course descriptions ms 2014-2015

Course Descriptions

Grades 6-8 2014-15

Grade 6-‐8 courses 1

Table of Contents

Graduation Requirements ........................................................................................................... 3 American Diploma ................................................................................................................................... 3 Brazilian Diploma .................................................................................................................................... 3

Course Descriptions ....................................................................................................................... 4 ARTS .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Visual Arts ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Performing Arts ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

LANGUAGE ARTS & LITERATURE ........................................................................................................ 6 English ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6 English Language Development (ELD) ........................................................................................................... 6 Portuguese .................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Portuguese as a Second Language (PSL) ........................................................................................................ 7

MATHEMATICS .......................................................................................................................................... 9 PHYSICAL EDUCATION ............................................................................................................................ 9 SCIENCE ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 SOCIAL STUDIES ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Brazilian Social Studies ....................................................................................................................................... 11

TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 12 WORLD LANGUAGES .............................................................................................................................. 12 French ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Spanish ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Registration Forms ...................................................................................................................... 14 Cover Art by the Class of 2017


Secondary Administration and Student Services

Secondary Principal …………………………. Bonnie Lindgren

Director of Brazilian Studies ………………… Maria do Carmo Apolinario

Guidance Counselor ………………………… Charles Hodges

Librarian ………………………………………. Dayse Nascimento

Assistants

Ana Cecilia Depaola

André Nunes

Student Activities Coordinator ……..………… Lisa Grinfeder

School Nurse …………………………………… Carol Caldas

Faculty Aarão Simões Allan Genú Dr. Ana Vitoria Botelho Angelyca Rocha Antonio Almeida Dr. Antonio Travassos Camila Falcão Chelsea Callan Dominique Jacob Elizabeth Moreira Ester Correa

Fernanda Bonfim Jackie Santos Jessica Eakin Kadna Cordeiro Martha Viegas Monica Silva Dr. Pedro Anselmo Filho Quintino Orengo Raquel Souto Viviane Vasconcelos

José Veloso

Graduation Requirements As you contemplate what courses to request for the next school year, consider how your choices will further your plans for graduation and for college entrance. This may not affect you much while in grades 6-‐8, but it is advisable to be familiar with the information and to use it to plan ahead. Ensure that you will have the credits needed for the American Diploma and the courses needed each year for the Brazilian Diploma. Consider whether the electives you choose will allow you to develop a balanced range of skills, knowledge, and interests. Consider also how you will balance your homework load against your social and family activities. Please be aware that the listing of a course description does not guarantee that the course will be offered in a particular school year. Courses will be scheduled on the basis of student interest, sufficient enrollment, and the most effective use of instructors’ time. The American Diploma must be earned by all graduates of the American School of Recife. The Brazilian Diploma is required for all Brazilian citizens, and for entry into Brazilian universities.

American Diploma Students in Grades 9-‐12 earn credits toward graduation. One credit is earned by passing a course with 120 hours of class time. A minimum of 25 credits is required. Sixteen credits must be distributed as shown below.

English/ELD 4 credits Social Studies 4 credits Mathematics 3 credits Science 3 credits Physical Education 2 credits 16 credits required by AdvancED regulations In addition, the Brazilian Ministry of Education requires study of Portuguese (or PSL) in every year of attendance at EAR. Elective courses are chosen to bring the total credits to a minimum of 25. Portuguese/PSL in every year of EAR attendance Electives 5 credits 25 credits required for the EAR diploma

Brazilian Diploma Requirements for the Brazilian Diploma specify the following in grades 10-‐12: Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Alg II and Pre-‐Calc) Social Studies: Brazilian History, Brazilian Geography, Sociology & Philosophy


