Middle School Course Descriptions

The most important and demanding tasks of this department are improving the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills of our students. To that end, the Middle School curriculum is designed to strengthen verbal understanding, enhance literary experience, and encourage broad appreciation and mastery of the English language. A parallel reading program during the year and summer aims at broadening student exposure to classic and modern literature. Students participate regularly in literary competitions. English 6 is the study of literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary. Comprehension skills are reinforced with the study of novels, short stories, drama, nonfiction selections, and poems. Emphasis is placed on parts of speech, parts of a sentence, standard usage, and writing mechanics. Particular attention is paid to analyzing words via context clues. Students write to express themselves creatively, to inform, and to persuade. English 7 is the study of grammar, composition, literature, and vocabulary. Particular attention is paid to parts of speech, parts of a sentence, using phrases and clauses, standard usage, and mechanics. Writing well-developed paragraphs is emphasized, and students complete an interdisciplinary research report in conjunction with the history and computer departments. Critical thinking skills are strengthened through the study of nonfiction, short stories, poetry, drama, and novels. Vocabulary development improves reading comprehension and enhances the oral and written use of language. English 8 and English 8 Honors furthers the study and use of grammar as it applies to oral and written expression, along with vocabulary in context, literature, and elements of composition. Emphasis is placed on planning, sentence combining, and varying sentence openers. Analytical skills are strengthened through the study of various literary genres.

Beginning Band (Grade 6) – This class is open to sixth grade students wishing to learn a brass or percussion instrument. The band instructor will discuss the specific instrument the student will learn during the first week of class. The instrument that the student is interested in learning will be a consideration. Sixth grade students are required to select either Beginning Band or Choral Music as a performing arts class. Junior Chorus (Grade 6) – Junior Varsity Chorus students will learn how to sing with correct technique including exploration of the head tone, vowel production, breath support, posture, and more. Students can, and are encouraged to apply those skills to both ensemble and solo singing. In addition to technique, the students in this course learn music literacy and ear training. The Junior Varsity Chorus sings music in a variety of styles and performs regularly throughout the year both on and off campus. All students in the chorus program at Fayetteville Academy are encouraged to be themselves and do so in the peer supportive environment of the choral classroom. The focus of this class is choral singing. Students will also learn how to read and understand written music and learn about various composers and their music. Members can expect approximately half an hour of homework per week with several performances scattered throughout the school year. Varsity Band (Grades 7-12) – Varsity Band is for the student who has a good performing ability and knowledge of an instrument. This course requires the recommendation of the Band Director. Varsity Chorus (Grades 7-12) – Varsity Chorus members make up our Men’s and Women’s ensembles. Students in this class will learn how to sing with correct technique including exploration of tone production, vowel shapes, breath support, posture, and more. Students can and are encouraged to apply those skills to both ensemble and solo singing. In addition to technique, the students in this course learn music literacy and ear training. The Varsity Chorus sings music in a variety of styles and performs regularly throughout the year both on and off campus. This chorus also competes regularly in national competitions. All students in the chorus program at Fayetteville Academy are encouraged to be themselves and do so in the peer supportive environment of the choral classroom. Art 7 (Grade 7) – This course is a year-long enrichment class for seventh grade students that alternates with the Technology II class. Students will experiment with a variety of visual media. Advanced Art (Grades 8-12) – This class is for students who desire to improve their artistic abilities and discover new ones. All projects focus on the elements of art, the principles of design, and creativity. Students are encouraged to keep a portfolio of their work for subsequent art courses. Art Journals (Grades 8-12) – Students will use the art journal format to share their thoughts and feelings through a combination of visual art and text. Student’s will be working on a variety of topics/themes throughout the year and will investigate and experiment with a wide variety of media and techniques. This is a hands-on art-making course. Attendance is very important. Ceramics I (Grades 8-12) – This class is for students who desire to learn the basics of hand building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab. Near the end of the year, the wheel will be introduced. Projects are designed to give the students direction but enable them to interpret themes/techniques in their own way.

