Middle School Curriculum

Sixth Grade English builds on the grammar, usage, vocabulary, and reading comprehension instruction of the Lower School. Students also gain new analytical skills as they discuss and write about literature from a variety of genres that relate closely to the history curriculum.  Independent critical-thinking skills are developed as well as the ability to actively participate in groups through literature circles, peer evaluations, and class discussions. Expository writing emphasizes effective communication and introduces structural analysis. Throughout the year, students write in a variety of formats, including cause/effect, comparison/contrast, narrative, and description. The culmination of the students’ work in composition is the production of a research paper and a three-minute speech in the spring trimester. Instruction in study skills and independent research is coordinated with the history curriculum. Throughout the Sixth Grade English course, students encounter a wide variety of voices and cultures in the literature they read. 

Sixth Grade Mathematics is the first year of a two-year program to prepare students for Algebra in the Eighth Grade. Students will gain confidence in their abilities to problem-solve, recognize patterns, and communicate effectively. General topics include data, surface area, plane geometry, pre-algebra, decimals, measurement, number theory, fractions, proportions, percents, and probability. A stronger emphasis on problem-solving emerges as students become more comfortable with their skills. Students who are advanced in mathematical understanding may be able to accelerate to levels above their grade level.

The Sixth Grade course introduces world history, geography, and social studies. Students begin the year exploring geographical concepts, building a sense of their place in the world, both spatially and through the lenses of culture and society. Students hone their knowledge of geography as they explore Asia and Africa from ancient times through the Middle Ages. Students are also introduced to the more recent history of selected regions and engage in discussions and activities about current events to gain a better understanding of how the past shapes and affects our world. In-class individual and group projects, writing assignments, and presentations strengthen students’ collaboration, research, technology, writing, and speaking skills.

The goal of the Sixth Grade Science program is to expose students to a range of topics in the life sciences, to strengthen their ability within each component of The Scientific Method, and to develop skills necessary for future studies in science. The life sciences curriculum includes an in-depth study of cell biology, heredity, and explores evolution, scientific taxonomy and the six kingdoms of living organisms.  Ecological concepts and chemistry are integrated throughout the study of life sciences. The classes are comprised of a mix of hands-on experiments and activities, STEM and Problem-Based Learning assignments, as well as written work and discussions about the various topics studied. 

In the Sixth Grade, students are encouraged to articulate their creativity through aesthetic self-expression.  They will draw on techniques and concepts that focus on engaging their imagination, enhancing their critical thinking skills while developing both technical and perceptual skills.  With each project, students will begin to explore and develop their observations of the world while becoming more self-assured in their artistic skills.  As they open their conscious minds to their own potential, they will strengthen their self-respect and creative courage.  This self-discovery within Fine Arts encourages students to move toward greater awareness and mastery of themselves as they continue to develop their imagination and sense of individuality.

Sixth Grade students meet once weekly for Sixth Grade Choir rehearsal and once weekly for small group instruction. In three years of middle school, Students learn a repertoire of music representing diverse genres and cultures and develop their singing voices as they learn choral music arranged for two or three-part treble voices. The curriculum has been designed to emphasize the student’s ability to identify, define, and respond to standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression. Music appreciation lessons are taught throughout the year with students learning about composers across historical periods with a focus on Classical composers. Middle school students perform at our winter and spring concerts as well as special events on and off campus.

Students rehearse once a week as a full band and once a week in a smaller sectional class.  Emphasis is placed on instrumental music fundamentals and techniques unique to each student’s instrument, rhythmic and sight-reading skill development and preparation to perform music representing a wide range of musical styles.  For Sixth Grade, in particular, students focus on the improvement of sound quality, range development, rudiment technique (percussion), playing scales and exercises in B flat and E flat Major, and performing level 1-2 band repertoire.  Students with previous band instrumental experience (woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments) may sign up to become members of the concert band.  Students without previous experience will join the beginning band class, band workshop, at the start of the school year, and join the concert band when ready to play the spring concert repertoire. The concert band performs in both the winter and spring concerts. 

Students also have an opportunity to audition for the jazz band in the fall. In addition to performing in the annual concerts, the jazz band also performs in a competitive event each June in Pennsylvania. Students who receive private instruction outside of weekly band classes and display more advanced skills are given opportunities to perform in additional school performances, recitals, encouraged to audition for region band, and nominated for region honors ensembles.

Middle School Physical Education at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School aims to promote a positive attitude, and appreciation of physical activity and fitness. Students will increase their knowledge of fitness, global sports, benefits of exercise and lifelong participation. Through this experience they will learn to value teamwork, sportsmanship and cooperative learning.

