MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
2022-2023
AN INDEPENDENT AUGUSTINIAN SCHOOL FOR MP YOUNG MEN IN GRADES SIX THROUGH | MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE 2022-2023 TWELVE 1
Middle School Leadership Faculty Academy Leader: Lori Trexler | ltrexler@malvernprep.org Student Academy Leader: Tony Del Pizzo | adelpizzo@malvernprep.org
Middle School Support Team Middle School Counselor: Will Haus | whaus@malvernprep.org Middle School Learning Specialist: Kim Krause | kkrause@malvernprep.org
DEPARTMENTAL LEADERSHIP Lead of Curriculum and Interdisciplinary Studies: Kevin Quinn | kquinn@malvernprep.org Arts: Emanuel Del Pizzo | edelpizzo@malvernprep.org English: Susie Sweeney Berlacher | ssweeney@malvernprep.org Physical Education & Health: Jay Schiller | jschiller@malvernprep.org World Language: Teresa Lohse | tlohse@malvernprep.org Math: Diane Giordano | dgiordano@malvernprep.org Science: Lou Osinski | losinski@malvernprep.org Social Studies: Steve Swope | sswope@malvernprep.org Theology: Fr. Chris Drennen | cdrennen@malvernprep.org
MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE Phone: (484) 595-1156 -or- (484) 595-1130 Academic Coordinator: Chrissy Leonard | cleonard@malvernprep.org Academic Coordinator: Michele Lott | mlott@malvernprep.org
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2022-2023 MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS Program Overview
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Assessment Icons
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Grade Level Course Offerings | 6th Grade
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Grade Level Course Offerings | 7th Grade
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Grade Level Course Offerings | 8th Grade
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Grade Level Course Electives | 8th Grade
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Middle School Ensemble
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Counseling Coursework
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Program Overview Middle School classes are designed for students to develop and practice important skills needed for success in the classroom and beyond. Through project-based learning experiences, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while reading and writing across the curriculum. In addition, there is an emphasis on study skills, organization, and time management. Throughout the Middle School experience, students build confidence as they create meaningful relationships with the faculty and their classmates.
Program Highlights • Prep Block Prep Block is a daily time allotted for students to learn essential study skills and best practices in time management with faculty outside of a more structured learning environment. Students are encouraged to work on assignments and receive extra help from their teachers or instructors.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning Center Peer-to-Peer support and mentorship has long been identified as a way for participating students to increase their connection to their school community, enhance their cultural awareness, and increase self-esteem and confidence. Malvern’s Peer-to-Peer Learning Center seeks to help students become better at learning and at teaching. Students qualify to become mentors after a rigorous training program embedded in our Tutor and Mentor Curriculum and headed up by our English Department Lead, Susie Sweeney Berlacher, and High School Counselor, Korin Folan. All students have the opportunity to access the Peer-to-Peer Learning Center, which is both a physical place as well as a very special program that is available in our community.
• Counseling Class Students are supported throughout their Malvern career in myriad of ways, including formal Counseling classes all three years of Middle School. These sessions allow students to surface and discuss relevant topics in a small and supportive environment. The class addresses executive function skills, stress management, social/emotional learning, relationship management, and decision-making.
• Learning Specialist (LS) The LS provides students with an understanding of their learning profile while offering strategies and accommodations at an independent and classroom level. Learning support offers differentiated instruction using curricular goals that align with students’ specific learning styles. Parent partnership & team collaboration become an essential part of this process. Areas covered include the development of reading/writing skills, study habits, time management, organization, self-advocacy, and executive functioning skills.
• Ensemble (Jazz and Chorus) All Middle School musicians have the opportunity to join an Ensemble. Ensemble occurs during the school day, so students can participate in other activities before or after school. Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Chorus perform two concerts throughout the year including a Winter and Spring Concert.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW • Eighth Grade Electives Eighth-grade students have the opportunity to earn high school credit during their final year of Middle School. Students will select two electives that interest them. Electives include Spanish, Media Production, Music Recording and Technology, Studio Art I, and Introduction to Computer Science.
