Middle School Course Descriptions

Pre-AP 7th grade English
Pre-AP 7th grade English is a preparatory course which provides students with a foundation for advanced study by surveying various literary genres, emphasizing writing, and developing vocabulary. Through the close reading of selected works, students will identify common literary elements among the genres. Through writing instruction and practice, students will improve their writing skills. Through the study of vocabulary words that pertain to the study of a written text, the student will develop an increased vocabulary base, thus enabling the student to communicate more effectively in the written language as well as verbally.

Pre-AP 8th grade English
Pre-AP 8th grade English is a summative course in writing and literature that provides students with the tools for viewing prose as the creation of the author who, through the use of various techniques, purposely formed the work. While closely reading selected works, students will identify stylistic devices that an author uses to create that work. By careful study of the author's diction, students will expand their own vocabulary for more effective writing. Additionally, students will be instructed in composition skills, editing, journal writing, and research.

HISTORY DEPARTMENT
The social studies department at All Saints is designed to provide each student with a superior background in the integrated social sciences. In the middle school, emphasis is given to the foundation documents of our nation. Grades nine and ten are concerned with a study of world history ranging from a geographical to a social/political emphasis on all major cultures of the world. Grade eleven is a survey course at the Advanced Placement level for American History. The senior year is devoted to a study of the American political system in government for one semester and the American economic system for the other semester.

Texas History - 7th Grade (1 semester)
This course will provide a survey of history of Texas from prehistoric times to the present. The geography and state governmental structure will be emphasized. Students will also gain skills in the analysis of historical events, writing for social studies content, and reading comprehension. The student will develop respect for self and others, understand and respect the principles that underlie the Texas Constitution, and support the basic values of American society. Special projects will be assigned to augment and to enhance the various units of study.

World Geography - 7th Grade (1 semester)
This course, an overview of world geography, is designed to prepare middle school students for upcoming courses in world history. In this one semester course, students will examine the different regions of the world and explore the areas of political geography, physical geography, and cultural geography of each. Cultural aspects of the regions and countries are heavily emphasized. During each nine-week grading period, students will conduct a research project on a country, world landmark, or some area or topic of relevance to world geography.

American History I - 8th grade
The 8th grade American History covers America's beginnings from prehistory through 1877. A fundamental goal of the course is building social study skills, study and writing skills, and critical thinking skills. Themes and concepts covered include: American democracy; civil rights and liberties; economic development; geography and environment; conflict and cooperation; influence of technology; the individual and family life; ideas, beliefs, and institutions; cultural diversity; and U.S. role in areas such as math, science, economics, and the arts. The student will have a greater understanding and awareness of how the past has shaped the present and that the actions of citizens today shape the future. Furthermore, the student will apply this knowledge in becoming contributing United States citizens. Outside classroom experiences are encouraged to reinforce and enhance the themes and ideas taught in the classroom.

Math 87
This course involves a study of the basic arithmetic skills of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.  Variables and basic geometric concepts are introduced. The student will be prepared to enter a pre-algebra course.

Saxon Algebra 1/2
This course involves a review of basic skills and is designed to help students move from the concrete nature of arithmetic to the abstract concepts of algebra. Percents, ratios, and scientific notation are emphasized. Basic geometric concepts are covered. The student will be prepared to enter an Algebra I course.

Pre-AP Algebra I
This course covers the basic properties of the real numbers. Emphasis is placed on linear and quadratic equations, functions, and systems. The laws of exponents and radicals are established. Rational expressions and problem solving techniques are studied. The student will have the necessary skills to enter either a Geometry or Algebra II course. High school credit earned = 1 credit.

Saxon Algebra I
This course covers the basic properties of the real numbers. Geometric and algebraic concepts are integrated. Linear equations and systems are emphasized. Quadratic equations are introduced. The student will have the necessary skills to enter either a Geometry or Algebra II course. High school credit earned = 1 credit.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Course Descriptions

Life Science (7)
Basic biological science is presented in this course. Laboratory investigation includes field work, dissections, and a continuation of basic laboratory techniques. Topics include use of the scientific method and use of the microscope, classification of living things, systems of the human body, ecology, and the environment. Live animals and plants are observed and discussed in the classroom. Students should understand that science is a collection of cycles, structures, and processes that interact and how these components relate to each other. The students learn to use scientific methods for investigations and use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. The students learn to use a variety of tools to uncover the secrets of life.


