VISUAL ARTS AND PERFORMING ARTS

FRENCH 8 (5208) Grade 8

Students enlarge their vocabulary, expand their understanding of grammar, and increase the accuracy and scope of their writing. This course completes the equivalent of one year of Upper School French. Classes are taught primarily in French. Prerequisite: (5117)

SPANISH 6 (6106) OR CONTINUING SPANISH 6 (6116) Grade 6

Sixth graders are given the opportunity to begin or continue Spanish. The beginning Spanish course is vocabulary and grammar based. Continuing Spanish 6 includes an explicit study of basic Spanish grammar. The sixth grade language programs familiarize students with the sound system of the foreign language, with basic conversational patterns, and with key language structures. The course is designed around practical vocabulary modules and uses inductive oral/aural techniques to present content. Students also investigate geographical, historical, and cultural themes.

SPANISH 7 (6107) OR (6117) Grade 7

Spanish 7 acquaints students with the fundamentals of the Spanish language. Students learn Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary, beginning grammar, culture, and geography. As students become more comfortable with the Spanish language, they begin to work in all four areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

SPANISH 7 ADVANCED (6121) Grade 7

Spanish 7 Advanced completes the equivalent of one year of High School Spanish. The four skill areas – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – as well as cultural and geographical units are integrated into the curriculum. Students enlarge their vocabulary base, aim for exclusive use of Spanish, and increase the accuracy and scope of their writing. Prerequisite (6116)

SPANISH 8 (6208) Grade 8

In this course, all the skills and content areas of Spanish 6107 and 6117 (7th grade) are reinforced and expanded. The four skill areas – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – as well as cultural and geographical units are integrated into the curriculum. Students enlarge their vocabulary base, aim for exclusive use of Spanish, and increase the accuracy and scope of their writing. With this course, the student completes the equivalent of Spanish: Upper School level one. Prerequisite (6107) or (6117)

SPANISH 8 ADVANCED (6218) Grade 8

Students in Spanish 8 Advanced study more advanced topics in grammar along with a more in-depth coverage of chosen aspects of Hispanic civilization. Their reading ability is enhanced through various texts appropriate to their level of proficiency. With this course, the student completes the equivalent of Spanish Upper School level two. Prerequisite: (6121)

STUDIO ART 6 (7021) Grade 6

Through creation of projects, students are exposed to the basic elements and principles of art including line, shape, form, texture, space, depth, proportion, and volume. Cooperative learning and interdisciplinary projects are strong components of this yearlong course that focuses on two-dimensional work during first semester and three-dimensional work during the second semester. Presentations and discussions related to ongoing projects allow students to study relevant, contemporary and historical artists and their works. Viewing the artwork of others and evaluating one’s own work introduces the idea and process of critique.

STUDIO ART 7 (7121) Grade 7

This semester course challenges students to build on the skills and terms introduced in Studio Art 6. Students will discover, through the manipulation of different media, the physical and conceptual properties of the elements and principles of art and their use to communicate themes with others. This course places a strong emphasis on developing drawing skills and the ability to design and construct three-dimensional forms. The development of aesthetic awareness and the vocabulary for critical analysis is developed through study of the student’s own work and the work of contemporary and historical artists – through presentations and discussions.

THEATER ARTS 7 AND 8 (7122) (7222) Grades 7 - 8

Students focus on a progressive series of activities, exercises, and projects designed to foster the capabilities of each student. In 7th grade Theatre Arts, the emphasis is on the development of the individual student as a collaborator in the group creative process through original play writing and traditional scene work. Students also engage in creative media projects exploring applications for the iPad. In 8th grade, we hone in on sharpening individual presentation skills through original spoken word poetry and more advanced, creative media projects. Mindfulness practice is introduced in both grade levels as a medium for stress reduction. The courses are designed to teach skills that support divisionwide curriculum.

MUSIC 6 (7736) Grade 6

Sixth grade students will meet in an all-encompassing music experience two times a week. The course will incorporate various styles of music studied through in-class projects, active listening assignments and performance opportunities. The focus of the performing will be expressed through choral singing where students will learn the basic techniques of good choral singing and will demonstrate that knowledge in performances throughout the year. The fundamentals of music theory will be covered which will aid students in their exploration of music and the learning of repertoire. Students are expected to be engaged fully with all of the materials used in class or in performing ensembles. Please note attendance requirements at the end of this section.

MUSIC 8 (7225) Grade 8

This course is an introduction to various styles of music through extensive listening. Course content includes but is not limited to a survey of Western Art music as well as examples of blues, jazz, musical theater, pop and film music. The student will explore the process of how a composer creates music. The student will learn about the major trends in western music as well as its function in society, while looking at parallels in other fine arts.