United States History (Grade 6) is a continuation of the study begun in 5th grade in our Lower School. This course begins with the events surrounding the Civil War and continues to present day. Students are challenged to understand the events that have modeled the United States’ role in our modern world. North Carolina History (Grade 7) is an in-depth study of North Carolina’s geography, economy, government, events, and personalities. It analyzes historical developments from the time of the earliest Native American inhabitants to challenges in the 21st century. Emphasized are local history and the influence of this community upon our state. Each student is required to submit an interdisciplinary project and Power Point. World Geography (Grade 8) is a survey to examine and learn more about the planet Earth. The course examines the many countries and regions of the world, taking note of the differences and similarities among them. In addition, the course examines political and cultural factors, economic and social interactions, the physical area, and the impact each region has on the others. In the end, students gain insights that allow them to become better global citizens in the 21st century.

Mathematics in grades 6-8 is a sequential, college preparatory program. It emphasizes the development of math concepts, computational skills, problem solving, and critical thinking. Comprehensive and appropriately challenging, this curriculum is designed to provide students with the math background necessary for subsequent math coursework. Math 6 (Grade 6) is a continuation of the Progress in Mathematics program used in the Lower School. The continuity of the program helps to ease the Middle School transition and allows the students to expand their mathematical ability. Concepts including numeration, operations, computation, algebra, functions, geometry, measurement, and probability are still presented in a variety of formats to develop higher level critical thinking. Many skills directly foreshadow pre-algebra. Pre-Algebra (Grades 7-8) reviews the basic computation of real numbers while integrating skills requiring higher levels of thinking. The use of variables throughout prepares for expanded operations required in Algebra I. Algebra-thinking activity labs provide students with opportunities to dig deeper and explore algebraic concepts to build conceptual understanding. This course, normally taught to eighth graders, is also offered to seventh graders who have demonstrated above average quantitative aptitude and skill. Pre-Algebra Part I (Grade 7) is the first year of a two year programming covering the pre-algebra curriculum. Pre-Algebra Part II (Grade 8)  is the second year of a two year programming covering the pre-algebra curriculum.

Algebra I CP (Grades 8-9) is offered to all students who have completed Pre-Algebra. It extends the concept of set theory to include algebraic expressions, algebraic fractions, factoring, solving linear and quadratic equations, as well as solving systems of equations and inequalities. The graphing of linear and quadratic functions is emphasized. The interpretation and solution of verbal problems is incorporated within each skill area. Students are encouraged to develop precise and accurate habits of mathematical expression. Algebra I (Grades 8-9) is offered primarily to 8th grade students who completed Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade. This is an advanced course; therefore, the pace and rigor of this class will be significantly more challenging than Algebra I CP. Students will study linear, quadratic, absolute value, radical, and rational equations and inequalities, the graphing of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, multiplying and factoring polynomials, and simplifying exponential, radical, and rational expressions. Throughout the year, students will work extensively with word problems to develop their critical thinking skills.

In grades 6-8, the science curriculum is incorporated as a sequential, college preparatory program. It is the goal of this department to: (1) provide learning experiences that stress the importance of logical, qualitative, and quantitative thinking; (2) emphasize critical observation and analysis; and (3) promote a meaningful awareness of our environment. This program includes laboratory facilities as well as instruction for the application of appropriate equipment and procedures. Laboratory activities and field investigations are designed to apply the scientific method in solving problems. Life Science (Grade 6) examines the structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships. Subjects include the study of simple organisms, plants, animals, human life, heredity, evolution, and the environment. All topics are supplemented by appropriate student laboratories. Earth Science (Grade 7) is a study of the Earth – its matter, features, processes, and place in the universe. Physical geology, historical geology, meteorology, oceanography, earth history, and astronomy are included. Topics are supplemented by appropriate laboratory activities. Physical Science Concepts (Grade 8 ) introduces students to the basic relationships between matter and energy. Topics include forces, motion, energy, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, states of matter, atoms, the periodic table, chemical bonds, solutions, and acids and bases. Students will learn the metric system as they practice using basic formulas for distance, speed, acceleration, force and momentum. All topics are supplemented by appropriate student laboratories.

