Middle School Curriculum

Middle School English is a blend of grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and literature. We work hard to incorporate all of these elements throughout the year. Sixth grade English has a strong focus on grammar. The goal is to introduce the basics (parts of speech) while covering other frame-work topics, like complements, prepositional phrases, and clauses. A strong grammar base helps students immensely throughout the rest of middle and high school. The introduction of the five-paragraph essay, and working on this skill so early, makes a positive impact on their writing in later years.

Like sixth grade, the seventh grade curriculum covers grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and literature. However, the focus shifts more to writing. Students explore certain grammar concepts in-depth and usually do so by incorporating what they have learned into their own writing. They continue to work on five-paragraph literary analysis essays and are introduced to the book review, which is another way to critically explore the material read.

The goals of eighth grade English are to provide students with the grammatical terminology and knowledge necessary to discuss and implement correct usage, correct punctuation, and improved sentence structure. Intensive composition, reading, vocabulary, and grammar skills are integrated with presentation, technology, and collaborative skills. Students read a variety of literary genres and gain facility in literary analysis. Lessons and assignments are specifically focused on preparing students for college preparatory high school curricula.

The sixth grade math course continues to develop skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Geometry concepts, measurements, statistics, and ratios are covered, and the topic of integers, variables, expressions, and equations are introduced. The focus in every chapter is on problem solving, critical thinking, and number sense. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for pre-algebra.

Students are placed into Introduction to Pre-Algebra or Pre-Algebra based upon class performance, teacher and parent recommendations, and standardized testing.

Introduction to Pre-Algebra: This course establishes and reinforces foundational skills in preparation for pre-algebra and algebra concepts. Strong emphasis is placed upon integer and rational arithmetic, equations, proportions, and geometrical concepts. The use of mental math to solve daily problems and to estimate correct answers is encouraged.

Pre-Algebra: This course covers integral and real arithmetic, exponents, first-degree polynomials, equations and their solutions, inequalities, radicals, probability, and statistics. Coordinate geometry is also explored. The use of critical thinking skills is necessary for understanding the elements of pre-algebra.

Students are placed into Intro to Algebra or Algebra I based upon class performance, teacher and parent recommendations, and standardized testing.

Intro to Algebra I: This course begins with the review and reinforcement of pre-algebraic skills and concepts. It encompasses foundation work in arithmetic, number theory, algebra, geometry, and probability. Topics from these include integer and rational arithmetic, writing and solving equations, graphing linear equations and inequalities, and geometric formulae. This course prepares students to take Algebra I in high school.

Algebra I: This is a high school course offered at the Middle School level. The course begins with a comprehensive review of integral arithmetic, operations with real numbers, exponents, graphs, solutions of equations and inequalities, ratio, proportion, percent, and geometry concepts. Algebra I studies products and factors of polynomials, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities in two variables, radicals, quadratic functions, and geometry. Higher order thinking skills are required. Students who successfully complete this course are awarded high school credit.

The sixth grade travels throughout time and studies the world focusing on different cultures and geography. The journey begins in the ancient world from the beginning of human society to the Renaissance. Students are introduced to the geography, landforms, climate, environment, and resources of ancient civilizations. The course focuses on the spread of civilizations throughout the world, the early modern world, and present time. Map work is an integral part of the curriculum.

The seventh grade American history curriculum emphasizes the culture, political, social, economic, and geographic development of the United States from the Civil War through the Great Depression. Students begin to apply this core knowledge by making connections and recognizing the continuity between the ideas, events, and people of history and their lives now. Students build on previous research skills acquired in sixth grade to develop individual projects related to American history for the annual Social Studies Fair. They also examine and analyze written and visual information related to current events. Guided and independent note-taking skills are practiced along with developing essay writing through document-based questions.

First Semester: The eighth grade first semester curriculum emphasizes the cultural, political, social, economic, and geographic development of the United States from World War II through the Middle East conflicts. Students continue to build on core knowledge as they make connections and recognize the continuity between the ideas, events, and people of history and their lives now. Several methods of independent note-taking skills are introduced and practiced, thus allowing students to help determine individual learning styles. Students continue to develop comprehensive essay writing skills and build on document-based questions.

Second Semester: Louisiana history is designed to give students the opportunity to explore their own ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as those of others. They also experience the rich and varied natural resources and geographical regions of our state. By studying our past, they gain a better understanding of our future.

In sixth grade, students study Earth science, which focuses on the formation of our planet and sciences such as geology, erosion, and weather. Lessons are supported with hands-on activities and real-life experience, including labs and engineering challenges. 

