Middle School Curriculum

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

In the Middle School at Chesapeake Academy, students are challenged to tackle more complex issues in and out of the classroom.  In the classroom, students engage with materials in a variety of ways.  Using instructional strategies that are differentiated for learning preferences and academic performance, teachers design units that allow students to build knowledge and skills most effectively.  Students make connections between the classroom materials and real world situations.

The Middle School experience at Chesapeake Academy is one in which teachers know students well, ushering them through early adolescence in a way that both nurtures students and holds them accountable for their actions.  Students participate in a full range of offerings, from playing on athletic teams to singing in area chorus.  Each student's unique talents are recognized, developed, and celebrated by the school community.  The Middle School is a place where students work closely together to achieve individual and group goals. Their experience is enriched by a yearly retreat, Inward Bound, as well as by other field experiences, community service programs, and leadership opportunities.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The academic core curriculum is designed to build upon the skills of Lower School and to engage students' curiosity in the world around them.  As students learn content across the curriculum, they develop study skills and ways to problem solve in relevant, real world situations.  They develop higher order thinking skills to synthesize information, evaluate materials, and create original responses to ideas.  In Language Arts and Literature, students learn to read fiction and non-fiction critically, evaluating author's themes and literary elements.  Students perform frequently, whether poetry dramatization, persuasive presentations, or informative pieces.  To expand students' abilities to communicate, Middle School students in grades 6-8 also take Writer's Workshop, a class period dedicated to the writing process.  Students learn formats for writing, vocabulary and grammar, and presentation skills.  The course supports writing across the disciplines.

In Math courses, Middle School students develop mathematical thinking skills that allow them to apply content to new situations.  The integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to real work situations is a key component to the program.  Students take Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade, for which they may receive high school credit.  Science in Middle School is laboratory-based, using the scientific method to examine scientific principles.  Middle School students explore physical, chemical, and biological sciences.  Connections with local institutions and field trips enrich the curriculum.  With a week of Seacamp in the Florida Keys, older students discover connections between the two ecosystems with work "in the field."

Social Studies courses in the Middle School help students understand the history and cultures of the world around them.  In 5th grade, students are introduced to the first year of Geography.  In 6th grade, students take Advanced Geography and World History, building on their geography skills to investigate global issues through a geographical and historical framework.  Seventh graders examine US History, exploring the founding of our national identity.  Eighth graders complete their social studies with an in-depth seminar course in US government, economics, and global relations.  As an independent school, Chesapeake Academy is able to infuse academic instruction with a social and ethical curriculum aimed at developing independent, competent students who demonstrate integrity in their actions and interpersonal relationships.

In the Middle School, the study of foreign language becomes more structured and academic.  Fifth graders continue to build their knowledge of conversational Spanish, while 6th graders study Latin in order to build their language fluency in English as well as in Latin-derived languages.  Seventh and 8th graders complete Spanish I over the course of two years, prepared to go to Spanish II in high school.

In addition to the academic content in Middle School, the Chesapeake Academy experience is enriched by the integration of art, music, physical education, health, library, and technology instruction into daily life.  Weekly art and music classes allow students to express concepts in unique ways and to perform and present their work for larger audiences.  Tone chimes instruction is available for 6th-8th graders in addition to weekly music classes. Through PE classes 3 times a week, students develop physical fitness, self-confidence, and a love of games and athletics.  Middle School students take health weekly to increase their knowledge of health issues and their abilities with decision making, communication, and positive social relationships.  Weekly library classes teach students to use resources effectively, while encouraging students to read for pleasure.  Students use technology daily to increase their keyboarding skills, research skills, and abilities to use multimedia effectively.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVISORY

Each Middle School student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom he or she meets weekly. The Middle School advisor is an adult advocate who has the opportunity and responsibility to know and support individual students.  All Middle School students meet with their faculty advisor and fellow advisees weekly to focus on issues that relate to students in their role as individuals, learners, and members of the community.  Multi-age, single gender advisory groups allow for a sense of family among students, with 8th graders taking a leadership role within their group.  The group explores the character theme and works together to overcome intellectual problems as well as physical challenges.  The groups develop a strong sense of camaraderie with each other and their advisors.

4th-5th GRADE BRIDGE TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Our unique 4th and 5th grade program is designed to help students successfully "bridge" the transition from Lower School to Middle School over a two year period of time.  Fourth and 5th graders have the experience of working with more than one academic classroom teacher without the full departmentalization of Middle School.  The students develop the time management skills and individual responsibility needed to perform well with the increased expectations in the Middle School.  Fourth graders serve as safety patrols for the Lower School, learning leadership skills and responsibility.  Fifth graders are fully integrated in the life of the Middle School.

 

TECHNOLOGY

Students at Chesapeake Academy develop their technology skills while engaged in instructional activities on a regular basis.  Chesapeake Academy is home to 2 MacBook mobile laptop carts for student use, as well as SMARTboards, digital audio and visual equipment.  The mobile technology labs allow for teachers and students to take technology where it is most effectively used, whether in the academic classroom, the art room, or even outside.  From using hands-on, visual SMARTboard software to mind-mapping software to collaborative online tools for publishing, discussing, and evaluating work, students and teachers use technology to extend learning across the curriculum.  In addition to learning how to use multimedia programs and online websites, students also learn to use technology safely and ethically in our connected world.

 

Activity Period

Each marking period, faculty members and community volunteers offer a selection of clubs and learning opportunities for our 3rd-8th graders.  Students choose among a variety, including drama, photography, Lego robotics, knitting, cooking, stamp collecting, technology skills, and community service.  Students make different selections each marking period so that they can try new things throughout the year.  The 8th graders take a financial literacy course, Junior Achievement, each year as part of their activities.