Physical Science (8)
Physical Science is an introduction into the study of matter and energy, and the study of the basic concepts of the two main branches of physical science – chemistry and physics. The students study information on the periodic table to recognize that elements are grouped into families; demonstrate exothermic and endothermic reactions; concepts of force and motion; and the relationship between properties of matter and its components. Students should understand that science is a collection of cycles, structures, and processes that interact and how these components relate to each other. The students learn to use scientific methods for investigations and use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. The students learn to use a variety of tools. The students know there is a relationship between force and motion. The students know matter is composed of atoms and that substances have chemical and physical properties. Students will develop a science fair project demonstrating the use of the scientific method to perform a scientific investigation.

ENRICHMENT COURSES AND ELECTIVES
All students at All Saints must enroll in two electives each year. Middle school students are assigned a required enrichment elective, one per trimester (1week rotation). Many of the skills developed in these classes may enable students to enter competitions such as those sponsored by TAPPS, or might play a role in helping them obtain college scholarships.

Christian Education 7 and 8
In the Middle School, the chaplain teaches the seventh and eighth grade Christian Education classes which students attend for a trimester. The seventh grade takes an Old Testament studies course. The students are asked to write a composition about a situation in their lives twice a week. On the days following that writing assignment a scripture that relates to that particular situation is discussed both in terms of its significance in our canon of Holy Scripture and its significance in the situation that they have just written about. On one day in the middle of the week, the students participate in team building and initiative exercises. The format is the same for eighth grade using the New Testament scriptures.

FLEX -Foreign Language Exploratory -7
This is a three-language, twelve-week introduction for foreign languages (Latin, Spanish and French) designed to expose seventh graders to vocabulary in each language, as well as to stimulate and nurture an appreciation for all languages, English included. Cultural awareness and respect for differences are also engendered through various activities such as interviewing immigrants and preparing and sharing new foods.

Foreign Language Introduction-8
Each of these courses is a twelve-week introductory class for eighth graders that constitutes an introduction to the Level I (upper school credit) course. Students begin learning the basic vocabulary, structures, and, in the case of the modern languages, the sound system of the foreign language, as well as receiving a foundation in the cultural aspects of the target language. Students select between the two languages offered and continue in their choice of study until the completion of the rotation.

Grammar Enrichment-7
This 12-week course begins the study of language through form, syntax, and standard English grammar. The course will be strictly aligned with the 8th grade grammar course so as not to repeat the teaching of the same skills. Through the close study of English grammar, students will develop the understanding of sentence variety and sentence combinations. This will advance students’ mechanic/usage skills.

Grammar Enrichment-8
This 12-week course develops life-long communicators of English language through the expansion of writing, listening, and speaking skills. Consequently, this class reinforces the skills to understand language and to write successfully and accurately across the curriculum. This grammar and composition strand focuses on the functions and proper use of our language in writing with an emphasis on mechanics and usage, as well as on sentence and paragraph formation.

Spanish I
This course introduces the student to the Spanish language and to Hispanic cultures. The course concentrates on the acquisition of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through dialogues, raps, art, music, written exercises, projects and short paragraphs. The student learns vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, grammar, present tense of regular and irregular verbs and an introduction to preterit tense. Language immersion is used extensively in the classroom. High school credit earned = 1 credit.

French I -8
In this course students receive an introduction to basic French vocabulary and culture. Students participate in exercises and activities that provide a balance between listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The students have an opportunity to make a Mardi Gras mask as an extra credit project. If any local cultural events are available to enhance the learning of French, every effort is made to attend or participate in the event. High school credit earned = 1 credit.

Fine Arts Enrichment-8
Fine Arts Enrichment is open to eighth grade students who are enrolled in French I or Spanish I and takes the place of Foreign Language Introduction in the Enrichment rotation. Students will spend the rotation period gaining an exposure to the Fine Arts offerings which will be available in Upper School with an opportunity to focus on areas of special interest.

Fine Arts Electives Middle & Upper School
Intermediate Band (7-8)
This group is made up of students who have had at least one year of previous training on an instrument.

Choir (7- 8)
This class is made up of students desiring training in choral music with an emphasis on tone production, vowel placement, diction, balance, blend, and a varied repertoire.

Art (7-8)
Students will work with a variety of mediums and techniques, exploring the visual elements and design principles that make up a work of art.

Theater Arts (7-8)
The course will introduce students to the art of performance through units involving self awareness, acting skills, the production process, and theater appreciation. Middle school theater students will be actively involved in our PSIA production. There will be at least two performances throughout the year.