Junior High Course Catalog

Table of Contents

Bible

We believe that the message of salvation and life in Jesus Christ will transform the lives of our students, our culture, and our world. With this in mind, the Valley Christian Junior High Bible Department purposes to minister to the whole student in their journey with God through teaching the truth, loving the individual, and holding students accountable as we encourage and empower them to be people of influence.

Courses

Introduction to Bible

The

Bible, God’s Love Letter

Introduction to the Bible is designed for the seventh or eighth grade student who is new or nearly new to studying the Bible in a systematic, formal way. The student will learn how to navigate through the Word of God, and will come to realize that the theme of God’s truth is consistently woven throughout Scripture. In the process, each student will learn to apply this truth personally to his or her own life. The course is taught using critical thinking methods that emphasize God’s plan of redemption from beginning of Creation.

Textbooks: Route 66, Complete Bible overview; Bible (NIV)

Bible 6

God, Our Faithful Father

This course traces the redemptive arc of God’s faithfulness to man, even when he is unfaithful. By examining the Old Testament and New Testament through the lens of the cross, students will see that God’s message has always been and always will be the same: He loves us and wants a relationship with us. The lessons will also help each student make an informed commitment to accept Christ as Savior and Lord and live out that commitment through love, obedience, and service. Each student will be immersed in the Bible’s teachings, learn to share its truths with others, and grow in his or her faith.

Textbooks: Route 66, Complete Bible overview; Bible (NIV)

Bible 7

Life of Christ, the Son of God

This class examines the life of Jesus Christ through a focused study of the Gospel of John. This book presents the story of Jesus in an action-packed, fast-paced, amazing adventure. During this in-depth survey of John, the student will learn about Jesus invitation to a personal, eternal relationship with Him. The student will also examine consistent truths and promises throughout Scripture, and will learn what it means to follow Jesus. Key activities include critically responding in oral class discussions and written short answers, presenting personal application projects, and memorizing Scripture.

Textbooks: The God Man, Bible (NIV)

Bible 8

God, the Holy Spirit – The Study of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

This course is an exceptional life application study of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. The aim is to assist each student in discovering that the Holy Spirit is a mighty helper and daily guide through life. Doctrinal emphasis includes the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Christian church, evangelism, and the spread of the Gospel into “the entire world.” Life application areas include dealing with peer pressure, family life issues, and building healthy friendships.

“Family Faith Interview” writing assignments encourage parental involvement, while cooperative learning teams, personal journal entry time, and scripture memorization encourage practical application of the student’s faith walk.

Textbooks: Bible (NIV)

Our God is a communicating God. The ability to communicate with one another is part of His plan for our lives. Due to this, the Valley Christian Junior High English Department seeks to inspire our students to delve enthusiastically into great literature and to critically examine it through the lens of God’s truth, both while they are in our classrooms and once they leave. Our goal is to lead them in becoming wise and discerning readers and thinkers who are able to communicate their ideas and beliefs in conversation and in writing.

Courses

English 6

English 6 is designed to encompass grammar study, vocabulary, literary analysis, and the development of writing skills. The writing and outlining focus teaches the importance of building strong, supportive body paragraphs; this section also emphasizes narrative and descriptive writing. Novels are read in class along with short stories which focus on character analysis, vocabulary development, comprehension skills, and enjoyment. Outside reading is also required. Literature selections will come in both digital and workbook format. IXL online grammar will be assigned as weekly homework or as designated by the teacher.

Textbooks: myPerspectives English Language Arts, Grade 6 Pearson, 2017, Workbook and online

English 7

This course studies selections from a literature anthology, which includes various stories, fables, myths, and legends. The students will be introduced to literary analysis and related terminology. Outside reading is required along with in-class novels. The student is challenged to interpret all reading from a Christian perspective. Expository writing is emphasized, as is the thesis statement and the five-paragraph essay. Literature selections will come in both digital and workbook format. IXL online grammar will be assigned as weekly homework or as designated by the teacher.

Textbooks: myPerspectives English Language Arts, Grade 7, Pearson, 2017, Workbook and online

English 7

HONORS

English 7 Honors studies fables, myths, legends, and stories from an anthology as a way of introduction to literary analysis and terminology. Additional novels are also studied. All reading is interpreted from a Christian perspective. The student will learn how to formulate a thesis statement and write a well-supported fiveparagraph essay. As this is an Honors course, a greater level of writing is required and the pace of instruction is accelerated. Literature selections will come in both digital and workbook format. IXL online grammar will be assigned as weekly homework or as designated by the teacher.

Teacher recommendation required

Textbook: myPerspectives English Language Arts, Grade 7, Pearson, 2017, Workbook and online

English 8

English 8 is designed to include a study of grammar, concentrating on clauses and phrases in the context of literature. Instruction will cover descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing with an emphasis on argumentative essays. Supplemental novels are read. Each student is encouraged to interpret literature from a Christian perspective. A research paper following MLA format is required, as are literary analyses and a comparative essay on classic novels. All eighth grade students must take a writing competency written exam; therefore, the fiveparagraph essay format is emphasized, through a study of the writing manual, Taking Writing by the Hand. Literature selections will come in both digital and workbook format. IXL online grammar will be assigned as weekly homework or as designated by the teacher.

