Grade 6

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English Hide

The English and language arts curriculum is designed to develop and promote the student's interest in and knowledge of language and literature, including his abilities to listen, speak, write, and read effectively. He accomplishes this through a comprehensive program that includes a balance of written and oral language. Teachers employ a variety of instructional activities to help students learn the necessary skills and strategies to become proficient communicators. It is hoped that each boy will acquire a lifelong appreciation for the power of the spoken and written language, a love of literature, and a personal belief that literacy can enhance his life. The English/language arts program is built upon three critical strands: listening and speaking, reading, and writing. It also includes four essential conventions: grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. Sentence modeling (simple, compound and compound-complex), knowing the present, past, future, and perfect tenses, and learning about subject-verb agreement in compound subjects and indefinite pronouns form the base of the grammar curriculum in grade six. Students continue to work with colons, semi-colons and commas in compound sentences. Students read a variety of short stories, myths, poems, essays and novels. They also incorporate a study of film in their English program. When appropriate, they attend local drama productions. In conjunction with their Introductory Latin class, students learn word cells and word etymologies.

Mathematics Hide

The mathematics curriculum assumes that students will make sense of mathematics in which they engage and become confident, active learners. Building this understanding is a long process that is in sequence and includes mathematical tools, technology and manipulatives. Students solve real-life problems and investigation, explore and investigate mathematical ideas and think both inductively and deductively. Communication is essential: "Students communicate to learn mathematics, and they learn to communicate mathematically" (NCTM Standards). Stuart Hall mathematically-literate students exhibit confidence in their abilities, are flexible, efficient and accurate with basic facts and computation, and demonstrate a variety of problem-solving strategies. The mathematics curriculum is built upon five essential strands:

• numbers and operations
• patterns, functions and algebra
• geometry and spatial sense
• measurement
• data analysis, statistics and probability

The following topics will be covered in 6th Grade:

• Multiplication and Division of Integers
• Operations with Rational Numbers
• Ratio, Rates and Proportions
• Equations and inverse operations
• Experimental and Theoretical Probability
• Geometry

Social Studies Hide

Stuart Hall social studies is a study of humanity. Students study the past in order to understand its connection to the present and how it directs the future. The curriculum emphasizes that ethnic and religious groups of the United States and other countries have a role in shaping the diverse society in which we live. The curriculum educates students to use critical thinking to understand the world and how each person fits in the world. The social studies curriculum is built upon four strands:

• civic values, ethics, rights, responsibilities and social participation
• geographic literacy
• historical literacy
• cultural literacy

Sixth grade students discover that the rights and responsibilities of an individual are defined by the type of government under which he lives. They study the history, culture and geography of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and formulate theories about how various geographical features influenced the development of these cultures. They recognize the contributions of the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans and Islamic societies and how they have influenced contemporary cultures.

Science Hide

The science curriculum is designed to promote an understanding of the nature of science and an appreciation of its methods and philosophy. The program prepares each student for the future by providing opportunities to investigate, explore, and evaluate the world. The program addresses how science works and what processes and methods expand scientific understanding. In kindergarten through grade five, all three strands (Earth, Physical and Life) are studied. In contrast, in grades six through eight, students study one strand per year. This reflects a shift to more in-depth study in the older grades. The science curriculum is built upon three critical strands: Earth Science, Physical Science and Life Science. Hands-on exploration and the use of the scientific method are central to the approach used to investigate the natural phenomena associated with the various strands of science. This approach includes eight essential processes: observing, communication, comparing, ordering, categorizing, relating, inferring, applying. The focus of the sixth grade year is earth science. Students understand the kinds of objects in the universe and how these objects relate to one another. In addition, they learn how the universe evolved and how we know about the contents and structure of the universe. They recognize that water is an essential resource to life and how important natural resources support life and society. From this, they explore how they can be responsible in conserving the earth's natural re-sources. Students study oceans and how they support life. They understand how ocean water circulates and how this affects climates and weather. They also study the San Francisco Bay and how it relates to the global economy.

