Curriculum

Fifth grade teachers incorporate study skills into their core classes which focus on helping students to organize themselves and their belongings.  Throughout the year, through projects and day-to-day assignments, fifth grade teachers emphasize the organizational skills introduced at the start of the year.  In addition to the curriculum that follows, fifth grade students may participate in these special activities:

Math 5

Students review concepts relating to whole numbers, using the basic operations involving decimals, fractions and mixed numbers.  Ratios and percents are introduced in the context of real life practical problems.  Measurement and graphing activities are integrated throughout the year.

English 5

In Fifth Grade English students spend the year learning reading skills, improving their grammar, spelling, writing mechanics and broadening their understanding of literature.  Fifth graders practice writing in its many forms- note taking, essays, poems, stories, journals, reviews, and memoirs.  Students also write a research paper, relating to a question posed in ancient history.  Students choose a book of their own choice to read each month; Treasure Island and Pure Dead Magic are required reading during the year.

Science 5

The curriculum incorporates biology, chemistry, ecology, and earth science.  The class offers students a chance to investigate a variety of topics while learning about scientific methods and scientific thought.  By structuring the activities to emphasize problem solving, we not only endeavor to appeal to the student’s natural curiosity about the world and its workings, we also begin to approximate the way in which real scientists tackle their work.

Ancient History

Students study historical and geographical concepts through ancient societies which include Sumer, Egypt, Israel, China, Greece, India, and Rome.  Mythology and the study of the arts of these early cultures are interwoven throughout the curriculum.  Topics in English, Art, and Music are incorporated within this class.  Organizational strategies, reading, writing, geography, and critical thinking skills are emphasized.

Foreign Language

Foreign language is a part of the core curriculum in the fifth and sixth grades.  All students take Spanish, as well as Latin, which is a cycle subject.  The Spanish language course is designed to continue the study of the language begun in Lower School.  Latin cycle provides an overview of the linguistic relationship of Latin to English.  Aspects of culture and civilization are presented in both the modern and classical languages.

Cycle Classes

Computer 5

Students explore a variety of software and technology in depth, demonstrating their knowledge and skills through various projects, often integrated with curriculum topics.  Keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, a multimedia program, and a drawing program compose the core of the fifth grade computer curriculum.

Art 5

Students gain better awareness of both two and three-dimensional art through exposure and hands-on practice.  Introduction to portraiture and basic figure drawing directs students to explore strategies used by different cultures involving integration of the face and body into artworks. Students learn the importance of proportion and the influence stylization can affect a final product.  Using personal symbolism as a theme, students create self-portraits using graphite, paint and other mediums.  The term “self-portrait” is also used abstractly as students create ceramic sculptures inspired by Art History and personal vision.

Latin 5

This course introduces students to basic language skills important to studying Romance languages.  It is designed to coincide with students' modern language studies in Fifth Grade.  Students learn vocabulary and grammar points, study etymology and Greco-Roman mythology, and learn about the historical importance of the Roman Empire.

The focus in the sixth grade is on creating a cross-curricular experience for students.  Students take part in projects that span several of the disciplines at many times throughout the year.  These projects have two goals.  The first is to illustrate for the students the interrelationships between subject areas.  The second goal is to give students a step-by-step experience in organizing themselves and their work over a period of time.  How to study for an exam and test skills are emphasized as students prepare for exams in both math and English and the end of the second trimester.  In addition to the curriculum that follows, sixth graders may participate in these special activities:


Math 6

This course consolidates the arithmetic of previous grades, moving the students from arithmetic to algebra. Designed to maximize the acquisition of both skills and concepts, students apply these to better understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life.  The main goal of this program is to encourage math skills development and promote student confidence. Topics studied in this course include working with integers, solving equations, ratios, proportions and percents.

English 6

The sixth grade English program is designed to further develop the students’ abilities as readers, writers, speakers, and critical thinkers.  Students are exposed to many literary genres including short stories, drama, essays, fables, and novels.  Books read during the sixth grade include, Freak the Mighty, Julius Caesar, and Tales of King Arthur.  Daily lessons stress vocabulary, grammar and usage.  Independent reading, reading together as a class, and group sharing of ideas are incorporated throughout the yearlong course of study.

Science 6

Designed to stimulate interest in science, concepts are taught through “hands-on” experimentation and discussion.  While note taking and writing skills are stressed, interdisciplinary activities emphasize the importance of all academic skills in science.  Topics and activities include:  basic and advanced electricity, magnets and electromagnetism, watersheds and wetlands, the inheritance of traits, body biography genetic self-study, and populations and ecosystems.

