Middle School Course of Study 2023-2024

Wooster School Middle School

2024 Course of Study

Introduction

Wooster’s Middle School enables students to develop the skills, dispositions, and knowledge to be successful learners. Consistent with the developmental needs of this age group, the program offers opportunities to safely explore new passions, ideas, and identities. We incorporate a broad and diverse array of challenging experiences that strengthen students’ core skills. Ultimately, our curriculum teaches students to learn, think, and communicate all in the pursuit of developing into lifelong learners.

Recognizing the jagged needs of our students, we organize Middle School at Wooster into two distinct experiences. The Early Middle School (EMS) Program serves students that would traditionally enroll in the 5th or 6th grades. After EMS, students engage in our 7th grade and 8th grade coursework.

Special Programs

Agency Hour

Agency Hour is a double block of time in the Middle School on Wednesday afternoons. By design, this time is student-driven and choice-based. Students have the opportunity to select from a menu of options: Spanish, art, acting, hiking, origami, tutoring, athletics, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), board games, photography, and more. Additionally, we encourage students to develop their own ideas that might allow them to explore new experiences or to pursue existing interests. The Agency Hour rosters flex week-by-week.

What I Need (WIN)

WIN (“What I Need”) blocks are built into students' weekly schedules. During this time, students have the opportunity to practice agency and independence in a teacher-supported setting. Students utilize WIN time in a variety of ways: independent work, teacher/student conferencing, small group instruction, peer work. As the name suggests, the purpose of WIN time is for students to pursue their particular area of need, be it academic enrichment or support.

Extra Help and Tutoring

The academic life of Wooster is strengthened by a program of extra help offered by our teachers. If more support is needed, Wooster has a tutoring system in place for an additional fee. Families of students having protracted difficulty meeting the academic expectations of the School may be urged to seek educational testing to pinpoint challenges or rule out possible causes.

Bridge Program

The Bridge Program is an academic remediation and support program designed to provide students the tools and skills necessary to be successful in school and as lifelong learners. All Middle School Bridge students meet with their Bridge teachers outside the typical learning environment in a Bridge Support course for re-teaching, skill-based learning opportunities, and executive functioning reinforcement as related to the specific learning goals of their academic disciplines. Bridge teachers collaborate with core academic teachers regularly, manage each Bridge student’s Wooster Educational Plan, and serve as a liaison between school and home on all academic matters of the students’ experience.

Early Middle School (EMS) Program

About the Early Middle School Program

The Early Middle School (EMS) Program at Wooster School is a 1- or 2-year-long program for 1012-year-olds that have completed 4th or 5th grade. Students learn in level-alike, small groups with personalized instruction. To facilitate this structure, this program involves a low student-to-teacher ratio and a curricular design that loops content, concepts, knowledge, and skills.

EMS Weekly Schedule

By design, the weekly schedule in the EMS Program is flexible and autonomous in order to support extended, interactive learning experiences. Click here to see a mock-up of a typical week in the EMS Program. Key attributes of the EMS weekly schedule include:

● 9:00 am Academic Start Time

● Classroom Jobs

● Silent Reading at the End of the Day

● Weekly Agency Hour

● Daily Recess

● Student Life Focus on Wednesdays

● 40-minute Class Periods, with the option to flex

EMS Core Academics

The EMS Program utilizes a looping curricular design, enabling students to enroll in this program for 1 or 2 years. We organize content and concepts into “even/odd” years.

Language Arts

Through a readers and writers workshop model, students engage in daily self-selected independent reading and writing in a variety of genres and content areas.

Odd Year:

Unit 1: Narrative (elements of fiction, characterization)

Unit 2: Nonfiction Research

Unit 3: Fantasy

Unit 4: Historical Fiction

Unit 5: Tackling the Complexities of Nonfiction

Even Year:

Unit 1: Narrative (elements of fiction, characterization)

Unit 2: Graphic Novels

Unit 3: Social Issues Book Clubs

Unit 4: Historical Fiction

Unit 5: Tackling the Complexities of Nonfiction

Social Studies

Through an in-depth study of world regions, students explore the physical and human geography, history, cultures, economics, and civic structures of diverse areas of the world.

