Middle School

Grades 7 and 8

Course Descriptions:  Seventh Grade | Eighth Grade

In The Canterbury Episcopal School Middle School one immediately feels the collective energy of students and teachers engaged in activity – writing and then rewriting essays under the watchful eye of a teacher, learning the language of the natural worl in math, physics, chemistry, and biology, sketching from life on our beautiful campus, acting out newly learned Spanish words, practicing and preening for the Middle School musical, or serving, receiving, and passing a volleyball.

The Middle School program emphasizes the importance of learning through doing. A challenging curriculum guided by a caring faculty nurtures in students a lifelong love of learning. A healthy dose of laughter and levity is included, as adults and students create a community which supports the learning of skills and acquisition of learning habits so critical in the Middle School years. The serious challenge to middle schoolers of reaching their potential and becoming who they are is made achievable in our cooperative, nurturing environment.

The Middle School years, long overlooked by the academic community, have emerged as foundational years for students. These are the years in which study habits and foundational knowledge across the curriculum are enhanced and reinforced.

Canterbury’s Middle School experience combines academic excellence with a safe and supportive environment to help each child feel connected in meaningful ways to the school community and fellow students. Advisory classes provide each student with an adult advocate and programs are designed to encourage higher-level thinking and discussion about a variety of topics relevant to adolescents.

Students in grades 7 and 8 have classes in composition and literature, history, mathematics, science, Spanish, fine arts, religion, and physical education. In addition to classroom activities, Middle School students participate in a variety of co-curricular activities including sports and community service.

The Middle School years are ones of great transition, fun, challenge, and maturation. The Canterbury Episcopal School works with families to navigate these formative years in children’s development.

Seventh Grade Course Descriptions

English Language 7

The course emphasizes the acquisition of language arts skills designed to improve reading comprehension, formal writing,  active vocabulary and a love of good literature. Students are challenged daily through traditional grammar instruction, quick-write (journal) assignments, and grade-level appropriate formal assignments in conjunction with students’ work in other courses. Students research and write a research paper in MLA format, using topics that link to their History course, and participate in weekly, focused writing assessments. Students read a variety of classic and contemporary short stories, novels and dramas, including Shakespeare.

Topics in the History of Texas and the Southwest

The course examines the major historical events of the Southwest with an emphasis upon Texas and the Native American culture. The objective is to instill in students a sense of being and place in Southwestern culture based upon historical, cultural, and social events. The course emphasizes critical thinking as well as expository and critical writing.

Math 7: Pre-Algebra

The course emphasizes the quick and accurate computation skills required for the study of Algebra. The course reviews and extends the concepts of computation and estimation utilizing decimals, fractions, percentages, exponents, and graphs. The ability to translate word problems to numeric expressions is a crucial aspect of the course. Basic number properties, ratio and proportion, elements of probability and number theory, perimeter and area, and geometric constructions are also included.

Science 7: Fundamentals of Physics

A two semester foundation level course in the study of work, energy, momentum and power, temperature and heat, electricity, magnetism, nuclear energy, and light in preparation for upper level physics. Students practice computer skills, observation, calculator and measurement skills in analyzing and reporting research results. Field experiences required.

Spanish 7

The course is designed for those students who have an ability to begin a more advanced level of language study. Communicative skills are expanded and enhanced through an integrated language and cultural focus. Activities include Latin American culture, listening comprehension, grammar review, compositions, and class discussions.

Physical Education 7

The course is a positive growth experience that emphasizes individual growth within a group process. Students will be challenged by various activities on a daily basis. Tasks include, but are not limited to athletic training, rules and regulations, strategy, fitness enhancement, cooperative behavior, and a life long commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Fine Arts 7

Students are challenged to explore more deeply and expand upon the talents developed in Fine Arts 6. The visual arts include sculpture, pottery, fabric, carving, and sketching. The performing arts include those vocal and instrumental talents developed earlier, but also a study of musical notation, technical instruction, simple music theory, and vocal training culminating in a Middle School-wide musical production in the Spring semester.

Religion 7: Old Testament

This semester-long course is a study of the Old Testament. Students will explore the religious, historical, cultural, and political components from which Christianity developed. A special emphasis is placed upon the people of the Old Testament as well as the influence of the Bible on Western culture.

Computer 7

This class introduces students to the fundaments of computer terminology and functionality. Students progress from keyboarding to practical applications that support their coursework throughout middle and high school.

Eighth Grade Course Descriptions

English Language 8

The course emphasizes the acquisition of language arts skills designed to improve reading comprehension, formal writing, and active vocabulary. Areas of concentration include a formal research paper in conjunction with their study of American History.  Students develop a love of literature through study of novels, the short story, poetry and drama, including Shakespeare. Students will participate in weekly, focused writing assessments to develop mechanical, organizational and analytical writing skills.

Topics in U.S. History

The course examines the major events of United States history. Students will investigate the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of the maturation of the American character. Through the study of the early settlers and pioneers, students learn of government formation, sectionalism, slavery, the frontier, and the industrial revolution.

Math 8: Algebra I

The course is designed to prepare students for advanced level studies of mathematics. Topics include real numbers, variables, functions, graphing, equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, linear equations, exponents, radicals, and word problems. An emphasis upon real world application is pervasive.

Science 8: Fundamentals of Chemistry

This course is an introduction to chemistry. Topics covered include the periodic table, properties of compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and solutions as each apply to everyday life. Conversion equations and transformations of equations will be applied to the study of chemical reactions. Lab work will be fundamental in this course.

Physical Education 8

The course is a positive growth experience that emphasizes individual growth within a group process. Students will be challenged by various activities on a regular basis. Tasks include, but are not limited to athletic training, rules and regulations, strategy, fitness enhancement, cooperative behavior, and a life long commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Fine Arts 8

The visual arts component provides the student with an opportunity for continued in-depth study of a specific medium or concept as well as the preparation for portfolio construction. An advanced study of a particular artist and art period is incorporated into the course. The performing arts includes advanced work with instruments and voice and also engages students in a study of all major scales, sight-reading, technical instruction, and music theory culminating in a Middle School-wide musical production in the Spring semester.

Spanish I

The course is designed for those students who have an ability to begin a more advanced level of language study. Communicative skills are expanded and enhanced through an integrated language and cultural focus. Activities include Latin American history, listening comprehension, grammar review, compositions, and class discussions. This course is high school level equivalent and earns high school credit for first year Spanish.

Computer 8

Students practice more advanced uses of common software applications to enhance  their coursework and ability to conduct well-rounded computer research.