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, 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 plant and animal classification. Many in-class projects and activities reinforce learning in these topics.

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

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.

 

6th Hour Electives (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Arts, A/V Technology & Communication

Covers various subject matters pertaining and relating to the arts, both audio and visual, and the utilization of the arts to communicate employing today’s methods and technology. Subtopics will be divided into four non-sequential minicourses over four semesters. The first-year topics includes “graphic design and digital illustration” and “audio/video recording and production” using the Adobe Creative Cloud applications. All teaching and experience will be related to career paths.

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
• Performance attire is concert black ; more details will be given in 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
• $15 instrument usage fee per semester
• Music students wear concert black to perform; more details will be shared in class.

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 early March.

Organize—Plan—Succeed (OPS)

OPS offers students an opportunity for guidance by a grade-level teacher in organizing materials, planning how to complete each night’s homework, and ultimately succeeding academically.  Incorporating the SOAR curriculum, students will learn and practice time-management tactics and effective study techniques to help them in their academic classes as well as their homework, long-range projects and test preparation.

Robotics

Students apply the design and modeling process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program competitive robots.

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

Study Hall

A 50 minute period for students to work independently on their homework.

• Students may select only one study hall period.

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 Lion’s Roar, giving them exposure to various areas of journalism.

• Available for 7^th and 8^th graders only

7th Hour Electives (Daily)

Art

A basic introduction to art through a variety of hands-on activities. Explores areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, 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
• Music students wear concert black to perform; more details will be shared in class.

Digital Skills

This web-based program teaches students critical digital literacy skills. Interactive modules introduce keyboarding, word processing, online safety, Chromebook applications, and computational thinking. Additional instruction will be given in helping students learn to type and interact comfortably with computers.

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
• $25 instrument usage fee per semester
• Music students wear concert black to perform; more details will be shared in class.

Language & Technology

Students learn basic concepts of Hebrew, Latin, biblical Greek, and German. Students discover about the culture and history of each language, while making connections to Bible study, science, vocabulary, and much more. Activities include Hebrew calligraphy, cultural celebrations, and creating models of buildings. In conjunction with learning about languages, students will learn typing and other computer skills, with the goal of developing a basic functional ability to type and interact with computers.

Mock Trial

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.  Student will have the opportunity to learn the roles of attorneys, witnesses, bailiff, timekeeper, and understudy.

• $50 fee
• By audition only
• offered 1st semester 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
• Music students wear concert black to perform; more details will be shared in class.

Robotics

Students apply the design and modeling process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program competitive robots.

• $95 fee per semester
• Goal: to compete in 3-4 local and regional tournaments during the year and qualify for state, national, and world competitions

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. On days students have no homework, they will be required to read silently.

• Students may select only one study hall period.

Yearbook Production & Photography

Teaches basic photography and videography along with basic editing and animation concepts. Working closely with the faculty sponsor, students take and organize photos and video for the middle school DVD yearbook. 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.

• Required equipment: a digital camera with lens that can be adjusted manually (not a point-and-shoot camera)
• 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.