Technology I (Grade 6) – Sixth Grade Tech I is a semester-long class that meets every-other day. Students will use computers in Office 10, the Typing.com web site, and other web site resources to learn keyboarding and word processing (MS Word), spreadsheet skills (MS Excel), file maintenance, simple graphic editing, and various online applications, as well as receive an introduction to computer programming during the Hour of Code near the end of the semester. All work will be assigned using Edmodo.com’s web site and students will turn in all assignments electronically through that site along with maintaining files on the school’s server. Technology II (Grade 7) – Seventh Grade Technology II is a year-long class that meets every other day. Students will use computers in Office 10 to do Word Processing, PowerPoint, and Excel, MS Movie Maker, Graphic Editing in MS Paint and Photo Editing in Paint.NET. Online apps will be learned and used in various ways to solve real-world issues so that students learn to think outside the box. This is a project-based class that mimics an online course using edmodo.com to receive and turn in assignments. Some projects are cross-curricular with English and History; others will involve using real-world applications to create documents and multimedia files. Good computer keyboarding skills are encouraged and expected by the end of the year through occasional online assignments. All work is an attempt at mimicking files used by 21st Century, life-long learners who will use technology the rest of their lives. Web Design (Grades 8-12) – Students will learn how to program a computer to display a web site using Hypertext Markup Language or HTML without the need for web design software. Students will be Level III web page designers, and, as time permits, will have an introduction to XHTML and XML web design programming. This course alternates each year with Introduction to Programming in JAVA. Introduction to Programming in Java (Grades 8-12) – Introduction to Programming in Java is an elective, year-long class that teaches students to program using Java. This course is an introduction to the ideas and methodologies of programming and is considered a Computer Science class. This class requires minimal studying and little time working on homework. It is meant to be a springboard to students who may be interested in perusing Computer Science courses in college but can easily be understood by anyone interested in technology. This course alternates each year with Web Design.

The Foreign Language department offers introductory courses at the sixth grade level. Thereafter, students, depending on interest and ability, will study Latin or Spanish beginning in the seventh grade. The study of foreign language is an essential part of a child’s education. It enables the student to understand and appreciate other cultures in a shrinking world and contributes to overall intellectual development. In order to fulfill our graduation requirement, at least three years of foreign language must be completed during grades 9-12. Four years in the study of a language is strongly recommended for students seeking admission to competitive colleges. Exploratory Latin (Grade 6) is a nine-week required course designed to introduce sixth grade students to the Latin language. During this study they will learn about ancient Romans and about the history, culture, and everyday life of ancient Rome. As the course proceeds, students will discover the influence that Latin and Roman culture has on our own culture and language today. Latin IA (Grade 7) is an introductory year-long course that covers half of the material covered in a traditional Latin I course and introduces the student to the language and culture of Ancient Rome. Emphasis will be placed on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Students will explore the influence of Rome on our language and culture. Specific topics covered include: Latin vocabulary and grammar, word derivations, common Latin phrases and their meanings, and a brief overview of Roman history and culture. Latin IB (Grade 8) continues the course of instruction started in IA. Students will continue to build on their understanding of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills. There will be continued emphasis on word derivations and Latin’s influence on English. The students will build on their understanding of Roman culture and history. At the completion of this course the students will be ready to take Latin II. Latin I (Grades 8-9) is a year-long course offered to students who have not completed Latin IA. Students will be introduced to the language and culture of Ancient Rome. Emphasis will be placed on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Latin I stresses the fundamentals of Latin translation while incorporating the history, culture, and literature of Ancient Rome. The influence of Rome on our language and culture will be explored. Introductory Spanish (Grade 6) is a semester-long course that will develop, reinforce, and refine communicative competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the basic elements of communication in Spanish and to acquaint the student with the countries and cultures in which Spanish is spoken. The text for this course is Viva el Espanol. Spanish IA (Grade 7) is a year-long course that covers one half of traditional Spanish I, allowing students more time to process the vocabulary and grammar. It also allows students to have greater exposure to the Spanish culture through frequently scheduled activities. Spanish IB (Grade 8) is the second half of the traditional Spanish I course and may be taken by students who have performed well in Spanish IA and exhibited an aptitude for the study of foreign language. Enrollment in this course is based on teacher recommendation. At the end of the course, students will be prepared to begin Spanish II. Spanish I (Grade 8-9) focuses on creating a solid foundation on which to build further studies. Students develop their language skills by studying and using vocabulary and grammar in culturally authentic situations. Class periods emphasize verbal activities supplemented by written exercises. Cultural material is integrated into the text and reinforced by appropriate audio and visual aids. The student is continually challenged to use Spanish in both speaking and writing.

