CORE PROGRAMS
Grade 5: Welcome to Mid-School!
Grade 5 serves as a transition into the middle-school environment and classes will operate under the same schedule as the rest of the middle school program. The grade 5 program consists of the following core subjects. At this level students do not yet “select options” but begin the experience of option classes through the band and second language programs. *see descriptions in the Music and Second Language sections*
English Language Arts 5
Language Arts is integrated into the grade 5 curriculum and addressed during homeroom. Much of the content is linked to the Social Studies and Science programs of study. There is a variety of literature explored and many opportunities to develop skills in different genres of writing. Learning experiences include novel studies, reader’s theatre, writer’s workshops, poetry, research reports and essays, and presentations
Math 5
There are critical components that students must encounter in a mathematics program in order to achieve the goals of mathematics education and embrace lifelong learning in mathematics.
Students are expected to:
• Communicate [C]- communicate in order to learn and express their understanding
• Make Connections [CN] -connect mathematical ideas to other concepts in mathematics, to everyday experiences and to other disciplines
• Perform Mental Mathematics and Estimations [ME] - demonstrate fluency with mental mathematics and estimation
• Problem Solve [PS] -- develop and apply new mathematical knowledge through problem solving
• Reason [R] - develop mathematical reasoning
• Utilize Technology [T] - select and use technologies as tools for learning and for solving problems
• Visualize [V] - develop visualization skills to assist in processing information, making
connections and solving problems.
The program of studies incorporates these seven interrelated mathematical
processes that are intended to permeate teaching and learning. This learning is applied to the Mathematical strands of Number, Pattern and Relations, Space and Shape and Statistics and Probability.
Social Studies 5
Grade 5 students will examine how the ways of life of peoples in Canada are integral to Canadian culture and identity. They will explore the geographic vastness of Canada and the relationships between the land, places and people.
As they reflect upon the stories of diverse Aboriginal, French, British and immigrant experiences in Canada over time, students will develop a sense of place and an awareness of how these multiple stories contribute to students’ sense of citizenship and identity. Grade 5 students will also be provided with opportunities to explore how the diversity of stories and experiences, and the vastness of Canada, affect citizenship and identity in the Canadian context. The three general outcomes include: Physical Geography of Canada, Histories and Stories of Ways of Life in Canada, and Canada: Shaping an Identity.
Science 5
At Grade 5, students normally will show independence and the ability to work cooperatively in exploratory activities and, with some guidance, the ability to work independently or cooperatively in investigative activities. The units of study include: Electricity and Magnetism, Mechanisms Using Electricity, Classroom Chemistry, Weather Watch, and Wetland Ecosystems. At this level, students should be able to describe the purpose of most steps followed in investigative activities.
Physical Education 5
The focus of Physical Education for grade 5 is on enhancing self improvement, fostering a love for physical activity and encouraging healthy active lifestyles. Throughout the school year classes will be participating in a wide variety of activities such as cross country running, soccer, fielding games, gymnastics, racquet sports and cooperative games. Our program is designed to keep health, wellness and all around whole body fitness at the forefront of Physical Education and our mission is to provide quality Physical Education in a safe, open, fun and playful environment.
Integrated Studies 5
Through a myriad of high interest topics students experience an enriched gifted program that encourages higher level thinking and developing analytical skills. Topics in the past have included, Peer Teaching, Ancient Mysteries, Inventions and Inventing, Environmental Studies, and Improv Theater. Students are challenged with many thought provoking questions that allow them to wrestle with real world issues and delve into topics of interest.
Grade 6
Grade 6 continues the middle school experience with the following core subjects however at this grade students begin to select option courses from a limited selection. Students now select which of Spanish or French they will continue to study through to grade 9. They also get to select 3 additional options from the “Complementary Courses” list.
English Language Arts 6
This course is closely tied to grade 6 Social Studies. The following skills are focused upon: writing - letters, narratives, newspaper reports and poetry; reading – research skills, comprehension and literature; and oral language – delivering partner, group and whole language presentations, applying conventions such as clarity of speech, eye contact and alike, and use of expression, gesture, and movement to enhance presentations.
Mathematics 6
This course builds on the knowledge, skills, and attributes acquired in grade 5. Units of study include: number concepts and operations; patterns and relationships; shape and space; as well as statistics and probability. Learning situations are created which allow the student to discover the concepts on their own and each topic can be explored in depth. Logic and reasoning are encouraged through problem solving situations. With problems, students are required to document and to explain the procedures used to solve the problem. Students are also introduced to basic algebraic equations and increasingly complex problem solving models in preparation for Math 7.
Social Studies 6
Grade 6 students will broaden their understanding of democracy in the Canadian experience and develop an awareness of the active role that engaged citizens can play within the democratic process.
Grade 6 students will examine how participation in the democratic process is a means for governments and citizens to effect change in their communities.
They will explore how democratic principles and ideals are reflected in the structure and functions of their local and provincial governments. Students will examine how ancient Athens and the Iroquois Confederacy have influenced Canada’s democratic processes.
Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the dynamic relationship between governments and citizens as they engage in the democratic process.
As well, students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the democratic principles exemplified by ancient Athens and the Iroquois Confederacy.
Science 6
This course will introduce students to a more rigorous application of the scientific method and are encouraged to develop their curiosity about the world around them. The units of study include: trees and forests, air and aerodynamics, flight, sky science, and evidence and investigation. Students will be provided opportunities for further investigation of the world around them and to acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to understand their role as responsible citizens in science.
