Middle School Curriculum

Fifth and Sixth Grades

The fifth and sixth grades are primarily taught in self contained classrooms. The children learn independently and cooperatively within groups and classes. Students are grouped by their ability in reading and math. The curriculum is integrated among the disciplines to allow the children an in-depth understanding of a topic. In fifth and sixth grades the children have specialized teachers for science, computers, world language, library skills, performing arts, fine arts, physical education.

Seventh & Eighth Grades

Instruction for seventh and eighth grade students is departmentalized. Teachers are specialists in their subject areas and share their knowledge and insights with their students. They explore issues and concepts in greater detail, and emphasis is placed on the skills essential to each discipline. During this period of intellectual, physical, and emotional maturation, seventh and eighth graders receive the nurturing, positive support of caring adults.

Literature

The goal of the Middle School literature program is two-fold: to foster a love of reading by presenting well-written and age appropriate works and to teach the students to become more effective readers. Books read are often associated with social studies topics and thematic units. Each student is challenged to read novels that will stretch his or her understanding and reading ability. Literal and inferential comprehension skills, vocabulary development, prediction and reflection, and technical analysis are all emphasized within the program.

Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar & Spelling

The Middle School writing program is designed to help students express their ideas clearly. The formal study of creative and expository writing begins with simple sentences and expands into the study of paragraph writing. Expository writing skills are further developed with three paragraph essays, which allow ample opportunity for personal expression. At the end of the Middle School experience, each eighth grade student writes a research paper in conjunction with the history curriculum. A coordinated vocabulary program begins in the third grade and builds through the Upper School. Instruction of grammar is used as a tool for increasing the clarity of communication.

Social Studies

The goals of the Sanford School social studies curriculum are to foster an understanding of world cultures, a familiarity with historically significant personalities and events, and an understanding of current issues facing the world. As students examine past and present world events, they develop a sense of civic responsibility. The development of critical thinking and research skills is emphasized.

World Languages

All children participate in the Foreign Language Exploratory "FLEX" program beginning in the fourth grade. Each trimester they study a different language: French, Latin, and Spanish. In the fifth and sixth grades, students select a language and begin to develop an ear for the language and acquire accurate pronunciation skills. Students also are introduced to the concept of foreign cultures and begin to speak, read, and write in their chosen language. Basic grammar and child centered vocabulary are presented. A formal study of one of the two modern languages or Latin starts in the seventh and eighth grades. Students learn the material of a traditional first year high school offering over the course of two years. They begin to master the four essential modern language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Vocabulary study focuses on age appropriate materials and everyday activities. Verb conjugations and correct use of gender and number also are addressed. Sentence structure and paragraph composition are modeled through short stories, articles, and books.

Please see the upper school for additional information on Upper School language curriculum.

Mathematics

The mathematics classes provide a variety of instructional levels and approaches, which are designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles and abilities. Individual help and informal guidance are available to all students as they acquire the necessary skills to be successful. The mathematics program fosters the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, initiative, confidence, and self discipline. By the beginning of eighth grade, all students begin the study of algebra. Mathematically talented students progress to enriched classes or to Upper School courses suitable for their abilities and skills.

Science

The Sanford Middle School science program encompasses a diverse range of learning experiences designed to cultivate a lifelong interest in science. Active discovery, observation, discussion, and evaluation offer opportunities for each individual to incorporate science into his or her daily life. The three Middle School science laboratories offer hands-on experiences designed to teach a variety of scientific skills.

Technology

Technology is fully integrated into the Middle School curriculum. Using content from other classes, students become familiar with computer networks and telecommunication. They learn to program, word process, and design databases and spreadsheets. Multimedia presentations using technology are also covered. A variety of projects synthesize the students' skills and understanding. Computers, used as problem-solving tools, support and enrich the entire Middle School curriculum.

Middle School Library

Students learn proper and efficient use of a variety of reference sources, including dictionaries, atlases, encyclopedias, and almanacs. In addition, they learn to obtain information from multimedia references, as well as from the Internet. Students work both independently and collaboratively when they visit the library to research topics. Recreational reading is encouraged in the library, and all homeroom classes visit the Middle School Library weekly for this purpose. Lunch in the library is a popular optional time for students in grades 5 through 8 to spend time reading for pleasure with friends.

Studio Art

Encouraging experimentation and instilling a positive attitude toward each student's work are the goals of the Middle School art program. Activities include drawing, painting, photography, collage, batik, weaving, macramé, stitchery, sculpture, woodworking, printmaking, and ceramics. Art history is introduced through examination of pertinent works of past and present artists.

Performing Arts

Students in grades 5-8 meet twice weekly for performing arts class. This class is designed to be a continuation of the Lower School program. (see Lower School) Instrument playing, singing, and movement remain essential to the program, and more focus is given to improvisation and recorder playing. More difficult musical concepts and advanced techniques are also introduced at this level.

In 7th and 8th Grade students are introduced to a wide variety of topics in Performing Arts class, which meets twice per week. These topics include music of different cultures, in-depth study of musical concepts and music history, perceptive listening, musical styles, and the varying functions of music in society. This class also incorporates performance projects, composition projects, and an introductory unit on guitar.

Physical Education, Health, & Athletics

All Middle School students have daily physical education classes. Emphasis in fifth, and sixth grades is on building the physical and social skills which ensure good teamwork. Students are introduced to the rules and skills of the sports that they will be participating in for their remaining years at Sanford. Interscholastic competition begins in seventh grade. Each student participates at the level at which he or she feels most confident.

Fall Team Sports (1st Trimester)

Field Hockey
Soccer
Cross Country
Volleyball

Winter Sports (2nd Trimester)

8th-Swimming
Basketball
Wrestling
Fitness

Spring Sports (3rd Trimester)

7/8 Girls' Soccer
Tennis
Baseball
Lacrosse

For more information click on Athletics.

Middle School Curriculum