An Overview of the Middle Ages

Students study the geographical, economic, historical, and cultural themes of various world regions during the Middle Ages.  Societies examined include China, Japan, the Middle East, Europe, Scandinavia, and India.  Content is organized with an emphasis on the social and political structures that created important historical turning points during this critical period of history.  Organizational, reading, writing, critical thinking, and self-evaluation skills are also emphasized within the curriculum.  Students are encouraged to view history as “our story”, linking their own tendencies and lifestyles to those of the peoples and regions studied.

Foreign Language

Spanish is part of the core curriculum in the sixth grade.  All students take Spanish as well as Latin, which is a cycle subject.  The modern language course is designed to continue the study of the language begun in the Lower School.  Students will be exposed to Latin for a third of the school year.  Aspects of culture and civilization are presented in both modern and classical languages.

Cycle Classes

Latin 6

This course introduces students to reading Latin, understanding grammatical concepts, and exploring how an ancient language works.  Vocabulary, etymology, and Roman culture are emphasized, and Greco-Roman mythology is introduced.  Students also write and present dialogues of their own invention.

Art 6

Mythology and Storytelling are themes that guide students continuing to develop skills involving two and three-dimensional art. Students are introduced to visual narratives produced by different cultures as they learn to develop their own characters and imagery.  Storytelling serves as a catalyst to inspire mythological figure paintings and sculptures. In clay, students create gargoyles and explore ways in which emotion and character can be depicted three-dimensionally.

Digital Citizenship 6: The sixth grade library/computer curriculum will focus on appropriate use of computers and staying safe while using the internet. Academic honesty will also be a focus, with time spent on issues such as defining and understanding intellectual property, citing sources used in a project or paper as well as paraphrasing and using direct quotes.

In seventh grade, students continue to work on a variety of skills that lead to self-advocacy and the ability to make good decisions.   Organization, note-taking, developing positive peer relationships, and study skills are among the topics that are covered.  Students take exams at the end of the second trimester to demonstrate their mastery of the academic curriculum in each of the five core academic courses for the first time. They also participate in interscholastic athletics with the 8th grade students. In addition to the curriculum that follows, eighth grade students may participate in these special activities:

Math 7

This course is designed to build on the concepts studied in Math 6. More advanced algebra topics such as graphing linear equations, exponents and systems of equations will be studied. In addition, the students will be exposed to basic geometric concepts and applications. Applied problem solving and decision-making strategies are also used extensively.

Science 7

7^th Grade Science focuses on the scientific method, data collection, physics, chemistry, and fieldwork.  Students learn the basic facts in various disciplines of science and develop an understanding and appreciation of a broad spectrum of scientific topics, recognizing the impact of contemporary science in their everyday lives.  Students develop a literacy that enables them to search and learn on their own, utilizing various resources, allowing them to follow current research.  Students work to communicate in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing.  Lab work encourages students to work cooperatively and challenges them to collect data accurately.  Organization and attention to details is stressed on a daily basis.

English 7

The seventh grade English program is designed to develop students’ability to read, write, speak, and think critically.  Assigned reading includes young adult and classic literature focusing on novels, short stories, and plays.  Discussion, journal entries, essays, and creative writing provide opportunities for students to respond to the reading in a variety of ways.  Students work with each other as well as the teacher throughout the writing process, from choosing a topic to proofreading a final draft.  Vocabulary, grammar and spelling are addressed individually as well as in group lessons.

U.S. History:  Foundations of a Nation

Students study the various social, political, and economic factors that led to the formation of the United States of America.  Using diaries, journals and other primary sources along with text, students seek to identify with the institutions & traditions which have formed vs. ratio moving chronologically through the major periods of U.S. History and stresses the following historical concepts: colonization, acculturation, compromise, competition, immigration, sectionalism, and reform.  Reading, note taking, discussion, simulations, formal writing, and group activities are integral components of the course.  Students work with biography, art, primary source documents, music, literature, online courses, and computer simulation software.

World Languages

 
Spanish IA

Spanish IA will introduce basic language skills to the beginning language student.  For the student with previous exposure to Spanish, it will build upon and strengthen the basic language skills learned in previous Spanish courses taken by the student..  Our text book series balances all the elements of language learning, combining vocabulary and grammar study with in-depth looks at various cultures in which Spanish is spoken, including our own.  Extensive multi-media resources, including video and audio CD’s, attempt to bring the students into realistic contact with real Spanish speakers and engage them in actively learning the Spanish language.  By the end of the year, students will begin to develop a foundation in Spanish speaking and comprehension skills as well as a greater understanding of the world cultures in which Spanish is spoken.

