Each choice shapes the skills, passions, and opportunities that will guide your journey. Be bold, stay curious, and trust that growth comes from both challenges and exploration.
INTRODUCTION
DearPortledgeMiddleSchoolStudentsandParents:
Portledge Middle School is led by a team of dedicated teachers who possessvariousdegrees,advanceddegrees,andcertificationsintheir subject area and the field of education. The diverse faculty and staff at Portledge Middle School put relationships first and maintain a commitment to fostering student growth and progress. Teachers undergo yearly professional development training and meet regularly withtheirdepartmentsanddivisionstoensuretheapplicationofbest practices. The world-class faculty inspires students through the passionate delivery of instruction and fosters lifelong learning across allgradelevels.
ThisCatalogcontainsaroadmapofcoursesandofferingsforstudents ingradessixththrougheighthgrade.Coursecurriculumsaredesigned by subject matter expert teachers and department chairs, meeting New York State and International Baccalaureate standards. Lessons are composed to meet student needs while offering differentiated instruction, challenging and supporting students in their pursuit of knowledge. Students' voices are valued in the classroom, and assessmentsarebothformativeandsummative,withtimelyfeedback provided by instructors to determine student understanding and encourage progress. Courses follow a scope and sequence that align withtheUpperSchoolcurriculumandofferings,settingstudentsupfor ongoingsuccessastheymoveforwardintheirPortledgejourney.
INTRODUCTION
For specific courses, syllabi indicating grading rubrics, assignments, notes, lessons, and other details, please reference myPortledge. For incoming/prospective students & families, please contact the Division Director, Assistant Division Director, or Admissions team for additional information&insight.
Information concerning disciplinary matters, school policies, and procedurescanbefoundintheMiddleSchoolHandbook.
Amy Manzone Interim Director of Middle School amanzone@portledge.org
Pleasenote:
All information concerning prerequisites for Upper School level courses can be found in the Upper School Course Description booklet.
Students wishing to take an advanced-level course that was not recommended by their current teacher can initiate an appeal process by speaking with the teacher and then contacting the appropriatedepartmentchairperson.
Middle School students are required to take core courses in Math, Science, English, History, and World Languages and Culture, supplemented with Art, Performing Arts, Athletics, Computer Science,Perspectives,andApproachestoLearningforrecognitionof completion.
In the case of a language exemption, students will forgo that requirement.
For additional information and details, please refer to the Middle SchoolHandbook.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY PROGRAM
As you enter the Middle School at Portledge, you are paired with an Advisor and Advisorygroup.TheAdvisoryprogramatPortledgeisdesignedtohelpstudentsasthey transitionintotheMiddleSchoolwhilealsoaccompanyingthemalongtheirjourneyin future years. Advisory at Portledge is a pillar of the tradition and warm environment builtintheschool’sculture.
TheroleoftheteacherintheAdvisoryprogramistocounsel,support,guide,andserve students in academic, social, and emotional situations. The Advisor also serves as the liaisonbetweenthefamilyandtheschoolcommunity.Advisorygroupsfurtherthesense ofbelongingcreatedonthePortledgecampusandallowstudentstodevelopthroughout theirtimeatschool.
TheAdvisorygroupwillmeetfor10minuteseachschooldayfollowingthefirstperiod andalsomeetforanextendedperiodonceperweek.
TheAdvisoryprogramwillalsocoincidewithcalendareventssothattheprogramcan focusoneventsorthemesthatareoccurringinthelivesofMiddleSchoolstudentsand theworldaroundthem.
Within the Advisory program, a carefully constructed curriculum is organized for students to continue to grow and develop throughout their journey. The curriculum serves as the foundation for the Advisory program, but the Advisor will also work to meettheneedsofthegroupandindividualstudentsastheyearunfolds.
Duringthe10-minuteAdvisorymeetingheldeachday,theAdvisorwillreviewthedaily announcements provided by the administration, cover upcoming school events, discuss added information circulating the community, and use the time to connect with each studentindividually.
