GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS

8th Grade Core Content

Course Description

English

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.

Social Studies

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.

Math

The Math III course focuses on the second half of the Algebra 1 curriculum. In this course, students will 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.

Students who successfully complete and show mastery of a full Algebra 1 course in 7th grade will have the option to take Geometry during their 8th grade year.

Science

Eighth Grade Science is an integrated course 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 the environment, 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.

Theology

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.