Seventh Grade Electives

Transcription

1 Seventh Grade Electives Electives are year-long courses. In selecting electives, students should rank choices in order of preference (1-3) since these are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Art/Drama 7 Art 7 is a studio class with a focus on world geography. We examine the role of art throughout the world while exploring a variety of cultural art practices and processes. This enables students to acquire technical skills and gain historical and cultural perspectives while exploring a wide array of media. Students work in traditional mark-making medium, like pencil, and paint in both two and three-dimensional formats. In addition, new techniques and media, such as Pysanky, (Ukrainian Egg Decoration), tin repoussee, (creating texture and dimension in foil) and batik are also included in the curriculum. Students have opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com. Drama is a semester-long course exploring good communication skills, character development, and group dynamics. Students will learn the processes used to plan and practice a stage production and will explore how the mind, body, and voice are used to communicate character, and the various support tools of a performance. While learning and honing the basics throughout the semester, students will also audition for, rehearse, and perform a short script for the entire 7th grade class at the end of the semester. Contact Holly Shepherd Urbanowicz at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com. 6 th /7 th Grade Chorus (no audition required) This performance class is an ensemble focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and music appreciation. We will also develop collaborative skills while working together as an ensemble. Of course, we will sing and perform! Students can expect to improve in vocal and music reading skills. In addition, students will leave this class with a greater appreciation for and understanding of various genres of music, a broadened worldview, and a stronger sense of community as we cultivate the gift of music together. Contact Mindy Hoover at mindy_hoover@brentwoodacademy.com.

2 Beginning Concert Band Beginning Band gives an opportunity for middle school students with no prior experience in a school concert band program to begin the process of learning a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass, and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students learn to read music and develop foundational instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Band instructors will assist each student with placement and instrument selection before the first day of school. BA supplies all Beginning Band instruments, books, music, and supplies free of charge. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com Intermediate Concert Band Intermediate Band consists of middle school students who have at least one year of school band experience on a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students continue to develop general music literacy and instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com.

3 Brentwood Academy 7th Grade Pre-Registration A Word about Honors Placement in 7 th Grade Our commitment is to provide for all students an academic challenge in a nurturing environment, one that challenges but does not overwhelm, that nurtures but does not coddle. In seventh grade learning moves to a more analytical approach, which requires students to apply information to new situations rather than recall information in the same manner as it was taught. Seventh grade teachers not only teach subject matter, but they also show students how to study subject matter. Also, because Brentwood Academy is a college preparatory school, all courses in seventh grade are challenging no matter the level. Placement in an honors or standard section is not permanent, as students in middle school are developing academically. Sometimes a student may be ready to handle the challenges of an honors program in seventh grade; sometimes a student needs another year to prove he/she is ready. We want students to be placed in the appropriate academic setting for success. Honors courses are offered in Pre-Algebra 7 and Algebra I, and also in English Skills 7 and Literature 7. Honors placement is determined by a careful review of a student s sixth grade academic record, standardized test scores, attendance history, and work ethic, as well as by a comparative analysis of the student s profile in relation to the other members of the Class of Placement recommendations are the result of prayerful consideration over time by math and English teachers, the sixth- and seventh-grade chairs, the admission director, and the middle school director. These recommendations have been circled and initialed on the student s pre-registration form. If you have any questions about seventh grade academic placement, please contact Tim Reid at tim_reid@brentwoodacademy.com.

4 7th Grade Pre-Registration Choosing a World Language In middle school seventh grade students begin a study of world languages by choosing one of three languages: French, Latin, or Spanish. Students will complete one high school year of this language during 7th and 8th grade and receive one high school credit on their transcripts. This method of teaching languages enables our students to feel more comfortable with the language and to master basic communicative and grammatical concepts necessary for success in the higher levels. What world language should a student take? Sometimes this choice is clear for students, either because of previous exposure to one of the languages or because of a cultural connection. More often, however, students have a difficult time making this choice. As tempting as it may be, students should not choose a language based on what their friends are doing! Instead, they should base their choice on what interests them. Also, please remember that, contrary to popular belief, Spanish is not easier than French or Latin. In fact, Spanish verbs are the most difficult of the three languages. Modern Languages: French and Spanish French and Spanish are spoken throughout the world. With overseas travel and an increasingly global economy, knowledge of one of these languages is practical. Fluency in French or Spanish increases employment opportunities here and abroad. Hispanic and French cultures influence our own culture. The Hispanic influence is prevalent in California, Florida, and Texas; the French influence is strong in Louisiana, New England, and states bordering Canada. French and Spanish influence our art, music, and literature. Being able to communicate on mission trips to foreign countries is an advantage. Many of our students have served in Honduras, Haiti, South America, and Africa where French or Spanish is spoken. French and Spanish are taught at honors and AP levels in the upper school. French and Spanish are derived from Latin and are equally beneficial to students on the SAT and ACT. Knowledge of French and Spanish helps students broaden their English vocabulary significantly as well as better understand English grammar.

