system.  The study of earth science breaks down into three major areas:  geology, meteorology, and astronomy.  Students will explore and experience a variety of areas within the discipline of earth science through the use of reading, research, observation, experimentation, discussion, and application.  The WeatherBug service is a great enhancement to our meteorology unit and the tracking of the daily weather on campus throughout the year.
(Full Year Course)

FINE ARTS/PERFORMING ARTS

MUSIC
Guitar (Grades 5-8)
Middle School students will learn the fundamentals of guitar technique.  By the end of the semester, they will be able to perform songs in a variety of music styles in small ensembles and as a group.(Semester Course)

Vocal Ensemble (Grades 5-8)
The primary goal of this course is to rehearse and perform as an ensemble.  Students will study many styles of choral music to give them a variety between sacred and secular music, unison and part singing, classical to pop.  The rehearsals will emphasize the improvement of vocal skills, sight-reading, listening skills, ensemble singling, working with the changing male voice, music history and theory.  The Ensemble performs throughout the year in the Christmas program, Grandparents’ Day, the Spring concert, chapel services, and other special events.
(Semester Course)

THEATER
Theater (Grades 5-8)
This course will introduce basic acting skills through storytelling and character study.  Students will gain an understanding of the importance of expression through words and body, participating in a variety of exercises and forming constructive criticism of actors from clips of theatrical presentations that will be shown in class. Throughout the semester, students will put their new skills to use by performing a wide range of characters in monologues, short skits, and scenes that will be presented in class.
(Semester Course)

VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts (Grades 5-8)
This course seeks to encourage careful observation, and to teach a solid understanding of the elements of art and the successful use of the principles of design in composition.  This course will also develop skill in the use of a variety of media, differentiate kinds of paintings and sculpture, introduce great works of art and the artists who created them, provide opportunities for engaging museum experiences, foster an appreciation of fine art, make interdisciplinary connections, stimulate critical thinking skills and experience the joy of the creative process.
(Semester Course)

Online Newspaper/Yearbook (Grades 5-8)
Students will split their time working on the school's yearbook and also on "The Eagle," the school's student run online newspaper. 
(Semester Course)