• Keystone Courses All 6th and 7th-grade students take a different Keystone course each term. Keystone courses include Visual Art, Music, Film, and Lifeskills. These courses allow students the opportunity to explore their creativity while learning essential project-building skills.
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ASSESSMENT ICONS While navigating the curriculum guide you will notice courses labeled with the icons below. This is meant to be a simple visual reference to recognize courses that have largely been designed around an assessment of a particular skill or process.
Major Writing Evaluation Courses with this tag will focus largely on student writing. Students should expect a significant writing assignment as a summative experience in this course.
Summative Traditional Test Courses with this tag will prepare students for a traditional style summative test.
Collaborative Project Courses with this tag will provide students with the experience of working on a longformat collaborative project with peers. Students entering these courses should expect to build communication skills, both among peers and through public presentation.
Public Performance / Showcase Courses with this tag will result in some form of public performance or showcase of student work. This could vary from a scheduled group performance to the publication of an individual student’s work.
Creative Design & Production Courses with this tag will provide students an opportunity to design and create through varying methods and the use of various media.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 6TH GRADE CORE CONTENT Course English jor Writ Ma i
n
Evaluatio ng
Social Studies
Math
Science
Introduction to Spanish
Theology
Description In 6th Grade English, literature and a variety of modes of writing are used to explore deep questions about the world, develop creative thinking skills, and make students’ voices heard throughout the greater community. The study of grammar, literary devices, and vocabulary derived from literature inform students’ mastery of reading comprehension skills and writing skills - providing them with a strong foundation as they move forward in Middle School. Sixth Grade Social Studies looks to examine the origins of the United States of America, from our very founding to our existence in the 21st century. Together, we will address the American Revolution, our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Civil War, the origins of our election system, and our system of limited government. We will study the influences of past leaders and address topics and issues including war, politics, immigration, and government. Enhancing writing, research, critical thinking, and presentation skills is a focus throughout the year. The Math I course focuses on the pre-algebra curriculum. Students focus on number sense mastery, integers, and expressions. They will learn through teacher instruction, collaborative work, and inquiry-based lessons. The purpose of using this model is to help the student take ownership of his learning experience and learn how to best work both individually and collaboratively, understand that mistakes are valuable learning tools, to persevere when challenged, and learn to apply concepts to higher-level questioning, and most importantly, develop his curiosity of the world and be able to use skills learned when he leaves the classroom. The focus in 6th Grade is Life Science. Units include cell structure, animal structure and behavior, bacteria, protists and fungi, plants, human body systems, ecology, and interactions of life. The main goal of the course is to develop an understanding of modern science and technology through experimentation and inquiry. Students will participate in labs and projects that will develop the following skills: writing, math, inquiry, time management, cooperation, and presentation skills In grade 6 Spanish Class, students are expected to be able to perform various tasks pertaining to the Spanish Language. The four basic language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be demonstrated through the practice of oral, written, and reading activities on a daily basis. Students will also gain knowledge of different cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and conduct research about various cultural themes. As we advance through the curriculum, students will be assessed multiple times per unit of study in order to track their progress. Sixth Grade Theology is designed to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through the study of the Bible, students will come to encounter the living word of God, Jesus Christ. Throughout the course, students will learn about the Bible, authored by God through inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. If they have not been taught this earlier, they will learn how to read the Bible and will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students will pay particular attention to the Gospels, where they may grow to know and love Jesus Christ more personally.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 6TH GRADE KEYSTONE COURSES All 6th grade students take a different Keystone Course each term.
Course Art ative De Cre
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Music ative De Cre
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Media Production ative De Cre
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Life Skills
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Description In 6th Grade Art, students learn to understand and apply the elements and principles of the visual arts. Students will create and maintain a digital portfolio that displays images of all their work and can be accessed and updated through each year of Middle School into high school. Arts classes will introduce the student to techniques and skills required for creating Art in 2-D and 3-D mediums. Students will learn art techniques through the study of Art History.
