The Canterbury Episcopal School :: Academic Program - Middle School Grades 6

Canterbury 's Middle School experience combines academic excellence with a supportive environment where each child feels connected in meaningful ways to the school community. Each student in grades six through eight must successfully navigate coursework in composition, humanities, mathematics, science, foreign language, fine arts, religion, and physical education. In addition to classroom activities, Middle School students have a number of co-curricular activities scheduled during the school day. Middle school students participate in an athletics program that emphasizes inclusion and teamwork.

In Canterbury 's Middle School, teachers and advisors pay special attention to the social and physical needs of their students. When teachers discuss students, for example, academic performance is a primary topic, and discussion often includes questions such as: “Do students look tired? Do they seem stressed or anxious? With whom are they sitting at lunch? What are they eating? Are they smiling in the halls? How are they interacting with adults and peers in the community? How are their relationships with their friends?” When we can answer these questions and ultimately find solutions to these issues, we can then fully address concerns regarding students' academic performance. Hungry children need sustenance; disconnected adolescents require nurturing and support.

Adolescence presents innumerable challenges and struggles, and we must make every attempt through our programs and daily interactions to promote a supporting community that cares for children. Only then can we truly have a community of learners. The Middle School years are ones of great transition, challenge, and maturation. The Canterbury Episcopal School works with families to navigate these important years in children's development.

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Course Descriptions – Sixth Grade

English Language 6

The course emphasizes the acquisition of language arts skills designed to improve reading comprehension, formal writing, and active vocabulary. Students are challenged daily through traditional grammar instruction, quick-write (journal) assignments, and formal assignments. Areas of concentration include myth writing, hero stories, poetry, historical research, and the creation of a fictional diary.

Topics in World History

The course examines the major civilizations of world history. Students analyze the political, historic, religious, and economic aspects of a variety of cultures. The study of geography is also incorporated into class content and geopolitical factors are discussed as well. The use of primary sources, time-period, and thematic literature is a crucial component of the curriculum. The inclusion of current events both supplements and compliments course content.

Math 6

The course is designed to solidify mathematical concepts and skills. Students are challenged to acquire and apply mathematical concepts such as number theory, operations, whole numbers, fractions, ratio, proportion, and percentage. Measurement and formulaic expressions are included as well. The course gradually introduces pre-algebraic concepts such as variables and equalities in preparation for the seventh grade. Problem solving skills are pervasive throughout the course.

Science 6: Integrated Science II

An approach that explores earth, biology, chemistry, physics and environmental concerns. Laboratory safety, use of equipment and the scientific method are practiced with heavy emphasis on lab experience. Reporting data results in a variety of mediums is required. Research paper is required.

Spanish 6

The course focuses upon basic communicative skills and the cultural study of the Hispanic world. An emphasis upon vocabulary and pronunciation is evidenced through daily discussions in Spanish. Increased importance is given to the development of reading and writing skills as the year progresses.

Physical Education 6

The course is a positive growth experience that emphasizes individual growth within a group process. Students will be challenged by various activities on a daily basis. Tasks include, but are not limited to athletic training, rules and regulations, strategy, fitness enhancement, cooperative behavior, and a life long commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Fine Arts 6

Students study two-dimensional art and make an introductory study of music. The visual arts present the student with the technical, expressive, and imaginative opportunities to create from a variety of materials and ideas. The skills of a performing artist are taught via a curriculum of both instrumental and vocal training. Music theory and appreciation are staples of the course as well. Students are provided with ample opportunities to demonstrate both visual and performance talents throughout the year.

Religion 6: Old Testament

The course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of the Christian-Jewish tradition through a study of the Old Testament. Students learn the development and content of selected stories as well as significant biblical characters. The history and theology of the Judeo-Christian tradition and faith are studied throughout the course.

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Course Descriptions – Seventh Grade

English Language 7

The course emphasizes the acquisition of language arts skills designed to improve reading comprehension, formal writing, and active vocabulary. Students are challenged daily through traditional grammar instruction, quick-write (journal) assignments, and grade-level appropriate formal assignments in conjunction with students' work in other courses.

Topics in the History of Texas and the Southwest

The course examines the major historical events of the Southwest with an emphasis upon Texas and the Native American culture. The objective is to instill in students a sense of being and place in Southwestern culture based upon historical, cultural, and social events. The course emphasizes critical thinking as well as expository and creative writing.

Math 7: Pre-Algebra

The course emphasizes the quick and accurate computation skills required for the study of Algebra. The course reviews and extends the concepts of computation and estimation utilizing decimals, fractions, percentages, exponents, and graphs. The ability to translate word problems to numeric expressions is a crucial aspect of the course. Basic number properties, ratio and proportion, elements of probability and number theory, perimeter and area, and geometric constructions are also included.

Science 7: Fundamentals of Physics

A two semester foundation level course in the study of work, energy, momentum and power, temperature and heat, electricity, magnetism, nuclear energy, and light in preparation for upper level physics. Students practice computer skills, observation, calculator and measurement skills in analyzing and reporting research results. Research and field experiences required.

Spanish 7

The course is designed for those students who have an ability to begin a more advanced level of language study. Communicative skills are expanded and enhanced through an integrated language and cultural focus. Activities include Latin American history, listening comprehension, grammar review, compositions, and class discussions.

Physical Education 7

Fine Arts 7

Students are challenged to explore more deeply and expand upon the talents developed in Fine Arts 6. The visual arts include sculpture, pottery, fabric, carving, and multi-media expression. The performing arts include those vocal and instrumental talents developed earlier, but also a study of musical notation, technical instruction, simple music theory, and vocal training.

Religion 7: New Testament

This semester-long course is a study of the New Testament. Students will explore the religious, historical, cultural, and political components from which Christianity developed. A special emphasis is placed upon the people of the New Testament as well as Christian doctrines and principles as they relate to the students' lives.

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Course Descriptions – Eighth Grade

English Language 8

The course emphasizes the acquisition of language arts skills designed to improve reading comprehension, formal writing, and active vocabulary. Areas of concentration include a formal research paper in conjunction with their study of American History as well as a formal position paper, poetry, and the short story. In addition, all eighth grade students will participate in a formal writing assessment to determine their use of mechanics and usage as well as thesis and structural development.

Topics in U.S. History

The course examines the major events of United States history. Students will investigate the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of the maturation of the American character. Through the study of the early settlers and pioneers, students learn of government formation, sectionalism, slavery, the frontier, and the industrial revolution.

Math 8: Algebra I

The course is designed to prepare students for advanced level studies of mathematics. Topics include real numbers, variables, functions, graphing, equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, linear equations, exponents, radicals, and word problems. An emphasis upon real world application is pervasive.

Science 8: Fundamentals of Chemistry

This course is an introduction to chemistry. Topics covered include the periodic table, properties of compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and solutions as each apply to everyday life. Conversion equations and transformations of equations will be applied to the study of chemical reactions. Lab work will be fundamental in this course.

Physical Education 8

Fine Arts 8

The visual arts component provides the student with an opportunity for continued in-depth study of a specific medium or concept as well as the preparation for portfolio construction. An advanced study of a particular artist and art period is incorporated into the course. The performing arts includes advanced work with instruments and voice and also engages students in a study of all major scales, sight-reading, technical instruction, and music theory.

Religion 8: World Religions

This semester-long course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of the major religions of the world. Students will explore the history, theology, forms of worship, and traditions of many world religions. An emphasis upon comparing and contrasting religions is pervasive.

Spanish I

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