Course Registration Enrollment in a course may depend on a student’s grade in the prerequisite course(s), graduation requirements, student’s workload, teacher and/or counselor recommendation, and scheduling feasibility. Specific departments may take into consideration additional criteria. Scheduling The small size of EAR's grade level classes, the many diploma requirements, and the availability of both teachers and classrooms pose challenges to the scheduling of courses. To make the best use of our human and physical resources, we cannot run classes of fewer than five students. Though we do our best to schedule every student’s first choice for electives, it is often impossible for every request to be met. When requesting courses, students must include several choices, and show flexibility. Remember that students are expected to have the same commitment to elective as to required courses. Electives can be changed during the first two weeks of the Semester. After two weeks, you must remain in the course until the end of the Semester; choose wisely. It is the student’s responsibility to check the requirements for your grade. Make an appointment with your counselor to verify credits and requirements.

Course Descriptions

ARTS

Visual Arts Art 6 A more in depth study of the art elements is made during the first semester. Throughout the school year students study about of two different civilization, Prehistoric art and Egyptian art. A wide variety of art techniques and processes are used to help students appreciate and understand the art of the past.

Art 7 During this course students will study art history from the Greece through Baroque where they acquire knowledge that permits them to identify art styles and the period to which they belong. In addition, students are encouraged to use an appropriate artistic term when describing an art work. Art 8 Students will learn about the major 20th art movements. In addition, the students will acquire the ability to compare and contrast art from different world cultures and investigate how context can influence meaning. Students debate the purposes of art formulate reasoned responses to meaningful art questions, develop their own criteria for making art judgments, and develop a personal aesthetic. Studio Art At middle and high school level art is an elective course and has the format of art studio. Each course has the duration of one semester. Students may choose from an art appreciation course, craft or artistic drawing or painting course. Photojournalism In this one-‐semester course, students learn how to research, report, write and edit stories. They explore the basics of photography composition and dig into the exposure controls. Students gain


knowledge on how to capture compelling, accurate, informative photographs that enhance news stories and yearbooks. They learn clear and critical thinking methods, computer literacy, teamwork, composition, video and photography editing techniques. Computer programs used are: Adobe Indesign CS5.5, Photoshop CS5, Adobe Illustrator and Sony Vegas. This course may be repeated.

Performing Arts Music A broad-‐based approach to making and enjoying music. Students will learn and develop skills with a variety of musical instruments: drums, flute, keyboard, as well as Hulabaloo -‐ homemade percussive instruments. Music can be found in the most amazing places! Learning activities include: music appreciation, musical notation, improvisation, composing music, musical critiques, and performance. (This course may be repeated). Choir This course is designed for students with a special interest in singing. It addresses basic to advanced vocal techniques and teaches and reinforces the fundamentals of group singing. Students will focus on harmony, improving intonation, choral blend, and musical interpretation. Coursework includes sight-‐reading and performance. This is a proposed elective course that may be offered if there is enough interest. Digital Music Digital Music is a semester-‐long class devoted to basic music composition, arranging, and other applications using Garage Band and piano keyboards. Various music software programs will be introduced, and there will be a culminating project utilizing some of these tools. Students will be introduced to musical notation and basic music theory concepts. Beginning Guitar Guitar is a semester-‐long introductory course for guitar players. Students will learn to play basic chords and fingering on acoustic guitar in a group setting. They will also learn the music theory, appreciation, and history, and will learn to listen to and read music. Students should be prepared to provide their own guitar. This is a proposed elective course that may be offered if there is enough interest. Drama Drama is offered at EAR as an elective course with a duration of one semester. The objective of the course is to foster acting skills culminating in at least one stage production. Students are encouraged to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. Techniques that foster effective acting such as expression of an idea or emotion through body language and/or oral communication are explored through games, exercises and role-‐playing that promote understanding of what is essential in a theater production. Students are expected to understand the importance of teamwork effort in all areas of the theater. (This course may be repeated.)