InthemorelengthyAdvisorymeetings,theAdvisoryCommitteewillassesstheneeds for the weekly meetings, and a base of lessons surrounding academic, social, and emotionalaspectsoftheeducationaljourneywillserveasthefocus.Forexample,past lessons have included how to stay aware of upcoming due dates for assignments, appropriate communication with a teacher using email, how to handle specific social situations,identifyingvocabularytounderstandyouremotions,andmore…
While the Advisory program is a group setting, Advisors will work with students individuallyconcerningtheirspecificneedsaswell.Advisorswillalsosetasidetimeto connectwitheachstudentone-on-oneasneeded.
1.MATHEMATICS
1.MATHEMATICS
Math 6
This course will build upon the fundamental skills learned in previous elementary math classes. The curriculum in this course will include mathematical reasoning, numbers and numeration, operations, model/multiple representations, measurement, uncertainty, and patterns/functions. The basic principles of mathematics, real-world problems, and the development of problem-solving techniques are interwoven throughouteachunit.
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is a multi-topic mathematics course designed to strengthen operational math skills and introduce and explore a range of pre-algebra topics inpreparationforfutureAlgebracourses.
Algebra I
Algebra1isamathcourseexploringfirst-yearhigh school Algebra topics designed to challenge studentsandpreparethemforasubsequentAlgebra orGeometrycourse.
Geometry
Is traditionally offered at the Upper School level. However, under certain circumstances and in specificscenarios,Geometrymaybeacourseoffered at the Middle School level. This course will cover various Geometry topics and principles, including coordinate and spatial geometry, introductory trigonometry, angles, parallel lines, congruent and similartriangles,polygonsandotherfigures,circles, the Pythagorean Theorem, etc. We will also focus onproblemsthatservetoreviewourAlgebraskills andcontinuetodevelopourcriticalthinkingskills through various problem-solving and real-world situations.
Pre-Algebra A
Pre-Algebra Advanced is an introductory first-year Algebra course exploring topics designed to challenge students and prepare them for a subsequentAlgebraorGeometrycourse.
Advanced Algebra I
This course introduces students to variables, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, functions,andalltheirmultiplerepresentations.In this class, students will develop the ability to explore and solve real-world application problems, demonstrate the appropriate use of graphing calculators, and communicate mathematical ideas. This course lays the foundation for mathematical literacy that will help students be successful in every subsequent mathematics course. The AdvancedAlgebracourseprogressesatamorerapid pace than other sections, aligning with the Advancedtrackingintended.
2.SCIENCE
AppealProcess:
If a student wishes to enroll in a science course for which they have not been recommended,theymustcompletethefollowingstep(s):
1.
ObtainapprovalfromtheDepartmentChair.
*Students wishing to take AP Chemistry in grades 9 or 10 must take a placement examadministeredatPortledge. 2.
Science 6: Life Science
In sixth-grade science, students will engage in content regarding the life sciences. The class will be broken into five major units: Scientific Inquiry and Measurement, Cells, Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology. Students will learn through a variety of methods, including hands-on activities, computer labs and simulations, problem-solving, and traditional lessons. Students will begin to develop their inquiry skills and problem-solving techniques sotheycanbringtheseskillstotheirfuturescience classes.
Science 8: Earth Science
The8th-gradescienceclassisanintroductoryEarth Science class for students who are currently in the 8th grade. This course allows students to explore various topics within Earth Science while also working on improving their lab skills through hands-on activities. There will be an emphasis on critical thinking and writing skills through varied assignments such as research projects, lab reports, and homework assignments. The topics studied in this course include astronomy, geology, plate tectonics, geologic history, meteorology, and climate. Students are encouraged to think deeply and critically about scientific concepts and apply their knowledge to tackle difficult questions that facereal-worldscientiststoday.
2.SCIENCE
Science 7: Physical Science
In seventh-grade science, students will explore and learnkeyconceptsandskillsrelatedtothephysical sciences. Major topics include: Scientific Inquiry and Measurement; Matter, Phase Changes, Energy, andtheKineticTheory;PropertiesandBehaviorsof FluidsandGases;ClassificationandCompositionof Matter; Chemical Reactions and Physical Changes; Atoms, Molecules, and Elements along with the Periodic Table; Atomic Bonding, and Newton's Laws. Students will engage in active, experiential learning that involves laboratory experimentation, note-taking, multimedia presentations, collaborative group work, and problem-solving activities.Emphasisisplacedondevelopingcritical thinking skills, attention to detail, application of knowledge,andtheabilitytoanalyzeandelaborate on scientific concepts, laying an important foundationforfuturestudiesinallareasofscience.