Life science is the study of living things and their environment, including cytology, genetics, microbiology, botany, human anatomy, physiology, and ecology. In this class, students are active participants in the learning process through laboratory activities, computer interactives, and virtual labs using biological concepts. Students also participate in community projects to broaden their understanding of biology in action.

In eighth grade, students study physical science, which is the introduction to chemistry and physics. The class focuses on learning through experience; students complete labs, virtual experiments, and projects to grow in their understanding of the covered topics. Students also learn through reading and writing in scientific context. All students will complete a year-long Experimental Design Project. Students have the opportunity to earn high school credit for successfully completing this course.

French

The sixth grade course focuses on the basics and a wide range of vocabulary topics to build a strong foundation for seventh and eighth grades. Students learn and use the conjugations of regular -er verbs and the irregular verbs avoir and être. An appreciation of French culture and the cultures of francophone countries is developed.

Spanish

The ¡Así se Dice textbook consists of 11 chapters, each one introducing a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities which reinforce the learning. Sixth graders study the first five chapters of the textbook. There is a strong emphasis on context and conversational examples in each unit. Students should expect to become familiar with common vocabulary words, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations, respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, and analyze and compare cultural practices by the time they graduate from Middle School. Sixth grade Spanish class meets every day. Daily work and practice is done in class to reinforce the learning. 

French

Students review and then extend the French they learned during sixth grade. Vocabulary and grammar concepts are built on, allowing students to talk and write more about themselves, their classmates, and their families. Grammar concepts such as adjectives, possession, and asking and answering complex questions are studied in greater details. All three forms of regular verbs (-er, -ir, and -re) are studied as well as the irregular verbs avoir, être, faire, aller, and venir. Students study basic French geography and investigate similarities and differences between American culture and French culture. 

Spanish

The ¡Así se Dice textbook consists of 11 chapters, each one introducing a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities which reinforce the learning. Seventh grade students cover chapters 6, 9, 10 and 11. There is a strong emphasis on context and conversational examples in each unit. Students should expect to become familiar with common vocabulary words, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations, respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, and analyze and compare cultural practices by the time they graduate from Middle School.  

French

After a review of material learned in sixth and seventh grades, eighth grade students begin working at a much higher level of proficiency in the French language. New grammar concepts include demonstrative and interrogative adjectives, numerous irregular verbs, and the passé composé with both auxiliary verbs avoir and être. Students are able to express their opinions on a variety of topics, discuss activities they currently do, things they did in the past, and things they plan to do in the future. Students complete paragraph-long writing assignments and continue their study of the cultures of francophone countries through authentic digital resources.

Spanish

The ¡Así se Dice textbook consists of 11 chapters, each one introducing a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities which reinforce the learning. There is a strong emphasis on context and conversational examples in each unit. Students should expect to become familiar with common vocabulary words, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations, respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, and analyze and compare cultural practices by the time they graduate from Middle School.

Students will have a complete review and concentrate on reading, culture, writing, and speaking in eighth grade.  At the end of Middle School, students will be prepared to pass the Spanish proficiency test to earn credit for Spanish I in high school.

In this course, students will learn about Jesus and his early followers, what the world was like in their time, how Jesus’ message was spread, and how that message has been given to us nowadays. 

The required survey course is an interesting and insightful look at the major religions and their significant elements such as history and beliefs, traditions and practices, ceremonies and holidays, sacred writing, and places of worship.

Beginning with the students' own sense of religious identity, the exploration into the world of the “other” helps students understand the differences that make each of us unique and the similarities in attempting to interpret and cope with the challenges of the human experience.

This course serves as the final Christian Education course at St. Mark’s Cathedral School. It is designed to help students have a clear understanding of the history of the Church and of the Christian beliefs and values that have undergirded their education at St. Mark’s as we begin to think about how these beliefs and values will support and guide them in high school and beyond.

Our studies include units on family religious backgrounds, church history and denominations, and faith in action. The course includes all necessary components of instruction for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Students are not required to be confirmed, but all eighth graders will be eligible for confirmation, subject to any additional requirements of the Dean or Bishop.  

A course designed to expose  students to the elements and principles of design. Long-term projects are stressed, as well as composition and technique of the media taught.

This course may be taken more than once during Middle School.

