Academics ~ Seventh Grade

Seventh Grade Curriculum

The seventh grade program is consistent with St. Mary’s School mission.  It is meant to prepare students for the rigors of high school through a competitive, yet nurturing academic, caring and Christian environment.  The Upper School program promotes self-discipline in academic, extra-curricular, and athletic programs for the students.  The faculty provides an effective, safe, and controlled learning atmosphere, and provides support and guidance for each student.  School subject areas, activities, and sports foster the students’ intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth.

LANGUAGE ARTS
The Middle School Language Arts program is a cohesive, four part curriculum focused on providing the St. Mary’s student with a strong foundation for college preparatory English programs.  The curriculum is centered on the study of grammar, composition, vocabulary, and literature, and addresses both written and oral abilities.  Encouraged by teacher innovation and flexibility, St. Mary’s students strive for mastery in the basic skills and concepts as well as curriculum that is advanced and academically challenging. Seventh grade students are assigned two summer reading novels and four classic novels to be read in class.  Creative and critical writing assignments, with focus on the expository, narrative, and persuasive formats, accompany each unit of study.

MATH
This course helps students to fine-tune their computation skills and develop their ability to be problem solvers. Students are encouraged to think, to mature and to gain confidence in themselves as mathematicians. Students learn to appreciate the vital place mathematics occupies in their daily life and future.  Fractions are revisited and operations with negative fractions are introduced and expanded.  Percents are reviewed as well, and taken to a deeper level than previously experienced.  Multi-step equation solving is also introduced. 

Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra is designed to aid students in making the transition from elementary mathematics to algebra. The goal is to present the prerequisite skills, concepts, and problem-solving processes needed to help students become comfortable and successful in algebra. Topics include solving equations, rational expressions, exponents and graphing.

SCIENCE
The seventh grade course provides a solid understanding of the major concepts of life science through a study of the six kingdoms.  Students explore the major concepts with interdisciplinary connections in history, geography, technology, and the arts.  Lab work integrates cooperative learning and a “hands on” approach to learning.  A field trip to Newfound Harbor Marine Institute in the Florida Keys enriches the program through an in depth study of local marine science and ecology.

SOCIAL STUDIES
World Cultures are studied in sixth grade and the first quarter of seventh grade.  The curriculum includes the study of ancient, medieval, and modern times.  The curriculum is enriched by published current events magazines highlighting national and world issues, hands-on work, and maps and atlas activities which focus on geography skills and history.

U.S. History 
United States history is studied the second, third and fourth quarters of seventh grade and the entire eighth grade year.  The course is a survey of United States history from early exploration to the present.  Concepts addressed throughout the year include:  the United States’ national identity based on a diverse population, interpretation of the Constitution, the settling of North America, and the emergence of the United States as a political and economic world power.  Enrichment activities introduce students to the principals of economics, sociology, and political science.  

VISUAL ARTS
The visual arts curriculum in seventh grade builds upon previously learned skills.  A continuation of the study of the elements and principles of art are explored through various two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects.  Aesthetics and the four steps of art criticism are introduced and applied to various art works, including the students own.  Students keep a portfolio inventory and complete a self-assessment of reflective questions about each project completed. 
 

TECHNOLOGY
Seventh graders are required to create a fictitious business that includes a mission statement, a logo, business cards, a database of customers to mail merge into a business letter, a PowerPoint presentation, and an advertisement. Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, and PowerPoint are all used in this project. The students share their final product with a business presentation for the entire class. Keyboarding skills continue to be developed with emphasis on speed and accuracy.
 

MUSIC
Students in seventh grade will learn theatre vocabulary and successfully perform a variety show highlighting song and dance.  Rehearsals are primarily held during their music classes. Two performances are held for the school and the public.

LANGUAGE STUDIES:  Spanish, Latin, or Language Enrichment

SPANISH
In seventh grade, Spanish becomes an academic program. Students enroll in one of three academic Language Studies areas, Spanish, Latin, or Language Development. In Spanish, the students experience the four components of foreign language instruction, which are written, spoken, listening and reading skills. Some of their experiences include: responding orally to the Spanish language and writing essays and translations. 

LATIN
In seventh grade Latin becomes an academic course. Students enroll in one of three academic Language Studies areas, Spanish, Latin, or Language Development. In Latin, the primary objective is to build skill and confidence in reading and understanding Latin. Other objectives include strengthening English grammar and vocabulary, learning concepts transferable to the study of foreign languages, acquiring familiarity with Roman culture and civilization and sharpening analytical skills. Students have the opportunity to create projects and compete in annual state, district, and national level contests. This class is equivalent to the first half of a high school level I course.

LANGUAGE ENRICHMENT
Language Enrichment is an academic option, beginning in seventh grade, available to students in lieu of a foreign language.  Teachers recommend students for this class.  Classes are small by design so students receive more individualized attention than in traditional classes.  Students are in this class to gain strength in the areas of reading comprehension, study skills, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

LIBRARY
Middle School students have full access to and familiarity with all types of research tools. They can find and evaluate information regardless of format, then organize and cite that information to complete research assignments in all subject matters. Classroom teachers’ work with the librarian to coordinate assistance and to schedule times for curriculum related research. The media center offers online research material and school wide access to its catalog.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Through teaching advanced skills and drills, 7^th grade students gain a deeper understanding of strategies, etiquette, rules, and sportsmanship. They are provided the opportunity to be a part of the wide variety of interscholastic sports. Fitness remains a strong component in middle school P.E. as life long habits in health are encouraged.

RELIGION
The curriculum and chapel services are rooted in the Episcopal faith. As part of the curriculum, the students are introduced to Christian Values, as well as the Sacred Stories of the Bible through a variety of activities.  Emphasis on how God wants us to treat each other with kindness, love, and respect, is a recurring theme throughout the year.  The whole school attends chapel services twice a week.

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Human Growth and Development is an abstinence-based curriculum that is gender specific at times.  Students gain an understanding of the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty.  There is a strong focus on positive character traits and God’s plan for physical intimacy as a part of a loving marriage.   Students learn the importance of setting boundaries and being assertive under pressure.

STUDY SKILLS
Study Skills classes are designed to help students achieve academic success.  The program focuses on many skills such as organization, time management, note taking, reading comprehension, and test taking.

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School
2101 South Hubert Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
(813) 258-5508
Fax: (813) 258-5603

 

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