Health Education is required of all Middle School students. The goal of the program is to promote values that will improve the health and well-being of the student and develop skills for a healthy life.  The topics and information are presented each year in an age-appropriate format.  The curriculum emphasizes communication and social interaction skills, body systems, sex education, human growth and development, drug education, family life issues, tobacco, alcohol, stress management, and building self-esteem.

In Sixth Grade, students follow an exploratory course in Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. This course offers an exciting introduction to world languages and cultures.  In addition to learning vocabulary and grammar concepts, students gain knowledge of the culture and history of Hispanic countries, China, and the ancient world, and are able to discuss the influence they exert on our society today.  Where applicable, students also connect their study of the three languages with the curricula of other Middle School subjects, including Math, Science, History, Music, English, and Art.

Transitions are defined as “changes.” Sixth Graders participate in a class called Transitions, a discussion-based program that examines the many transitions in the life of a Sixth Grader.  The weekly sessions, led by the School Counselor, examine the transitions from Fifth to Sixth Grade, from Lower to Middle School, and the social, emotional, and academic changes experienced by this age group.  Students develop good listening skills, have the opportunity to hear the opinions and feelings of their classmates, and develop a broader understanding of individual and group experiences of Sixth Graders.

A literature-based course, Seventh Grade English continues study of English usage, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical inquiry, research, and composition. Reinforced by novels, short stories, and poetry, Seventh Grade emphasizes character delineation, description, creation of mood, plot construction, and the use of various literary devices. An emphasis is placed on developing sophisticated writing in several modes, such as descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. Students read across multiple genres and learn how to summarize, paraphrase, take notes, and create paragraphs from notes in preparation for writing long papers. This course includes the writing of an original research paper and a speech based on student research.  The course concludes with an in-depth introduction to Shakespearean drama and a student performance. Throughout the Seventh Grade English course, students encounter a wide variety of voices and cultures in the literature they read.

Seventh Grade Mathematics is the second of a two-year program to prepare students for Algebra in the Eighth Grade. Students continue the study of integers, rational and irrational numbers, variables, exponents, expressions, and equations. Through perseverance in problem-solving, students improve their deductive reasoning with emphasis on number sense, modeling, constructing and critiquing arguments, using precision, and giving structure to their work.  Students learn to graph linear equations and inequalities, write and solve proportions, explore angle relationships, three-dimensional geometry, transformational geometry, the Pythagorean Theorem, percent change, counting strategies, and conditional probability.  Throughout the year, students apply their understanding of concepts to STEM projects. Students who are advanced in mathematical understanding may be able to accelerate to levels above their grade level.

Enhanced by their Trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, the seventh grade course builds historical knowledge and civic-mindedness for the advanced study of Eighth Grade. The most important developments from pre-Colonial times to Reconstruction are studied, with emphasis on a number of important themes: Colonial Life and the Causes of Our Revolution; the Consitution and How Our Government Works; Westward Expansion; Slavery; the Civil War; and Emancipation.  In conjunction with the English course, writing and researching skills are enhanced through various short essays, researching and writing papers. 

The goal of Seventh Grade Science is to expose students to a range of topics in the Physical Sciences. In exploring the matter all around them, we seek to strengthen and build upon their science skills of measurement, observation, inquiry, and critical thinking.  Through hands-on activities and labs, students will investigate the topics of Properties of Matter, Introduction to the Atom and the Periodic Table, Energy and Energy Resources, and Motion and Forces.  The lessons will utilize digital resources, independent research, virtual simulation, and videos. Students will have the opportunity to express their understanding of the topics through various technological applications and group work.  World events will be discussed through a scientific lens culminating in a unique project on a global issue.

In the Seventh Grade, students will engage in an exploration of art history by studying a variety of famous artists and artistic movements. Each project will begin with a brief biography of the artist, general background, and interesting facts about the artist.  Examples of the artist’s work will be viewed and discussed.  The students, becoming the artists themselves, will work with the medium, the technique, and the style used by the artist. 

Seventh Grade students meet once weekly for Seventh and Eighth Grade Choir rehearsal and once weekly for small group instruction. Students learn a repertoire of music representing diverse genres and cultures and develop their singing voices as they learn choral music arranged for two-part, three-part, or four-part mixed voices. The curriculum has been designed to continue to develop the student’s ability to identify, define, and respond to standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression. Music appreciation lessons are taught throughout the year with students learning about composers across historical periods with a focus on World Music. Middle school students perform at our winter and spring concerts as well as special events on and off campus.