Music I identifies and introduces the three pillars of music: rhythm, harmony, and melody. Students will demonstrate an understanding of rhythm, harmony, and melody on the piano and guitar. Students will also explore different music genres and will be asked to utilize their creativity to compose original music and perform their original compositions on piano or guitar.
6th grade media production is an introductory class that exposes students to various forms of media. Students will experiment with sound, image, and video. Through the completion of mini-projects, students will learn about the foundational ideas of preproduction, production, and post-production.
In 6th Grade Life Skills, students learn and practice general physical skills and participate in team game play. The physical skills include jumping rope and base level calisthenics like push-ups, pull-ups, and air squats. Our goal is to improve coordination and work capacity. Game play is centered around team sports and the goal is to improve teamwork, communication, agility, and decision-making skills.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 7TH GRADE CORE CONTENT Course
Description
English jor Writ Ma i
n
Evaluatio ng
Social Studies
Math
Science
In 7th Grade English, literature and a variety of modes of writing are used to probe more deeply into questions about the world, to expand creative thinking skills, and to make students’ voices heard throughout the greater community. The course helps students build on and further skills mastered in 6th Grade English, including reading comprehension, writing process, grammar, and vocabulary skills.
Seventh Grade Social Studies focuses on global issues thatwill challenge students to consider various contemporary issues (poverty, famine, immigration, civil war, politics, pollution, health/disease, education, population, urbanization, genocide, religion, terrorism, etc.) while considering the role of the United States and the United Nations across the globe. Ultimately, the course aims to teach us all how to think globally. Research, writing, critical thinking, and presentations of learning are at the core of this course. We will address themes across the globe, and address their root causes, often expanding generations. The Math II course focuses on the first half of the Algebra 1 curriculum. In the course, students will focus on simplifying expressions via the order of operations, solving equations and inequalities, and graphing equations. Mastery of solving equations will be assessed throughout the year. They will learn through teacher instruction, collaborative work, and inquiry-based lessons. The purpose of using this model is to help the student take ownership of his learning experience and learn how to best work both individually and collaboratively, understand that mistakes are valuable learning tools, to persevere when challenged, and learn to apply concepts to higher-level questioning, and most importantly, develop his curiosity of the world and be able to use skills learned when he leaves the classroom. A graphing calculator from the TI-84 family is required. The focus in 7th grade is Earth Science. Units include astronomy, weather and climate, geology, and oceanography. The main goal of the course is to develop an understanding of modern science and technology through experimentation and inquiry. Students will participate in labs and projects that will develop the following skills: writing, math, inquiry, time management, cooperation, and presentation skills.
Spanish I
Seventh Grade Spanish offers students an opportunity to develop authentic Spanish language communication skills that they can use in everyday situations. This course will deepen and broaden the student’s foundation in basic Spanish grammar, and vocabulary, as well as the skills and strategies necessary for communication in authentic contexts at the novice level.
Theology
Seventh Grade Theology is designed to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through the study of the Bible, students will come to encounter the living word of God, Jesus Christ. Throughout the course, students will learn about the Bible, authored by God through inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. If they have not been taught this earlier, they will learn how to read the Bible and will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students will pay particular attention to the different sections of the Old Testament.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 7TH GRADE KEYSTONE COURSES All 7th grade students take a different Keystone Course each term.
Course Art ative De Cre
tion uc
n & Prod sig
ative De Cre
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n & Prod sig
Media Production tion uc
n & Prod sig
ative De Cre
In 7th Grade Art, students learn to understand and apply the elements and principles of the visual arts. Students will create and maintain a digital portfolio that displays images of all their work and can be accessed and updated through each year of Middle School into high school. Arts classes introduce the student to techniques and skills required for creating Art in 2-D and 3-D mediums. Students will learn art techniques through the study of Art History.