Religion Hide

In an endeavor to educate the whole child, we are guided by and faithful to the Roman Catholic tradition of faith in God and in Jesus Christ who reveals to us the love of God for all people. Studying the basic symbols, practices and concepts of religion makes much of history, literature, art and contemporary life intelligible. The intent of the curriculum is to help the student discover and articulate his own beliefs. Because the family is the primary educator in matters of faith and spirituality, we support both parents and students in their religious identities and in the faith foundations established in the home. Active faith propels one toward the pursuit of peace and justice in a diverse world. By educating each child to the love of God, self and neighbor, religious education at Stuart Hall forms in each student deep human values, a sense of wise freedom, and an informed, active faith. The religion curriculum is built upon four strands:

• Scripture: the student understands that scripture is an account of faithful people and that it has literary and historical contexts and inspirational aspects.
• Tradition: the student understands tradition as the collective lived and living response in relationship with God.
• Faith: the student understands faith as trust in God.
• Reason: the student recognizes the role of conscience and discernment in religious and ethical understanding.

The primary goal of 6th grade religion is for students to become familiar with the main characters and events of the history of Israel contained in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and gain an understanding of the key events God reveals during the course of this history. They develop an appreciation for the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and gain confidence in their ability to read Scripture. Students begin to understand the tools of organization (types of writing, different authors) of the Hebrew Bible. They learn differences between the oral and written traditions of scripture stories and the role of the author of these stories. They discover the primacy of the Patriarchs, Moses and the prophets and shaping various expressions of faith. They see the critical role that community and nation play in interpreting God's cove-nant with His people. They learn that faith is for everyone, not just the perfect, and begin to grasp the idea of covenant as a continuing trust between God and His people. Students learn the difference between being "true" and "factual" and that Truth is accessible to humanity.

International Languages Hide

French Through the study of foreign language, the goal is for students to:

• develop communication skills that enable the student to interact with a broad and varied range of people
• gain insight into other cultures and broadens understanding of the self as well as others
• become global citizens by breaking down barriers and customary borders
• accept personal and world responsibility by fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity about cultural values.

By sixth grade, the goal is for students to communicate comfortably on a novice level. The following topics will be covered during the course of the year:

• Verbs: regular past tense
• Artist Study
• Descriptive writing
• History

Spanish Through the study of foreign language, the goal is for students to:

• develop communication skills that enable the student to interact with a broad and varied range of people
• gain insight into other cultures and broadens understanding of the self as well as others
• become global citizens by breaking down barriers and customary borders
• accept personal and world responsibility by fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity about cultural values.

By sixth grade, the goal is for students to communicate comfortably on a novice level. The following topics will be covered during the course of the year:

• Verbs: regular past tense
• Artist Study
• Descriptive writing
• History

Latin All students in the sixth grade will take an introductory Latin course in addition to either French or Spanish. During the year, sixth grade students will learn:

• to identify the basic grammatical units of a sentence in English and Latin
• to parse a sentence in English and Latin
• the use of five grammatical cases in Latin (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative and ablative
• to decline nouns of the 1st and 2nd declensions (masculine, feminine and neuter)
• the five characteristics of verbs (person, number, tense, mood and voice)
• to conjugate verbs of the 1st and 2nd conjugations in the present, imperfect and future tenses
• to conjugate the irregular verb sum in the present tense
• a basic working vocabulary for translation from and to Latin
• Roman history and culture sufficient to create the Roman Market by working together with the girls from Convent of the Sacred Heart elementary school

Art Hide

The study of the visual and performing arts provides the students with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge of the arts through a sequential, creative, integrated and inclusive program that prepares them for further, more focused study. The arts teach students to participate in society in an intelligent way by encouraging them to "look at things carefully, hear things thoughtfully, feel things sensitively, and understand the role of the arts in the life of the individual and the collective life of [world] culture." The emphasis in sixth grade art is on design and composition. A sixth grader is exposed to a more sophisticated exploration of landscape drawing and portraiture and is introduced to cartooning as an art medium. In addition, he is expected to develop a two dimensional vehicle design into a three dimensional sculpture.

