Grade 7

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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. Seventh grade students continue the study of the literary genres and continue to write their own stories, poems and essays. The research paper and note-taking skills augment class literary discussion and presentations. Through journals and research paper writing, students learn correct forms of citation. Component parts of a sentence, infinitives, participles, pronoun-antecedent references and the different types of phrases and clauses form the core of the grammar program. Students continue to learn word cells as well as word derivatives. The novel becomes a critical literary genre as it provides for extended plot and character development. Students develop analytical reading and writing skills as they interpret theme and meaning in literature.

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 7th Grade:

• Number theory for fractions, decimals and absolute value
• Linear equations as tables, graphs and equations
• Word problems requiring slope-intercept equations
• Golden Ratio and Fibonacci sequence
• Ratio, rate and proportions.
• Perspective drawings in geometry

History 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

The goal for the Seventh grade curriculum is for students to deduce the connection between a culture's philosophy and civic values. Students study the geography of the Far East, Africa and Europe and analyze conflict and resolution, both within cultures and with other cultures, and they come to appreciate the sophistication of these respective 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 seventh grade year is physical science. Students understand the general properties of matter. They learn that substances can be made to change phases by adding or taking away energy. They also study the atom and understand it as the basic unit of matter. Students learn to read and use the Periodic Table and recognize how chemical equations can be used to symbolize chemical interactions. Students study the process of photosynthesis as the source of energy for all living things. Students learn about motion and understand the relationship of force to motion as they study the principles that govern motion in the universe.

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 7th grade religion is for students to acquire a fresh, historically rooted and factual understanding of the personality, mission, and mystery of Jesus of Nazareth and the New Testament. They begin to understand the dual nature of Jesus (simultaneously being fully human and fully divine), and the face of the mystery in the Incarnation. Students see the connection between the Hebrew and Christian scriptures and the influence upon them by the Roman Empire. They begin to understand the aspects of message: context, content and code. They examine the various ways Jesus is presented and how the community trusts the reliability of Scripture. They also discuss their roles as a member of a community of believers and how they are similar to and different from the members of the early Christian community. They understand the role of Jesus as mediator and that historical and contemporary faith in Jesus Christ are expressions of trust in God. They learn that the Gospels are not biographies or historical records. They explore the complexity of religious belief and ethical discernment in modern life.

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.

In the seventh grade, students choose between French, Spanish, and Latin to study at a more comprehensive level for the last two years of middle school. The goal for the seventh grade, is for students to be able to use the present and past tense comfortably and to have developed a significant vocabulary. At the end of the year, all students, in conjunction with the girls at Convent of the Sacred Heart elementary school, will participate in an international banquet where foods from Spanish and French speaking countries are prepared and served by the students. The following topics will be covered during the year:

• Verbs: reflexive, complex/irregular, past tense
• Additional Pronouns (demonstrative, reflexive, relative)
• Food: Fiestas and Fetes
• Song Compositions
• International banquet

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.

In the seventh grade, students choose between French, Spanish, and Latin to study at a more comprehensive level for the last two years of middle school. The goal for the seventh grade, is for students to be able to use the present and past tense comfortably and to have developed a significant vocabulary. At the end of the year, all students, in conjunction with the girls at Convent of the Sacred Heart elementary school, will participate in an international banquet where foods from Spanish and French speaking countries are prepared and served by the students. The following topics will be covered during the year:

• Verbs: reflexive, complex/irregular, past tense
• Additional Pronouns (demonstrative, reflexive, relative)
• Food: Fiestas and Fetes
• Song Compositions
• International banquet

Latin In the seventh grade, students choose between French, Spanish, and Latin to study at a more comprehensive level for the last two years of middle school. During the year, seventh grade students Latin students will learn:

• intermediate grammatical structures in both English and Latin
• additional uses of the five previous grammatical cases in Latin, as well as the vocative
• to decline nouns in the 3rd declension (masculine, feminine and neuter)
• to conjugate verbs of the 4 conjugations in the present system (present, future, imperfect) and the perfect system (perfect, pluperfect, future perfect)
• to conjugate irregular verbs in these six tenses
• personal, demonstrative, reflexive and intensive pronouns in all cases
• a more extensive working vocabulary
• intermediate translation skills
• Roman history and culture sufficient to create an International Banquet 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 focus for the seventh grade year in art is on exploration of role of the artist in history. In the course of the year, a seventh grader will develop an appreciation for other professional artists, their work and their methods of self-expression. He also continues to refine his own style and to articulate the reasons behind his aesthetic choices.

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 seven music students meet for a double period, once a week, for a quarter of the year. Double periods allow a good length of time to rehearse hand chime accompaniments for chapel singing. Seventh graders also get ready to sing chapel music and Noels. At the same time these preparations are going on, the boys read news articles relating music and society or music and politics. Quizzes, followed by class discussions, comprise a significant portion of a student's grade.

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 seventh grade student plays a variety of games that help him develop knowledge of and understanding of cooperative games, individual games, and team sports. He develops proficiency in object manipulation by playing with hockey sticks, rackets, bats, and balls. Through the Presidential Physical Fitness Testing Program, he participates in activities that 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.

Contemporary Issues Hide

The weekly class focuses on issues which are immediately having an impact on the lives of young adolescents nationally and internationally. Through assigned readings, independent research, and class discussions, seventh grade students will acquire the background knowledge necessary to write opinion papers, complete independent and group assignments, and/or participate in class debates. An emphasis will be placed on reading and listening to the news to keep current on the issues which face us today. In addition, students should come away with an appreciation for different perspectives and difference of opinion. A related goal of the course is to learn how to disagree agreeably.