SIXTH GRADE CURRICULUM
Social Studies:
The sixth grade Social Studies curriculum centers on the general theme of ancient civilizations on different continents. The curriculum uses and reinforces all skills taught within the language arts curriculum, including study skills with an accent on information: how to gather, record, organize, analyze, and use information. The Social Studies curriculum focuses on five perspectives, which are recurrent with each topic studied: historical, geographical, political, social-cultural, and economic. Topics focus on ancient cultures and civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Pre-Colombian civilizations, Ancient China and India.
Language Arts:
The language Arts and literature curriculum compliments the study of early civilizations in social studies. The program emphasizes the application of skills over isolated practice. Students are constantly invited to use their reading, writing and oral skills. Students are encouraged to be inquisitive, to ask and respond to why and how questions, to think critically, and to use their problem solving skills. These are life-long skills that apply to all subjects taught: languages, social studies, science, and math.
The language arts and literature curriculum provides a reflection on languages, drawing syntactic, lexical, structural, and cultural parallels between the different languages students are mastering. The skills taught are connected with:
- Syntax, grammar, and expansion of vocabulary
- Effective communication both oral and written
- Literature
- Critical thinking skills
Students of both tracks take English language arts classes; French track students follow French language arts classes. The material used is different, yet the goals of the classes are the same.
Math:
Because sixth grade is a point of entry, the sixth grade curriculum is designed so that all students receive a solid foundation in basic mathematical concepts, with a goal of learning how to think quantitatively, spatially and logically The sixth grade curriculum includes:
- Fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios, and proportional thinking
- Statistics: mean, median, mode and simple probability
- Geometry: basic Euclidian skills, perimeter, and area calculations
- Pre-algebra, including graphing, expressions, introduction to equations, negative numbers
In sixth grade math is taught in the student’s target language. This offers a rich opportunity to blend the best of the French and American curriculums. In addition, International students spend two extra hours per week focusing on geometry.
- Student work is completed in a dedicated journal. Assessment includes daily problems, quizzes, unit projects, and open-ended written assignments (“fortnight” problems).
Placement in higher level math courses is made according to a number of criteria including student motivation, homework completion, maturity and a year-end assessment. This ensures students are correctly placed.
Text:
Mathscape, Creative Publications
New math adoption for pre-algebra text in 2005.
Science:
The sixth grade science program is designed to foster reflection, analytical thinking, and communication. Students focus on two major areas: earth science and biology. Through exploratory labs, activities, and readings, students study rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, weather, and space science. In the spring, students study human biology and nutrition, as well as botany. Curriculum planning is designed around essential questions. For example, in botany, the key questions are: “What is the purpose of plants?” and “How do plants make food?”
Assessment includes journal assignments, study questions, traditional objective tests, and culminating unit projects.
Text:
Materials and Processes and Human Body, Glencoe
Beginning languages:
In the sixth grade, all students are required to choose a beginning language. Students select to study German, Spanish, or French, and will continue this language until the end of eighth grade. The foreign language instruction focuses on the acquisition of language skills for both oral and written communication. Classes meet four times a week, and are taught by native speakers of the languages.
Methodology/Study skills:
This is an important component of all subjects, and students need to learn to apply them to all subjects. All teachers address study skills in their various sixth grade classes in addition to a regular study skills class. Advisors help solve problems of time management and personal organization on an individual basis. The study skills class is linked to the information literacy class.
Information literacy:
Students meet with the librarian or the information technology teacher on a regular basis, and learn to use the library and technology to do research and presentations. This class works closely with the study skills class.
Health and life skills:
Students meet with the nurse and /or counselor and discuss topics that include stress and stress management, friendship and conflict resolution, and healthy lifestyles: exercise, nutrition, tobacco/drug and alcohol awareness, human development, and adolescent changes.
Art & Drama:
Art is integrated into the curriculum and linked to different subject areas whenever possible. In sixth grade, students explore a variety of techniques and media and are introduced to art history.
Music:
Sixth grade music is a survey that includes musical skills such as listening, performing, and composing. Songs are sung in a variety of languages including English, French, German, and Spanish.
Physical Education:
In Physical Education, in addition to regular fitness and cardiovascular activity, students will take part in different cycles of activities throughout the year: games, gymnastics, track and field, and individual and team sports. The focus of the P.E. program throughout middle school is to expose students to an array of activities that develop individual strength and performance, as well as group cooperation, teamwork, and collective performance.