Students rehearse once a week as a full band and once a week in a smaller sectional class.  Emphasis is placed on instrumental music fundamentals and techniques unique to each student’s instrument, rhythmic and sight-reading skill development and preparation to perform music representing a wide range of musical styles.  For Seventh Grade in particular, students focus on improvement of sound quality in all ranges of their instruments, refinement of rudiments (percussion), playing scales and exercises in B flat, E flat and A flat Major and performing level 1.5 - 2.5 band repertoire. Students with previous band instrumental experience (woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments) may sign up to become members of the concert band.  Students without previous experience will join the beginning band class, band workshop, at the start of the school year, and join the concert band when ready to play the spring concert repertoire. The concert band performs in both the winter and spring concerts. 

Students also have an opportunity to audition for the jazz band in the fall. In addition to performing in the annual concerts, the jazz band also performs in a competitive event each June in Pennsylvania. Students who receive private instruction outside of weekly band classes and display more advanced skills are given opportunities to perform in additional school performances, recitals, encouraged to audition for region band, and nominated for region honors ensembles.

Middle School Physical Education at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School aims to promote a positive attitude, and appreciation of physical activity and fitness. Students will increase their knowledge of fitness, global sports, benefits of exercise and lifelong participation. Through this experience they will learn to value teamwork, sportsmanship and cooperative learning.

The Seventh Grade Health curriculum is designed to motivate and encourage active student participation in developing life skills for optimal emotional, mental, physical and social health.  Students develop skills and processes that contribute to the development of a healthy lifestyle. Students adopt health-promoting and risk-reducing behaviors to prevent substance abuse, analyze the results of individual choice and consequences related to drug use and/or non-use and learn how decisions regarding health behaviors have consequences for themselves and others. Students learn that good communication skills build and maintain healthy relationships.  They develop strategies to manage stress and manage conflict in healthy ways.  Students also learn how to maintain proper nutrition and recognize issues that can lead to eating disorders. 

At the conclusion of an introduction to Latin, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese in sixth grade, students choose one of these languages for deeper study for the following two years. At the end of the Middle School, students finish the level 1 of a World language and are prepared to move into Upper School at level 2 of the target language or may choose to begin a new language altogether at level 1.

Eighth Grade English is designed to finalize preparation of the Middle School student for the rigors of Upper School reading, writing, and critical inquiry.  Emphasis is placed on building confidence and skill in the various modes of writing expected of high school students including: formulaic (five-paragraph), definition, persuasion, expository, and literary analysis.  The course is literature-based, drawing its writing and vocabulary study from the assigned readings.  Additionally, units of grammar study are paired with the teaching of writing in order to place all structures in context. Students read across the genres, including: the novel and novella, short story, information/non-fiction texts, essays, poetry, and drama. This course includes an action research capstone project that spans several months and empowers students to select topics of personal relevance and global significance for extended study. We end the year with the study of Shakespearean sonnets and drama and a student performance of one Shakespearean play.  Throughout the Eighth Grade English course, students encounter a wide variety of voices and cultures in the literature they read.

The Elements of Algebra course focuses on introductory algebra topics.  It is designed to further facilitate students’ transition from concrete concepts of pre-algebra to the abstract concepts of Algebra I.  Students will develop a deeper understanding of equation solving, combining like terms, the Distributive Property, linear equations, and an introduction to quadratic equations.  In addition, students will have further practice with operations of fractions, decimals, percentage problems, ratios, and proportions.  Students who take this course will take Algebra I in Ninth Grade. 

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed our Mathematics Course II program and prepares students to begin Upper School with advanced standing by moving directly into Geometry as ninth graders. Students will study the traditional material for an Algebra I Course signed numbers, equations, and inequalities, graphing functions, systems of equations, exponents, and radicals, polynomials, and quadratics.  Graphing calculators are regularly used by all students as an integral part of both instructional and assessment activities to enhance students’ understanding and command of mathematics.  The successful completion of this course is the prerequisite for Geometry in the Ninth Grade. 

America is a nation built on the optimism of adventurers: a nation made up of people from all parts of our world welcoming new ideas and sharing new experiences.  This colorful collage of humanity, living in a new land and separated from centuries-old traditions, creates the rich and diverse culture we know today.  The Eighth Grade curriculum highlights that diversity and examines the impact America has had in the world community and the impact of the world community on the growth and development of America.

