NEW Eighth Grade Inquiry Class
TIERED learning GPS Middle School offers a rich and engaging academic program that lays the foundation for students’ academic paths while developing the vital skills for their future success in Upper School and beyond. Recognizing that intellectual development is a process, each grade in Middle School is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills attained during the previous grade. This approach allows each girl to gradually and appropriately take ownership of her learning journey.
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In sixth grade, emphasis is placed on providing a positive and individualized onboarding academic and social experience for each girl so she can: »A chieve a sense of belonging and interpersonal connection through small-group learning »G ain her footing academically »B uild a common foundation of skills competency »E mbrace the value of a multidisciplinary approach to thinking and learning
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In seventh grade, girls build acuity in their academic skills while receiving perspective on the socioemotional aspects of development through: »A n increased emphasis on collaborative classroom experiences » A focus on the development of communication skills » Th e development of solution-seeking skills by learning to ask questions, identify problems, and complete problem-solving exercises » A gradual increase in academic challenges »O pportunities to take risks, try new experiences, and gain confidence with the encouragement of their teachers and peers »G aining a healthy perspective on friendships, conflict, and choices
Through the Inquiry Class, each eighthgrade girl will explore, research, and design a learning experience on a topic of her choosing and share her work and results at the end of the year. Engagement with her peers, faculty, and the wider community will enrich this process. The artifact and the sharing will be based on each girl’s guiding question, learning journey, and the goals of her individual capstone experience.
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In eighth grade, the emphasis is on the application of acquired skills, student-driven educational experiences, and readiness for Upper School through: »A rticulating/defining areas of strength and interest »P reparing them for the academic challenge of Upper School »S harpening academic abilities »H oning study and organizational skills to support increased academic challenges
