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Sixth Grade
Upper School Academics
Language Arts
English
The focus of the sixth 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
The sixth grade math curriculum is designed to permit students to perfect their basic math skills and develop a more complete understanding of the language and structure of mathematics. There is a focus on developing a strong grasp of numbers so that by the end of the sixth grade, students will be able to see that decimals, whole numbers, percentages, and fractions are all different expressions of the same numbers. In the process, students perform extensive problem solving to help extend their understanding of all areas of mathematics.
Although the learning material is similar, the different sections of sixth grade mathematics vary based on a student’s confidence and ability to challenge his limits.
Science
The central goal of the sixth grade science curriculum is to excite students about the possibilities of science. The focus is on life science using a life science textbook, but there are frequent discussions about subjects such as Nobel Prize winners, hurricanes, and other current events.
History
The curricular goal of history in the sixth grade is to move the student worldwide, investigating the history, cultures, society, and religions from people all over the world. Major areas covered include world religions, African culture and history, major American pre-Columbian civilizations, Southwest Asia’s history and culture, the Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, the Age of Science, and Elizabethan England.
Prentice Hall’s “World Studies” and “Experiencing World History” are used as the principal texts. Trade texts, including “Around the World in a Hundred Years” by Jean Fritz and “The Royal Diaries: Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor” by Kathryn Lasky are read to support the textbook studies. Current events are investigated through Junior Scholastic Magazine and newspaper articles. In addition, map lessons on world history and geography are included in the curriculum.
Latin
In sixth grade, students learn to read, write, and translate Latin in a disciplined and systematic way. They are given the basic tools to develop an understanding of the relationship of Latin both to English and to the Romance languages. At the end of sixth grade, students have a solid foundation of basic Latin grammar, adequate vocabulary, and a greater appreciation of Roman culture, history, and mythology. A rigorous schedule of daily assignments and frequent quizzes is maintained. A progress report is given to each student on a mid-trimester and trimester basis, evaluating all aspects of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Advisement
Advisement is an opportunity for sixth 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.