LANGUAGE ARTS & LITERATURE

English English 6 In sixth grade students extend and expand previously introduced concepts and skills in reading, listening, speaking and writing through guided and individual reading of increasingly complex texts, viewing of films, using the writing process, participating in discussions and making oral presentations. Primary texts: Choices in Literature-‐Copper, Vocabulary for Achievement-‐Book One and several contemporary novels. English 7 Seventh grade students use a variety of communication skills for various purposes and implementing varied techniques. Through literature and expository texts, films, writing, and oral language activities, students better understand self, culture and society as well as the elements and devices of a text. Primary texts: Choices in Literature-‐Bronze, Vocabulary for Achievement-‐Book Two and several classic and contemporary novels. English 8 In English 8 students address themes related to personal choices, family dynamics, justice equality and cultural differences. Through readings, large and small group discussions and the writing process, students recognize and use literary devices and forms and explore the author´s purpose, style and theme. They produce expository, descriptive, narrative and persuasive pieces of writing and present researched information in oral reports. Primary texts: classic and contemporary novels, Choices in Literature-‐Silver, and Vocabulary for Achievement-‐Book Three.

English Language Learner (ELL) Middle and High school students will receive an individualized content-‐based approach in the ELL class. Both language and content instruction are integrated so that students develop academic knowledge and skills in specific content areas at the same time as they develop their language skills. Classes are planned to foster English proficiency in areas of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Through a variety of activities/projects (journals, storytelling, reports, exercises, tests) students are expected to develop:

● Oral communication: students are expected to understand, interpret and use oral English in a variety of contexts and media.

● Reading: students are expected to read a variety of informational and literary texts for different purposes, using a range of reading strategies effectively.

● Writing: students are expected to communicate through writing for a variety of purposes and audiences.

● Social and Cultural: students are expected to understand and value cultural differences and to demonstrate social and cultural competence in a wide range of situations.

Required for all students who are not enrolled in an English course. Beginners Level ELL course is a systematic use of instructional strategies that promote the acquisition of English by students whose primary language is not English. This course introduces basic literacy skills and help students adjust to their new cultural environment. Students engage in activities that foster the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. By the end of the course students will provide and obtain information in English. Students will also be able to show an


understanding of and be able to interpret writings and speeches about a variety of topics. Novice Level This course expands on the previous level, Beginners. Students continue to study communication skills and cultural knowledge. This course is to provide continued practice and refinement of both oral and literacy skills for functional purposes. Students will continue to expand their vocabulary and use more complex sentence patterns. By the end of the Novice level students will be expected to use English to reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines. Intermediate Level This course expands on the previous level of students´ accuracy in using English in the classroom and in other settings. Students will communicate orally using a variety of the conventions of English grammar with some accuracy. Students will also read books at the appropriate reading level for a variety of purposes. Students will write in a variety of forms for various purposes and audiences. By the end of the Intermediate Level, students will be expected to use English both within and beyond the school setting with degree of fluency. Advanced Level This course expands on the previous level, Intermediate. This course continues to enhance students´ ability in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. By the end of this course students will be expected to communicate orally using patterns of English grammar and pronunciation with accuracy. Reading, participating in academic discussions, writing essays on a variety of topics will continue to be engaging activities to successfully mainstream the student in other subject areas.

Portuguese Portuguese 6 Ampliação do estudo da Morfologia e início dos elementos essenciais na sintaxe (sujeito e predicado), isto é, estudo morfossintático. A produção textual é feita em um caderno de redação, com reescrita. São trabalhados os gêneros textuais escritos e orais entre estes o debate regrado e Notícias da Semana. Há também leitura de livros de literatura. Livro principal: Português Linguagens -‐ 6o ano (2010) Portuguese 7 Estudo da Sintaxe na interpretação e compreensão de textos. A produção de texto surge com o projeto Páginas Seguintes... (confecção de um livro de literatura, com ISBN pelos alunos, a ser lançado na 8a Série). E a exploração da oralidade com Notícias da Semana e leitura de livros de literatura. Livro principal: Português Linguagens -‐ 7o ano (2010) Portuguese 8 Estudo da Semântica, Estilística e da Sintaxe aplicadas nos diversos gêneros textuais. A produção de texto é baseada na conclusão do livro no projeto Páginas Seguintes... (noite de autógrafos e as obras são colocadas na biblioteca da EAR). Exploração da oralidade com Notícias da Semana e leitura de livros de literatura. Livro principal: Português Linguagens -‐ 8o ano (2010)