Odd Year:

Unit 1: 5 Themes of Geography & Map Skills

Unit 2: Culture (Africa)

Unit 3: Ancient Civilizations (Egypt)

Unit 4: Ancient Asia

Even Year:

Unit 1: 5 Themes of Geography & Map Skills

Unit 2: South America

Unit 3: Western Europe

Unit 4: Eastern Europe

Extension Units:

The Middle East, North America, Greece, Aztecs

Mathematics

Driven by pre- and post-assessment data, students pursue a personalized mathematics pathway predicated upon growing the five core mathematical thinking habits: knowing and understanding, investigating patterns, communicating with math, modeling and application, and using tools.

Thinking Habit Core Unit

Extension Unit 1

B Number Theory Exponents

A, B Operations with Whole Numbers Integers

Extension Unit 2

Exponential Growth & Decay

Exponents with Integers

C, D Operation with Fractions Signed Fractions & Decimals Ratios & Probability

D Operations with Decimals Proportions & Percents

Algebraic Word Problems

E Geometry Introduction to Algebra Compound Figures

Mathematical Thinking Habits Key:

A - knowing and understanding

B - investigating patterns

C - communicating

D - modeling and application

E - tools

Science

Through open-ended research questions and hands-on learning, students develop a basic understanding of inquiry, research, the scientific method, and the articulation of scientific thinking.

Odd Year:

Physical Science

Unit 1: Data and Measurement

Unit 2: Observation of Matter

Unit 3: Physics and Force

Unit 4: Geology

Unit 5: Tackling the Complexities of Nonfiction

Even Year:

Energy Science

Unit 1: Data and Measurement

Unit 2: Ecosystems

Unit 3: Laws of Motion

Unit 4: Solar System

Unit 5: Tackling the Complexities of Nonfiction

EMS Co-curriculars

The EMS Program incorporates a diversity of co-curricular experiences to develop essential skills. Through project-based learning experiences, the EMS co-curriculars complement and expand upon student learning in the core academic areas. The co-curricular coursework includes the following offerings.

EMS Art

EMS Art fosters the skills and dispositions necessary for creative thinking, encourages active problem-solving, and increases confidence in expressing original ideas. EMS Art teaches the elements of art through personal storytelling, play, and experimentation. Students invent, wonder, and create with a variety of media. Students become familiar with the artwork of different cultures through the Art Link cultural exchange program.

EMS Makerspace

EMS Makerspace introduces the building blocks of collaboration, design, basic programming, engineering, animation, and fabrication. Students have the opportunity to gather, create, invent, and learn through the use of various technologies and tools. Through a blend of play and design, EMS Makerspace teaches strategies for innovative problem-solving via the design thinking process.

EMS Spanish

In EMS Spanish, students make cultural connections and learn how to speak and create simple sentences in Spanish. Students begin their foundation in interpretive communication (reading, viewing, listening); interpersonal communication; and presentational communication (writing, speaking). Songs, skits, and cultural events enrich the formal study of Spanish and make it fun as well as informative.

EMS Physical Education

In EMS Physical Education, students use the playing fields, courts, and gym to challenge themselves, work as a team, learn life lessons, and have fun. EMS Physical Education emphasizes team-building, problem-solving, and developing core athletic skills in order to be successful in a team sport in 7th grade.

EMS Music

EMS Music provides a musical foundation and opportunities to become familiar with one’s natural instrument, their own voice. Students learn how to read music, gain exposure to a diversity of instruments, and practice performance skills in order to be successful in a music ensemble in 7th grade.

The 7th and 8th Grade Experience

About the 7th and 8th Grade Experience

In the 7th and 8th grades, teachers collaborate on grade-level teams and partner to provide interdisciplinary learning experiences with an emphasis on learner-centered, hands-on, project-based learning. Co-curricular coursework complements the learning in core academic courses and offers students a foundation in essential skills such as music, athletics, and design.

7th and 8th Grade Weekly Schedule

The weekly schedule for 7th and 8th graders supports a collaborative, teaming design. Teachers have the ability to flex students grouping and time during STEM and Humanities double-blocks. The Middle School schedule shifts slightly year-to-year. Click here to see the 2022-23 Middle School weekly schedule. Key attributes of the Middle School weekly schedule include:

● 9:00 am Academic Start Time

● Morning/Afternoon Academic Double Blocks

● Daily Recess

● Student Life Focus on Wednesdays

● 40-minute Class Periods, with the option to flex

● Music and Athletics at the End of the Day

Grade 7 Coursework

English 7: Collaborative Reading & Writing

3.0 credits

English 7 students gain confidence in foundational elements of literature and writing. Students practice comprehension strategies and identifying literary devices in guided readings in short fiction and poetry. Writing exercises using the Writing Revolution curriculum provides students with tools to organize their ideas as they craft responses to literature. At the same time, students develop individual expression through creative writing assignments in narrative and poetry. With attention to the process, students learn to clearly present their ideas in various modes of writing and presentation. While focusing on the core dispositions of curiosity, responsibility, independence, and communication, students hone their reading, writing, thinking, organization, time management, and collaboration skills.

