Academics

6

Sixth Grade

Sixth Grade is a year of great change and growth for students. They continue to be challenged academically in preparation for high school. Students are given many opportunities for leadership and service in the 6th grade.

The Sixth Grade Curriculum
Religion	The program provides a balance between doctrine, scripture and the liturgical year. Scripture is included in every chapter of the text, and is included each day during prayer. The feasts and seasons of the liturgical year are incorporated into the course of study to help the students remember and celebrate all that God has done for us.
Language Arts	The sixth grade language arts curriculum is comprised of two interrelated courses of study: literature & vocabulary and writing & grammar. Students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language, with a special emphasis on writing throughout the curriculum including several research pieces. In literature and vocabulary, students develop reading skills through exposure to a variety of genres. In English Grammar and Writing, students acquire and expand knowledge in the conventions, usage, and mechanics of language. Students begin to use the writing process, from pre-writing to publishing, to developing formal and informal pieces. In vocabulary, students continue to expand both spoken and written vocabulary while increasing their knowledge of correct spelling.
Mathematics	The goal of the middle school math program is to provide all students with a strong foundation in mathematics according to their academic abilities, needs and motivation. The department recognizes the importance of mathematical computation at all levels. Students in the middle school are placed in an appropriate level of instruction according to Archdiocesan standards to ensure that students are both challenged and successful. The 6th grade Math Course is designed to integrate the student's proficient elementary mathematical skills with the middle level of challenging concepts which will create the foundation for their algebraic experience. This course enables the students to use mathematics in the world around them as well as in their other courses of study. Students are provided opportunities to explore, problem solve, create mathematical models and work cooperatively with a partner or group. To aid in the assessment of the student's learning there is nightly homework, section quizzes, end of chapter tests, and cumulative finals. Math 76 is designed for sixth grade students with average to above-average math skills. The program promotes student success through incremental development and continual review to improve student learning. It is made up of five components: Daily Warm-up, Daily Lesson, Daily Practice, Daily Problem Set, and Cumulative tests. Investigations, which are activity-based variations of Daily Lessons, are distributed throughout the text. Math 76 reinforces the basic mathematical concepts and skills that students learned previously. Concepts, procedures, and vocabulary that students will need to be successful in upper level algebra and geometry courses are introduced and continually practiced. Daily mental math and problem-solving exercise enhance students' repertoire of skills and increase their mathematical power. The advanced group is given enrichment exercises to supplement a specific concept. Through incremental development and continual review, students are given time to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and how to apply them.
Science	Sixth grade students study Earth Science. Topics covered are: Earth's Atmosphere, Exploring the Sciences, Time and Change, The Dynamic Earth, Composition of the Earth, and Astronomy.
Social Studies	Sixth grade social studies classes use the text book, World Explorer - Eastern Hemisphere. The units taught are: Geography Tools and Concepts, Europe and Russia, Africa, and Asia and Pacific. A Social Studies field trip to the National Cryptologic Museum is taken in the fall. Supplementary materials and activities include current event and atlas exercises, in-school group/co-operative projects. Graph, timelines and comprehension reading worksheets and study guides, as well as Junior Scholastic Magazine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, National Geographic videos and magazines, World Book Encyclopedia and the internet. The units taught are: Geography Tools and Concepts, Europe and Russia, Africa, and Asia and Pacific. A Social Studies field trip to the National Cryptologic Museum is taken in the fall.