Portuguese Language Learner (PLL) The Portuguese courses for non-‐native speakers enable students to communicate well with Brazilians and to participate actively in daily life. The courses take into account the personal


growth of the student in the new environment and culture. Individual learning plans are based on the student’s skill level, not on grade level. Each level is structural and functional, enabling students to use words and expressions that convey their ideas and feelings. Students receive an overview of Brazilian literature, history and political aspects, allowing them to understand Brazil in the contemporary world scene. Required for all students who are not enrolled in a Portuguese course. Beginners Level The Portuguese Beginners level course is designed for non-‐native Portuguese speakers. From a basic communicative level, coursework focuses on expressing ideas and feelings by using very basic structures, vocabulary and different genre of texts in Portuguese, such as: oral interview, comic books and fairy tales. Communication structures include: greetings, numbers, present tense and some verbs for daily use and expressions for basic communication. The student will be continuously evaluated through assignments and tests to check reading, writing, speaking, listening and use of Portuguese. Primary texts: Tudo bem? 1; Muito Prazer. Novice Level The Portuguese Novice level course is designed for non-‐native Portuguese speakers. From a basic communicative level, coursework focuses on expression of ideas and feelings by using basic structures, vocabulary and different genre of texts in Portuguese, such as: novels, comic books and magazines. Grammar studies include: Irregular and regular verbs in the present and in the past, adverbs of time. The student will be continuously evaluated by performance in reading, writing, speaking, listening and use of Portuguese. Primary texts: Tudo bem? 1; Muito Prazer; Portugues Linguagens 6 e 7. Intermediate Level The Portuguese Intermediate level courses are designed for non-‐native Portuguese speakers and Portuguese speakers who are fluent but either do not have a more formal study of Portuguese or who speak the language, but have difficulties in writing or in grammar. It enables students to communicate fully with Brazilians as well as to participate actively in daily life. At the intermediate communicative level, coursework focuses on expression and understanding using more complex structures, wider vocabulary and different genre of texts in Portuguese, such as: advertising, novels, and poems. Grammar structures include: syntax, punctuation, use of specific words and idiomatic expressions, connotation of words and reported speech. The student will be continuously evaluated in reading, writing, speaking, listening and use of Portuguese vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Primary texts: Tudo bem? 2; Português Linguagens 8. Advanced Level The Portuguese Advanced level course is designed for non-‐native Portuguese speakers and Portuguese speakers who are fluent but either do not have a more formal study of Portuguese or who speak the language, but have difficulties in writing or in grammar. It enables students to communicate accurately with Brazilians as well as to participate actively in daily life. At the advanced communicative level, coursework focuses comprehension and self-‐expression using complex structure, extensive vocabulary and literature as well as different genre of texts in Portuguese, such as: essays, poetry, and articles. Grammar studies include: syntax, verbs, connotation and denotation. The student will be continuously evaluated in reading, writing, speaking, listening and use of Portuguese vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Primary text: Português Linguagens 1,2,3 -‐ Ensino Médio.