Teacher: Mrs. Kelly Rangel
Class Size: 6-12

A continuation of Applied Art I that is designed to better prepare Middle School students who have taken Art I for the curriculum of high school. The elements and principles of art are stressed, as well as composition and technique in more sophisticated projects.

Prerequisite: Applied Art I

This course may be taken more than once during Middle School.

Teacher: Mrs. Kelly Rangel
Class Size: 6-12

Art History is a comprehensive survey of art and paintings, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern art. The course is taught by lecture and supplemented occasionally with short brain-pop videos. A test is given after every section of study. Small projects corresponding to each lesson will follow, if time allows.  Periods of art studied include Prehistoric, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, Dutch painting, Rococo, Neoclassical, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism, Pop Art, and Surrealism.

Teacher: Mrs. Kelly Rangel
Class Size: 8-18

Students will read and analyze several YA novels that are included in the Battle of the Books ArtBreak competition. We will move forward to compete against schools district wide. This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun reading!

Teacher: Mrs. Emily Vigen
Class Size: 4-15

This is a hands-on class that teaches students the basics of word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation programs, and gives a brief introduction to coding.

Teacher: Ms. Cheryl Vines
Class Size: 5-16

Computer Basics is designed to teach students the technology necessary for educational success. Students will do a quick keyboarding refresher course. Students are taught to use word processing, spreadsheet, design, and presentation programs. They are taught to use search engines and the importance of documenting their research. In addition to being able to produce documents, the students will gain the ability to decide which programs are best for individual tasks. Students will also work on basic coding skills.

Teacher: Ms. Cheryl Vines
Class Size: 6-15

Students are taught proper keyboarding technique. They work to improve typing speed as well as accuracy. Basic word processing skills are taught to help improve students’ keyboarding skills.

Teacher: Ms. Cheryl Vines
Class Size: 5-16

Students draft and revise a variety of poems, prose, and nonfiction pieces after studying mentor texts. The class will be workshop based with peer sharing and feedback before submitting final drafts.

Teacher: Mrs. Emily Vigen
Class Size: 5-18

A review of Disney will examine some of the iconic films, parks, characters, and people from this historic American company

Teacher: Mr. Kris Wooster
Class Size: 4-16

In History Through Movies, Middle School students will research historical events, watch movies based on these historical events, write movie reviews, give presentations, and create projects inspired by these historical events. ***Please note*** that some of these movies include war and violent scenes, which causes these films to have higher ratings than what may typically be shown in a classroom.

Teacher: Mrs. Cody White
Class Size: 3-10

This class takes a deep dive into effective leaders throughout history, studying the historical figures' modi operandi and what made them so successful.

Teacher: Mr. Dylan Deal
Class Size: 3-15

Lion’s Reach students will engage in hands-on service activities in our local community and school campus through student-led projects, reflections, and discussions by following Christ’s example and aiming to develop a heart for helping others!

Teacher: Ms. Maddie Bodden
Class Size: 5-15

In Lost Heroes of History, Middle School students will research and create projects on some of the lesser-known individuals who have made their mark on the world.

Teacher: Mrs. Cody White
Class Size: 3-10

This class takes a look at all of the critical components of business, economics, and entrepreneurship. Skills learned in this class are negotiation techniques, analyzing spec sheets, making product pitches, and more.

Teacher: Mrs. Rachel McNerney
Class Size: 4-16

This media arts class will focus on teaching middle school students how to plan, write, act, record, edit, and publish weekly video updates about what is happening on St. Mark's campus.

Teacher: Coach Trey Woodham
Class Size: 8-12

Have you ever wondered how people could get up in front of a crowd and give a speech that is both humorous and interesting? The speech/public speaking enrichment course is designed to show you how! This course is intended to better prepare students for successfully writing and giving a coherent and well-rounded speech. Students will learn techniques to overcome stage fright as well as how to outline and research speech topics. Through the comprehensive study of how to organize a speech, be a good audience, and give as well as receive constructive criticism, students will be more prepared to give speeches in other classes as well as demonstrate their knowledge to their class through the use of practice speeches such as a how-to speech or a persuasive speech.

Teacher: Mrs. Sarah Chaudoir
Class Size: 6-10

The Social Studies Fair is one of the first times students write an MLA research paper. This can be intimidating for many students. By taking this enrichment, students will be guided through the Social Studies Fair research process step by step. Students will have small group instruction on all elements of the MLA research paper writing process. This should aid students with time management for the Social Studies Fair project. AR reading time will also be provided during this enrichment.

Teacher: Mrs. Sarah Chaudoir
Class Size: 3-15