Science 8A: Advanced Earth Science:
The 8th-grade advanced science class is an accelerated Earth Science course for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and intrinsic motivation in previous science courses. This advanced course allows students to master higher-level scientific concepts while completing challenging inquiry-based lab work. Students will also be challenged with reading and interpreting current scientific articles based on the topic of study. The topics studied in depth throughout the duration of the course include astronomy, geology, plate tectonics, geologic history, meteorology, and climate. Students are encouraged to think deeply and critically about scientific concepts and apply their knowledge to tackle difficult questions that facereal-worldscientiststoday.
3.ENGLISH
English Academic Pathways: Middle School & Upper School
English
English 6
Home and Leaving Home: A Place or A Feeling?
English 7
An Exploration of Authority and the Fight for Justice
English 8/8A
8: Our Dreams: Unrealized and Captured 8A: An Exploration of Good and Evil
English 9/9A
Lit. & Comp. 1
English 10/10A
Lit. & Comp. 2
English 11/11A
American Lit.
Senior Seminars
Non- IB Diploma students only
IB English Year 1
IB English Year 2
Senior Seminars:
Each senior is required to take one credit of English, which will consist of IB English Year 2 or at least 2 Senior Seminars.
*Please see the section on Senior Seminars for course options.
Elective:
Crafting the Personal Narrative for College Applications & Beyond (11th) Thiscoursecannotbeusedtosatisfyany portionofthe4-yearEnglishrequirement.
English 6
Home and Leaving Home: A Place or A Feeling?
Sixth-grade students will continue to strengthen theiracademicandcreativewritingskills,focusing onanessay’sparagraphstructure.Studentswillalso be challenged by new and relearned rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics as we learn to proofreadouressays.Continuingtobuildonclose criticalreadingskillsandannotation,wewillfocus on searching for deeper layers of meaning. Oral presentation skills will be developed through commentariesandgroupprojects.Vocabularyfound withintheliteraturewillbetaughtandtestedin everyclass.
English 8
Our Dreams: Unrealized and Captured
Inthiscourse,studentswilldiscovertheconceptof dreamsinliteraturefromallagesandhowdreams formouridentities.Wewillalsolookathowwecan sometimesachievetheimpossibledreamthroughthe powerofbelief.Countertothis,wewillexplorethe danger of obsessive dreams, as well as the acceptance we must develop when we are disappointed with unrealized dreams. The year's discussionswillalsofocusonwhoinsocietyhasthe power and confidence to explore dreams. Can societylimitourdreams?
Studentswillcontinuetostrengthentheiracademic and creative writing skills, focusing on form, structure, and grammar, as well as analysis and findingrichsupport.Continuingtobuildonclose critical reading skills, study skills, and oral presentationskills,eighthgraderswillcontinually writeandanalyze.Vocabularywillbetaughtatthe start of class, with ten words being taught per rotation.
3.ENGLISH
English 7
An Exploration of Authority and the Fight for Justice
Inthiscourse,andinconjunctionwiththeHistory department, students will analyze a variety of literaryworks,eachoneexploringhowestablished constructsimpactsociety.Throughthisexploration, students will discover what it takes to stand up againstinjusticeandhowtofightforwhatisright. Theywillcontinuetostrengthentheiracademicand creativewritingskills,focusingonform,structure, and grammar, as well as analysis and support. Studentswillalsocontinuetobuildonclosecritical reading skills, study skills, and oral presentation skills.
VocabularyandGrammar:Vocabularywillbepulled from the class text as well as supplemented by a selectionofPSATandSATwords.Grammarwillbe taughtinconjunctionwithdifferentwritinglessons whenapplicable.
English 8A
An Exploration of Good and Evil
Inthiscourse,studentswillexploreandquestion thedefinitionofgoodandevil.Theywillcontinue tostrengthentheiracademicandcreativewriting skills,focusingonform,structure,andgrammar,as well as analysis and support. Students will also continue to build on close critical reading skills, studyskills,andoralpresentationskills.