MATHEMATICS Math 6 A full-‐year course which focuses on building and expanding skills with mathematical operations on whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, along with concepts of algebra and geometry. Students will use these concepts in the study of probability, data analysis, real number systems, equations and the coordinate plane. Special attention is given to problem solving skills through practice and application, preparing students for solving mathematical problems encountered in other contexts. Primary text: Math: Course 1, McDougal Littell (2005). Math 7 A full-‐year course which focuses on building and expanding skills with mathematical operations on whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, along with concepts of algebra and geometry. Students will use these concepts in the study of probability, data analysis, real number systems, equations and the coordinate plane. Special attention is given to problem solving skills through practice and application, preparing students for solving mathematical problems encountered in other contexts. Primary text: Math: Course 2, McDougal Littell (2005). Pre-‐Algebra A full-‐year course designed to build a foundation for the study of Algebra I. Basic math skills with integers, fractions, variables, equations, ratios, proportion, percents and the writing and simplifying of expressions will be reviewed and reinforced. Algebraic concepts in writing, solving and graphing linear and quadratic equations and inequalities and simple operations with polynomials will be introduced. The algebraic aspects of slope, Pythagorean Theorem, and right triangle trigonometry are introduced. Primary text: Pre-‐Algebra, Glencoe, (2005). Algebra I 1.0 Credit This course is a first year high school algebra course. Topics include review of pre-‐algebra skills and real number operations, problem-‐solving, polynomials, fractional operations, linear equations and functions, inequalities, quadratics, rational and irrational numbers, and introductory topics from geometry. An emphasis on both algebraic manipulation and graphical representation provides the foundation for further study in mathematics. Primary text: Algebra 1, Glencoe, (2012).

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education 6 This required program encourages students to appreciate the value of developing a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Aside from physical conditioning and fitness training there are specific units covered, including: general nutrition and healthy lifestyles, interactive games, fitness exercises, capoeira, creative, dance, board games, sportsmanship, managing conflict, team play and tactics. Physical Education 7 This required program encourages students to appreciate the value of developing a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Aside from physical conditioning and fitness training there are specific units covered, including: general nutrition and healthy lifestyles, cooperative and competitive games, fitness conditioning, capoeira, creative, dance, board games, sports festival, sportsmanship, managing conflict, team play and tactics. Physical Education 8 This required program encourages students to appreciate the value of developing a lifelong healthy


lifestyle. Aside from physical conditioning and fitness training there are specific units covered, including: general nutrition and healthy lifestyles, interactive games, fitness conditioning, capoeira, creative, dance technique, board games, sports festival, sportsmanship, managing conflict, team play and tactics.

SCIENCE Science 6 A full-‐year course that places emphasis on understanding topics in Life Science and gaining skills in scientific methods of study. The course is divided into four parts: bacteria and pants, cells and heredity, animals, and the environment. science. It is focused on major concepts of living things involving aspects from classifying organisms, structure and function of bacteria, fungus, plants animals, and cells. The course also involves concepts of genetics and heredity, understanding evolution, and living resources. Students are engaged in laboratory activities, where they learn how to make models, understand a scientific experiment, develop hypotheses and predict results. Primary text: Science Explorer series, Prentice Hall (2008). Science 7 A full-‐year course that explores topics in Earth Science, considering the processes which shaped, and are shaping, the planet Earth and its position in the universe. Scientific methods are emphasized, with students encouraged to develop their sense of observation, curiosity, and prediction about natural phenomenon. A field trip to Fernando de Noronha island will help students recognize the importance of theory applied to real life. Primary text: Science Explorer series, Prentice Hall (2009). Physical Science A full-‐year course introducing concepts in physics and chemistry. Topics covered are related to the structure and properties of matter, changes of matter, motion, forces, waves and energy. The course focuses on understanding the concepts and their connection to the real world. Lab demonstrations will be conducted in order to introduce the concepts and explain real life situations. Primary text: Physical Science, Holt (2006).

