Curriculum

General Information

The Middle School (grades 6-8) is a time when young women are developing new interests, exploring roles, and experiencing tremendous growth. At Stuart, our priority is to facilitate our students' growth as individuals rooted in faith and compassion. To this end, our curriculum focuses on the total development of the student. Programs are designed to meet the particular needs of this age group. We strive to create a community environment that is supportive and in which excellence is encouraged, but direct competition is discouraged.

English The English curriculum for grade six is part of an interdisciplinary humanities program offering many links by theme and by topic to studies in history, religion and science. Examples of such links are the reading of Greek myths and the staging of classical Greek tragedies. Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Book A provides the formal structure for studying and discussing vocabulary, assisting students to understand the origins and meanings of words found in everyday language and in more sophisticated literary selections. The sixth grade also reads a variety of challenging poems, short stories, plays and novels, participates in workshops with visiting poets, attends professional theater productions, and publishes a literary magazine.

In seventh grade, students read a combination of "classic literature" and young adult fiction. The reading list is designed to complement the history curriculum. A vocabulary workbook is used in conjunction with words taken from literary texts. Students begin to develop close reading skills, including a greater awareness of literary devices. Writing instruction includes both analytical and creative writing, as well as informal journal responses. Grammar instruction includes both individualized comments on writing mechanics and use of a grammar workbook.

In the eighth grade, close reading and expository writing skills are emphasized. The students read plays, novels, poetry and essays to broaden their appreciation and understanding of the genres. Frequent persuasive, descriptive, narrative, or poetry-writing exercises are given. Grammar is addressed primarily on an individual basis through comments on essays. A vocabulary workbook, Vocabulary from Classical Roots, Book C, is used in conjunction with words taken from the texts.

Mathematics Mathematics for Middle School students is related to their ability, past performance, maturity, and learning style. In sixth grade, girls may be placed in a pre-algebra course or in a sixth grade course that continues the arithmetic and problem-solving skills from the elementary grades and introduces pre-algebraic concepts. In seventh grade, a student would be placed in a one-year algebra course or in the first year of a two-year algebra sequence. The eighth grade has three sections: one of Geometry Honors and two sections of the second year of the two-year algebra sequence. The goal for all Middle School students is to develop a firm foundation that includes all of Algebra I, but does so in a way that allows all girls to master the subject in depth.

Science The Middle School science program exposes students to the basic concepts of life and physical sciences and develops their skills in laboratory procedures and the scientific method. The sixth grade focuses on the nature of science, weather, and our dynamic earth. The seventh grade studies the kingdoms of life, evolution, and ecology. The eighth grade stresses the basic concepts of physics and chemistry.

History The sixth grade investigates ancient civilizations beginning with prehistoric times. Among the cultures studied are those of the Maya, Near East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Four Corner Pueblo Indians. Classwork is supplemented with guest speakers and appropriate field trips, including annual visits to the Princeton University Art Museum, Metropolitan Museum, Jewish Museum, and a tour of the Amish and Mennonite cultures in Pennsylvania.

The seventh grade studies European history, including the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, and Age of Exploration, as well as world geography. Students continue to develop research and writing skills, including taking notes, outlining, and citing sources. Reading material includes selections from both primary and secondary sources. Students work intensively on reading and interpreting primary sources, as well as identifying bias. Students complete a multi-dimensional history project each trimester.

The eighth grade curriculum explores all levels of the American political system - local, state and federal. Emphasis is placed on the skills of critical thinking, the gathering, organizing and interpretation of data, and communication. These skills are developed through class discussions, group work, simulation games, debates, projects, and test. The students visit Washington, DC, where they see government in action.

Foreign Languages The objective of foreign language study is to introduce a student to French or Spanish language and culture and to develop the four skills of language acquisition: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The courses use a variety of materials in addition to the basic text - videos and audiotapes as well as workbooks and flashcards.

Religious Studies Sixth graders study the Old Testament in the context of time, place, and literary form. Emphasis is placed on Scriptural prayer and God's action through the people and events of the Bible.

The seventh grade course "Exploration of Faith" includes the study of concepts and beliefs basic to Christianity and to all religious faiths, and reflection on the Sunday Lectionary of Scripture Readings common to many Christian churches. Students examine the lives and works of selected religious leaders, moral issues appropriate to students' age and development, and contemporary issues of ethics, justice and peace.

Eighth graders concentrate on Christology, exploring carefully the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ. Discussions and projects help them to understand what these teachings mean in their lives today. As part of Stuart's sacramental program, eighth graders who are Roman Catholic are prepared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

The Arts The study of music in the Middle School incorporates basic theory, sight singing and rhythm reading, as well as an introduction to music/art history. All students sing in the Chorus, which emphasizes the enjoyment of all kinds of music while acquiring sound vocal techniques.

The art program emphasizes imaginative self-expression through various two and three-dimensional media. In the studio the curriculum includes critique, aesthetics, art history as well as the practice of Art.

Regularly scheduled drama classes offer students the opportunity to perform on stage and learn the techniques of acting while gaining problem-solving skills and developing self-confidence and critical analysis. The program also introduces theatre history in terms of research in era, style and genre. The Middle School drama program culminates in the annual eighth grade musical theater production.

Community Service The Community Service Program at Stuart models the Sacred Heart commitment to education including " a social awareness which impels to action". The program is designed to help the student learn about the different needs of the extended community and to actively respond to those needs. All students in the Middle School have an ongoing community service experience during the school year.

Middle School Computer Keyboarding, word processing, database, spread sheet, and telecommunications are provided to each grade. Students are taught the mechanics of the computer and discuss the ethical questions arising from the use of this powerful resource. By the end of the eighth grade, students are capable of producing multimedia presentations.

Physical Education Physical Education in the Middle School exposes students to a variety of team sports and fitness activities. Students are introduced to field hockey, soccer, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse and softball. Emphasis is placed on basic skill acquisition, concepts, and strategies. Middle School teams exist in field hockey, tennis, basketball, track and field, cross country, lacrosse, and ice hockey.