VocabularyandGrammar:Vocabularywillbepulled from the class text as well as supplemented by a selectionofPSATandSATwords.Grammarwillbe taughtinconjunctionwithdifferentwritinglessons whenapplicable.
4.HISTORY
English History Academic Pathways: Middle School & Upper School
History 6
World History/Ancient Civilizations
History 7
American History Pt. 1
History 8
American History Pt. 2
History 9
Ancient & European
History 10
Modern World
History 11
United States
Senior Seminars
History 9A
History 8A
American History Pt. 2
Ancient & European
History 10AP
European
IB History Year 1
History of Americas
IB History Year 2
World
Electives:
AP Psychology (10th-12th)
IB Economics (11th-12th)
Modern Russian Studies (11th-12th)
IB World History (12th)*
Senior Seminars: Please see courses labeled Senior Seminars for options.
*This is a required course for IB Diploma Candidates in their senior year
Non- IB Diploma candidates only
Requires testing and/or approval
History 6
World History/Ancient Civilizations
6thgradestudentsstudythedevelopmentofancient civilizations throughout the world. Students will learnaboutthegeography,religion,achievements, politics,economy,andsocietyofeachcivilization. This course will allow students to immerse themselves in the history of our world and understandhowthedevelopmentoftheseancient civilizations has impacted the modern world. Studentswillcompleteactivities(independently,in pairs,andingroups)ofallkindstosharpentheir skillsandabilitytodecodehistoricalinformationto drawconclusions.Wewillstudythefollowingunits: TheEssentialsofHistoryandGeography,TheStone Ages, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, andRome.
History 8
American History Pt. 2
8th grade students study America’s history beginningwithReconstructionfollowingtheCivil War.Youwillcompleteavarietyofactivitiesthat will both challenge and inspire you. You will completeactivities(independently,inpairs,andin groups) of all kinds to sharpen your skills and ability to decode historical information to draw conclusions.Wewillstudythefollowingunits:Brief ReviewoftheCivilWar,Reconstruction,Westward ExpansionandtheIndustrialAge,Immigrationand theProgressiveEra,USImperialism,WorldWarI, TheRoaring20sandtheGreatDepression,World WarII,andPostWorldWarIItoPresentDay.
4.HISTORY
History 7
American History Pt. 1
Theessentialquestionofthecoursewillserveasa guide for your intellectual growth throughout the year. The essential question for this year is the following:Howdidpowerconstructsdevelopinthe United States? Topics: French and Indian War, American Revolution, Articles of Confederation, The United States Constitution, President Washington,PresidentAdams,PresidentJefferson, President Madison, President Monroe, President JohnQuincyAdams,PresidentAndrewJackson,and TheCivilWar.Studentswillfurtherdeveloptheir writing,analytical,andcriticalthinkingskillsusing primaryandsecondaryresources.
History 8A
American History Pt. 2
Theessentialquestionofthecoursewillserveasa guideforyourintellectualgrowththroughoutthis year. The essential question for this year is the following: What is the impact of the established power constructs on US domestic and foreign policy?
In the Advanced History class, students must establish strong writing and analytical skills, as there is an emphasis on independent work. The expectation is that students can independently analyze, think critically, discuss, and write coherently,reflectingadeepunderstandingofthe course content. Topics: The Civil War, Reconstruction,Industrialization,U.S.Imperialism, WWI,TheRoaringTwenties,TheGreatDepression, WWII,andPost-WWIItothepresentday.Thereis anemphasisonindependentwork,criticalthinking, and analysis. Students must have well-developed writingskillsandtheabilitytoread,comprehend, andexamineabove-grade-levelsources.