Textbook: myPerspectives English Language Arts, Grade 8, Pearson, 2017, Workbook and online; Taking Writing by the Hand – Joan Wescott

English 8 HONORS

This course will include an integrated study of grammar, concentrating on clauses and phrases in the context of literature. Instruction will include descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive writing, with an emphasis on argumentative essays. Supplemental novels are read. Each student is encouraged to interpret literature from a Christian perspective. All eighth grade students must pass a writing competency-written exam; therefore, the five-paragraph essay format is emphasized, through a study of the writing manual, Taking Writing by the Hand. Literature selections will come in both digital and workbook format. IXL online grammar will be assigned as weekly homework or as designated by the teacher.

Teacher recommendation required

Textbook: myPerspectives English Language Arts, Grade 8, Pearson, 2017, Workbook and online; Taking Writing by the Hand – Joan Wescott

Mathematics

We believe that God’s attribute of consistency is demonstrated through the orderliness and precision of mathematics. The Valley Christian Junior High Math Department provides a comprehensive math programs that encompasses all levels of ability. The program offers advanced courses at every grade level, with all math courses emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, mathematical concepts/applications, and the preparation for high school mathematics all through the lens of a biblical worldview.

Courses

Math Course 1

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. The curriculum emphasizes the four mathematical operations with fractions, and decimals. Students apply these numerical operations and algebraic properties to expressions, equations, and inequalities. The curriculum also includes an emphasis on ratios, rates, the coordinate plane, area, volume, statistical measures, and data displays. Classroom instruction focuses on student-centered learning, investigation, problem solving, and real-life applications.

Textbook: Larson BIG IDEAS Course 1, HMH 2015, eBook

Math Course 2 Math Course 2 ACCELERATED

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. The curriculum emphasizes the four mathematical operations with fractions and integers and the application of these operations to algebraic expressions and properties. Students will solve basic equations and inequalities, and apply ratios and proportions to real-life problems. The curriculum also includes an introduction to basic geometry concepts. Classroom instruction focuses on student-centered learning, investigation, problem solving, and real-life applications.

Textbook: Larson BIG IDEAS Course 2, HMH 2015, eBook

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. The curriculum emphasizes integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, percents, equations, and inequalities. Students study exponents, scientific notation, probability and statistics. The curriculum also includes scale drawings, Pythagorean Theorem, angles, triangles, area, and volume. Classroom instruction focuses on student-centered learning, investigation, problem solving, and real-life applications.

Prerequisite: A yearlong passing grade in the prior grade level math course, successfully passing the readiness test, high standardized testing math scores, and teacher recommendation.

Textbook: Larson BIG IDEAS Course 2 Accelerated, HMH 2015, eBook

Algebra Readiness Algebra 1

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. Students begin by building a strong foundation in integers in order to complete the four basic operations fluently. Students will learn to write, evaluate, and apply variable expressions to real-world scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes solving equations, inequalities, and proportions with both integers and rational numbers. Students will apply ratios and proportional relationships in geometry and percentages. Students will be introduced to the rules of exponents and the relationship between exponents and radicals. This course is intended to provide students with the mathematical foundation for success in a high school Algebra 1 course.

Textbook: Holt McDougal Larson, PreAlgebra 2012

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. The curriculum includes comprehensive study in linear equations and functions, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations and functions, and data analysis and displays. Classroom instruction focuses on student-centered learning, investigation, problem solving, and real-life applications.

Prerequisite: An overall passing grade in Math Course 2 Accelerated, successfully passing the readiness test, high standardized testing math scores, and teacher recommendation.

Textbook: Larson BIG IDEAS Algebra 1, HMH 2015, App

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Mathematics

Courses

Geometry

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. The curriculum includes comprehensive study in parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, trigonometry, circles, circumference, area, and volume. Students use reasoning and proofs throughout the course to build conceptual understanding of the geometric relationships. Classroom instruction focuses on studentcentered learning, investigation, problem solving, and real-life applications.

*Grades earned in Geometry will need to be reported for college applications.

Prerequisite: A yearlong passing grade from an accredited, in-person Algebra course, successfully passing the readiness test, high standardized testing math scores, and teacher recommendation.

Textbook: Larson BIG IDEAS Geometry, HMH 2015, App

Algebra 2 HONORS

In this course, students will develop the eight mathematical practice standards in order to be successful in this and future high school and college mathematics courses. The curriculum includes comprehensive study in functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, and rational), radical expressions, complex numbers, conic sections, and logarithms. The curriculum also includes an introduction to statistics, sequences and series, and trigonometry. Classroom instruction focuses on studentcentered learning, investigation, problem solving, and real-life applications.