Music
Life Skills
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Description
Music II furthers the students’ understanding of music theory and harmony through the introduction to songwriting and song form. Students will be introduced to the technology aspect of music and will use the program Logic Pro X to explore different musical sounds and genres. Each student is provided the opportunity to do the following: pick a genre of music from the 20th Century, research that genre, re-create a song from that genre using Logic Pro X, and present their research and song to the class.
Seventh Grade Media Production is a continuation of learning about the various forms of media. Projects will become more complex and more creative. Students will have a good understanding of how to use media in other classrooms to demonstrate learning.
In 7th Grade Life Skills, students will continue to build basic strength and coordination using basic calisthenics. The “hinge” movement pattern is introduced at this level and taught using the kettle bell dead lift and the kettle bell swing. Game play remains an important part of the class as students continue to improve throwing, catching, running, and quick decision-making skills.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 8TH GRADE CORE CONTENT Course English n
jor Writ Ma i
Evaluatio ng
Social Studies
Math
Description In 8th Grade English, students continue to grow as writers and readers as they prepare to move into the Upper School. Through academic and creative writing, students will master writing conventions, develop research skills, and experience writing as a vehicle for self-expression. Students will focus on writing as a process, including drafting, editing, and working with Upper School writing tutors. By reading classic and contemporary literature, students will develop their vocabulary and reading comprehension while exploring how experiences and aspirations shape individuals and communities. Eighth Grade Social Studies focuses on Post-Civil War American History (Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, the Industrial Revolution, World War I, the 1920s and 1930s, and World War II). Students closely follow social issues during these time periods. Students will gain an understanding of how the past shapes the present while developing empathy and becoming better readers, writers, and thinkers. Students will collaborate, problem-solve, and analyze while connecting real-world issues of the past and present. The Math III course focuses on the second half of the Algebra 1 curriculum. In this course, students continue to improve their level of mastery and will work to be able to: solve linear equations, solve linear inequalities, graph and write linear functions, solve systems of equations, explore and apply properties of exponents, evaluate expressions containing radicals and rational exponents, solve exponential equations, perform operations with polynomials, factor and solve polynomial equations, and graph and solve quadratic equations. Students will learn and develop skills according to their own pace and learning styles. Assessments will be differentiated according to each student’s level of mastery in each content area. In this way, students will begin to understand and appreciate Algebra as seen through their own eyes and experienced using their own unique talents. A graphing calculator from the TI-84 family is required. Students who complete Algebra 1 in 7th grade will have the option to take Geometry during their 8th grade year.
Science
Theology blic Perfor Pu
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Eighth Grade Science is designed for students to explore the world around them and develop a better understanding of how humans are connected to their environment. Throughout the course, students explore chemistry and ecology, while developing their scientific skills and building on their understanding of the scientific process. Students will look at real-world problems from a local and global perspective, use technology to gather and analyze data, and apply problem-solving skills. Eighth Grade Theology introduces the students to the study of the Church, covering the origin and nature, and structure of the Mass. Religious holidays, specific prayers, and verses from the Bible will be reviewed and discussed. The class looks at the sacraments, the saints, and the priesthood. The course addresses the works of Saint Augustine in the world and how his teachings apply to Malvern’s campus today. The course is written to help the student to desire to imitate the saints of the Church.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 8TH GRADE CORE CONTENT Course
Life Skills
Description Eighth Grade Life Skills begins the introduction to weight lifting exercises with a barbell and cooking skills in the kitchen. The bench press and dead lift are taught and practiced frequently. An introduction to a variety of strength training exercises and training principles are introduced to prepare students for more intensive strength training in the future. Students are introduced to the school’s strength and conditioning software and are required to record their work in the app to teach the importance of keeping track of progress. Team game play continues to be essential for further athletic and social development. Students also complete 12 at-home asynchronous cooking assignments using eggs as the main ingredient. They are required to keep a Cooking Skills Progression that documents the dishes created during the two terms.