Citizenship

3.0 credits

and the Constitution

Citizenship and the Constitution fosters deep understanding of the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and institutions of government. This course incorporates congressional simulations in which students testify before a panel of judges, answering questions that demonstrate their knowledge of these topics and their confidence as a speaker.

Math 7

3.0 credits

Math 7 prepares students for Introduction to Algebra. Much of the curriculum is dedicated to reinforcing foundational math skills such as operations with fractions and decimals, while also building student confidence. This course structures the development of more abstract algebraic thinking in preparation for Introduction to Algebra. This course challenges students to document their thinking and show evidence of math logic on the page.

Introduction to Algebra

3.0 credits

As the course name suggests, Introduction to Algebra introduces students to core concepts within algebra. Main topics within Introduction to Algebra include: working with positive and negative numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations, graphing linear equations, and solving systems of equations. While exploring these ideas, students develop problem-solving skills, moving away from an algorithmic approach to mathematics. The focus is on conceptual understanding rather than memorizing “steps.”

Life Science

3.0 credits

Life Science explores the characteristics of and connections between living things and links our human experience to Earth's diverse biology. In the fall, students focus on the characteristics of life as well as cell structure and function. In the winter, the focus shifts to plant life and animal structure and function. In the spring, students study ecology through a wide range of hands-on experiences in the outdoor classroom. Throughout each theme, students make connections to the relationships that exist between and among living organisms and the environment. Regular use of microscopes and other basic lab equipment encourages students to engage and participate in investigation and inquiry.

Spanish 7

3.0 credits

In Spanish 7, students follow the guidelines established by ACTFL to grow in the Spanish classroom. Students communicate in the language with emphasis on interpretive communication (reading, viewing, listening) and presentational communication (writing, speaking), whenever possible. Students develop their aural and oral skills through presentational communication (writing, speaking), focusing on the phonetics of the language to aid in spelling and pronunciation. Students also gain cultural knowledge of Spanish-speaking regions to accentuate the relationship between language and culture.

Makerspace 7: Digital Media

1.5 credits

Makerspace 7 offers students hands-on experiences with a variety of digital tools while leveraging problem solving skills and the design thinking process. Following a student-centered approach, the possibilities are vast, ranging from graphic design, animation, digital fabrication, and digital illustration. When possible, coursework and experiences within Makerspace 7 connect to projectbased learning experiences happening within other content areas.

Art 7: Collecting Ideas

1.5 credits

Art 7 develops skills in different media and allows students to explore the fundamental concepts of art. Through continued practice and experimentation in drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture, students gain insight into their imagination and achieve greater self-confidence in visual expression. Projects are research-based, allowing students to collect inspiration and information that will guide them through their creation process from inception to completion. Student work often includes an art history component as well as some written work relating to class content, vocabulary, and selfassessment.

Health 7

0.75 credits

The Wooster Health curriculum is a planned program of learning experiences which motivate and prepare students to promote and ensure the quality of individual, family, and community health. The Health program enables students to grow in self-awareness and to develop skills for effective decision-making. The program is responsive to student-generated concerns and increases knowledge of health issues, while encouraging the development of positive health practices. Recognizing that parents and guardians are the primary educators of their children in this regard, these programs are designed to complement and support what is being done at home.

Grade 8 Coursework

English 8: Literacy to Change Our World

3.0 credits

English 8 challenges students to consider their engagement with the world. Students practice principles of discourse as a foundation for their writing and speaking. Readings in various genres provide students with material to practice their annotations and sharpen their social awareness. Students apply elements of the writer's craft to both informal and formal writing pieces, including a literary essay, a research based biography, and personal narrative. Students practice writing mechanics, syntax, and structure using the Writing Revolution curriculum. While focusing on the core dispositions of empathy, responsibility, independence, and resilience, students hone their reading, writing, thinking, organization, time management, and collaboration skills.

