ART, COMPUTER SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVES Electives are offered each trimester in the following categories for students in Grade 6: computer science & technology, performing arts, and visual arts. All students in Grades 6 are required to take either band, orchestra, or chorus and one other elective. Students in Grades 7 and 8 select from the same categories with the addition of music. Students select these courses in the spring by rank, ordering their choices in an electronic form sent through email. Students may take no more than two courses from the same category. Final placement is not guaranteed, but we will honor their preferences as much as possible. Performing arts classes prepare for an ensemble performance, either large or small, during the term. Computer science & technology and visual art studio classes are designed for individual creativity on project-based work; and appreciation classes cover the history and significance of key genres, artists, or movements within the chosen discipline. Elective courses meet twice in the eight-day cycle.
Performing Arts The Middle School performing arts curriculum is specifically designed to encourage and foster creativity and risk taking. Each course can be taken independently, or courses can be combined to provide an in-depth study of various theatrical topics. Classes are collaborative and hands-on, requiring students to work together with their peers to solve technical challenges, create new designs and share stories. With an emphasis also on building self-esteem and specific skills, performance courses are designed to meet each student where they are, as a middle schooler and performer, and then to build upon that base. Paired with the MS Musical, all courses complement each other, and allow for individual and collective growth.
Middle School Musical The Middle School musical provides a performing arts experience for participating students, and in doing so, fosters self-confidence and personal fulfillment through teamwork. Students may elect to participate in rehearsing and performing the musical, or building sets and props and operating the technical equipment in the technical theatre class. Both classes are available to all students regardless of experience level. A typical day in class involves both hard work and fun, and relies on students to come prepared and develop a willingness to take risks and think creatively about problem solving. The culminating activity for the course is the musical itself, which students
perform on three occasions. Students who enroll in the MS musical or technical theatre class undertake great individual responsibility and commitment to assure a successful production and rewarding experience for one another, including two Saturday rehearsals, four after school rehearsals, three performances, and set strike (clean up) day. Participation in the MS musical is one of the most mission-aligned efforts a student will make at Sewickley Academy. From auditions to rehearsals and performances to set strike, students learn first hand the key components of creating and producing a full-scale musical. The skills learned throughout the process are directly transferable to other theatrical experiences a student may pursue, or more broadly, life skills and character traits such as job interviewing, public speaking, collaboration, self-confidence, and resilience.
Visual Arts The Middle School visual arts curriculum is specifically designed to encourage and foster creativity and risk taking. Each course can be taken independently, or courses can be combined to provide an in-depth study of various artsrelated topics. Classes are collaborative and hands-on, allowing for individual and collective growth work as students work independently and together with their peers to creatively develop their artistic techniques. With an emphasis also on building artistic habits of mind and observational skills, visual arts courses are designed to meet
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