ENSWORTH
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Curriculum Guide
English
Middle School English celebrates literature and the discussions and writings books inspire. The curriculum consists of four distinct, related components: reading, writing, vocabulary, Patterns of Power grammar and language conventions, and Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) Writing Instruction. Students develop an enthusiasm and appreciation for literature and build critical and analytical thinking skills. Students learn to annotate text as they read and become skilled at using text evidence to support their ideas. Formal writing assignments include narrative, expository, and argumentative pieces with an emphasis on practicing and developing writing skills utilizing research-based best practices.
GRADE 6
TEXTS MAY INCLUDE: The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, You Are Here, Seen and Unseen, Indian No More, All Thirteen
GRADE 7
TEXTS MAY INCLUDE: The Outsiders, Brown Girl Dreaming, Flying Lessons, The Giver, Counting by 7s
GRADE 8
TEXTS MAY INCLUDE: Long Way Down, To Kill a Mockingbird, Breakfast on Mars, Impossible Escape, It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime
Math
Middle School Math strives to create an academic environment that allows students to use their talents to the fullest. This is facilitated by providing multiple levels of instruction targeted at each student’s math readiness. The majority of students are placed into grade-level programs of Pre-Algebra Foundations (Grade 6), Pre-Algebra (Grade 7), and Algebra I (Grade 8). Beginning in Grade 6, students who meet certain criteria may be recommended for accelerated, or honors level, work. On rare occasions, 7th graders with advanced level of preparation will be placed in Algebra I Honors, providing those students an opportunity to take Geometry in Grade 8.
GRADE 6
PRE-ALGEBRA FOUNDATIONS: Transition from concrete to abstract thinking by examining patterns and modeling; fraction and decimal operations; integer operations; proportional thinking through ratios and percents; geometric concepts of perimeter, area, and classifying polygons.
GRADE 7
PRE-ALGEBRA: Real numbers operations; proportional thinking; linear functions and graphing; plane and solid geometry; probability and statistics.
ALGEBRA I: Solving, graphing, and writing— linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; polynomial operations and factoring; systems; radical and rational expressions.
GRADE 8
ALGEBRA I: Solving, graphing, and writing—linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; polynomial operations and factoring; systems; radical and rational expressions.
GEOMETRY: Angles; parallel lines; congruent triangles; plane figures (circles, polygons); coordinate geometry; intro to trigonometry; 3-dimensional figures.
Science
Middle School Science strives to inculcate students with the skills needed to be scientists. This is accomplished through experiential learning using exposure to a broad range of science disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, with the goal being to help students understand the interconnectedness of these disciplines. Students learn to be comfortable in a lab setting as they perform experiments, use math to analyze collected data, and develop organizational and writing skills to communicate their conclusions.
GRADE
6
SIGNATURE PROJECTS: Earthquakes & Engineering— Impact on Building Design; Stormwater Management & Mitigation Strategies
GRADE 7
SIGNATURE PROJECTS: Animal Dissections and Organ Systems Analysis; Bone Model & Prosthetic Arm Design Project
History & Social Studies
GRADE 8
SIGNATURE PROJECTS: Design A Roller Coaster Based on Properties of Motion; Sludge—Identifying Substances in Your Mystery Mixture
The Middle School History and Social Studies curriculum is designed to help students develop strong skills in research, writing, reading, information organization and synthesis, source analysis and identifying divergent perspectives, oral communication and public speaking.
GRADE 6
COURSE: Ancient World History
KEY THEMES: Community, Mobility, Conflict, Change, Beliefs
SAMPLE TOPICS: Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Indus River Valley, Rise and Fall of Ancient Greece, Foundations of Geography, World Religions: Judaism and Christianity
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: World Religions and Fields Trips, Fall of Rome Research and Discussion Project, Wonders of the World Design Project and Presentation
World Language
GRADE 6
World Language is an introduction to Latin, which focuses on the structures of language in order to be successful in any world language class. Topics include grammar concepts, word order, spelling, declension, vocabulary acquisition, verb conjugation, negatives, interrogatives, and language exceptions.
GRADE 7
COURSE: Medieval World History
KEY THEMES: Community, Belief, Conflicts, Progress
SAMPLE TOPICS: Medieval Europe, China, Japan, Africa and the Americas, World Religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Renaissance and Reformation
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: World Religions and Field Trips, DocumentBased Research, Analysis, and Writing, Legacy of the Renaissance Discussion Project
GRADE 8
COURSE: United States History
KEY THEMES: Perspective, Citizenship, Responsibility, Leadership
SAMPLE TOPICS: Colonies, U.S. Revolution, U.S. Constitution, Civil War and Reconstruction, Great Depression, World Wars, Civil Rights, Cold War
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: Presidential Research Project, Essay, and Debate, American Revolution Tavern Discussion, Global Conflict Policy Role Play
GRADES 7 & 8
Students select a language for a two-year commitment to study Level I in preparation for advancing to Level II at the start of Grade 9.