Beginning Band (Grade 6) – This class is open to sixth grade students wishing to learn a brass or percussion instrument. The band instructor will discuss the specific instrument the student will learn during the first week of class. The instrument that the student is interested in learning will be a consideration. Sixth grade students are required to select either Beginning Band or Choral Music as a performing arts class. Junior Chorus (Grade 6) – The focus of this class is choral singing. Students will also learn how to read and understand written music and learn about various composers and their music. Members can expect approximately half an hour of homework per week with several performances scattered throughout the school year. Varsity Band (Grades 7-12) – Varsity Band is for the student who has a good performing ability and knowledge of an instrument. This course requires the recommendation of the Band Director. Varsity Chorus (Grades 7-12) – The Varsity Chorus will study many different varieties of music throughout the year, and showcase their talent at several performances. Emphasis will be placed on reading music, understanding theory, developing listening skills, and learning about musical styles and composition. The Academy Chorus can expect approximately half an hour of homework per week. Art 7 (Grade 7) – This course is a year-long enrichment class for seventh grade students that alternates with the Technology II class. Students will experiment with a variety of visual media. Advanced Art (Grades 8-12) – This class is for students who desire to improve their artistic abilities and discover new ones. All projects focus on the elements of art, the principles of design, and creativity. Students are encouraged to keep a portfolio of their work for subsequent art courses. Art Journals (Grades 8-12) – Students will use the art journal format to share their thoughts and feelings through a combination of visual art and text. Student’s will be working on a variety of topics/themes throughout the year and will investigate and experiment with a wide variety of media and techniques. This is a hands-on art-making course. Attendance is very important. Ceramics I (Grades 8-12) – This class is for students who desire to learn the basics of hand building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab. Near the end of the year, the wheel will be introduced. Projects are designed to give the students direction but enable them to interpret themes/techniques in their own way. Physical Education (Grades 8-12) – This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn about a variety of games and activities designed to have fun, improve gross motor skills, and instill an appreciation for teamwork. Students must come to class dressed in appropriate physical education attire. PE will meet every day (8th grade) or on alternate days (7th grade). Web Design (Grades 8-12) – Students will learn how to program a computer to display a web site using Hypertext Markup Language or HTML without the need for web design software. Students will be Level III web page designers, and, as time permits, will have an introduction to XHTML and XML web design programming. This course alternates each year with Introduction to Programming in JAVA. Introduction to Programming in Java (Grades 8-12) – Introduction to Programming in Java is an elective, year-long class that teaches students to program using Java. This course is an introduction to the ideas and methodologies of programing and is considered a Computer Science class. This class requires minimal studying and little time working on homework. It is meant to be a springboard to students who may be interested in perusing Computer Science courses in college but can easily be understood by anyone interested in technology. This course alternates each year with Web Design. Study Hall (Grades 7 and 8) – Study hall is an elective that allows students to begin their homework and study for tests. Students who have a 90 or better core academic average may earn campus privilege study hall.