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608: Introduction to Latin (7th-8th Grade)

In Introduction to Latin, students will learn to identify classical root words and their meanings, as well as their English derivatives. In class, students will work on building their Latin vocabulary skills and learn to conjugate Latin verbs. The course is integrated with Shirley Grammar, and students will be able to classify and translate Latin sentences into English.

ESP609: Spanish I / FRE609: French I (8th– 9th Grade)

Two credits in consecutive years of one foreign language are required for the General or Academic Diplomas in high school. While in 8th grade, students may take and earn credit for high school Spanish I or French I, and then take the 2nd level when they enter 9th grade. Students must take these courses in sequence.

A foreign language series begins with basic vocabulary and grammar. Students will acquire skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing the language through oral practice, written grammatical exercises and cultural lessons. The goal is fluency.

807/808: Intermediate Band I (7th Grade) / Intermediate Band II (8th Grade)

Intermediate Band I is an instrumental course that further improves upon the fundamentals of playing a band-related instrument. The course encourages a more serious approach to the self-application of these fundamentals in order to produce a better quality. Intermediate Band II continues to enhance fundamentals while honing group performance skills and preparation for the high school level course and the relative level and difficulty of music. Students in both courses will have the opportunity to perform various times throughout the school year, which includes seasonal concerts and school-specific functions.

809: Jesus and Me (JAM) (6th-8th Grade)

Jesus and Me is a middle school choir group that develops the discipline of daily practicing in order to gain a superior level of performance proficiency. This course will promote and establish the use of proper vocal mechanics while singing to enhance the overall performance of the student. The course will then focus on increasing individual performance skills in order to achieve a high quality group performance. Students are taught within a Biblical perspective how performing satisfies the emotions of the soul and demonstrates God’s anointing through a skillful musician. Students will have the opportunity to perform as a group various times throughout the school year, which includes seasonal concerts and school-specific functions.

NOTE: Depending on student interest, JAM may be scheduled in conjunction with the high school choir, Work of Grace.

810: Middle School Art (7th-8th Grade)

Year-long course focused on learning and applying foundational skills and techniques in art. Development of drawing skills as foundational for more complex art compositions along with introduction to the seven basic Elements of Art and the seven Principles of Design. In line with developing our Elements and Principles of Art, painting, sculpture, and collage may be included. Reviewing great works of art by the masters, discussing the variety of art styles, and creating our own masterpieces completes our curriculum.

811: Middle School Drama (7th-8th Grade)

This course focuses on students demonstrating basic acting skills through the use of body movement and voice control. Students will explore many elements of drama and stage, and explore what is needed for the production of TV, movie, and animated productions. Students will be evaluated on their performances based on given criteria.

814: Middle School Orchestra (6th-8th Grade)

This course focuses on teaching string instruments to beginner students. Students will learn the different skills associated with stringed instruments, such as holding it correctly, playing correctly, and basic maintenance. These fundamentals are used to help students produce better quality music while honing individual and group performance skills, as well as preparation for the high school level course and the relative level and difficulty of music. Students will have the opportunity to perform various times throughout the school year, which includes seasonal concerts and school-specific functions.

921: Introduction to Photography / Elementary Yearbook (8th-10th Grade)

Introduction to Photography and Elementary Yearbook is a course designed to teach the basics of photography. Students will also be responsible for taking photographs for, formatting, uploading photos, designing the layout, and completing the elementary yearbook during the year. Students will learn about the fundamentals of photography: technique, composition, editing, and developing their eye to see the world from a more artistic perspective and use these skills to develop the yearbook and weekly photo projects and critiques.

Prerequisites: Students must have access to specific equipment and the course will require certain supplies and some financial investment to print photos. Cell phone and mobile devices will not meet the requirements of this course and some point and shoot cameras will not meet the requirements; the camera must have full manual mode and access to something that can meet the guidelines for the course is required. This course will be limited to 10 students.