US History

3.0 credits

US History follows a thematic approach to the study of US History, fostering a deeper understanding of the themes of the growth of democracy and cultural contact. Students examine varied perspectives to events to cultivate the dispositions of empathy and compassion. As a capstone experience, students in this class focus on local history through the Witness Stones Project

Introduction to Algebra

3.0 credits

As the course name suggests, Introduction to Algebra introduces students to core concepts within algebra. Main topics within Introduction to Algebra include: working with positive and negative numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations, graphing linear equations, and solving systems of equations. While exploring these ideas, students develop problem-solving skills, moving away from an algorithmic approach to mathematics. The focus is on conceptual understanding rather than memorizing “steps.”

Algebra 1

Prerequisite: Introduction to Algebra

3.0 credits

Algebra 1 introduces foundational algebraic concepts including linear equations in one and two variables; systems of equations and inequalities; manipulation of monomials, binomials and polynomials; factoring; graphing lines and parabolas; direct and indirect variation; rules of exponents; and rational functions. While exploring these topics, students strengthen their ability to think logically and develop mathematical problem-solving strategies.

Earth and Space Science

3.0 credits

Earth and Space Science explores the natural history and processes that influence the lives of students on a daily basis. Through reading, discussion, research, writing, and outdoor exploration, students are encouraged to relate global phenomena to local experiences. The primary areas of focus include: methods of scientific inquiry and scientific thinking; the composition of matter; the Earth, Sun, and Moon system; solar system exploration; stellar history, influence, and exploration; atmospheric dynamics and meteorology; oceanic circulation; landscape formation and plate tectonics. Within these areas, emphasis is placed on developing analytical dispositions and student skills that support the assimilation and expression of understanding.

Spanish 8

3.0 credits

In Spanish 8, students aim to establish proficiency in the areas of interpretive communication (reading, viewing, listening); interpersonal communication (writing, speaking); and presentational communication (writing, speaking), as well as building cultural awareness. Students refer to guidelines established by ACTFL, which are a description of what individuals can do in speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations. Students in Spanish 8 advance from the novice-low through the novice-mid or novice-high levels. Successful completion of Spanish 8 leads to placement in Spanish II in Upper School.

Makerspace 8: Programming and Design

1.5 credits

Makerspace 8 brings together skills in programming, design and fabrication. Students gain expertise with increasingly complex programming ideas and tools while exploring programming, sensors, hydraulics, mechanics, and the design engineering process whereby “failure” is a normal stepping stone on the road to success. The course culminates with a project-based learning experience wherein the students apply their skills to a real-world situation.

Art 8: The Artist’s Story

1.5 credits

In Art 8, students use a wide range of media, working toward age-appropriate mastery of basic skills and techniques and the fundamental concepts of art while developing the capacity to think creatively. Projects incorporate new and previously learned technical skills, and assimilate art history information. Projects in this course are often multi-layered, incorporating different media and many stages from inception to completion. At the root of all projects is the artist’s unique story. Using the artist’s story as a source of inspiration and guidance, Art 8 culminates in a unique portfolio of work that is a true reflection of each student’s individuality.

Health 8

0.75 credits

The Wooster Health curriculum is a planned program of learning experiences which motivate and prepare students to promote and ensure the quality of individual, family, and community health. The Health program enables students to grow in self-awareness and to develop skills for effective decision-making. The program is responsive to student-generated concerns and increases knowledge of health issues, while encouraging the development of positive health practices. Recognizing that parents and guardians are the primary educators of their children in this regard, these programs are designed to complement and support what is being done at home.

7/8 Performing Arts Ensembles

Concert Band: Brass, Woodwind and Concert Percussion

1.5 credits

Concert Band is meant for students with at least one year of concert band experience or private instruction on a band instrument. These instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and/or mallet percussion. Students build on beginning ensemble skills, expand their range, and rehearse and perform music in multiple harmonies. An emphasis will be placed on enhancing music-reading skills with work in sight-reading and score study. In this course some students may choose to switch to oboe, French horn, baritone, or tuba, with director permission.

Rock Band

1.5 credits

Rock Band is open to students who study guitar, bass, piano, and drums. The music performed varies but in general covers the many subgenres of rock and modern popular music. Students may be grouped into smaller ensembles based on instrument, ability, and musical preference. Instrumentalists must have at least one year of experience on one of the instruments listed above and should be currently studying with a private teacher privately. At home practice of class material is required. Students will learn improvisation, chord chart interpretation, and rhythm section techniques. The group will perform throughout the year at concerts and other events.