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GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS 8TH GRADE ELECTIVES Eighth grade students will select two of the following courses. Each course is eligible for high school credit.
Course Studio Art ative De Cre
tion uc
n & Prod sig
ative De Cre
tion uc
n & Prod sig
Spanish II
Media Production tion uc
n & Prod sig
ative De Cre
The arts in the classroom are always striving to develop and enhance a student’s creativity through art production and through solving design problems. Students will learn to understand and apply the elements and principles of the visual arts. Students will create and maintain a digital portfolio that displays images of all their work and can be accessed and updated through each year of Middle School into upper school. Arts classes will introduce the student to techniques and skills required for creating Art in 2-D and 3-D mediums. Students will learn art techniques through the study of Art History.
Music Recording and Technology
Introduction to Computer Science tion uc
n & Prod sig
ative De Cre
Description
Music Recording and Technology introduces students to the art of contemporary recording techniques using Logic Pro X. The students are required to learn and develop the skills and creativity necessary for song composition and recording. Through exploration of different genres of music, students will have the opportunity to establish their own unique ‘sound’ and produce a professional sounding final composition.
Spanish II offers students an opportunity to develop authentic Spanish language communication skills that they can use in everyday situations. This course will continue to deepen and broaden the student’s foundation in basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary, as well as the skills and strategies necessary for communication in authentic contexts at the mid-high level. A focus will be placed on developing speaking and writing skills in the present and past tenses. Students will learn about and develop the skills associated with the design, creation, distribution, and analysis of digital media. Through a focus on marketing and communication, students will identify content worthy of publication, determine the appropriate media (audio, video, etc) to connect with the desired population, and use the appropriate technical processes to create digital communication, deliver it, and measure the impact on the community.
Students will select guided project pathways that will allow them to learn and create simultaneously. Projects may focus on them physically, such as robots or automated devices, or live completely in the digital world, like video games or web applications. Students will have access to curated resources, including tools and materials such as 3D printers, RGB lighting/LED displays, Raspberry Pi/Arduinos, and assorted electronics. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed computational thinking skills and will have a completed project that demonstrates what they can do with those skills.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL ENSEMBLE All Middle School musicians have the opportunity to join an Ensemble. Ensemble occurs during the school day, so students can participate in other activities before or after school.
Jazz The Middle School Jazz Ensemble is an organization for the purpose of learning, practicing, and performing different styles of Jazz music. The course offers two on-campus concerts, Winter and Spring Arts Festivals, opportunities to audition for All-Catholic Jazz and Concert Band as well as District and Regional Concert bands. Grades will be based on participation, preparation for class and concerts, and general musical improvement.
Chorus The Middle School Men’s Chorus performs at a variety of public events including the annual Winter and Spring Arts Festivals, school liturgies, and other public functions. Students will refine sight-singing skills and learn proper vocal techniques.
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COUNSELING COURSEWORK 6th Grade In 6th grade there are a lot of new adjustments: new school, new teachers, new classmates, and a new environment (to name a few). In 6th grade counseling, we focus on improving each student’s social, emotional, and academic skills to allow them to thrive while here at Malvern and beyond. Some of the topics we discuss in class include empathy, study skills, decision making, bullying, social media, and a growth mindset. These lessons will also provide solution-focused strategies for challenges/problems that may arise during any given day.
7th Grade In 7th grade we continue to improve upon our social, emotional, and academic skills. As students begin to change developmentally, they will focus more on topics that affect both themselves and those around them. Some of the topics we will go over include goal setting, multicultural self, the use of language, stress management, and career inventories.
8th Grade In 8th grade we continue to build on all of the social, emotional, and academic skills we have gained in previous years. With students starting to grow, mature, and experiment we cover topics that are age-appropriate for 8th graders. We will talk about topics such as identity (who are you), drugs/alcohol, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal is to create a healthy and safe environment for students to express themselves and feel accepted.
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