5.WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURES
Spanish Academic Pathways: Middle School & Upper School
Spanish A
Spanish B
Spanish C
Spanish 1
Algebra 1
Spanish 2/2A
Spanish 3/3A
Spanish 4:
Conversations & Culture
Spanish 5:
Conversations & Culture
IB Spanish Year 1
IB Spanish Year 2
5.WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURES
French Academic Pathways: Middle School & Upper School
French 4:
French 1
Algebra 1
French 2/2A
French 3/3A
IB French Ab Initio Year 1 & Year 2 are electives available for students who have no, or very little, exposure to French. These courses do not meet the language requirements for graduation. French C French B French A
Conversations & Culture
French 5:
Conversations & Culture
IB French Year 1
IB French Year 2
IB French Ab Initio Year 1
IB French Ab Initio Year 2
5.WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURES
Spanish A
SpanishApresentsstudentswithanintroductionto speaking,reading,writing,andlisteninginSpanish through the acquisition of vocabulary, grammar structures, and authentic, culturally-embedded activities. This course serves as the basis for secondarylanguagelearningandthefirstofathreeyear sequence to prepare students for the Upper School language sequence. Spanish A focuses heavily on interpersonal and presentational communication to develop confident and conscientious language learners. Students will becomefamiliarwiththesoundsofSpanishsothey can understand spoken language and read and understand a variety of authentic texts in simple Spanish. They will gain greater familiarity with Spanish-speakingcountriesaroundtheworld,their customs,andtheircultures.
French A
Inthisfoundationalcourse,studentswilllearnthe basics of French phonetics, pronunciation, and grammar.Theywillhavedailypracticewith"real life" situations to help gain confidence in their ability to communicate in French. Grammar conceptswillincludeconjugation,genderednouns, and adjective agreement. Vocabulary will cover likes and dislikes, family members and friends, weather, days of the week, life in school, and activities outside of school. Students will become familiar with the sounds of French so they can understand spoken language and read and understand a variety of authentic texts in simple French. They will gain greater familiarity with French-speakingcountriesaroundtheworld,their customs,andtheircultures.
French C
Spanish B
Thesequenceforthiscourseprovidesstudentswith thenecessaryfoundationforthecontinuedstudyof Spanish through Level I. It presents the basic structure and grammar of the Spanish language, encourages conversation with the introduction of basic vocabulary, and continues with reading and writing tasks. Cultural activities introduce the student to the customs and geography of the Spanish-speakingcountries.
Spanish C
Thesequenceforthiscourseprovidesstudentswith thenecessaryfoundationforthecontinuedstudyof SpanishtotheendofLevelIandpreparesstudents for Spanish 2 and 2A. It presents the complex structure and grammar of the Spanish language, encourages conversation with the introduction throughvocabularyacquisition,andcontinueswith reading and writing tasks. Cultural activities introducethestudenttothecustomsandgeography oftheSpanish-speakingcountries.
French B
French B builds upon the foundation created in FrenchA.Studentswillstudyincreasinglycomplex grammaticalstructuresandexpandtheirvocabulary. Bytheendoftheyear,studentswillconfidentlyask and answer questions in French, using proper grammatical structures, and they will be able to discuss several topics, including their family, the thingstheyliketodo,placestheygoatdifferent timesoftheyear,plansfortheimmediatefuture, and what they have recently done. Students will more easily decipher spoken language, read short passages in French, and communicate more effectivelyandconfidently.Theywillcontinueto learnabouttheFrancophoneworldandcompareand contrastthoseculturestotheirown.
ThiscoursewillbethefinalyearofMiddleSchoolFrenchandwillservetopreparestudentsforamore advancedlevelofFrenchstudyinhighschool.Bytheendoftheyear,studentswillhavemasteredthepresent tenseverbconjugationofallthreeverbgroups,aswellasmanyirregularverbs.Theywillhavelearnedhow todiscusseventsinthepast,describetheirdailyroutine,andtalkaboutplansfortheimmediatefuture.They willbeabletotalkabouttheirvacationplans,dailychores,leisureactivities,andholidays.Throughtheuse ofauthentictextsandthestudyofsocialinteractions,studentswillbuildupontheirlanguageskillstobetter expressthemselvesinFrench.Studentswillwatchfilmsandreadanovelduringtheyearandwillcontinueto developanawarenessandappreciationofthedifferentperspectivesofpeoplefromothercultures.