*Grades earned in this course will need to be reported for college applications.

Prerequisite: An overall passing grade in Geometry, successfully passing the readiness test, high standardized testing math scores, and teacher recommendation.

Textbooks: HMH Fuse Algebra 2, Holt McDougal 2015, App

Science

God is the Creator of all things. He is not limited in any fashion. God controls every part of the University studied in science. The Valley Christian Junior High Science Department provides our students with many exciting opportunities for learning about God’s world through exploration and discovery. Our students explore the wonder of the laws and principles that govern the Universe while developing skills for success throughout junior and senior high in the context of a biblical worldview.

Courses

Earth Science Life Science

This course introduces sixth grade students to the earth science disciplines. The materials present in-depth content and hands-on experimentation activities, supplemented by comprehensive technology support. Students will have a good grasp on the Scientific Method and engineering process upon completion.

Textbook: Stemscopes CA NGSS 3D

This course introduces seventh grade students to studies in the life science disciplines. The materials present in-depth content and hands-on experimentation activities, supplemented by comprehensive technology support. Students will complete many in-class experiments and will analyze results through the scientific data collection and reporting.

Textbook: Stemscopes CA NGSS 3D

Physical Science

This course introduces eighth grade students to studies in the physical science disciplines. The materials present in-depth content and hands-on experimentation activities, supplemented by comprehensive technology support. The many STEAM challenges emphasize the study and implementation of both the scientific and engineering processes.

Textbook: Stemscopes CA NGSS 3D

History

We believe that through the study of global cultures, historical time periods, and the changing roles of government and economic development, our students make connections between events of the past and the current global community, and examine moral and ethical questions in history and the world today. Our goal is to help our students to refine a biblical worldview, and ultimately translate their learning into a compassionate and strategic philosophy. The Valley Christian Junior High History Department relates the material in a context of Christian values that is grounded in the Bible as reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Courses

History 6

This course provides an overview of world cultures through interactive teaching methods. The span of study will begin with Creation and conclude with the decline of the Ancient Greece. The class will explore historical, economic, and geographic themes and will observe cultural differences. Technology will be frequently utilized in order to research and create presentations that summarize main ideas. Each student will grow to appreciate the differences in our world culture because of the history of each civilization. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding God’s purpose and involvement with people throughout history.

Textbook: World History Ancient Civilizations - National Geographic Learning 2017

History 7

This course is a continuing study of the history of the world, focusing on the time period starting with the Roman Empire and ending at the French Revolution. The class will look to history to uncover lessons for modern daily life. Each student will see God at work in ancient civilizations, and will study biblical principles as they have unfolded over time.

Textbook: World History Medieval and Early Modern Times - National Geographic Learning 2017

History 8

History 8 is an in-depth study of the ideas, issues, and events that took place from the Colonization of America to the American Civil War and Reconstruction. The curriculum traces the development of America’s democratic institutions as founded on a Judeo-Christian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, and explores how these particularly shaped the Constitution. The class will be taught how to make connections between our past and contemporary social and economic issues. The student will also learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on understanding the Constitution and the causes and consequences of the Civil War.

Textbook: US History American Stories: Beginnings to WWI - National Geographic Learning 2017

Physical Education

Courses

Uniforms required

We believe that God has set standards for our activities that are distinct. Therefore, the aim of the Valley Christian Junior High Physical Education Department is to give our students an opportunity to grow spiritually, improve their skill, enhance physical and mental abilities, enjoy fair play, increase knowledge, and develop a liking for a fit, active, and healthy lifestyle. Boys PE Girls PE

Uniforms required

K-12 Program Offerings

Junior Applied Math, Science, and Engineering (AMSE)

This program provides junior high students with excellent facilities and unique opportunities to inspire future mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, all while preparing them for our Valley Christian High School AMSE Institute programs. The Junior AMSE Institute offers a variety of afterschool programs and electives to enhance and expand on the comprehensive math, science, and STEM elective course offerings.

Explore Business, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation (BEI) Junior Conservatory of the Arts Athletics

This program allows students to develop their creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills through various learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom. Explore BEI provides hands-on, projectbased learning opportunities introducing the concepts of entrepreneurship.

This program allows young artists to further develop their God-given talents with a full range of visual and performing arts offerings. In a program of unmatched quality and breadth, the Junior Conservatory provides the foundational training in Dance, Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts required for successful and seamless matriculation to the high school Conservatory of the Arts.

This program provides students an intro to sports, explore careers in sports, develop an understanding of sport training techniques, and learn about sports ministry. This course will also provide students with opportunities to develop practical leadership skills, learn how technology and sports interact, and tackle ethical and managerial aspects of sports.

Additional Offerings

Beyond the K-12 program elective and after-school offerings, VCJH offers electives to expand leadership skills, discover world languages, or spend additional time studying. Please view a complete list of elective offerings by scanning the QR code below or visit vcs.net/jhelectives

MISSION STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence

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