Digital Music

1.5 credits

Digital Music offers students the chance to create electronic music using modern technology. They will have the opportunity to edit, arrange, mix, and even compose their own songs, as well as collaborate with other students on interesting and fun musical projects. With three main software programs focusing on creating music digitally, students will learn about notation, the MIDI grid, drum loops, and so much more! With only a computer and headphones necessary, this course will take place in the computer lab.

Percussion Ensemble

1.5 credits

Percussion Ensemble offers students hands-on experience playing the djembe and other hand percussion instruments. Students in this class become familiar with African, Brazilian and Latin rhythms. Students listen to world music and break down the percussion components. Students in this class also study basic rhythmic notation and form a cohesive ensemble. Students explore the different methods involved in playing three styles: call and response, theme and variation, and soloing.

Chamber Orchestra: Strings, Winds and Brass Instruments

1.5 credits

Chamber Orchestra is designed to teach orchestral performance skills. Typically, the class enrolls players of bowed strings (violin, viola, cello and string bass) and orchestral winds (flute, clarinet, and others). Preparation and performance of classical music is the group's primary focus, but this ensemble incorporates lighter selections as well. Because of the repertoire demands, any student wishing to be in this group is strongly encouraged to concurrently study their instrument privately. Students in this ensemble typically have at least two years of instruction on their instrument, know the fundamentals of music, and are fluent in reading music. Enrollment in this course requires permission from the instructor and may involve an audition.

Chorus

1.5 credits

Chorus provides a musical foundation, love of singing and familiarity with everyone’s own natural instrument, their own voice. Via a fun and interactive process, students will sing from the vast canon of vocal repertoire as well as pop and Broadway songs, while learning correct vocal technique, music fundamentals, and performance skills. Chorus performs in both the winter and spring concerts, thereby developing skills of confidence and poise. Written and oral assessments will track students’ musical progress as they become musically literate and expressive singers.

Ukulele Ensemble

1.5 credits

Ukulele Ensemble is a beginning-intermediate course for any student who wants to learn how to play this versatile, fun, portable, and accessible instrument. Students must purchase or already own a ukulele that is in playing condition. Music theory content is delivered through learning to play and read scales, chords and sheet music through traditional music notation and tablature. Songs range from folk to pop, rock, blues, and Hawaiian styles of music.

Spring Theatre

1.0 credit

The Spring Theatre course is the primary preparation and rehearsal time for the MS Spring Musical. Collaboration and participation in and outside of class are expected, including choosing, rehearsing and memorizing lines, blocking, and music. The week leading up to opening night is “Tech Week,” during which full rehearsals are run and students are expected to be at school until approximately 7:00 pm. Performances occur on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons and evenings. This afternoon activity is not graded. Students interested in acting must complete an audition to be cast. Those interested in doing technical theater will learn the skills necessary to support the production. All students are encouraged and invited to participate - no previous experience required!

AdditionalOpportunitiesforExplorationintheArts

Students may participate in our Applied Instrumental Music Program, wherein they can study privately with an instructor for an additional fee. To discuss instruments and faculty available, please contact the Performing Arts Coordinator, Claire Simard, at claire.simard@woosterschool.org

7/8 Athletics Offerings

The Athletics Program at Wooster is an extension of the classroom. We use the playing fields, courts, rinks, and gyms to provide our student-athletes with opportunities to challenge themselves, work as a team, learn life lessons, and have fun. We believe these standards are reflected not just on the scoreboard. While winning is important, it is more critical that coaches teach life lessons through sports. A coach that focuses on both of these outcomes has a more significant effect on the team and athletes under his or her care.

Coaches model and teach players respect through honoring the game. Players, in turn, focus on mastering their sport, leading to higher effort, learning, and improved athletic performance. This results in athletes having more fun and feeling better about what they are accomplishing because coaches are empowering them with positivity.

Our athletic program strives to balance the needs of serious athletes who hope to play at the varsity level in our Upper School with those who wish to participate to stay in shape or for the sake of participation. In Middle School, our focus begins with skill development. No matter the athlete's ability, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities. Whether that be at the intramural, intermediate, or varsity level, athletes are challenged and nurtured appropriately, based on ability and their individual and team needs and goals.

FALL WINTER SPRING

Team Sports

Coed Soccer Girls’ Basketball Coed Lacrosse

Coed Volleyball Boys’ Basketball Coed Tennis

Coed Cross Country Coed Ultimate Frisbee

Coed Flag Football Coed Running and Fitness

Physical Activities

Fitness General Sports