6.VISUAL ARTS
6thgradestudentsstudythedevelopmentofancientcivilizationsthroughouttheworld.Studentswilllearn aboutthegeography,religion,achievements,politics,economy,andsocietyofeachcivilization.Thiscourse willallowstudentstoimmersethemselvesinthehistoryofourworldandunderstandhowthedevelopmentof theseancientcivilizationshasimpactedthemodernworld.Studentswillcompleteactivities(independently, inpairs,andingroups)ofallkindstosharpentheirskillsandabilitytodecodehistoricalinformationto drawconclusions.Wewillstudythefollowingunits:TheEssentialsofHistoryandGeography,TheStone Ages,Mesopotamia,Egypt,India,China,Greece,andRome.
Art 6
IsanintroductiontotheVisualArtsforourMiddle School students. Topics include creating tints, tones, and shades of color; applying smooth, crosshatch, scumbling, and stippling techniques within their drawing; identifying warm and cool colors and using them when they create artwork; analyzing,interpreting,andmakingconnectionsto historical and cultural contexts; apply a monochromaticcolorschemeintheirartwork;draw 3dformsandusesize,placement,andoverlappingto create depth in their artwork; demonstrate an understandingofone-pointperspectiveanduseitin their artwork; examine characteristics of art from other cultures and envision various aspects within their artwork; identify different types of balance and use them in their work; analyze different art historyperiods,movements,andstylesandinterpret them within their artwork; and create art that addressesglobalissues.
Art 8
IsthemostseniorlevelofMiddleSchoolArt,where students work more independently in the creative process, culminating in an end-of-the-year project. Students will study artists involved in the Cubism art movement and apply characteristics of this art movement to their artwork; analyze, interpret, and make connections to historical and cultural contexts; create a three-dimensional, mixed-media plaster mask; explore the impact of artist Pablo Picasso’s work; create a photorealist-inspired portrait;celebratecreativeaccomplishmentsinart; plan, propose, and create a “Self Determined Project.”; produce a work of art inspired by artists of many cultures; and replicate an image with the useofagrid.
Art 7
BuildsuponthefoundationalskillsdevelopedinArt 6, and allows students to further explore their artistic interests through the practice of more complexskills.Topicsincludecreatingdesignthink inartworkdisplays;understandingandapplyingthe “Rule of Thirds” in their work; analyzing, interpreting, and making connections to historical andculturalcontexts;analyzingdifferentarthistory periods, movements, and styles and interpreting them within their artwork; combine various media to communicate ideas through art; examine characteristics of art from other cultures and envisionvariousaspectswithintheirartwork;create a culminating work of art for the “One Sheet of Paper” challenge; build 3D forms and use size, placement, overlapping, and rhythm in their artwork;andobservation-baseddrawing.
7.PERFORMING & THEATRE ARTS
Chorus
All 6th Grade students are enrolled in Chorus Chorus classes in middle school are a fun and engaging way to not only sing within a group but also to learn proper vocal techniques. A strong series of foundational warm-up exercises are presentedtoeachclassthatallowsstudentstolearn to project their voice as well as blend and balance within the ensemble. Multiple performance opportunities are open to vocalists throughout the year including the winter and spring concerts as wellastheThanksgivingAssemblyandtheEnd-ofYearceremony.
Jazz Band
The Middle School Jazz Band is a musical course designed to help students learn to express themselvesthroughnotonlywrittenpartsbutalso through improvisation. Students learn the fundamentalsofjazzthroughavarietyofstylesthat includeswing,Latin,androckgrooves.Withafocus onbasicmusictheoryneededtocreatetheirown melodies while improvising, the class allows students to have a creative space while playing within a group context. All band and orchestra instrumentsarewelcomeaslongastheyhavetwo years of experience. Drumset, electric guitar, eclecticbass,andpianoarealsopermittedinthe classroom.
Band
All 6th Grade students take Band or Orchestra Concert Band focuses on the fundamentals of playing wind instruments and percussion in a fun and inspiring classroom setting. Through personalized sheet music parts that are written and arranged specifically for the band students, musiciansengageatvariouslevelsofresponsibility. There is a strong focus on articulation, tone production, and proper overall technique on each wind instrument. Opportunities for additional solo parts are available for those interested in more musicalresponsibility.