During each trimester, students investigate a different aspect of the American experience beginning with immigration, its worldwide genesis, and its impact on this nation and the world.  This world perspective will continue in the second trimester, as students learn about the United States, the influence of the world on our activities, and the impact of our activities on world politics and economies.  Finally, in the last trimester, students will look at the lives and accomplishments of America’s great men and women, as well as their backgrounds and accomplishments not only in the United States, but also in the world community.  In conjunction with the English course, writing and researching skills are enhanced through various short essays, researching and writing papers.  Various projects and assignments expand students’ understanding of the major topics and foster a mindset of active civic engagement.

Earth Science provides a balance of physical geology, historical geology, meteorology, and astronomy.  It is the study of Earth - its matter, features, process , and place in the universe.  Students will continue to develop their ability to measure, organize, and communicate scientific information, with a focus on precision and accuracy.  In addition, students will develop knowledge of facts, terminology, and principles that will help interpret occurrences in the environment.  Attention is given to important principles, concepts, and science processes that serve as a framework for understanding and interpreting the general characteristics of Earth. This framework is then applied to problem-solving from the simple to the complex.  Students continue to develop research and presentation skills while exploring natural and man-made disasters. A strong emphasis is placed on the use of technology and mathematics in scientific investigations (STEM), and students perform investigations culminating in comprehensive lab reports.

In the Eighth Grade, students will continue to learn about the principles and elements of design and the ways to apply them to the art they create. Eighth Grade students study the principles (balance, repetition, space, variety, emphasis, and movement) and the elements (line, shape, color, value, and texture) of design.  The Eighth Grade students will use these universally understood and unifying design concepts to build a solid foundation in art. As they learn to think more abstractly and become risk-takers, students must make choices based on what they think intuitively will look good, building confidence - both in decision making and critical thinking skills.

Eighth Grade students meet once weekly for Seventh and Eighth Grade Choir rehearsal and once weekly for small group instruction. Students learn a repertoire of music representing diverse genres and cultures and develop their singing voices as they learn choral music arranged for two-part, three-part, or four-part mixed voices. The curriculum has been designed to continue to develop the student’s ability to identify, define, and respond to standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression. Music appreciation lessons are taught throughout the year with students learning about composers across historical periods with a focus on Blues and Jazz. Middle school students perform at our winter and spring concerts as well as special events on and off campus.

Students rehearse once a week as a full band and once a week in a smaller sectional class.  Emphasis is placed on instrumental music fundamentals and techniques unique to each student’s instrument, rhythmic and sight-reading skill development and preparation to perform music representing a wide range of musical styles.  For Eighth Grade in particular, students focus on refinement of sound quality in all ranges of their instruments, advanced rudiments (percussion), playing scales and exercises in B flat, E flat, A flat Major and F Major and performing level 1.5 - 2.5 band repertoire. Students with previous band instrumental experience (woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments) may sign up to become members of the concert band.  Students without previous experience will join the beginning band class, band workshop, at the start of the school year, and join the concert band when ready to play the spring concert repertoire. The concert band performs in both the winter and spring concerts. 

Students also have an opportunity to audition for the jazz band in the fall. In addition to performing in the annual concerts, the jazz band also performs in a competitive event each June in Pennsylvania. Students who receive private instruction outside of weekly band classes and display more advanced skills are given opportunities to perform in additional school performances, recitals, encouraged to audition for region band, and nominated for region honors ensembles.

Middle School Physical Education at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School aims to promote a positive attitude, and appreciation of physical activity and fitness. Students will increase their knowledge of fitness, global sports, benefits of exercise and lifelong participation. Through this experience they will learn to value teamwork, sportsmanship and cooperative learning.

The Eighth Grade Health curriculum is designed to motivate and to encourage active student participation in developing life skills for optimal emotional, mental, physical and social health.  Students will understand the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how misuse will cause detrimental effects to the mind and body.  Students will develop responsible decision-making skills when dealing with drugs, alcohol, tobacco and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Students will explore how nicotine affects the body and the dangers of smoking related conditions and diseases. Students also learn behaviors to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, how HIV destroys the immune system, and how untreated STDs can lead to sterility and possible cancers.  Students will become aware of the importance in assuming responsibility for personal health behaviors and study the body systems.

At the conclusion of an introduction to Latin, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese in sixth grade, students choose one of these languages for deeper study for the following two years. At the end of the Middle School, students finish the level 1 of a World language and are prepared to move into Upper School at level 2 of the target language or may choose to begin a new language altogether at level 1.