CHINESE: Linguistic skills for oral/aural proficiency; reading and writing skills development; grammar and vocabulary in authentic contexts; conversational skill development; multimedia resources integration; introductions to history and cultural awareness.
SPANISH: Linguistic skills for oral/aural proficiency; reading and writing skills development; grammar and vocabulary in authentic contexts; conversational skill development; multimedia resources integration; history and culture of the global Hispanic community.
LATIN: Vocabulary, grammar, and syntax for translating texts; reading and writing skills development; multimedia resources integration; study of Roman history and culture for complementing the exploration of the structure of language development.
Electives
Ensworth’s Middle School elective program is meticulously crafted to offer students a rich and fulfilling experience to foster a sense of belonging, promote academic achievement, and nurture authenticity. Students are empowered to choose from five focused electives, each tailored to meet their interests and aspirations. These focused electives convene four times per schedule rotation throughout the academic year, necessitating public demonstrations of learning and culminating in an achievement grade. Additionally, students partake in exposure electives, meeting twice per rotation for a semester. Complementing these are core electives, such as Life and Writing, Research, and Public Speaking, which meet twice per rotation per semester. The blend of focused and exposure electives is designed to offer students a well-rounded exposure to performing and visual arts and technology. This holistic approach ensures that students explore a breadth of subjects and delve deeply into areas of personal interest, facilitating their progression through crucial developmental stages.
FOCUS
ELECTIVE
(4x per rotation all year)
EXPOSURE
ELECTIVE
(2x per rotation by semester)
CORE
ELECTIVE
(2x per rotation by semester)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
(4x per rotation by year)
Visual Arts Foundations
Technology Foundations
Visual Arts Foundations
Technology Foundations
ROBOTICS & TECHNOLOGY
Visual Arts Foundations
Music Foundations
P.E. Life Class
Writing, Research, & Public Speaking
PERFORMING ARTS
P.E. Life Class
Writing, Research, & Public Speaking
Writing, Research, & Public Speaking
P.E. Life Class
CHORAL ARTS focuses on developing vocal skills, providing opportunities for individual, small group, and large ensemble singing techniques. Students’ skills will be developed through various types of music, and their abilities and expectations will increase each year.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC develops skills utilizing concert band instruments in individual, small group, and large group ensemble playing. Instrumental techniques are then enhanced through various types of music and increase in ability and expectation each year.
THEATER ARTS is designed to give students a comprehensive view and an authentic opportunity to immerse themselves in the exploration and discovery of theater from page to stage. Students explore acting techniques through observation, memory development, improvisation, pantomime, vocal work, and movement; theater history, elements of production, and art appreciation; movement, choreography, and dance; and all of the necessary tools for character development.
MUSIC FOUNDATIONS is a non-performance based curriculum designed to give students knowledge of the world of music through the study of musicology, including music history, genres, diverse styles, cultures, global perspectives, technology, theory, and overall musicianship. Students will learn fundamentals to open their understanding of music as an important part of life.
CHORAL ARTS
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS
VISUAL ARTS FOCUS offers students a concentrated experience in the world of visual art. Through a holistic approach, students will better understand the relationship between artist and artwork. Students will dive deeper into the intricacies of the creative process as they learn to conceptualize ideas, experiment with different techniques and media, and refine their work through reflection and iteration.
VISUAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS is designed to give students a broad and basic knowledge of visual art through short creative experiences. Students will learn fundamental processes and explore varied media as a way to appreciate art as a vital ingredient of a rich and well-rounded life.
TECHNOLOGY
ROBOTICS AND TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION embarks on a thrilling exploration of technology by diving headfirst into the detailed realms of Coding, Making, Robotics, and Actionable Tech. This class will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, offer hands-on experience in robotics and coding, surface opportunities to harness technology for positive change, and prepare students for the near future by mastering essential digital skills.
TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATIONS focuses on the practical application of digital tools in an educational setting. Students will learn how to effectively use tools for academic organization (Tigernet, Google Drive), productivity (Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets), and creativity (Google Drawings, 3D printing). The class will also include a survey of coding, robotics, and using our Makerspace materials.
CORE ELECTIVES
LIFE class provides students the tools for positive and productive social and emotional growth. Topics include transition to Middle School, managing expectations, mindfulness strategies, responsibility, peer mediation and conflict resolution, grit, gratitude, personal safety and setting boundaries, understanding and celebrating differences, appropriate use of technology and social media, facts and effects of substance use, human sexuality, and effective strategies for recognizing and coping with stress.
RESEARCH, WRITING, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING will cultivate essential research, writing, and public speaking skills. Through interactive lessons and collaborative projects, students will master foundational writing techniques, conduct thorough research utilizing credible sources, and develop confident public speaking abilities. Emphasis will be placed on crafting compelling narratives, persuasive arguments, and informative essays alongside learning research methodologies such as library research and online databases.
Service Learning
All students engage in grade-level service projects that incorporate interdisciplinary learning and that enhance their understanding and compassion for society with many different needs.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: Interdisciplinary (Art, English, & Science) Memory Project with Abe’s Garden; Food insecurity social studies global unit in conjunction with food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.