Heritage Hall Middle School provides… 

MATHEMATICS

The fifth grade mathematics program is designed to engage students in problem solving, mathematical reasoning, pattern recognition, spatial ability, and number theory within the context of both independent work and cooperative group activities.  During the year, students should master concepts of place value, multiplication of whole numbers and decimals, division of natural numbers with one and two digit divisors, measurement, and fraction addition, subtraction and multiplication.  Fifth graders also study introductory levels of probability, geometry, and algebra.

SCIENCE

The science program integrates the skills and concepts of the biological, chemical, physical, and earth sciences to aid students in developing an awareness and appreciation of the world around them.  Exploration, investigation, inquiry, examination, and experimentation help foster the development of both intuitive and logical thought processes in a manner that engages the interests and curiosities of students.

ENGLISH

English encompasses writing, grammar, spelling, and reading skills.  Selected novels, which come from World Civilizations topics, allow students to expand their knowledge and provide a basis for creative expression through writing, vocabulary, grammar usage, and project development.

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS

World Civilizations promotes an understanding of today’s diverse world.  The main focus of instruction is the acquisition of conceptual knowledge and skill development through a factual base.  Themes and topics of multi-cultural historical eras are explored.  Geography is also part of this course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is coeducational and emphasizes participation in group and individual activities that promote physical fitness, coordination, strength, and endurance. The activities help foster a positive self-image and help students develop a positive attitude toward exercise and wellness.

COMPUTER

Students in their first year of MS computer are introduced to basic keyboarding techniques that help them become accurate and efficient keyboarders. Students utilize keyboarding skills software and learn the basics for formatting text, paragraphs, and page settings within documents. This largely project-based course allows students to create a wide variety of work with documents and presentations along with other basic computer programs. Students utilize the Internet for research and media purposes and are introduced to age-appropriate digital citizenship concepts. This year of technology training sets a firm foundation for future courses

ART

Fifth grade art introduces students to the basic fundamentals of two and three dimensional design.  Students learn through hands-on projects drawn from art topics in the World Civilizations curriculum.

CHORUS

This class introduces students to the basic elements of music, including theory, history, instruments, and vocal pedagogy. Students are also given the opportunity to perform a musical, as well as perform for community and civic events. 

WORLD LANGUAGES

Students continue the study of Spanish in the fifth grade from the lower school curriculum.  Reading, storytelling, music and other engaging activities give students the opportunity to learn a foreign language in a stimulating environment.  A French unit and a Chinese unit will be taught at the end of the year in order to help students make a decision as to which language to study in the sixth grade.  New students will be encouraged to take a summer Spanish class offered through the school in order to learn some basic vocabulary that is routinely used in the classroom

MATH

Math in the sixth grade is presented through active participation in the learning experience. Teachers emphasize basic number skills, geometry, and metrics, with focus on discovery, investigation, application, and the use of manipulatives. The fundamental skills of problem solving are stressed.

SCIENCE

The science curriculum introduces students to the scientific method as a means of problem solving. Students develop critical-thinking skills that may be applied to an understanding of basic life, earth, and physical science concepts.

ENGLISH

This course emphasizes grammar, usage, mechanics, spelling, vocabulary, and paragraph writing. Through literature units in fables, myths, and novels, essential literary terms and techniques are introduced and reviewed regularly. The development of reading comprehension skills constitutes an important aspect of the literature program.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students study the history, geography, and cultures of the people of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The course combines discussion, group work, written assignments, review games, and the study of current events to reinforce the text material.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This program is activity-oriented and coeducational. The emphasis is on physical fitness, coordination, strength, and endurance. The activities include both team and individual sports. Teamwork concepts and attitudes are a part of the framework for structuring class activities.

COMPUTER

During this course, students continue to practice keyboarding technique. Reinforcing acquired good habits, students begin to focus more on typing for speed while maintaining accuracy. While students continue to use keyboarding software to improve speed, increasing focus on Microsoft Word provides students with the knowledge and skills to type school reports, letters, and a wide variety of other documents. PowerPoint basics continue to be reinforced through assignment of a wide variety of creative projects. Emphasis on basic Microsoft Excel spreadsheet skills equips students to organize, format, and make calculations with mathematical data. Additional ageappropriate digital citizenship and ethics concepts are also emphasized.

ART

Students continue to study the basic fundamentals of art important for the human response to our world. They are given hands-on exposure to major art concepts utilizing the historical periods from Ancient Greece to the Baroque.

CHORUS

Students learn the basic elements of music—vocally, theoretically, and historically. They will apply this knowledge through active vocal participation in class and in performance.

WRITING

This course develops skills in expository, analytical, and creative writing. The course stresses methods to improve process, organization, and creativity.

