Middle School Courses

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 7

Examines the words and actions of Jesus Christ during His earthly life and ministry, giving lessons from His sermons, miracles and parables.

Bible 8

Presents the relationship between God and His creation and His chosen people in the Old Testament, giving the big picture of what God is doing on earth and in eternity. It covers creation through Israel’s formation, kings, exile and return, culminating in the Messianic prophecies.

English

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

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.

Music Appreciation 8

Covers the four main style periods—Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern. Studies the composers, compositions, forms and characteristics popular during each time period with an emphasis on what to listen for in the music. Surveys hymnology, exploring the history of hymns, origin of the hymnbook, lives of great hymn writers and Christian music today.

Physical Education 7 & 8

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

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

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

Art 7 & 8

A basic introduction to art through a variety of hands-on activities. Students explore 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 7 & 8  

Placement in band is determined through previous band/instrumental experience, an interview with the conductor or an audition process. Rehearsals study and develop music performance concepts. Method books and concert music support the primary activity. Music theory concepts are introduced. In addition to preparing for a formal band concert each semester, students have the opportunity to participate in SC regional and state honor bands with All State Band audition training and support. SC Solo and Ensemble event participation is also supported through band rehearsals and activities.

Chorus 7 & 8

Teaches basic choral skills in separate groups 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.

Digital Literacy 7 & 8

This web-based program teaches students critical digital literacy skills. Interactive modules focus on key digital skills such as keyboarding and word processing, online safety, business applications, and computational thinking and coding. Also included are skills that help students in researching for class projects and tips for homework management.

Handbells 7 & 8

Teaches music literacy, sight-reading, good ringing technique, multiple-bell techniques, and appropriate rehearsal and concert decorum. Open to any student willing to work hard and be a “team player.” Previous music study is helpful but not required. 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 usage fee per semester when taken daily; $25 usage fee per year when taken every other day (opposite chorus)

Language 7 & 8

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 7 & 8

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.

Robotics

Teaches students the influence of creativity and innovation by applying the design and modeling process to solving problems. Traces the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as students learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. The VEX Robotics® platform is used to design, build, and program real-world objects.

SOAR®: Learning for Life! 7 & 8

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 class will use both a web-based program and personal instruction to guide students to successful habits such as time management, organizational skills, study strategies, and reading strategies to aid both school and beyond. Both high achieving and struggling students will benefit from these reliable, time-tested solutions that teach students to learn – for life!

Speech 7 & 8

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.

Middle school courses are year-long courses.

Private Music Lessons

Offer the opportunity for students to take lessons from Academy and University music faculty in the following: voice, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion and harp. Students registered for these lessons are required to also register for a music performance group. Piano lessons are provided in Academy facilities by arrangement with Piano Central Studios. For more about all music lessons click here.