SOCIAL STUDIES World Geography World Geography is a study of the earth in all of its variety. The course will describe the earth's land, water, plant and animal life. It will also offer the study of regions / continents and the complex relationships between people and their environment. Students will utilize texts, maps, lectures, discussions and documentaries in improving their knowledge of the world and critical thinking skills. Vocabulary development, writing and speaking skills and knowledge of the subject will be emphasized and evaluated. Primary text: The World and its People, Glencoe, (2005). World History World Cultures – Ancient Civilizations is a study of human history; beginning with Prehistoric Man, to River Valley Civilizations, then a heavy concentration on Ancient Greek and Roman Cultures, the Middle Ages and finishing with the Renaissance. It will analyze and explain how ancient civilizations began and their achievements to mankind. The course will bring an


understanding of the numerous world cultures and religions. Students will utilize texts, lectures, discussions and a variety of projects and educational films. Knowledge of the subject along with writing and speaking skills will be emphasized and evaluated. Primary text: Journeys Across Time, Glencoe, (2006). United States History This course presents the history of the United States, from the First Americans to the 1980’s. The course emphasizes skill development from reading maps to analyzing primary and secondary sources to exploring the connections between history and geography, economics, government, citizenship, and current events. Chronological units follow the creation and growth of the nation; its reshaping through conflict, social and technological changes; and the development of global influences and relationships. Primary text: The American Journey, Glencoe, (2009). Community Service This one-‐semester course gives students the opportunity to make a difference in their own communities. An objective of the course is to develop social and cultural awareness in students. Students are involved in activities that contribute to our local community, specifically focusing on support of minorities. Service learning is a two-‐way street. The volunteer donates energy and creativity and gains the opportunity to interact with different people, to learn new things, and to know the satisfaction of improving the lives of others. Activities have included: visits, shoes, and books for impoverished elementary children and orphans; food and clothing for Indian tribes. This course may be repeated.

Brazilian Social Studies Brazilian History and Geography 6 A história tem como um de seus principais objetivos preservar a herança cultural e social da humanidade através das gerações. O estudo do período do Brasil colônia, a administração colonial, sua economia e sociedade serão abordados, assim como compreender o processo de escravidão e os povos africanos, as invasões ocorridas em nosso território. A transmissão do conhecimento, a recepção e o acúmulo de informações pelos jovens, serve para que possamos analisar criticamente a sociedade e desenvolver potencialidades criativas e transformadoras. Brazilian History and Geography 7 Os estudos do curso tem como reflexão principal, o Brasil e suas revoltas coloniais, as insatisfações da população, seus líderes, as ideias e pensamentos que levaram a independência, o entendimento da sociedade e suas transformações e o sistema de governo: o império. Com o objetivo de uma formação intelectual e um desenvolvimento de uma cidadania dotada de senso crítico e espirito participativo na sociedade em que vive. Brazilian History and Geography 8 Para chegar ao hoje, estudamos o Brasil República, seus avanços, movimentos e mudanças na sociedade, sucessão de presidentes e principais atitudes dos governantes e traçamos um longo caminho onde diversos modos de vida e de relações sociais que são herdadas e através das quais o povo brasileiro foi formado. Mas fomos mais longe ainda em direção ao passado, e em consequência, uma ampla diversidade étnica, linguística e religiosa nos faz perceber a pluralidade cultural brasileira que, hoje tem uma identidade conquistada ao longo do tempo.


TECHNOLOGY Desktop Publishing I This one-‐semester course introduces planning, page layout, and the use of templates to create flyers, documents, brochures, and newsletters. Word processing and graphical editing fluency will help ensure student success. Methods of distribution of these documents in both written and electronic formats will be included. Students will use software included in the Microsoft Office2010 package (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, OneNote) already installed in all computers in the Computer Lab. Web Design This one-‐semester project-‐based course will introduce students to HTML concepts. Through weekly exercises and tutorials, the course will culminate in the creation and development of individual web sites and pages that incorporate the tools, practices, and resources emphasized throughout the semester. The course will include a section on Internet Security and the Evaluation of Web Sites. Students will need to determine the reliability and quality of individual Web Sites. They will need to consider authorship, whether or not the author is an authority and/or has credibility. Students will evaluate several Web pages from authorities to bogus resources. Multimedia This one-‐semester project-‐based course will provide instruction in the use of digital audio and video equipment and related editing software. A major focus will be deploying multimedia in a responsible fashion. Basic software skills and an understanding of multimedia concepts are required. Students will use digital audio and video editing software to produce project-‐based artifacts. A major focus of this course will be on the responsible use of technology. Introduction to Robotics This course provides an overview of robot mechanisms, dynamics, and programming controls. Topics include movement in plane, and motion planning; mechanism design for manipulators and sensors, and distinguishing objects and colors. Students will design and program working robotic systems in group-based collaborative projects. This is a proposed elective course that may be offered if there is enough interest.