Physical Education 6
This course will have students select, perform and refine more challenging basic skills in a variety of environments and using various equipment. They will learn to demonstrate a creative process to develop dance sequences, demonstrate sport specific skills to create competitive and cooperative modified games that involve everyone, and demonstrate activity-specific skills in a variety of individual activities. Fieldtrips are to be determined. The Health curriculum consists of nutrition, drug & alcohol awareness and sexual education. Fitness testing results will be used to assess growth throughout the year.
Grade 7
From 2007-2011, our grade-7 teams have generated some very successful and unique pedagogic practices for Gifted students. These past experiences have evolved into the construction of an integrated and specialized program in the 2011-2012 school year, using key successes from past years (e.g. Project Earth, Innovations and Footprints) that optimize development of Gifted learners. Parents are invited to a meeting on May 22, 2012, where the 2012-2013 plans for grade 7 core courses will be presented.
In grade 7, students continue to study the second language and select three additional options from the “Complementary Courses” list.
English Language Arts 7
This course enhances students’ ability to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences through responding constructively to alternative ideas and opinions. Students analyze plot, sub-plot, and examine the interrelation between character, plot, and setting. Through critical reading, students summarize the main idea in their own words and create biographies and autobiographies. Students work on different strategies to clarify their writing and ideas during class discussions. Group work is integrated and personal reflections are done on a continuous basis.
Mathematics 7
This course builds knowledge, skills and attributes acquired in grade 6. Units of study include: number theory - divisibility, relationships between fractions, decimals and percentages, computations using decimals, introduction to integers; patterns and relations - beginner algebra, and graphing and interpreting relations; shape and space - radius, diameter and circumference of a circle, problem solving situations involving the use of circles, translations, rotations and reflections; and statistics and probability - formulating questions, designing experiments, collecting, describing and interpreting data, creating and solving problems dealing with probability.
Social Studies 7
Through an examination of events proceeding and following Confederation, Grade 7 students will acquire an understanding of how Canada has evolved into a multicultural, bilingual, pluralistic and diverse society; and they will appreciate how these dimensions of Canada have affected citizenship and identity over time.
Grade 7 students will explore the origins, histories and movement of peoples who forged the foundations of Canadian Confederation. They will examine how the political, demographic, economic and social changes that have occurred since Confederation have influenced ways in which contemporary Canada has evolved.
Science 7
This course is the 2nd of the core science courses covered in middle school. The units of study include: interactions and ecosystems, heat and temperature, planet earth, structures and forces, and plants for food and fiber. Students will be encouraged to continue to develop a healthy curiosity about the world around them and to further acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to understand their role as responsible citizens in science.
Physical Education 7
This course will have students learn to demonstrate locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills, by using elements of body and space awareness, effort and relationships to improve personal performance. Students will demonstrate activity-specific basic skills in a variety of games. They will learn more challenging strategies and tactics that coordinate effort with others in order to achieve a common goal. Fieldtrips are to be determined. The Health curriculum consists of nutrition, drug & alcohol awareness and sexual education. Fitness testing results will be used to assess growth throughout the year.
Grade 8
In this your final year in middle school the program begins to look more and more like high school. Students will continue their studies of the second language which they started in grade 6 and select 3 additional options from the complimentary courses.
English Language Arts 8
This course is a continuation from grade 7 and it designed to further develop the student’s skills, knowledge and attributes regarding the English language. The course will incorporate the Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory; differentiated instruction; mastery learning and integrated curriculum. Students will use novel studies, plays, poetry, short stories, non-fiction and other writings to help them advance their skills in thinking and presenting, as well as further development of their reading, writing, and presentation abilities. Units of study include: exploration of thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences; comprehension and responding personally and critically; managing ideas & information; enhancing the clarity and artistry of communication; and respect, support and collaboration with others.
Mathematics 8
This course continues to develop the fundamental skills gained in earlier years such as problem solving through estimation, reasoning, and visualization. The course emphasizes communication and the use of technology through exploration of number theory, statistics, probability, algebra, and geometry. The grade 8 course sets the stage for entrance into the more complex mathematical ideas introduced in Grade 9 and beyond.
Social Studies 8
This course will use thematic project and problem based learning activities. The course will incorporate the following: Multiple Intelligence (MI) Theory; Experiential Education; Differentiated Curriculum; Mastery Learning: Integrated Curriculum. Units of study include: Japan - from isolation to adaptation; Origins of Western Worldview - renaissance Europe and Worldviews in conflict - The Spanish and the Aztecs.
Science 8
This course is the last of the core science courses covered in middle school. The units of study include: mix and matter of flow, cells and systems, light and optical systems, mechanical systems, and fresh and saltwater systems. Students will be encouraged to further develop a healthy curiosity about the world around them and to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to understand their role as responsible citizens in science
Physical Education 8
This course will have students select, combine and perform activity-specific skills in a variety of games. They will be able to identify and evaluate specific strategies and tactics that coordinate effort with others, e.g. team/fair play, in order to achieve a common goal. Students will learn to improve their personal performance by using elements of body and space awareness, effort and relationships. Fieldtrips are to be determined. The Health curriculum consists of drug & alcohol awareness and sexual education. Fitness testing results will be used to assess growth throughout the year.