Middle School Courses

Bible

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, essays, and other creative writing projects. Novel studies emphasize the importance of historical and cultural context of literature, create interest in learning, and expose students to real-world problems and biblical solutions.

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

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 including creative writing, persuasive writing, literary analysis, and formal/informal essays. Through all aspects of study, the course incorporates technology to enhance learning and prepare students for high school.

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 6^th grade material mixed with an introduction to the basics of high school math. Reviews the concepts of whole numbers, decimals, integers, and fractions and includes the beginning study of algebra and geometry along with ratios, percents, measurement, probability, and statistics.

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.

Science

Science 6

Covers foundational topics in earth science, biology, physics, chemistry, and space science. Highlights evidence for creation, ways to use science to love others, and the awesome character of God. Includes many hands-on activities and encourages the development of problem-solving skills.

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

Gives the first look at a historian’s perspective of history beginning with Creation. Teaches about early civilizations through the Middle Ages in Europe. Instructs how to defend our faith against other world religions. Uses maps, archaeological evidence, historical records, and more to learn about the features of each civilization.

World Studies 7

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 past and 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.

Required 6th Grade Electives

Computer Foundations

This web-based program teaches students critical digital literacy skills. Students develop computer proficiency through basic keyboarding, word processing, and online safety activities. Students also learn how to use Chromebook applications, such as Google classroom, and additional computer skills necessary to transition into middle school.

• Class meets 2 days a week

PE 6

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.

• Class meets 3 days a week.
• BJA PE uniform required.
• Uniforms purchased the first week of class.

Electives

Art I

A basic introduction to art through a variety of hands-on activities. Explores media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, assemblages, and kinetic sculptures. A project-based class that scratches the surface of available media and techniques. Designed to spark an interest and excitement in the visual arts.

Art II

An extension and expansion of Art 1. This course will go beyond the “how” of art and into the “why” of art. Art II will be a project-based course with first semester focusing on 2-D art and second semester delving into 3-D art. Students will learn and study how to think about making art and how to interpret art as young Christians. Designed to help the student interested in art increase their skills and move to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.

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
• Concert attire for boys: black dress shirts, black tie, black dress pants, black socks, and dark dress shoes.
• Concert attire for girls: black floor-length dress (¾ length or long sleeves) or black dressy top (¾ length or long sleeves) with floor-length skirt or dress slacks, and dark dress shoes.

Boys Choir

Welcomes any student who has a love for singing. Separate choirs for young men and young women provide the opportunity for students to grow in their musical knowledge of basic choral technique, solfege, and music theory. The choir sings both sacred and secular choral literature.

• Performances held each semester.
• Concert attire for boys: black dress shirts, black tie, black dress pants, black socks, and dark dress shoes.

Boys PE 7/8

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

• BJA PE uniform required.
• Uniforms purchased the first week of class.

Girls Choir

Welcomes any student who has a love for singing. Separate choirs for young men and young women provide the opportunity for students to grow in their musical knowledge of basic choral technique, solfege, and music theory. The choir sings both sacred and secular choral literature.

• Performances held each semester.
• Concert attire for boys: black dress shirts, black tie, black dress pants, black socks, and dark dress shoes.

Girls PE 7/8

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

• BJA PE uniform required.
• Uniforms purchased the first week of class.

Handbells

Develops music literacy, sight-reading skill, proper ringing technique, multiple-bell techniques, and appropriate rehearsal and concert decorum. No previous ringing or instrumental experience is required; students who do not yet read music may join, provided they are willing to learn how to read music during class. 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
• Concert attire for boys: black dress shirts, black tie, black dress pants, black socks, and dark dress shoes.
• Concert attire for girls: black floor-length dress (¾ length or long sleeves) or black dressy top (¾ length or long sleeves) with floor-length skirt or dress slacks, and dark dress shoes.
• $35 instrument usage fee per semester

Mathcounts Enrichment

Students will apply their knowledge of arithmetic, pre-algebra, counting, pre-geometry, number theory, probability, and statistics as they participate in various in-class projects, puzzles, games, and mathematics competition material.  Many activities will be completed in a group setting providing an opportunity for teamwork and relationship building.  Students will be provided coaching to participate in two different math competitions held during school hours.  An additional opportunity may be made available for up to 10 students to participate in a competition on a Saturday in the spring.