WORLD LANGUAGES

French French I The purpose of the French course as a second language is to develop oral and written usage and French culture through various communicative situations. This course will cover grammar, linguistic, textual, and literary content. This course enables students to comprehend and speak about everyday situations through extensive listening practice. The activities are done primarily through games and short plays. The student is evaluated based on the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Primary text: Tout va Bien I French II The purpose of the French course as a second language is to develop oral and written usage and French culture through various communicative situations. This course will cover grammar, linguistic, textual, and literary content. This course continues to develop interest in writing and


deeper learning, always motivating the student through varied activities. Proper grammar usage is stressed. Primary text: Tout va Bien I French III We start French Civilization with different themes being addressed through activities. Students are encouraged to search for information and compare it with their own or other cultures and customs and the savoir vivre (Know How to Live), including French gastronomy. French III develops direct and indirect speech. These discursive practices teach students to describe, explain, inform, and summarize. Primary text: Tout va Bien II Advanced French Introduction to French Literature based on DELF, DALF, TCF, AP French. Students continue to develop linguistic skills through the study of poems, biographies, articles, French civics, classic movies, advanced grammar, verbal tenses, essays, and research on regions of France. For grades 6-8 students, this course is recommended only for native speakers of French. Materials used: books, newspapers, computer, powerpoint, images, movies.

Spanish Spanish 6 This full-‐year course has as its primary objective to assist students in learning the Spanish language through development of four skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. Facility in these four language skills will be gained through a study of the culture of Spanish-‐speaking countries and various genres of communication. Students will learn about the holidays and celebrations of Spanish cultural life and the genres of pamphlets, news reports and comics, as they study vocabulary, the present tense, and question formation. The course will then go on to frame a study of adjectives, adverbs, and description while learning about family, and extending their reading to the genres of interview, expository text, and personal stories. Primary text: Ventana al Español 1, Santillana (2012). Spanish 7 This full-‐year course has as its primary objective to assist students in learning the Spanish language through development of four skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. Facility in these four language skills will be gained through a study of the culture of Spanish-‐speaking countries, students will extend their vocabulary and grammatical skills to include use of the past tenses in the indicative. Students learn how to describe in simple terms, aspects of the past and their surroundings, as well as matters related to immediate needs. They are able to hold short conversations and using simple sentences talk about daily life, write postcards, simple letters and short poems. Primary text: Ventana al Español 2, Santillana ()Radix Espanhol 7, Scipione. Spanish 8 This full-‐year course has as its primary objective to assist students in learning the Spanish language through development of four skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. Facility in these four language skills will be gained through a study of the culture of Spanish-‐speaking countries and literary and cinematic genres. While learning about holidays and festivals of Spanish cultures, students will extend their vocabulary and grammatical skills to include use of the past tense and the future imperfect tense. Through a study of the environment, students will extend grammatical skills to include use of the present subjunctive and conditional tenses, as well as comparative word endings. Primary texts: Radix Espanhol 8, Scipione (); Ventana al Español 3, Santillana ().


