Bible Overview

The Bible program seeks to give our students a strong understanding of scriptural truths and applications that they will be able to take with them into life. Classes are divided by gender from seventh through eleventh grades.

Bible 6

Redemption: God’s Grand Design. Students will trace God’s redemptive plan from Creation through the Fall and culminating in His death on the cross. They will use resources including cross-references, concordances, Bible dictionaries, and Bible commentaries to discover His grand design to use men and women to accomplish His plan.

Bible 7

The Story of the Old Testament. Focuses on giving each student an overview of the big story of Scripture. Throughout the course, students will study and recognize the big story, Creation, Fall, and Redemption, in the Old Testament in individual narratives, and they will develop an understanding of the Old Testament’s application to the New Testament. Ultimately, students will learn to conduct their own, independent Bible studies as they gain principles of hermeneutics and an understanding of biblical theology.

Bible 8

The Life of Christ. Bible 8 employs a theological approach to studying the Bible as students follow the unified biblical story of Creation, Fall, and Redemption, with an emphasis on the Gospels and the life of Christ. This course prepares students to live like Christ in the context of our modern culture, teaching them crucial Bible study skills for interpretation and application.

English

English 6

Instruction reinforces sentence structure and the parts of speech. Application of the writing process elevates to composition of personal narratives, newspaper editorials, historical fiction, and essays. Several novel studies include strategies for reading informational texts as well as understanding and interpreting story structure.

English 7

Emphasizes mastery of the parts of speech and grammar mechanics through practical application in writing assignments, including essays, creative writing, and varied genres of poetry.  Topical literature units include courage and generosity as well as an overview of folk literature and focus on higher-order thinking skills.

English 8

Reviews and then builds on the basics of grammar, stressing a more complex sentence structure than previously learned. Evaluates various literature stories for applicable lessons, writing styles used by the author and literary devices. Integrates grammar and literature into compositions such as news articles, essays, creative writing and advertising. Vocabulary, spelling and study skills also compose a part of the study. Through all aspects of study, course incorporates technology to enhance learning.

Mathematics

Math 6

Lesson topics include geometry and the application of operations and properties to whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Instruction in pre-algebra extends to ratios, percents and integers.

Fundamentals of Math 7

Includes a review of material learned in elementary school mixed with an introduction to the basics of high school math. Reviews the concepts of whole numbers, fractions and decimals and includes the beginning study of algebra and geometry along with ratios, percents, measurement, sets and integers.

Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra covers a variety of mathematical concepts, including the geometric topics of perimeter, area and volume. Most of the topics are important preparation for algebra—integers, percent, equations, inequalities, graphing, slope, intercepts, polynomials, and operations with radicals.

Qualifying students take Pre-Algebra during seventh grade and Algebra I or Algebra I-Honors in eighth grade. Information on those classes is available here.

Physical Education

Focuses on learning the basic rules and fundamentals of team sports such as basketball, volleyball and soccer. Incorporates fitness activities and games. Divided by gender.

• BJA PE uniform required; ordered or purchased during the first week of class

Science

Science 6

Class topics include: cells, organisms, heredity, and the human immune and nervous systems. A science fair project demonstrates a student’s knowledge of the scientific process.

Life Science 7

Consists of a basic survey of biology, including the cell, genetics, creation versus evolution, the kingdoms of organisms, and human anatomy and physiology. Involves some limited lab opportunities, including dissection and the use of microscopes. Requires an insect collection at the beginning of the school year.

Earth Science 8

Studies God’s glory in creation. Consists of a study of the heavens and the earth’s motions, including topics such as instruments of astronomy, telescopes, the solar system, stars, galaxies, nebulae and other objects of the universe. Examines the oceans and the ground water system. Focuses also on meteorology, geology, creation versus evolution, earthquakes and volcanoes. Involves a small rock collection and a rocketry project.

Social Studies

Heritage Studies 6

Instruction explores ancient civilizations of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Students examine the history of those people’s cultures, religions, and their influences on the world today.

World Studies 7

Begins with a review of ancient history then covers the history of the world from the Middle Ages to the present. Uses current events throughout the year to illustrate “history happening now.” Includes a significant emphasis on current world geography.

U.S. History 8

Covers the time period of American history starting with the earliest European exploration of America through the current day. Emphasizes the development of the political philosophies that drove the founding of the democratic Republic, weaving in the history of the religious influences of each time period. Deals in depth with the Constitution and the elections and administrations of the various presidents, including developments and wars, inventions, and progress toward a modern and prosperous civilization.

Electives

Daily Electives: The following electives meet daily.

Art

A basic introduction to art through a variety of hands-on activities. Explores areas such as printmaking, clay, collage, color theory and drawing, assemblages and kinetic sculptures. A project-based class surveying methods and techniques across a wide range of media.

Band

Students study and develop music performance and theory concepts, supported by method books and concert music.