Latin IA

Latin IA is a course designed to meet the needs of Middle School students interested in the study of Latin beyond  the previous introductory courses.  For students who have some background in Latin, the course will delve more deeply into Latin grammar and culture; however students need not have any prior experience with Latin to take this course.  During their studies of Latin grammar students will master the basic skills and knowledge necessary to decipher Latin texts.  The focus of the grammar lessons will be on reading and translating Latin texts through the study of vocabulary, analysis of sentence structure, and patterns discovered in Latin grammar.

Cycle Classes

Drama 7

Students in the seventh grade drama course collaborate to develop an original play based on a folk or fairy tale.  As a group they determine how to illustrate abstract concepts theatrically, employing theatrical tools and improvised movement and dialogue.  Adding scenes and characters allows each member of the class to have a significant performing role of his or her design, and each student also supports the play by taking notes, responding to their peers, and performing backstage tasks.  The play is performed at the end of the quarter for an audience of family and friends.

Values and Choices

This course is based on the idea that teenagers are choice-makers and that, given help, they have the capacity to choose wisely.  By giving honest, straightforward information, and by sharing values, we empower teenagers to make good choices that will have a positive impact on their lives.  Topics include: basic values, decision-making skills, making choices and their consequences, puberty, dating, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, teen pregnancy, birth, and planning for the future.  The course includes a parent component consisting of two evening sessions and shared parent/child homework.

Art 7

Working with the theme of Pubic Art and its ability to transform a space, students become familiarized with the concept of parts versus a whole.  Initially students work individually to develop conceptual drawings and smaller scale paintings; these preliminary works will translate into one communal mural.  The murals’ themes may vary but the involvement of each student is consistent.  Students develop advanced problem solving skills and rendering skills with respect to large-scale image production.  In addition, students work digitally to create site-specific public art installations that influence the perception and environment of a given space.

Information Literacy 7

Seventh grade students will develop more sophisticated search procedures for the internet and the school library.  They will choose topics from a subject class class and research them in a variety of sources, both within the library and online.  They will design and upload a web page on their research subject, demonstrating a beginning understanding of the HTML scripting language.They will practice computer graphics by inserting images into these documents and editing digital photographs for their web pages.

They will divide most of their in-class time learning about web publishing and elementary computer programming.  They will study how the HTML language defines web pages, and how the LOGO language can create simple computer procedures and games. An engineering / robotics section will expose students to simple mechanics such as a gear box and constructing a basic robotic vehicle. Students will then learn how to program their robotic to navigate a simple obstacle course, or perform a similar series of movements, without touching the vehicle itself.

The focus of the eighth grade program is on academic and personal independence, responsibility, and accountability.  Student work involves long and short-term projects during which assistance is offered at key points, yet the majority of the work is carried out by the students in an independent setting.  Throughout the eighth grade curriculum, strong emphasis is placed on classroom skills needed by the Upper School student.  In addition to the curriculum that follows, eighth grade students may participate in these special activities:

Algebra 1

This course is designed to cover all the concepts associated with a first year high school algebra course.  Concepts include: variables, linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, ratio and proportion, systems of equations, inequalities, functions, rational and irrational expressions, and linear and nonlinear graphing.  Process is stressed over algorithm.  Students develop strategies to solve problems and apply those strategies to real-life situations.

Algebra 1A

This course is designed to cover half the concepts associated with a first year high school algebra course.  Concepts listed above will be developed in a more relaxed atmosphere.  Students are encouraged to seek extra help when necessary.  This class is designed to promote confidence and success in mathematics.  Students will complete the second half of the course in ninth grade.

Algebra Explorations

This course is designed to cover the concepts needed to provide a smooth transition into a first-year algebra course.  It is designed to provide the student with the skills and confidence needed to be a successful math student.

A student who has already completed an approved Algebra 1 program can be placed into an accelerated math course.

 
English 8

The eighth grade English program is designed to review the skills introduced in the earlier Middle School English courses and begins a transition to the demands of Upper School English courses.  Students move from reading young adult literature to classic novels and plays, including Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird, Inherit the Wind, and Richard III. Students analyze the reading not only for plot and character but for literary form, historical relevance, and thematic purpose as well. Whenever possible, connections between the English curriculum and those of other subjects will be emphasized. The literature becomes the inspiration for expository essays and creative writing, both of which will be evaluated for their content and their mastery of grammar, mechanics, and working vocabulary.  Students are encouraged to improve their writing through conferencing, peer editing, and writing multiple drafts.

Science 8

Students learn the basic facts of human anatomy and physiology and develop an understanding of various scientific topics.  Students recognize the impact of science in their everyday lives, both today and in the future.  They learn to use a variety of scientific equipment in a safe and efficient manner.  They develop a literacy that allows them to search and learn on their own from various resources.  Students work in groups to develop social and cooperative skills that help them in the future.  They learn to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.