Music Hide

The study of the visual and performing arts provides the students with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge of the arts through a sequential, creative, integrated and inclusive program that prepares them for further, more focused study. The arts teach students to participate in society in an intelligent way by encouraging them to "look at things carefully, hear things thoughtfully, feel things sensitively, and understand the role of the arts in the life of the individual and the collective life of [world] culture." Grade six students have music once a week for one semester. In addition to practicing songs for chapel and for Noels, students learn how chords are constructed, and some basics about the physical properties of sound. As time permits, boys prepare hand chime accompaniments for chapel songs. Along the way, there are mentions of historical and cultural aspects of the music they prepare.

Physical Education Hide

The primary focus of the physical education program is the student's total physical and emotional development. All students learn the motor skills needed in everyday living and in recreational activities. Students develop and maintain sound physiological functions through vigorous muscular activity. The curriculum provides situations for learning to compete so students learn to cooperate with others, treat others with respect and strive for achievement of common goals. Students learn to accept responsibility for their actions. The program provides a life-long sense of responsibility for health and well-being. The physical education curriculum is built upon four strands:

• physical activity
• movement skills and knowledge
• physical fitness and mental wellness
• social development and movement interaction

The sixth grade student plays cooperative games, such as knots, flag run, challenge obstacle course, capture the ball, and rock; individual games, such as hand-ball, paddle wall tennis, and ropes; and team sports, such as volleyball, basketball, Olympic sports badminton, hockey, prison ball, and snowball alley, all of which help him develop an understanding of team sports and how the individual athlete fits into the team effort. He participates in the Presidential Physical Fitness Testing Program to continue to develop his cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, and agility. He participates in Hoops for the Heart (basketball challenges) as well as circuit training stations, such as ropes, hurdles, and stomp boards, all of which help him develop his physical fitness and mental wellness. He develops and enhances his use of locomotor movements to music, combines movements and directions, and participates in obstacle courses that help him develop his movement interaction.

Computer Studies Hide

The computer lab provides an environment in which students, teachers, librarians and lab instructors collaborate on curricular-based projects. Through their years at Stuart Hall, the students explore a variety of hardware, software applications and telecommunications media. Students are introduced to these things at an early age and continually develop their skills. As the field changes, they adapt easily and explore confidently as new technology is incorporated into the curriculum. Critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies are a primary focus. Students will be knowledgeable, independent users of powerful computer applications. The Unkefer instructors, librarians and classroom teachers collaborate to create projects that use open-ended software such as multimedia programs and word processing. Students develop computer skills (copying and pasting, draw tools, etc.) that transfer easily across applications and computer platforms. Changes in hardware, software and curriculum keep the program alive and in a constant flux. The following yearly plans for each grade level are subject to variations depending on classroom teacher input, new products, and changes in technology. Students create presentations that incorporate graphics, text, scanned images, animation, digitized sounds and photos, and movie clips that effectively communicate information. These may be presented in web page and multimedia formats. Throughout the Middle Form, writing continues to be a critical component of the program. The students become independent users of word processing and desktop publishing programs. Math standards are supported through the use of graphing tools, databases and spreadsheets. The students develop skills in storing data, analyzing and interpreting results, and communicating information through graphs and textual summaries. Students use the networked library and Internet resources for researching information. Some of these resources include: on-line atlases and encyclopedias, computerized card catalogues, newspaper and magazine articles, and information services. Students may be involved with telecommunications projects with other schools nationally or internationally to share data and ideas. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are nurtured through a variety of projects. The Unkefer instructors use simulation programs and Internet sites that let the students solve problems in a variety of open-ended ways. The Middle Form students use advanced programs, such as Adobe Photoshop and the Office Suit, which in and of themselves create many opportunities for problem solving and critical thinking. The students often work in pairs or small teams sharing their approaches to the different problems. A discussion of successful problem solving strategies closes such class sessions.