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Seventh Grade
Upper School Academics
English
The focus of the seventh grade English curriculum is reading and writing. Students complete a wide range of reading that covers a variety of genres. During reading workshop, students concentrate on using reading strategies to think and gain insight into character, plot, setting, and the structure of literary forms. Students explore ideas through extensive journal work and learn how to write critical paragraphs and essays. Writing workshop invites students to complete choice writing and to write in specific genres, such as short narratives, poetry, plays, and articles. Along with meaningful reading and writing, students expand their vocabulary and study grammar with the goal of improving their oral and written expression.
Math
In sixth through eighth grade, math is sectioned based on confidence, mathematical development, and performance. These split classes allow students to set reasonable goals, achieve greater success, and accelerate in their development. All students have the opportunity to explore and strengthen their areas of weakness as well as view mathematics in new and creative ways. There are several reading and writing components in each course to help students learn the technical reading and writing skills that are vital to understanding mathematics. In addition to new textbooks and ideas being incorporated into the curriculum on a regular basis, a wide range of computer software is also used. Courses offered to seventh graders include Pre-Algebra and Algebra I.
Science
In the seventh grade, students focus on the geosciences of geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science. Throughout the program, students apply the scientific method to their studies as well as enhance their critical thinking and reasoning abilities through extensive reading and research. While students primarily focus on the geosciences, they also explore specific subjects, such as Virginia geology and the economic, social, and political impacts of environmental conservation and degradation.
History
The primary curricular goal of seventh grade social studies is the study of American history from pre-Columbian times to Reconstruction. Students engage in reading, discussion, journal writing, essay writing, simulations, and research papers in order study Nat Turner’s Revolt, the Underground Railroad, the Boston Massacre, and the Constitution as well as other milestones in American history. In addition, weekly map units on topics of American history and geography are included in the social studies curriculum.
Language Arts
The language arts curriculum is offered in grades seven and eight as an opportunity for students to fine-tune their reading and writing skills in preparation for rigorous high school study. Teachers, parents, and the upper school reading specialist work together to determine if a student would benefit more from placement in language arts or in a foreign language.
Spanish (elective)
The Spanish curriculum offers students an experience in Spanish that is both comprehensive and interactive. The program’s main objective is to enable each child to discover and develop an understanding of Spanish culture and language through listening, speaking, reading aloud, and writing. The program is designed to encourage self-confidence, a positive social attitude, and an awareness and understanding of other cultures. Students participate in reading, writing of paragraphs, and individual and group projects. Students attain conversational proficiency and a familiarity with Spanish-speaking cultures. Spanish instruction is textbook-driven, and grammatical lessons are reinforced through audio, visual, and simulation exercises. During class, students have many opportunities to practice their conversational skills and improve their listening comprehension. Students learn vocabulary words related to a wide array of themes. In addition, they learn how to use and conjugate verbs in the present and past tenses.
French (elective)
The French offers students an experience in French that is both comprehensive and interactive. The program’s main objective is to enable each child to discover and develop an understanding of French culture and language through listening, speaking, reading aloud, and writing. The program is designed to encourage self-confidence, a positive social attitude, and an awareness and understanding of other cultures. Students participate in reading, writing of paragraphs, and individual and group projects.
Advisement
Advisement is an opportunity for seventh grade students to meet in small groups and address issues that would not come up in a normal academic setting. This may include topics, such as peer relationships, time or emotional management, or communication problems with other faculty members. Advisors also serve as the first line of communication for parents and teachers. Advisors communicate with parents and teachers about student grades and progress throughout the school year.
Click here for an example of a typical day for an Upper School student.
