LANGUAGE ARTS
Students in Class VI language arts continue to read widely and to write extensively, growing more confident and competent in the process. This course gives students an opportunity to develop and strengthen their reading, writing, and discussion skills as they read literature in various genres. Students learn to recognize theme, figurative language, and character development, to write personal memoirs and to develop a five paragraph persuasive essay. Representative titles may include Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Tuck Everlasting, Jacob Have I Loved, and selected poetry and short stories. Grammar and vocabulary studies are designed to familiarize students with the structure of the English language and to enhance proficiency, clarity, and accuracy in both written and oral language. Students also learn to use the library for reference and for independent reading.
MATHEMATICS
This mathematics course, based on the goals and standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, allows students to discover new and exciting ways to solve problems while building their mathematical skills. Throughout the course, they are encouraged to think independently, work collaboratively, and become confident, critical, and logical problem solvers. Topics covered include data interpretation, geometry, decimals, introductory algebra, patterns and functions, number theory, fractions, integers, proportions, percents, probability, and financial literacy. This course is supplemented with additional resource materials, and basic arithmetical skills are refined.
SOCIAL STUDIES: THE RISE OF EMPIRES AND STRUGGLES FOR POWER
This course examines a variety of civilizations from the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages. Students develop a sense of the role of chronology through the text, library books, films, field trips, class projects and individual assignments. Throughout the course, students analyze the challenges facing each civilization. The course builds upon those skills learned in Class V. Areas of emphasis include map-reading skills, research skills, Internet skills, and the development of an appreciation for and understanding of different medieval cultures throughout the world. Students are encouraged to question and challenge both historical and contemporary issues. Course work is largely focused on individual research projects and essays. Students also keep up to date on current events.
SCIENCE
This course is organized around several different units, including: Diversity of Life, Genetics, Evolution and Paleontology, and Plant and Animal Adaptations. In each unit, the students learn scientific concepts through a number of media. Hands-on activities are emphasized. The students work both on their own and in small groups to investigate and solve problems, primarily through laboratory experiments and research. The students share their information with one another through oral reports and multi-media projects. Each student is required to carry out a formal research project and present it to the class. Time is also spent on whole-group discussion and scientific note taking. Science learning is enhanced through computer technology.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
This course explores the biblical roots of the Catholic faith, focusing on the Hebrew Scriptures. The covenants that God made with God’s people and the new covenant of Jesus are examined. The study of scripture helps students understand the place of the Word of God in our lives. Students participate in chapel services and school celebrations of the Eucharist. Every other year, students, teachers, and parents work together to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
WORLD LANGUAGES
Class VI students continue their study of a world language.
FRENCH
This course focuses on developing students’ communicative competency and proficiency in each of the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students learn to provide and request basic information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions using the French language. Writing is further emphasized at this level, as students create their own skits and are introduced to more complex written exercises. Dramatizations, small group work, and oral presentations are incorporated to encourage a spontaneous and more personal use of the language. At this level, many classroom interactions are conducted in French in order to increase use of the target language in meaningful situations. Additionally the use of authentic video and audio material and interactive websites expands the students experience of the language.
SPANISH
The focus of this course is to continue the development of students’ competency and proficiency in the speaking, listening, reading, and writing of Spanish. At this level, most classroom interactions are conducted in Spanish in order to increase use of the target language in meaningful situations. Students learn to provide and request basic information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions in Spanish. More complex writing exercises are emphasized at this level. Students create their own scripts. Dramatizations, small group work, and oral presentations are incorporated to encourage a more personal use of the language. Interactive activities sand authentic video and audio materials allow for a more in-depth exploration and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.
LATIN
In this course, students’ knowledge of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and culture is expanded through the stories they read in the Cambridge Latin Series, Unit I. One of the major aims of the course is to increase understanding of the words and structures of language, and to this end much attention is paid to the influence of Latin on the vocabularies of English and the Romance languages. The course also offers exposure to Roman history and geography and other aspects of the civilization in which Latin flourished.
ART
In Class VI art, the students explore a variety of art media and techniques in connection with themes in social studies. Projects help to identify the function art plays in the development of peoples, nations, and movements. The Middle Ages and its manifestations in the various areas of the world are the focus.
MUSIC
Students participate in choral singing using two-and three-part harmony while continuing to develop their sightsinging skills. Participation in liturgies, chapel services, holiday celebrations, and school events provides opportunities for students to develop performance skills. Students concentrate on music notation and rudimentary theory.
DRAMA AND SPEECH
The primary focus of the course is to enable students to communicate with purpose and confidence and to appreciate the oral dimensions of literary works and dramatic presentations. Through poetry, fables, monologues, Shakespeare, and original compositions, students practice the creative skill of the spoken word. The class focuses both on individual presentations and collaborative projects, including voice poems, book talks, scenes, and a class drama/speech presentation of adapted Canterbury Tales scripted by the students.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Two periods of team sports are held weekly to give Class VI students an opportunity to refine individual skills and to apply them in intramural scrimmages in soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track and field. Students are encouraged to join the V/VI teams that compete interscholastically. A dance/fitness class, held in the Commons in the Middle School building, focuses on various styles of dance, choreographed routines set to music, and individual physical fitness and coordination.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The primary emphasis of Class VI health is on social health. Building on topics studied in previous years, students take a more in depth look at how to manage conflict, deal with stress, communicate effectively, appreciate diversity, maintain healthy peer relationships, and enhance self-concept. Drug and alcohol education is also taught. The unit addresses the effects and consequences of drug use and empowers the students to learn and implement refusal skills to combat peer pressure. This course also includes an overview of puberty, personal hygiene, and illness prevention. The benefits of exercise are taught with an emphasis on proper nutrition.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Students are introduced to image-processing and animation techniques through a series of projects, such as a design layout using Photoshop. Students use the Internet as an information and research tool with focus being placed on evaluating the reliability of websites and properly citing online sources. File management skills are also reinforced this year, and students create spreadsheets and databases.