WORLD LANGUAGES

In the sixth grade, students choose to either continue their study of Spanish or begin their study of French or Mandarin. They continue with the same language in the seventh and eighth grades. Spanish and French are taught using the TPRS method (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) with a strong emphasis on reading and listening comprehension. Mandarin emphasizes listening, character-writing and speaking. All classes are conducted primarily in the target language. New students who have not had Spanish must enroll in French or Mandarin. 

MATH

The seventh grade math course strives to improve computation skills and number sense, while introducing formal reasoning through the algebraic concepts of expressions and equations. The curriculum parallels the ten standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

PRE-ALGEBRA

Pre-Algebra math students refine the four operations on integers, decimals, and fractions. The course stresses practical problem solving with an emphasis on word problems. Understanding is extended through equation writing, the use of ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students develop skills necessary for solving multi-step equations. Geometry is interspersed with a solid base in such topics as geometric figures, measurements, similarities, differences, and comparisons in area and volume.

SCIENCE

The science curriculum continues the development of critical thinking skills through the study of life science. The classes emphasize scientific method, basic scientific concepts, and handson activities.

ENGLISH

The curriculum emphasizes grammar while also introducing students to higher levels of literature and to the four basic types of paragraphs. The literature program teaches proper reading skills and emphasizes vocabulary.

U.S. HISTORY

This course surveys our country’s history from early exploration through the end of World War II. Students study the social, political, and economic changes of our nation.

WORLD LANGUAGES

In the seventh grade, students continue the language they chose in the sixth grade (Spanish, French or Mandarin). All classes continue to be taught primarily in the target language. There is an added emphasis on culture and speaking in the seventh grade. New students who have not had the equivalent language curriculum will take a beginning level Spanish class.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION or SPORTS

Seventh graders must participate in sports or physical education.

SEVENTH/EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVES

ART - This studio class focuses on ceramics, painting, print making, and 3-D sculptures.

CHORUS/MUSICAL - Students prepare music and are encouraged to audition for the COCDA and OCDA choruses and OSSAA choir contests, and perform in the fall and spring Revues. They also produce the MS musical in May.

COMPUTER - The computer elective covers Internet Research, Digital Citizenship, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatting and presentation design, and Scratch programming. In addition, students will cover Google Docs and proper use of Heritage Hall student email. Keyboarding will continue to be emphasized.

CREATIVE WRITING - The class gives students the opportunity to learn about writing in several genres: poetry, song lyrics, magazine articles, movie or book reviews, plays, fairy tales, business letters, and more. Also, students will develop skills writing narrative, process, comparison, contrast, and descriptive paragraphs. Emphasis on proofreading, identifying and correcting run-ons, comma splices, and fragments will be an integral part of this workshop.

DEBATE - The class includes activities that foster the development of effective arguments. The course incorporates videos and class debates, and students have the opportunity to compete in local debate tournaments.

DRAMA - This class explores the areas of drama, pantomime, improvisation, and script work. It culminates in performances of skits in front of an audience.

FILM - Film class explores the different genres using clips and full length films. By focusing on selected films, learning a vocabulary for analysis, writing, and critiques, students will acquire competence in film analysis.

MATH FUN - The math elective strengthens basic math skills at the seventh and eighth grade math levels. Concepts will be learned through games, media, technology, exploration and experimentation, competition, and cross-age teaching. This class is recommended for students wishing to obtain a better understanding of mathematics.

NEWSPAPER - Students in Newspaper conduct interviews, research story ideas, develop writing skills, and produce the school newspaper. Students use Google Docs to design, layout, and print the newspaper. Pupils gain first-hand experience using photography to illustrate stories.

ORCHESTRA - This class introduces students to the challenges and the joys of learning to play and perform on a musical instrument in a group setting. The focus will be on learning proper technique, music reading, practice habits, group etiquette, and performance. Students will perform at one of the several performances held by the Heritage Hall Performing Arts program. In most cases, students interested in playing an instrument will need to either rent one for the semester or purchase one. Student must also be able to practice at home. No previous experience is necessary for most instruments. (Woodwind and Brass students must be currently taking private lessons and already know basic playing technique). Orchestra #1 is for beginning students, and Orchestra #2 is for students who took Orchestra in the 7th grade or who display ability beyond beginner’s level.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Students learn the basics of digital camera photography including the proper handling of the camera, the use of different camera functions, taking quality pictures, learning perspective, editing, and creating computergenerated prints. Each student must provide his/her own camera. (iPhones will be allowed to be used as their camera.)

READING - This class focuses on developing reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary. Growth in reading speed moves the word-by-word reader to greater levels of comprehension. To develop keener comprehension skills, students will identify main ideas and supporting details, analyze characters, and draw interferences and conclusions. Vocabulary development includes knowledge of roots, prefixes and suffixes and their derivatives coupled with analogy practice.

STAGECRAFT - This one-semester class is geared to introduce the student to the different aspects of technical theatre. The class will cover a brief history of theatre, backstage safety, scenic drawing (2-D and computer 3-D), sound systems, and basic lighting concepts. The semester will culminate with the student being on running crew for the MS Drama program. 

