BGA Middle School Curriculum Guide

Middle School 2014-2015

Mission BGA is a college preparatory school dedicated to developing the intellectual, moral, creative, and physical aspects of each student, and to assisting students in the realization of their potential for personal fulfillment and service to others.

Our goals to achieve this mission: • to prepare students for college entrance and study through a comprehensive and rigorous academic program • to foster the moral growth of students by ethical example and through the expectations of responsibility, integrity, and respect for the worth of each individual • to nurture creativity and self-expression in all areas of school life, and to encourage participation in arts education and arts-related extracurricular activities • to enhance the physical fitness of each student and to encourage participation in athletics • to promote opportunities for each student to realize self-fulfillment and to participate in service oriented activities

Character The Honor Code The Honor Code is one of Battle Ground Academy’s most treasured traditions. In BGA’s first year, 1889, students were asked to sign the honor pledge on their test papers. Respect for honor and integrity remains a crucial expectation of each student at Battle Ground Academy. The code is predicated on the assumption that students and faculty are honorable and may be trusted. Each member of the BGA family must accept his or her personal responsibility to this Honor Code.

I will tell the truth and not deceive others. I will not lie.

I will ensure that the work I submit is my own, and I will neither give nor receive unauthorized assistance in my academic work. I will not cheat.

I will respect the property of others by not taking or borrowing without permission. I will not steal.

I will do all in my power to enhance the spirit of trust embodied in this Honor Code. I will not support dishonorable behavior.

336 Ernest Rice Lane • Franklin, TN 37069 • P.O. Box 1889 • Franklin, TN 37065-1889 Phone (615) 794-3501 • Fax (615) 794-9613 • www.BattleGroundAcademy.org

Scholarship Philosophy Battle Ground Academy’s Middle School curriculum is designed to address the needs of young people during the crucial adolescent years. Thorough scholarship is demanded in the core academic courses (language arts, math, science, social studies) so that the student will be able to meet the challenges of our Upper School college preparatory program. At the same time, students are exposed to a variety of exploratory and enrichment opportunities that broaden their horizons and give them a better understanding of their interests and capabilities.

The Middle School is home to students in 5th through 8th grade. While all students are part of one Middle School, there are 2 wings to our division: a 5th/6th wing and a 7th/8th wing. 5th and 6th graders live on the “Gold” Hall, while students in the 7th/8th grades live on the “Blue” Hall. Thus students spend most of their time with their grade-level, but they also have opportunities to be part of their larger peer group through assemblies, teams, clubs, and assorted school activities.

In addition to the 4 core classes, students in 5th/6th grades take Wellness every day as well as 2 “exploratory” classes. Meanwhile, students in 7th/8th grades choose a foreign language (French, Latin, Spanish) as their 5th core class as well as choose 4 “elective” classes. Advanced or “Honors” courses are offered beginning in 7th grade.

Honors Philosophy While all classes at Battle Ground Academy provide a rigorous college preparatory experience, honors classes (beginning in the 7th and 8th grade) provide a more comprehensive challenge while allowing multiple opportunities for students to take greater responsibility for their learning. These courses are appropriate for students who have demonstrated an advanced level of achievement and interest. They are distinguished from regular courses by the depth of the work rather than the quantity. Students in honors classes should be able to: • Be an independent, self-motivated learner • Complete high quality assignments in a timely manner • Be actively engaged and make productive use of all class time • Understand new concepts and apply them with little extra help • Possess the energy and persistence to solve difficult problems • Compose authentic questions, rather than just providing answers • Apply learned skills to new and unique situations • Be receptive to constructive criticism • Score at the highest levels on standardized tests Learning Center To fulfill the mission of Battle Ground Academy, the Learning Center is committed to nurturing students in their journey toward academic excellence. The Learning Center is a resource center for students, teachers, and parents.

Working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals as needed, our goal is to help each student reach his or her academic potential. The Learning Center provides the support–through academic coaching, parent consultation, and coordination of services–necessary to ensure students’ needs are met in the classroom.

Middle School Curriculum Fifth Grade

Seventh Grade

5 Core Courses: English Math General Science Humanities Wellness

5 Core Courses: English Pre-Algebra Life Science Geography French/Latin/Spanish

Exploratories: Art Band Chorus Drama Spanish Study Skills

Choice of 4 Electives: Band Chorus Dance Drama Electronic Music Media Studio Art Wellness

Sixth Grade

Eighth Grade

5 Core Courses: English Math Earth Science Ancient Civilizations Wellness

5 Core Courses: English Algebra Physical Science U.S. History French/Latin/Spanish

Exploratories: Art Band Chorus Spanish Speech Study Skills

Choice of 4 Electives: Band Chorus Dance Drama Electronic Music Media Studio Art I Studio Art II Theatre Theatre Ensemble Wellness

Excellence In accordance with the BGA mission, being an educated young person is not only about Character and Scholarship; it is also about Excellence. As Aristotle once noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act but a habit.” And nowhere is that more important than in the Middle School years, when a young person’s attitudes and habits are forming. Middle School is a time to explore and try new things–both curricular and extracurricular–and those new things often include the arts, athletics, and service to others.

Pursue excellence!

Enrichment Opportunities and Special Activities School-Wide Community Service Fannie Battle Christmas Caroling Snowman Tree for Foster Children Nursing Home Bingo, Lap blanket projects March of Dimes Race for the Cure Grace Works Jump Rope for Heart Hoops for Heart

Choral Recording Sessions Music Concerts Summer Fine Arts Camps Talent Show

Science Intramurals Math Olympiad Chess Club Science Fair Health Fair Mr. Science Cumberland Science Museum

Lock-Ins Adventure Treks Camp Marymount/Washington D.C.

Medieval Day Festival Renaissance Festival Carnton Plantation Festival Carter House Tour Chattanooga Aquarium Parthenon TPAC Theatre Productions Fall/Spring Play BGA Choir Middle Tennessee Elementary & Middle School Honors Choir BGA Band Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival

Destination Imagination Student Government National Junior Honor Society WILDCAT Advisory Groups FCA

AdventureWorks Higher Pursuits Adventure Club Kayaking Fly Fishing Rock Climbing Spring Skiing Trip Ice Skating Summer Adventure Trip Ocoee Whitewater Rafting Mountain Biking

Bowling Intramurals Tennis Intramurals Golf Intramurals BGA Athletics Flag Football Intramurals Volleyball Intramurals Basketball Intramurals Soccer Intramurals Summer Athletic Camps Sports Recognition Book Fair Nashville Sounds Reading Club Geography Bee BGAppeal Newspaper Grandparents Day Closing Exercises Gary Brock Award Clint Rice Citizenship Award Marylou Brown Community Service Award Sgt. Scott H. Lape Leadership Award Agnes Stokes Fort More Arts Award

Greer –Plato Societies Quiz Bowl Arm Wrestling Tug of War Jamboree Field Day

336 Ernest Rice Lane • Franklin, TN 37069 • P.O. Box 1889 • Franklin, TN 37065-1889 Phone (615) 794-3501 • Fax (615) 794-9613 • www.BattleGroundAcademy.org