• Placement is by previous band/instrumental experience, interview with conductor, or audition
• Preparation for a formal band concert each semester
• Participation in SC regional and state honor bands with All-State Band audition training and support, as well as SC solo and ensemble adjudication

Choir

Teaches basic choral skills in separate choirs for young men and young women using two- and three-part material ranging from sacred and seasonal pieces to traditional early American favorites. Develops rhythm, sight-singing, and basic theory skills.

• Performances held each semester

Drama

Course concepts include fundamentals of acting, staging, stage movements, and directing. Class activities include group work on skits and one-scene plays (both acting and directing).

• Tour Rodeheaver Auditorium, Performance Hall, and guest speakers/performers
• Engage with the school play during second semester

Handbells: Intermediate

Teaches music literacy, sight-reading, good ringing technique, multiple-bell techniques, and appropriate rehearsal and concert decorum. Open to competent music readers willing to work hard and be “team players.” Students play six octaves of Malmark handbells and Choirchimes® and two octaves of Silver Melody Bells™, plus a variety of percussion instruments.

• Performances are held each semester
• $25 instrument usage fee per semester

Language

Introduces students to languages and cultures, both ancient and modern. Students become acquainted with modern and biblical Hebrew as well as Jewish culture. The Greek portion focuses on the New Testament while also covering classical and modern Greece. Latin focuses on grammar and vocabulary, and students learn about the significance of Roman civilization. Basic German vocabulary is also introduced. Cultural activities include themed celebrations, singing, virtual tours, calligraphy, crafts, and watching related films.

Orchestra

Reinforces the basic string-playing abilities acquired at the beginning level. Introduces new bowing, fingering and rhythmic techniques. Refines intonation and ensemble-playing abilities. Emphasizes understanding of basic music theory and the string instruments.

• Placement is by previous string experience, interview with conductor, or audition

Organize—Plan—Succeed (OPS)

OPS offers students an opportunity at the end of each day for guidance by a grade-level teacher in organizing materials, planning how to complete each night’s homework, and ultimately succeeding academically. Students will learn time-management tactics and effective study techniques as they get a head-start on their homework for the next day as well as long-range projects and test preparation.

Robotics: Design & Modeling

Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

• Requirement: enrollment in VEX Robotics Club for Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 3:15-4:15, which involves a $95 fee per semester
• Goal: to compete in five local and regional tournaments during the year and qualify for state, national, and world competitions

Speech

In addition to interpersonal communication skills, students develop preparation and poise to minister through performance and public speaking opportunities. The course also introduces competitive speech events available through the high school speech program.

Study Hall (Daily)

A daily 35-minute period for students to work independently on their homework. On days students have no homework, they will be required to read silently.

Yearbook Production

Teaches students basic photography and videography, along with some basic editing and animation concepts, while giving them the opportunity to take and organize photos and video for the middle school DVD yearbook, working closely with the faculty sponsor.

• Required equipment: a digital camera or a cell phone that takes good photos

Tuesday/Thursday Electives: The following electives meet Tuesday and Thursday; band and orchestra students have band or orchestra during this period.

Digital Literacy

This web-based program teaches students critical digital literacy skills. Interactive modules introduce keyboarding, word processing, online safety, Chromebook applications, and computational thinking.

Drawing Fundamentals

Teaches common concepts such as drawing theory and methods, experimenting with media and tools, design sketching, figure drawing, portrait drawing, and drawing from observation. Sketchbook assignments are an important element of the course, as well as independent practice and application of learned skills.

Graphic Design: Introduction

Gives the beginning student a foundation in basic design principles. Introduces elements of design and their effective application. Instruction includes computer programs used in graphic design. Students create various design projects both individually and collaboratively.

Handbells: Beginning

Teaches music literacy, sight-reading, good ringing technique, and appropriate rehearsal and concert decorum. Designed for students who do not yet read music fluently and are willing to work hard and be “team players.” Students play six octaves of Malmark handbells and Choirchimes® and two octaves of Silver Melody Bells™.

• Previous music study is not expected
• $25 instrument usage fee

Photography: Introduction

An introduction to the fundamentals of photography including composition, lighting, exposure, and basic camera settings. Access to a digital camera is preferable to turn in assignments for critique. Although many of the principles taught will be applicable to cell phones, the class will primarily deal with the use of a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex), rangefinder, or mirrorless camera.

SOAR®: Learning for Life!

Set goals – Organize – Ask questions – Record your progress – these components of the SOAR® program will help to change the way most students think about learning! This web-based program uses reliable, time-tested solutions to teach students successful habits such as time management, organizational skills, study strategies, and reading strategies to aid in both school and beyond.

Study Hall (Tuesday/Thursday)

A 35-minute period on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for students to work independently on their homework.

Middle school courses are year-long courses.

Private Music Lessons

Offer the opportunity for students to take music lessons in band and orchestral instruments as well as piano. For more about music lessons click here.