5 Classical Language: Latin The Romance languages, which include French and Spanish, are based on Latin. Knowledge of Latin is helpful in understanding legal, medical, and scientific terminology. Much of English is derived from Latin, including prefixes and suffixes. Knowledge of Latin enables students to learn other world languages, especially Romance languages, more easily. The study of Roman history and civilization increases awareness and appreciation of the enormous contributions of the Romans to our own civilization. The study of Roman mythology is both interesting to the students and relevant in all areas of the humanities and the arts. Latin is taught at honors and AP levels in the upper school. Knowledge of Latin helps students broaden their vocabulary significantly and to increase their understanding of the grammar and structure of the English language. For more information, contact Marcia Bowen, World Languages Department Chair, at , ext. 174 or at

6 Middle School Spiritual Life Courses Bible 6 is a study of the "Attributes of God" and how each of His attributes affects our daily lives. By the end of this class, students will learn who their Creator is and who He says they are. God is... Real! Spirit Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent Love Good Immutable Always available Bible 7 is a study of the basic beliefs of being a follower of Jesus. By the end of this class students will learn what the Bible says that every Christian ought to know... About faith and how to have it That the Bible is the Word of God How to study their Bible How they were created Who Adam made us What happened at the moment of salvation Who they are in Christ About Biblical baptism About the assurance of salvation About eternal security What happens with a Christian sins About forgiveness, confession, guilt, and conviction That forgiveness brings freedom Who the Holy Spirit is The roles of the Holy Spirit How God speaks today How to handle temptation How to pray Bible 8 is a study of the "Pleasures of God"; in other words, students will learn what their Creator enjoys and how they can participate in what he enjoys. God takes Pleasure in..." Your Faith Your Obedience His Word His Creation His Children His Son His Place

7 MS Fine Arts Courses Beginning Concert Band Beginning Band gives an opportunity for middle school students with no prior experience in a school concert band program to begin the process of learning a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass, and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students learn to read music and develop foundational instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Band instructors will assist each student with placement and instrument selection before the first day of school. BA supplies all Beginning Band instruments, books, music, and supplies free of charge. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com Intermediate Concert Band Intermediate Band consists of middle school students who have at least one year of school band experience on a concert band instrument. The students are divided between four specialized music instructors for woodwinds, upper brass, low brass and percussion and are combined as a full band when ready to rehearse concert music. Students continue to develop general music literacy and instrumental technique that can be applied to areas such as musical performance, composition, and improvisation. All sixth through eighth graders are eligible and performances are included in the course. Contact Matt Nygren at matt_nygren@brentwoodacademy.com Music City Exploratory This 8 th grade exploratory focuses on Nashville s impact on the recording industry. Students will become familiar with influential musicians and explore the role social, political and cultural currents have had on various genres of music, including country, Christian contemporary music (CCM), pop, rap, and alternative music. The course will trace the evolution of recording technology from Thomas Edison and the gramophone to vinyl, 8-tracks, CDs, and beyond; it will also include contemporary topics such as the publishing process and how a song gets on the radio, and debatable topics such as music sharing and how it affects the music industry. Students will gain a greater understanding of music s ability to enrich their own lives, as well as broaden their cultural and historical perspective of music. Contact Jennifer Smith at jennifer_smith@brentwoodacademy.com. Drama 7 Drama 7 is a semester-long course exploring good communication skills, character development, and group dynamics. Students will learn the processes used to plan and practice a stage production and will explore how the mind, body, and voice are used to communicate character, and the various support tools of a performance. While learning and honing the basics throughout the semester, students will also audition for, rehearse, and perform a short script for the entire 7th grade class at the end of the semester. Contact Holly Shepherd Urbanowicz at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com.

8 Art 7 Art 7 elective focuses on studying cultural art across the globe. Students work in traditional mark-making medium, like pencil, and paint in both two and threedimensional formats. They also work with new techniques and media like Pysanky, (Ukrainian Egg Decoration), tin repousse, (creating texture and dimension on foil). The course incorporates world geography, culture and customs and examines the role of art throughout the world. Students have opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com. 6th Grade Art Exploratory Art 6 is a course designed for sixth grade students to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, greater self-awareness and appreciation for the inherent value of visual art. This course develops student's sculpting, drawing, designing skills, as well as introduces printmaking and collage. Lessons in art history are incorporated into each project within the curriculum. Each 6th grade student has a rotation in art and has opportunities for work to be exhibited both within the school and local art shows. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com. 8 th Grade Art Exploratory Students in the Art 8 exploratory work with the 7 elements of art to produce projects that focus on line, shape, color, texture, space, form and value. Students continue expanding their creative expression, technical development, critical evaluation, and build upon and refine drawing, painting, and designing skills. Each 8 th grade student has a rotation in art and has opportunities for their work to be exhibited both within the school and local art competitions. Contact Janet Laws at janet_laws@brentwoodacademy.com. 6 th /7 th Grade Chorus (no audition required) This performance class is an ensemble focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and music appreciation. We will also develop collaborative skills while working together as an ensemble. Of course, we will sing and perform! Students can expect to improve in vocal and music reading skills. In addition, students will leave this class with a greater appreciation for and understanding of various genres of music, a broadened worldview, and a stronger sense of community as we cultivate the gift of music together. Contact Mindy Hoover at mindy_hoover@brentwoodacademy.com. 8th Grade Chorus (no audition required) This performance class is an ensemble focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and music appreciation. We will also develop collaborative skills while working together as an ensemble. Of course, we will sing and perform! Students can expect to improve in vocal and music reading skills. In addition, students will leave this class with a greater appreciation for and understanding of various genres of music, a broadened worldview, and a stronger sense of community as we cultivate the gift of music together. Contact Mindy Hoover at mindy_hoover@brentwoodacademy.com

