Bridge Year for 5th and 6th Graders
A gateway program for gifted and curious learners
The Bridge Class:
- attracts a diversity of exceptionally curious and strong, independent learners and collaborative thinkers;
- respects the emotional and educational developmental needs of 5th and 6th grader boys;
- includes boys who have completed either the fourth or fifth grade;
- implements the latest research on boys, learning, and curriculum design;
- makes connections across all disciplines in the curriculum;
- integrates hands-on learning, applied instruction, and challenging classroom assessments,
- learns under the lead of one full-time, experienced educator who reports directly to Head of School; and
- fosters strong community between students and families in a small class environment.
Methods:
Seven Hills School will build on its early successes and move into new areas of study:
- Nancie Atwell’s Middle Classroom Methods
- Cornell University’s Note-Taking System for the Middler
- Michael Gurian’s Boys and Girls Learn Differently
- Harvard University’s Multiple Intelligence Theory
- University of Chicago’s Sphere Learning in the Middle Years
- National Society of Experiential Education’s Service Learning Model
- Incorporating Introduction to Philosophy Studies
Framework: OPEN SPHERES UTILIZING MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
SHORT-LONG TERM MEMORY
Daily exercises and game practice in the rudiments of reading, writing, and mathematics
MATH-LOGICAL
Mathematics Level Grade 6
---Applied Math & Problem-Solving Focus
MATH/SCIENCE LABS
Living Science Exploration
---Smithsonian, 3 Volume Series by Joy Hakim (2003-2008)
Introduction to Physics and Chemistry
Application and Experiments |
Mathematics Level Grade 6
---Applied Math &Problem-Solving Focus
MATH/SCIENCE LABS
Living Science Exploration
---Smithsonian, 3 Volume Series by Joy Hakim (2003-2008)
Introduction to Physics and Chemistry
Application and Experiments |
Mathematics Level Grade 6
---Applied Math &Problem-Solving Focus
MATH/SCIENCE LABS
Living Science Exploration
---Smithsonian, 3 Volume Series by Joy Hakim (2003-2008)
Introduction to Physics and Chemistry
Application and Experiments |
KINESTHETIC & INTER/INTRA PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL/NATURAL
Service Learning Integration with Central VA Foodbank, SPCA and other Neighborhood Ventures
James River Curriculum and Monthly RIVER DAYS
8-unit Philosophy Seminar I
Exploring the Mind—Philosophy Rocks
LINGUISTICS
Language Arts
--Genre Study
--Creative Writing
--Publication
--Reading Labs
--Writing Labs
Applied Text Forms
--Print, Cursive Strategies
--Keyboard Lessons
--Foreign Language Texts
Global and Leadership Studies
--Current World Events
--Cultural Studies
--Leadership Studies
--Shared Values
Future Problem Solving
--Case Studies & Future Scenarios
-- Underlying Problem & Action Plan
-- Analysis |
Language Arts
--Genre Study
--Creative Writing
--Publication
--Reading Labs
--Writing Labs
Applied Text Forms
--Print, Cursive Strategies
--Keyboard Lessons
--Foreign Language Texts
Global and Leadership Studies
=--Current World Events
--Cultural Studies
--Leadership Studies
--Shared Values
Future Problem Solving
--Case Studies & Future Scenarios
-- Underlying Problem & Action Plan
-- Analysis |
Language Arts
--Genre Study
--Creative Writing
--Publication
--Reading Labs
--Writing Labs
Applied Text Forms
--Print, Cursive Strategies
--Keyboard Lessons
--Foreign Language Texts
Global and Leadership Studies
--Current World Events
--Cultural Studies
--Leadership Studies
--Shared Values
Future Problem Solving
--Case Studies & Future Scenarios
-- Underlying Problem & Action Plan
-- Analysis
|
VISUAL/SPATIAL & ARTISTIC
Visual Arts & Architecture
Designing Overbrook Together |
Woodworking I, II, III
Art, Design, and Function |
Theatre and Musical Arts
Alternating Student-Created
Productions & Published Works
|
ASSESSMENTS/TESTING
In-Class Assessments
Written (Individualized and Standard)
Oral
Experiential
Arts Focused |
Year-Long Assessments
Learning Style Inventory
DART Assessment
By Quarter Goal Setting and Self-Assessment
Competitive Team Testing: FPS, Robotics
|
GRADE SIX
Math
Math 7
Math Lab
Language Arts
Reading/Writing Lab
Literary Comprehension and Analysis
Vocabulary
Genre Study
History/Social Studies
US History I
Current Events
Historical Research Methods
Foreign Languages
Introduction to Latin
Introduction to Japanese
Science
Laboratory
History of Science, Volume I & IIa:
Introduction to Physics, Chemistry & Life Sciences
Future Problem Solving
Futures Research
Innovative & Competitive Solution Study
Seminar
Inroduction to Philosphy I
Fine & Performing Arts & Woodworking
Including the Bridge Year, a four-year curriculum featuring four-six week modules in select fields providing opportunities for students to learn from working artists in a studio setting and for group-based/ensemble opportunities.