Registration Forms There are 35 class periods in a week. For students in grades 6-‐8, 33 periods are taken up with required courses, leaving two for an elective. The required courses are already filled in on the registration form. For some required courses, such as English or Math, a specific course is not filled in, as there are two options, for example, English 6 vs ELL, or Math 7 vs Pre-‐Algebra. Students will have ONE elective course, meeting twice a week. We ask you to select three electives so that there are options in the case that your first choice is not offered or cannot be scheduled for you. Every effort will be made to schedule your 1st or 2nd choice. In complicated schedules, we may need to use the 3rd choice. Since nearly all of the electives are semester courses, you will have the opportunity to change your elective for Semester 2. Once classes have started, you have two weeks at the beginning of every semester to drop your elective, and add a different one. After the two weeks, you must remain in that course until the next semester. Please complete and return this form to the Secondary Office as soon as possible. Students who do not return the form will have their elective chosen for them.

Registration for 6th Grade -‐ School Year 2014-‐15 All Students register for 35 class periods per week Students in grades 6-‐9 – the Brazilian Ensino Basico – have a number of required subjects. There are opportunities, however, to select an elective course. Please note the following when filling out this registration form:

• Choose three electives, in order of highest to lowest preference. • Elective classes of less than 5 students will not be scheduled. • During the first two weeks of the Semester, elective courses may be changed. After two

weeks, you must remain in the course until the end of the Semester. You are expected to have the same commitment to elective as to required courses.

Course Periods

per week Course Requested

English or ELL 5

Portuguese or PLL 5 Required of

all students

Social Studies 5 World Geography

Math 5 Math 6

Science 5 Science 6

Core Courses 25

Spanish 2 Required* Spanish 6

Art 1 Required Art 6

Brazilian History &

Geography

2 Required†

P.E. 2 Required PE 6

Advisory 1 Required Advisory

Elective 2 1st Choice

Non-‐Core Courses 10 2nd Choice

3rd Choice

NAME _________________________________________________________________________ *Not required of students who are taking both ELL and PLL †For students of PLL, this is taken as part of the PLL curriculum, not as a distinct class.



• Math course selection requires teacher signature. • Choose three electives, in order of highest to lowest preference. • Elective classes of less than 5 students will not be scheduled. • During the first two weeks of the Semester, elective courses may be changed. After two


Course Periods


English or ELL 5


all students

Social Studies 5 World History

Math 7 or Pre-‐Algebra

5

Science 5 Science 7

Core Courses 25



Brazilian History &

Geography

2 Required†





3rd Choice




• Choose three electives, in order of highest to lowest preference. • Elective classes of less than 5 students will not be scheduled. • During the first two weeks of the Semester, elective courses may be changed. After two


Course Periods


English or ELL 5


all students

Social Studies 5 U.S. History

Pre-‐Algebra

or Algebra I

5

Science 5 Physical Science

Core Courses 25



Brazilian History &

Geography

2 Required†





3rd Choice


Grade 6-8 Courses ARTS Visual Arts

Art 6 Art 7 Art 8 Studio Art Photojournalism

Performing Arts Music Choir Band Digital Music Beginning Guitar Drama

LANGUAGE ARTS & LIT

English 6 English 7 English 8 ELL PLL Portuguese 6 Portuguese 7 Portuguese 8

MATHEMATICS

Math 6 Math 7 Pre-Algebra Algebra 1

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PE 6 PE 7 PE 8

SCIENCE

Science 6 Science 7 Physical Science

SOCIAL STUDIES

World Geography World History U.S. History Community Service

BRAZILIAN SOCIAL STUDIES

History & Geography 6 History & Geography 7 History & Geography 8

TECHNOLOGY

Web Design Multi-Media Desktop Publishing II Introduction to Robotics

WORLD LANGUAGES

French I French II French III Spanish 6 Spanish 7 Spanish 8 Spanish 9/A1

course descriptions ms 2014-2015

Documents

language arts literature

visual arts

language psl

brazilian social studies

brazilian diploma

course descriptions

american diploma

physical education