PRE-ALGEBRA

Pre-algebra students refine the four operations on integers, decimals, and fractions. The course stresses practical problem solving with an emphasis on word problems. Understanding is extended through equation writing, the use of ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students develop skills necessary for solving multi-step equations. Geometry is interspersed with a solid base in such topics as geometric figures, measurement, similarities, differences, and comparisons in area and volume.

ALGEBRA

We begin with understanding variables and their properties. Students refine the four operations with respect to real numbers and expressions. This course also focuses on linear, quadratic, exponential, and absolute-value functions. Students discover the connection between algebraic, graphical, and real- world applications of these functions.

SCIENCE

This course follows an integrated science curriculum using topics from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. Using an investigative approach, the course focuses on teaching the core skills employed by scientists. ENGLISH Students read literature from many genres and practice a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. Students review grammar and apply knowledge of language structure and conventions as they write, both critically and creatively.

HISTORY

This government and civics course examines the roots of the American political system. Students study Western government, from Greek democracy and the Roman Republic to the House of Burgesses and the Puritan theocracy. The course culminates in a unit on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, focusing on what it means to be an American citizen.

WORLD LANGUAGES

Students continue the language they chose in the sixth or seventh grade (Spanish, French, Latin or Mandarin). All languages build on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills acquired from previous years. Successful completion of MS world language study prepares students for the second level of study in the Upper School. New students who have not had the equivalent language curriculum will take Beginning Spanish.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION or SPORTS

Eighth graders must participate in sports or physical education.

SEVENTH/EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVES

ART - This studio class focuses on ceramics, painting, print making, and 3-D sculptures.

CHORUS/MUSICAL - Students prepare music and are encouraged to audition for the COCDA and OCDA choruses and OSSAA choir contests, and perform in the fall and spring Revues. They also produce the MS musical in May.

COMPUTER - The computer elective covers Internet Research, Digital Citizenship, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatting and presentation design, and Scratch programming. In addition, students will cover Google Docs and proper use of Heritage Hall student email. Keyboarding will continue to be emphasized.

CREATIVE WRITING - The class gives students the opportunity to learn about writing in several genres: poetry, song lyrics, magazine articles, movie or book reviews, plays, fairy tales, business letters, and more. Also, students will develop skills writing narrative, process, comparison, contrast, and descriptive paragraphs. Emphasis on proofreading, identifying and correcting run-ons, comma splices, and fragments will be an integral part of this workshop.

DEBATE - The class includes activities that foster the development of effective arguments. The course incorporates videos and class debates, and students have the opportunity to compete in local debate tournaments.

DRAMA - This class explores the areas of drama, pantomime, improvisation, and script work. It culminates in performances of skits in front of an audience.

FILM - Film class explores the different genres using clips and full length films. By focusing on selected films, learning a vocabulary for analysis, writing, and critiques, students will acquire competence in film analysis.

MATH FUN - The math elective strengthens basic math skills at the seventh and eighth grade math levels. Concepts will be learned through games, media, technology, exploration and experimentation, competition, and cross-age teaching. This class is recommended for students wishing to obtain a better understanding of mathematics.

NEWSPAPER - Students in Newspaper conduct interviews, research story ideas, develop writing skills, and produce the school newspaper. Students use Google Docs to design, layout, and print the newspaper. Pupils gain first-hand experience using photography to illustrate stories.

ORCHESTRA - This class introduces students to the challenges and the joys of learning to play and perform on a musical instrument in a group setting. The focus will be on learning proper technique, music reading, practice habits, group etiquette, and performance. Students will perform at one of the several performances held by the Heritage Hall Performing Arts program. In most cases, students interested in playing an instrument will need to either rent one for the semester or purchase one. Student must also be able to practice at home. No previous experience is necessary for most instruments. (Woodwind and Brass students must be currently taking private lessons and already know basic playing technique). Orchestra #1 is for beginning students, and Orchestra #2 is for students who took Orchestra in the 7th grade or who display ability beyond beginner’s level.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Students learn the basics of digital camera photography including the proper handling of the camera, the use of different camera functions, taking quality pictures, learning perspective, editing, and creating computergenerated prints. Each student must provide his/her own camera. (iPhones will be allowed to be used as their camera.)

READING - This class focuses on developing reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary. Growth in reading speed moves the word-by-word reader to greater levels of comprehension. To develop keener comprehension skills, students will identify main ideas and supporting details, analyze characters, and draw interferences and conclusions. Vocabulary development includes knowledge of roots, prefixes and suffixes and their derivatives coupled with analogy practice.

STAGECRAFT - This one-semester class is geared to introduce the student to the different aspects of technical theatre. The class will cover a brief history of theatre, backstage safety, scenic drawing (2-D and computer 3-D), sound systems, and basic lighting concepts. The semester will culminate with the student being on running crew for the MS Drama program.