Weekly study in visual arts, theatre performance, musical arts, and woodcraft & design.
Physical Education & Interscholastic Competition
Physical Improvement and Health through four-six week units exploring team-building skills in traditional and non-traditional sports (Aikido). Interscholastic competition options in soccer and basketball.
Centerpiece Curriculum: Rivers, Monuments, & Bridges
A three-year commitment in all 7HS courses to provide inter-disciplinary, on-site research and applied learning through access to local treasures and landmarks. With support from the award-winning work of the National Science Foundation, students become researchers, authors, and artists presenting their findings and materials as a service to community organizations and the public.
GRADE SEVEN
Math
Math 8/
Pre-Algebra
Math Lab
Language Arts
Reading/Writing Lab
Literary Comprehension and Analysis
Vocabulary
Genre Study
History & Social Studies
US History II (1866-Present)
Current Events
Autobiographical Research
Foreign Languages
Latin I
Japanese I
Science
Laboratory
History of Science, Volume IIa & III:
Physical &
Life Science
Future Problem Solving
Futures Research
Innovative & Competitive Solution Study
Seminar
Inroduction to Architecture I
Fine & Performing Arts & Woodworking
Including the Bridge Year, a four-year curriculum featuring four-six week modules in select fields providing opportunities for students to learn from working artists in a studio setting and for group-based/ensemble opportunities.
Weekly study in visual arts, theatre performance, musical arts, and woodcraft & design.
Physical Education & Interscholastic Competition
Physical Improvement and Health through four-six week units exploring team-building skills in traditional and non-traditional sports (Aikido). Interscholastic competition options in soccer and basketball.
Centerpiece Curriculum: Rivers, Monuments, & Bridges
A three-year commitment in all 7HS courses to provide inter-disciplinary, on-site research and applied learning through access to local treasures and landmarks. With support from the award-winning work of the National Science Foundation, students become researchers, authors, and artists presenting their findings and materials as a service to community organizations and the public.
GRADE EIGHT
Math
Algebra I
Math Lab
Language Arts
Reading/Writing Lab
Literary Comprehension and Analysis
Vocabulary
Genre Study
History & Social Studies
Comparative
Civics and Economics
US, Brazil, India, Japan, & South Africa
International Research Methods
Foreign Languages
Latin I or II
Japanese I or II
Science
Laboratory
Earth Science: Exosphere, Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere
Future Problem Solving
Futures Research
Innovative & Competitive Solution Study
Seminar
Inroduction to Philosphy IP
Fine & Performing Arts & Woodworking
Including the Bridge Year, a four-year curriculum featuring four-six week modules in select fields providing opportunities for students to learn from working artists in a studio setting and for group-based/ensemble opportunities.
Weekly study in visual arts, theatre performance, musical arts, and woodcraft & design.
Physical Education & Interscholastic Competition
Physical Improvement and Health through four-six week units exploring team-building skills in traditional and non-traditional sports (Aikido). Interscholastic competition options in soccer and basketball.
Centerpiece Curriculum: Rivers, Monuments, & Bridges
A three-year commitment in all 7HS courses to provide inter-disciplinary, on-site research and applied learning through access to local treasures and landmarks. With support from the award-winning work of the National Science Foundation, students become researchers, authors, and artists presenting their findings and materials as a service to community organizations and the public.