9 8 th Grade Performing Arts Elective This is a year long, high-energy elective that celebrates creativity in the form of performance. The first semester is geared toward acting where students learn the fundamentals of the craft: actions, goals, obstacles and character development. The second semester focuses more on different interpretive events from forensics, or speech. Students play improvisational games, give performances (both informal and formal) and participate in acting exercises on a daily bases. The end goal is for students to have greater confidence in front of their peers, to think outside the box and to enjoy the creativity of others. Contact Kasey Carmona at kasey_carmona@brentwoodacademy.com. Academy Juniors This extra-curricular vocal ensemble is auditioned from the middle school choruses Selected students have an opportunity to learn more advanced repertoire, ranging from pop to sacred music styles. Students perform for a variety of school and community events. Rehearsal times are 6:50 7:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Auditions are held in August before school begins. Contact Mindy Hoover at mindy_hoover@brentwoodacademy.com. Academy Dancers All rising 6 th, 7 th and 8 th graders are eligible to audition for this select dance group. The Middle School Academy dancers will dance at selected home (MS) football games, pep rallies, (MS) basketball games, the spring dance show and regional dance team competitions. Those chosen are exempt from a traditional P.E. due to the weekly practice schedule. MS Academy Dancers will be required to attend mandatory summer practices, and each girl will be responsible for the fees as well as dancewear costs to be determined. Dancers of all levels are welcome to audition. Contact Robyne Kennedy at robyne_kennedy@brentwoodacademy.com. Middle School Forensics Team Students have the opportunity to attend competitive speech tournaments. There are many opportunities to develop speaking and acting skills in a variety of individual, couple and group events including humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, duo acting, poetry, prose, extemporaneous speaking and more. No audition is required for participation. Contact Kasey Carmona at kasey_carmona@brentwoodacademy.com. Middle School Play The Middle School drama production in presented in February. Auditions will be held in late October; this show is open to 6 th, 7 th and 8 th graders for both acting and technical support roles. Contact Holly Shepherd Urbanowicz at holly_shepherd@brentwoodacademy.com.

10 Brentwood Academy MS P.E. Offerings In order to participate in P.E., all students must have on file a medical form with a doctor's signature. Early Fall Boys Girls Cross Country Cross Country 6 Football Volleyball * Aug. - Oct. 7/8 Football 7/8 Football Cheerleading * Golf * Golf * Tennis* Tennis* Dance (semester commitment) Late Fall Boys Girls Soccer * Soccer * 7/8Basketball * 7/8Basketball * Oct. - Dec. Swimming Swimming Wrestling Dance (semester commitment) 7/8 Basketball Cheerleading * Strength & Conditioning Winter Boys Girls 6 Basketball * 6 Basketball * 7/8 Basketball * 7/8 Basketball * Jan. - Mar. Rugby (6th only) 7/8 Basketball Cheerleading * Swimming Swimming Weights Dance (semester commitment) Strength & Conditioning Spring Boys Girls 6 Track 6 Track 7/8 Track 7/8 Track March - May Baseball * Softball * Weights (April-May) Dance (semester commitment) Strength & Conditioning (April-May) This is for information only. Do not return. * Requires a try out Questions? Contact Buddy Alexander- buddy_alexander@brentwoodacademy.com

11 Advisory Groups Academic Honor Roll & Headmaster s List Band Performances Bible Studies Big Brother/Big Sister Program Chess Chorus Performances Community Service Projects CTP-4 testing Dance Performances Dodge Ball Tournament Duke TIP program Essay Contests Forensics Team Geography Bee Grade Level Events Hosts for Prospective Students Math Competitions Mega Riot Middle School Back-to-School Retreat Middle School Play Model United Nations Nashville Rescue Mission Robotics Team Spiritual Life Retreat Thirty Athletic Teams Visual Art Competitions Youth Legislature 6 th Grade Day Trips 6 th Grade Creation Vacation Trip 7 th Grade Drama Performances 7 th Grade Ropes Course Trip 8 th Grade Tour Guides for Admission Day 8 th Grade Tour Ambassadors 8 th Grade Student Leadership Team 8 th Grade Thrill Seekers Summer Trip 8 th Grade Trip to Atlanta & Orlando 8 th Grade Celebration Brentwood Academy Middle School Opportunities for Students