Grade 7

Religion

The seventh grade course uses the Sacraments, Church, and God to present fundamental teachings in ways designed to engage and challenge students. The concepts covered are based on the foundational themes of the Catholic faith National Conference of Catholic Bishops' “Renewing the Vision”, and Diocesan guidelines for catechism for young people. Students learn about themselves and their faith as they participate in lessons, discussions, hands-on activities, research projects, and field trips that encourage them to discover relationships with God and each other. This course incorporates knowledge of the Catholic faith with skills for Christian living. Seventh grade students are taught respect for human sexuality as part of the Life Skills curriculum. The course presents topics on self-esteem, values, sexual characteristics, relationships, gender equity, decision-making skills, dating, peer pressure, human life, and sexual behavior. This course is taught from a Catholic perspective that focuses on the value of each individual as a creation of God and sexuality as a gift to be shared with one person in the bond of marriage.

Life Science

This course presents a scientific study of the structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships. Students are asked to explore the characteristics and diversity of living things, genetics and heredity, care of the environment, and the human body. Students make practical application of these concepts through lab activities, group investigations and experiments. Students take a field trip to the Atlanta Zoo for an interactive day that ties together the concepts learned in the unit on the animal kingdom.

World Cultures/History

Seventh grade students learn about the many cultural traditions that exist in our world. Content emphasis is placed on global interdependence, cultural diffusion, and diversity. The histories of the numerous cultures are explored and the humanities are stressed as the common thread that unites communities of the world. Students participate annually in the National Geographic Geography Bee.

Language Arts

The seventh grade course emphasizes both reading and writing skills as students study grammar, composition, reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and literature. The grammatical skills covered are used to improve written mechanics. Students learn the fundamental steps of essay and research writing through the 6 +1 Writing Traits program. It is the foundation of the writing curriculum and the mechanism by which many interdisciplinary assignments are implemented. Silent reading time is built into the school day and is used to foster love of reading in conjunction with the summer reading requirements, the textbook literature themes, and the Accelerated Reader program. Recognition and understanding of literary devices, vocabulary and spelling are addressed through the stories and novels that are assigned. Students gain practice in speech by reading aloud and giving oral presentations as a regular part of the classroom routine. Novels are used as enrichment connections to other disciplines. Students participate annually in the regional GISA Spelling Bee and may advance to state competition.

Pre-Algebra

Seventh grade students continue to practice advanced mathematical skills and gain understanding of algebraic concepts prior to entering an Algebra class. This course serves as a bridge to the understanding of equations, properties, formulas, functions and advanced problem solving. Students are engaged in the study of inequality, graphing in the coordinate plane, polynomials, statistics, probability, ratio and proportion. Real world situations are emphasized as students apply knowledge of fractions, decimals, percents, statistics, and geometry to approach problems and solve them.

Algebra I

Students learn to describe the world around them with algebraic expressions, equations, graphs, and statistics. Applications, calculators, and computers provide a context for the abstract language of algebra. Students engage in activities that allow the understanding of algebra through skill acquisition, the understanding of properties, and the uses and representations of variables. This course includes study of real numbers, operations and factoring of polynomials, problem solving with first and second-degree equations, and linear graphing. Students use graphing calculators provided to explore functions and display data- Special emphasis is placed on practical approaches to word problems and their solutions.

Spanish

Students are introduced to the basic structure of the Spanish language. The primary skills of speaking and listening are developed over the two years in middle school. Students practice written expression with emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. Special emphasis is placed on Hispanic culture and the foundations of the language. Lessons are taught with a variety of methods actively engaging students in foreign culture and spoken language .

French

Students are introduced to the basic structure of the French language. During the first year in middle school both speaking and listening skills are developed. Students practice written expression with emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. Highly active lessons catch the attention of students and immerse them in the French language and culture as they explore the people, geography and history of France.

Art

Seventh grade students further develop their technical skills and visual awareness with lessons in drawing, painting, collage, and clay. The course focuses on developing student appreciation for the visual arts through the exploration of art history and the practice of art within the scope of a wide variety of materials and some three-dimensional projects.

Physical Education

The seventh grade PE curriculum teaches students the foundations and rules of basic games and sports; helps students develop individual physical skills; helps promote general fitness; and emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Students are evaluated based on individual progression and participation rather than athletic ability. Health is an additional component to the curriculum. Students are taught decision- making and healthy life style choices.

Music

Middle School Music at Mount de Sales Academy represents a radical departure from typical models in both public and private schools in middle Georgia. Research conducted over the past twenty years has shown the benefits of rigorous instrumental study. We strive to ensure that each child receives a quality music program developed from principles of music education and based on educational research. Middle School students will be enrolled in one of the following courses.

Band 1 (students new to instrumental instruction in grades 6 and 7)

In their first year at Mount de Sales Academy, most students will take this course. The choice of instrument is a combination of teacher recommendation and student preference. It is not necessary to have prior musical experience to be enrolled in this class. There is a financial obligation to rent an instrument for this course. Arrangements have been made for Mount de Sales parents to rent instruments at a reduced cost from a local instrument supplier. At the end of two months, students would have the option to change their instrument to a recorder.

Band 2 (grade 7 and 8)

Prerequisite-Successful completion of Band 1 on band instrument or equivalent standard on any instrument (subject to availability).This second year for developing band players requires students to continue learning the instrument without changing to a recorder.

Exploratory Music 1 (grades 7 and 8)

Prerequisite-Completion of Band 1

This second year course will focus on listening, performance and composition/improvisation. Students begin the course with two months on a band instrument then may use any instrument other than non-tuned percussion.

Chorus (grades 7 and 8)

Prerequisite: audition or one year of enrollment in an MDS band class.

This first semester course will focus on developing solid vocal techniques and choral musicianship. There will be an emphasis on Kodaly and sight reading. Attendance at a small number of performances outside of school is required.

Middle School Musical (grades 7 and 8)

Prerequisite: Membership in Chorus during the first semester, by audition, or one year of enrollment in an MDS band class.

This second semester course will focus on the development of stage craft, acting, and singing within the context of producing a school musical. Vocal development and musicianship will also be emphasized.