Middle School Curriculum Guide

Language Arts - Grade 6 - Grade 7 - Grade 8
The Middle School Language Arts program builds upon the sequentially developed language foundation begun in preschool through grade five. The seven components of Language Arts (creative writing, grammar, vocabulary/spelling, speech, reading, literature and writing) continue to be emphasized in the Middle School. With eight periods of English a week, students are immersed in a language-rich environment with literature at its core. Correlating the skills and content of the other Language Arts components with literature enables students to see the cohesiveness of the English language. Although many of the subjects of the Language Arts program remain constant throughout Middle School, students from sixth through eighth grade experience an exciting variation in methods and materials of literature, grammar, and writing lessons. 

In sixth grade, an anthology is used to emphasize the elements of, and an appreciation for, several literary forms including myths and legends, drama, short stories, poetry and nonfiction. Focusing across the curriculum, sixth grade Language Arts coordinates several of its literature units with Social Studies: Myths and Legends with Greece and Rome and period novels with the Middle Ages. Seventh and eighth grades continue this coordination with several of the genre-specific novels studied that form the core of the literature program. A culminating experience in eighth grade is the in-depth study of a Shakespeare play accompanied by a trip to Stratford to experience the play firsthand.

The continued use of the 6+1 Traits of Writing allows middle school students to focus specifically on well- defined writing skills while simultaneously immersing themselves in writing’s exploratory and creative process. Sixth grade students are given creative writing assignments throughout the year, often being allowed the freedom to choose their own topics. In seventh grade, the students complete weekly writing assignments covering formats such as narrative, description, essay, and opinion. Eighth grade focuses on the classic five-paragraph essay.

Middle School research skills are taught beginning in sixth grade with basic research projects in Social Studies and Language Arts. Seventh grade builds on these skills to complete more in-depth research projects. In eighth grade, the research skills that the students have studied throughout their Grosse Pointe Academy experience culminate with a joint Language Arts and Social Studies Heritage Project that develops the skills necessary for high school research and essay writing.

Math - Grade 6 - Grade 7 - Grade 8 - Grade 6 Honors - Grade 7 Honors - Grade 8 Honors
The Middle School math program is designed to help students make the transition from arithmetic to algebra. In the sixth grade, basic skills are formally reviewed and strengthened and the emphasis shifts to the development of algebraic thought and technique. A spiral approach is used that consistently extends a  student’s ability and also reinforces and maintains all previously learned skills. Teaching problem-solving strategies with an emphasis on real world applications allows students not only to see the value of mathematics in their lives, but also to learn how to generalize acquired skills in a variety of different simulations.

While technology is used where appropriate, calculator use is kept to a minimum to allow students the opportunity to learn to how to manipulate numbers and symbols using the best calculator available to them: their own brains. Recent research indicates that mental computation and basic number sense are a necessary foundation for success in the field of mathematics.

A variety of texts are used and accelerated programs provided as needed. By the end of eighth grade, essentially all students are given a rich exposure to Algebra. The more capable students are provided a rigorous Algebra I course that prepares them for Honors Geometry in high school. At times, depending upon individual needs, even higher level courses are provided.

Science - Grade 6 Biology - Grade 7 Physics - Grade 8 Chemistry
Middle School science is separated into three disciplines. Biology is presented in grade six, physics in grade seven, and chemistry in grade eight. At each level, a strong emphasis is placed on experimentation and laboratory experiments. Middle School students are involved in interpreting information, relating scientific concepts, and observing scientific phenomena on a daily basis. In addition, students are required to read for content, develop an extensive science vocabulary, and express their discoveries, interpretations, and observations in written and oral presentations. A key characteristic of our program is its hands-on nature. Whether classifying the trees on campus, designing cars or parachutes to protect an egg, or identifying chemical properties of a substance in the lab, students are engaged in the learning process and are actively applying and using the scientific method.

Social Studies - Grade 6 - Grade 7 History and Geography - Grade 8 American History
Geography, history, economics and civics form the core disciplines for Middle School Social Studies. These concepts frame the knowledge base of the curriculum and are coordinated with specific skills. Reading, researching, organizing, and critical thinking skills are used to develop citizenship competencies in students and to equip them to interpret their world. The five themes of geography (location, place, human-environmental interactions, movement, and region) and key historical people, events, and ideas, all of which have influenced the present, are stressed in regional studies of the western and non-western worlds.

Grade six explores the Ancient World, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation. World geography and history are the focus of seventh grade. This includes the study of Western Europe, Russia and former portions of the Soviet Republic, Asia and Sub-Sahara Africa. In grade eight, American history, government and the evolution of the democratic institutions are studied using the themes of democracy, expansion, immigration, conflict, reform and technology. Current events foster student understanding and appreciation for diversity, global interdependence and the democratic process.

World Languages - French - Mandarin Chinese - Spanish
The Grosse Pointe Academy believes strongly that familiarity with other cultures and the ability to communicate in other languages is of paramount importance in the global community in which we now live and work. Beginning as early as age three, our students are exposed to the French culture and language that is not only part of the heritage of this region, but also of The Grosse Pointe Academy. In the upper elementary grades, exposure to Chinese (introduced here at the Academy in 2006) and Spanish are added to the curriculum. By grade six, students have selected the language of their choice and intensive study on a daily basis begins. The Academy is one of a few middle schools in this area that begins this concentrated study in grade six. As a result, our students are exceptionally well prepared for the study of a world language in high school.

SPECIALS

Visual Arts - Course Description
Drawing . Painting . Sculpture . Print making . Weaving and textiles . Artists and art styles . Art history

Christian Life - Course Description
Understanding the Ten Commandments . World religions . Understanding
adolescent faith . Process of moral decision making . Prayer in daily life

Performing Arts/Music - Course Description
Continuing traditional music education . Keyboard lab . Drama and improvisation . Rhythmic lip synchronization . Choreographies . Theater project . 20th century project . Movie project

Physical Education - Grade 6 - Grade 7 - Grade 8
Participate successfully in selected health enhancing, lifelong physical activities . Develop and maintain healthy levels of cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance and flexibility

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum with the focus on use of word processing, spreadsheet application, desktop publishing, presentation tools and Internet research.

MAJOR FIELD TRIPS

Outdoor Education
(Curriculum connection: Science)

Stratford
(Curriculum connection: Language Arts)

Holocaust Center
(Curriculum connection: Social Studies)

Outdoor Leadership
(Curriculum connection: Character Development)

Science Expositions
(Curriculum connection: Science and Math)

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Two full-time learning resource specialists to meet individual needs and provide classroom enrichment

Licensed therapist on staff to help with social interaction l School nurse

TESTING

ERB Comprehensive Testing Program 4 National French and Spanish Exams

Scott Tily
Grades 4-8 Principal
stily@gpacademy.org
313-886-1221 ext. 147