Orchestra
All 6th Grade students take Band or Orchestra
The 6th-grade orchestra and the 7th/8th-grade orchestra allow students to perform intermediatelevel pieces that develop skills like shifting and vibrato. In addition, students will perfect their ensemble playing and discover the nuances of performing different genres, including classical, pop,andnoveltypieces.Studentsareencouragedto participateinNYSSMAandjoinasmallerchamber ensemblethatmeetsbeforeschool.
Digital Music Creation (DMC) & Interdisciplinary Arts (IA)
Available to 7th & 8th Grade students only Digital Music Creation (DMC) and Interdisciplinary Arts (IA) are co-courses that will meet for the entire year, and students will take one of the classes for the first semester and take the other class for the second semester. The DMC course will cover the topics of using technology as a musician in the 21st century to create,mix,andarrangesongs.TheclasswillfocusoncompositionusingprogramssuchasGarageBand,Logic, BandLab, and other appropriate music software. Interdisciplinary Arts (IA) is a classroom music course designedtoenhanceyourunderstandingofgenresofmusic,includingthewaywelistenandperform.Topics covered include musical style periods, note reading, and basic composition. These co-courses are perfect for studentsinterestedindivingintothemusicalartswithoutbeingonstage!
Theatre
Throughout the Middle School years, the theater program takes a more comprehensive look at the world of theater.ThisincludestheopportunitytoperformvariousworksrangingfromShakespearetoSondheim.Our Middle School students participated in a Shakespeare festival, based on the Shakespeare & Co. model as performedintheNewEnglandShakespeareFestival;usingthetextsfrom A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, or Romeo and Juliet. MS students can also hone their skills and participate in various otherperformancesandtheatricalactivities.TheMiddleSchooltypicallyproducesonemainstageproduction peryear,alternatingbetweenaplayandamusical.Recentshowshaveincluded The Wizard of Oz, You’re a Goodman Charlie Brown, and The Sound of Music.
8.COMPUTER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Computer Science 7
Inthiscourse,studentswillbeintroducedtothe fundamentals of computer science with drag-anddropblocksofcode.UtilizingthewebsiteCode.org, studentswillusetheplatformtocreatetheirown drawings,games,andpersonalwebpages.
Coding and Physical Computing 8
In this course, students will be introduced to the worldofcodingandroboticsastheygraduallylearn thebasicsofbuildingandprogrammingautonomous robots using sensors. Working together to build an effectiverobot,they'llsystematicallytestandrefine programs, using the design process to develop a solutioninordertocompletemissions,allthewhile developing skills related to collaboration and teamworkandlifeskillsfortheirfuturecareers.
9.ADDITIONAL CLASSES
Approaches to Learning Strategies
In this course, you will learn all about your executive functioning. Executive functioning is all theprocessesthebrainusestocompletetasks.This includes time management, organization, planning, focus and attention, task initiation, metacognition, self-control, perseverance, flexibility, and working memory. Within each of these units, you will learn practicalstrategiestousenotjustintheclassroom but in everyday life. Emphasis is placed on the working memory unit, which will include learning effective study skills, annotation skills, test-taking tips, reading comprehension skills, and note-taking skills. Students will be able to acknowledge that there is not just one way to learn, that it can look different for everyone, and to come to an understanding of who they are as a student. The ultimate goal is to be able to identify which strategies work best for them to fulfill their potential.
Middle School Clubs
Meet once per week during a scheduled period in the school day. Students can join a different club eachsemester.Thepurposeandmissionoftheclub blockistoallowstudentstoengageinthePortledge experience outside of the traditional curriculum. ClubOfferingsvaryyeartoyear.
Perspectives 6
Perspectives 6 will focus on the five social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies: selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationshipskills,andresponsibledecision-making. You will develop confidence in expressing your unique perspective on a variety of topics while developing your public speaking skills and learning howtoengageinhealthydebate!
Middle School Athletics/PE
At the Middle School level, all students are required to take Physical Education throughout the school year. There are no PE exemptions offered. Students will select a sport of their choice and participateinaprogramthatallowsthemtodevelop bothphysicalandlifeskills.Withafocusonhealth and wellness, students will learn the fundamentals of team play, build an understanding of sportsmanship, and grow their self-esteem. During eachseason,sport-specificskillswillbetaught,and characterwillbefurtherdeveloped.
