Encore-7 Courses

dence/data • Collaborates effectively and productively. • Follows directions and rubrics. • Makes valid observations, inferences, and hypotheses • Using mathematics and computational thinking

World Languages, Literatures & Cultures-Level B

Level B World Languages, Literatures & Cultures continues introductory-level instruction, with emphasis on speaking in the target language from the beginning of the year. Within the first month, students are expected to converse with each other, not with a memorized text, but extemporaneously within openended scenarios based on broad vocabulary study. In addition to speaking and listening, strong emphasis is placed on developing reading and writing skills. Techniques in the classroom may include the use of skits, role-playing, music, pair-work, and video clips and filming.

Chinese-Level B

Working in the target language, students learn more about the customs, idioms, and culture of China with a focus on food and holidays.

French-Level B

Lessons on the geography, customs, and idioms of Frenchspeaking countries enrich the language-learning experience.

Spanish-Level B

Working in the target language, students learn about the geography and cultures of selected Hispanic countries in Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

ENCORE-7 COURSES

Athletics-7/8

During the year, seventh and eighth grade students are required to participate in three sports seasons (with the limited option of petitioning to be excused from one season for an “alternate outside activity”). There are usually one or two teams for each sport. Practice is held Monday through Friday from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. (fall and spring), 2:30-4:00 p.m. (winter). Games usually begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at approximately 5:30 p.m. (Sixth grade students take physical education, which includes units in all of the sports offered at Friends.)

Fall (practice daily, 2:45 - 4:15, later end time on game days) • Soccer (boys’) • Football (see A and B team weight designations below) • A Team Division Weight Limit: Offensive Linemen—unlimited from tackle to tackle Offensive Ends—145 lb. limitation Offensive Backs and Ball Carriers—125 lbs. limitation Defensive Down Linemen—unlimited weight Defensive Linebackers, Ends, and Backs—145 lbs. limitation • B Team Division Weight Limit: Down Linemen—145 lbs. limitation Backs and Ends—125 lbs. limitation • Field Hockey (girls’) • Volleyball (girls’, limited to 24 players) • Cross Country (coed team)

Winter (practice daily, 2:30 - 4:00, later end time on game days) • Basketball (boys’ and girls’, limited to 30 players each team) • Wrestling (coed) • Indoor Track (coed team)

Spring (practice daily, 2:45 - 4:15, later end time on game days) • Baseball (boys’, limited to 16 players) • Lacrosse (girls’ and boys’) • Soccer (girls’) • Tennis (coed team—limited to 24 players)

Computer Science-7

The seventh grade Computer Science curriculum emphasizes computational thinking, data collection, data manipulation, data presentation, and data analysis using both internally generated and external data sets. Methods and tools used to query and store data are also explored. Students continue to program in Scratch with more of an emphasis on math-related programming activities. STEM experiences continue as students work with sensors and circuits to create objects with specific functions using Snap, along with extended Scratch programmingenvironment and Hummingbird technologies. To balance the physical programming portion of the class, students begin understanding how the computer works at its “lowest” level. From this foundation, students learn how computers store and manipulate documents, images, video, and other types of data. As the course progresses, students learn how computers share information by building a web site and investigating basic computer system and networking concepts that underlie the Internet. By exploring Internet topics such as cybersecurity, students learn the global and ethical impacts of computer science.

Human Dynamics and Development-7: Conflict Resolution

This course invites students to investigate, analyze, understand, and practice strategies to manage inter and intrapersonal conflicts. Some of the topics discussed include trust, friendship, conflict starters at home and school, conflict makers vs conflict solvers, choosing vs reacting to conflict, suicide, the power of calming statements and deep breathing, listening strategies, I-messages, taking responsibility, courage, brainstorming solutions and choosing what is fair, apologizing, thanking, forgiving, empathy, compassion, and how to manage anger and avoid violence. The goal of the course is to equip students with skills to handle conflict in their lives and to help them view conflict as an opportunity for growth.