World Geography

The United States in the World

This course covers the history of the United States from Reconstruction (1865) to the present.  It is designed to study thematically the political, social, and cultural concepts that continue to shape our country in the 21st century.  Students will explore demographic trends, immigration, the history of racial and ethnic minorities, women’s changing roles, urbanization, and wars. Emphasis is placed on geographic literacy, as world geography will be the framework through which students will learn about America’s becoming a world power, and about the conflicts that affect the nation today.

World Languages

Spanish IA

Spanish IA will introduce basic language skills to the beginning language student.  For the student with previous exposure to Spanish, it will build upon and strengthen the basic language skills learned in previous Spanish courses taken by the student..  Our text book series balances all the elements of language learning, combining vocabulary and grammar study with in-depth looks at various cultures in which Spanish is spoken, including our own.  Extensive multi-media resources, including video and audio CD’s, attempt to bring the students into realistic contact with real Spanish speakers and engage them in actively learning the Spanish language.  By the end of the year, students will begin to develop a foundation in Spanish speaking and comprehension skills as well as a greater understanding of the world cultures in which Spanish is spoken.

Spanish IB

Spanish IB is the continuation of Spanish IA and completes the study of Spanish I, This course will continue to lay a foundation in the Spanish language but at a more challenging pace.  Our textbook series balances all the elements of language learning, combining vocabulary and grammar study with in-depth looks at various cultures in which Spanish is spoken, including our own.  Extensive multi-media resources, including videos, CDs and CD-ROM software, attempt to bring the students into realistic contact with real Spanish speakers and engage them in actively learning the Spanish language.  By the end of the year, students will have a solid foundation in Spanish speaking and comprehension skills as well as a greater understanding of the places in the world where Spanish is spoken.

Latin IA

Latin IA is a course designed to meet the needs of Middle School students interested in the study of Latin beyond  the previous introductory courses.  For students who have some background in Latin, the course will delve more deeply into Latin grammar and culture; however students need not have any prior experience with Latin to take this course.  During their studies of Latin grammar students will master the basic skills and knowledge necessary to decipher Latin texts.  The focus of the grammar lessons will be on reading and translating Latin texts through the study of vocabulary, analysis of sentence structure, and patterns discovered in Latin grammar.

Latin IB

Latin IB is the continuation of Latin IA and completes the study of Latin I, enabling students who complete it successfully to move on to Latin II in the Upper School in 9^th grade.  The course takes up where Latin I-A leaves off and continues the adventures of the Cornelii family.  Grammar concepts will be reviewed before our study of new grammar concepts, vocabulary, and the cultures of the ancient world continues.  Since Ecce Romani I-B is shorter than Ecce Romani I-A, students will read from many other sources including authentic Latin texts.

Note: For 7^th and 8^th grade World Languages, students typically complete the level 1 program in two years, taking Level IA in the 7^th grade and IB in the 8^th grade.  Because Rutgers Prep begins foreign language instruction on a daily basis beginning in the 5^th grade, students may be ready for Level II prior to completion of the Middle School. A new student who has already completed an approved Level 1 program may be placed into a Level II program

Cycle Classes

Art 8

Students continue to develop skills and knowledge of two and three-dimensional design through examining the role mathematics plays in art production.  Students assume the role of architect as they create perspective drawings of futuristic cities.  Futuristic art is examined further as students create tessellation paintings inspired by imaginary creatures and altered landscapes.  Tessellations are also digitally manipulated to create new images based on the principles of design.
 
Drama 8

Students in Drama 8 learn about the theater by exploring the work of William Shakespeare.  Each quarter the class works with a different play, reading the text, improvising scenes based on the scenarios in the play, and acting out full or abridged versions of scenes.  Students will be required to memorize a speech from the play, perform a narrative summary of a scene, and participate in a action sequence from the play.  All of these moments, taken as a whole, create a performance inspired by Shakespeare’s work, which will be rehearsed and then performed on an evening near the end of the quarter.

Information Literacy 8

Students will learn about how we blend technology with the middle school curriculum.  Through various class projects such as researching and using library materials, interviewing, and videoing, students will gain insight into how they develop a video portfolio.  Additionally, students will learn how to organize their network folders so they can become more accessible and user friendly.  The quarter will culminate in a final project that represents the coursework and skills that were focused on during class.

Tomorrows Leaders

Tomorrow's Leaders is a character education and leadership skills training program for Eighth Grade students at Rutgers Preparatory School.  The goal of the course is to help foster positive character development and leadership skills for the students of our community.