All seventh graders take full year courses in American History, English Grammar and Composition, English Literature, Mathematics, and Science. In addition they take exploratory courses in Art, Computer, Drama, Music, Pre-Languages, and Wellness.
Seventh graders all take the same subjects, with the exception of math. Seventh graders take either Pre-Algebra or Algebra I, depending on developmental readiness as assessed through their performance on an algebra readiness test and the recommendations of their teachers.
American History:
Seventh grade history offers a comprehensive overview of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Content will focus on America’s diverse native peoples, early European colonization and settlement, the creation of a new nation, the Civil War and Reconstruction along with industrialization, urbanization, and progressive reforms. In addition to the historical content, seventh grade American History will emphasize analytical writing, note-taking, map, and research skills. Throughout the year, students will engage in critical thinking activities to encourage thoughtful discussions about the challenges and opportunities the United States faces in the 21st century.
English:
In Seventh Grade English, we integrate the studies of literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Students analyze books, plays, and poetry with a focus on diction, imagery, detail, and point-of-view. We teach grammar as a tool for close reading of complicated sentences, and as a tool for expressing complicated ideas. Students learn to develop essays using examples, quotations, other perspectives, and analogies. Students also apply what they learn from reading fiction and poetry to compose their own stories and poems. We balance frequent impromptu writing with long-term multi-drafted assignments.
Life Science:
In Life Science, the students are introduced to the basics of life on earth at a cellular level, moving up to explore the world of organisms of increasing complexity, encompassing bacteria, protists, plants and animals. They will explore the advent of new life and the way different living organisms relate to each other and their environments. Life characteristics, basic organic chemistry, genetics, development, and evolution are also studied.
This course allows the students to discover how life on earth functions through an inquiry and investigative approach. They will be able to apply the knowledge and skills they have constructed to their own lives and indeed to the “real world." The course will include case studies, practical labs, and technology integration.
Human reproduction, growth, and development are topics of particular relevance for students of this age. Parents are strongly encouraged to initiate and maintain on-going dialogue with their child throughout the year in order to discuss personal and family values, particularly those relating to the study of life science.
Math:
Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra:
Problem-solving strategies learned through grade six are refined and reinforced in Pre-Algebra. Students develop their abilities to read, write, listen, and communicate about problems and their possible solutions as well as practice the strategies they develop. Numerous and varied experiences reinforce and extend logical reasoning skills and the continued study of arithmetic functions. Beginning algebraic concepts including writing and simplifying one and two step equations, complex equations, equalities, ratios, graphing, slope, polynomials, algebraic fractions, probability, and interpretation of data, are included in the Pre-Algebra course.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Algebra I:
Algebra 1 covers a full year of high school credited algebra. Therefore this course is taught at the high school level. Students make connections between traditional abstract concepts and their application to real world problem solving. Much time is spent on linear functions. Students also learn how to factor, solve and graph quadratics, solve multi-step equations, graph exponential functions and their applications. Graphing calculators are used extensively throughout the class. High school credit is earned for students who pass this course.
World Languages:
French I:
In French I students are introduced to the French language as well as the cultures and traditions of many French-speaking countries around the world. The skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are integrated by extensive use of visual aids, videos, games, activities, and frequent practice in the language laboratory. Strong emphasis is placed on speaking, which students practice daily with oral activities. Students are immersed in the language so that they learn new vocabulary each day as they master the basic structures of French grammar.
German I:
The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are interwoven throughout the German I course. There is great emphasis on oral communication. Through classroom immersion in the language and an integrated video program, students are introduced to the language and culture of the German-speaking world. German grammar is largely learned in context and as German is based on a case system, it can often reinforce the understanding of English grammar also. Students use the language laboratory regularly and are encouraged to participate in State spoken language competitions. By the end of the German 1 course, students are able to communicate effectively in spoken and written German and have a firm foundation on which to base their continued study.
Latin I:
Latin I provides a general introduction to the nature of language and offers study of the Latin language, incorporating listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, Roman culture, word building and English derivatives. The text series, Cambridge Latin Course (Books 1 & 2), provides a reading-based approach to Latin language learning. At the heart of the course are graded readings and vocabularies. The story line follows the daily life and adventures of the Caecilii, a typical Roman family circa CE 79, and the readings familiarize students with Roman culture, mythology, and history. All Latin I students take the National Latin Exam, join the National Junior Classical League, and have the opportunity to attend two state meetings of the Georgia Junior Classical League.
Spanish I:
Spanish I is designed to introduce students to Hispanic culture and to allow them to begin speaking, writing, and understanding the language. Class time involves intense oral and written practice of expression in the classroom and in the language labs. Strong emphasis is given to basic vocabulary, grammatical structure, and nuances of the language. Students develop a firm foundation on which to build their continued study of Spanish.