• Students will be able to participate in two different math competitions held during school hours.
• Enrollment is by application.

Media Production

Teaches basic photography, videography and editing concepts using Adobe CC software. Working closely with the teacher, students take, organize, and edit photos and video clips and put them together to produce videos of middle school activities. While the primary emphasis is on the video production, the course also introduces the fundamentals of photography including composition, lighting, exposure, and basic camera settings. 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) or mirrorless camera.

• Preferred equipment: a digital camera with lens that can be adjusted manually (not a point-and-shoot camera)
• Enrollment is by application.

Mock Trial/Competitive Speech

First Semester:

Students will use case material from the SC BAR Association to prepare for trial competition at the regional and state level. Competitions will be held on Saturdays in November and December and will be adjudicated by members of the State Bar.  Students will have the opportunity to learn the roles of attorneys, witnesses, bailiff, timekeeper, and understudy.

Second Semester:

Competitive Speech is a PERFORMANCE class to prepare students for high school speech and debate. The class will cover the basic elements of public speaking and interpretation. Students will have the option of joining the Academy Speech and Debate team for weekly Tuesday afternoon meetings (3:15-4:40).

Events covered in Interpretation will include the following: Children’s Storytelling, Prose Reading, Poetry Reading, and Programmed Oral Interpretation

• There is a $50 fee per semester.
• Enrollment is by audition only.

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
• Concert attire for boys: black dress shirts, black tie, black dress pants, black socks, and dark dress shoes.
• Concert attire for girls: black floor-length dress (¾ length or long sleeves) or black dressy top (¾ length or long sleeves) with floor-length skirt or dress slacks, and dark dress shoes.
• Instrument usage fee is $35 per semester.

Robotics

Students learn 21st century skills – collaboration, creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking – as they apply the engineering process to build competitive robots. Students compete in out-of-the-box robots, modified robots, or super modified robots depending on their age and aptitude.

This class utilizes Project Based Learning, PBL. Students must be able to follow diagrams, schematics, build instructions and work independently as a team. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, program, and logbook competitive robots.

• 6th grade meets Tuesday/Thursday from 3:15-4:00.
• 7/8 grade Robotics is 6th hour or 7th hour.
• By application only.

Competition and Fees

• $125 fee per semester.
• Goal: to compete in 2-3 regional tournaments per semester on Saturday.
• State is the first weekend in March. Students who qualify will have an approximate additional cost of $125 per student.
• Nationals is in late March. This is a 5-day trip with fundraising for students who qualify.
• Worlds is in April. Students who qualify will have a 7-day trip with fundraising.

Speech & Drama

Uses the platform of communication and drama to develop personal skills in effective speaking, organized thinking, team work, and confidence building. Creative and improvisational assignments are designed to improve individual performance and collaborative skills.  Students will be engaged in activities that will encourage learning through movement and acting activities, character analysis, field trips, and the creative process for costume, set and lighting design.  Public speaking opportunities will include informative and persuasive speeches designed to improve the skills of speech delivery, content outlining and critical thinking.

Study Hall

A 50-minute period for students to work independently on their homework but with guidance on study skill tips, test preparation, and organization to prepare them better in how to study well.

• Students may select only one study hall period.

Ready, Set, Study

Start your engines for a great year in 6th grade. Ready, Set, Study is a study skills class geared to help bridge the gap between elementary and middle school students by training in ways to stay organized, planning ahead, reviewing, and studying efficiently. The class will have weekly check-ins with parents first semester as well as use core class material to build lifelong study skills.  Students will have an extra layer of support as they grow and begin to develop these skills in the middle school years.

• Open to 6^th grade only.

Writing

Builds and expands on skills learned in English classes for students wanting to go further, emphasizing additional word skills, forms of writing, and outlets for words. Develops both fiction and non-fiction writing. Students will also produce the middle school newspaper, The MS Growl, giving them exposure to various areas of journalism.

• Enrollment is by application.

Private Music Lessons

Students may take music lessons in band and orchestral instruments as well as piano on campus, during or after school. For more about music lessons click here.