Middle School Academics (Grades 5-8)

The Middle School English Language Arts curriculum supports the school-wide goal of fostering and developing a lifelong love of learning. Students continue to build upon the essential skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary development. With an emphasis on higher level thinking skills, students learn the importance of analyzing and reasoning. They are exposed to a variety of literary genres and stretched to find their identity as competent, lifelong readers. Through the writing process, students hone their skills and learn the importance of communicating effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences. In English Language Arts classes, they learn to engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on topics, texts and issues. Lessons utilize Web 2.0 tools in order to assist students in becoming media literate. Every aspect of the classroom encourages individuals to recognize their full potential to lead and make a difference.

The Middle School Mathematics curriculum is sequential and is founded on knowledge of the basics. Beginning in the fifth grade, students progress from basic arithmetic skills including decimals, fractions and percentages that are reinforced through the use of word problems. As the students progress throughout middle school, they study integers, algebraic expressions, linear and quadratic equations and graphing. These courses are enhanced through the use of technology. Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes are also taught. 

The Middle School Social Studies curriculum encompasses Ancient Cultures; Non-Western Society including Africa, Latin America, and Asia; and America including the history, geography, government, and economics. Through these studies, students are exposed to and prepared for a world of cultural, ethnic , and religious diversity. Students use research and writing skills, content reading strategies, and critical thinking. They also progress to writing short reports and finding and evaluating information for presentation. Much of their work is completed through individual and group projects and activities in conjunction with English classes.

Field trips are an essential component of the curriculum. Whether discovering ancient Egyptian mummies at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, exploring immigrants' stories on Ellis Island in New York City, or learning about African heritage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, these trips provide numerous learning opportunities both academically and socially. 

Educating to a personal and active faith in God, Goal I of the Goals and Criteria of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, provides the foundation for the theology curriculum. We teach from a framework that is Catholic-Christian, with a commitment to inclusivity, ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. Through research and writing students learn about saints, popes and the titles of Mary. Middle School students will become familiar with the books of the Old and New Testament, by exploring the Bible through reading, reflecting, journaling and other activities. Grade Six will prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in their parishes. Students will study the work of Jesus, as well as the life, influences and practices of the Church and what it means to be Catholic. Theology, at its best, connects with everyday life. Above all, we strive to help students speak credibly about their faith and understand and interact with the world in the 21st century.

• Grade Five: Sacraments
• Grade Six: Old Testament
• Grade Seven: New Testament
• Grade Eight: Church History

Middle School Science aims to establish a foundation in scientific knowledge through experiential learning while fostering the ability to question and gather evidence to solve problems.

The following are highlights of the Middle School Science program:

• Curriculum based on New Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Technology, Engineering and Math are incorporated at all levels (STEM)
• Engaging laboratory sections, with seventh and eighth graders scheduled for classes in the high school labs
• Special activities and events during National Engineering Week and National Science Week to apply content and skills learned in class
• Student access to a variety of laboratory equipment in preparation for high school lab environment and to promote technology literacy
• Real-life experiences through the study of Women in Science and their contributions and to create awareness of science-based careers
• Climate change, environmental protection, genetics, drug education and nutrition are some of the current issues weaved in the science instruction
• Affiliation with Project ASTRO, incorporating local astronomers as guest instructors and faculty mentors
• Demonstration of science concepts through hands-on projects such as: Science Bowl, Earth Day, Planet Project, Element Assignment, Stargazing Party, Cell Blueprint, Element Fashion Show, and the Great Egg Drop. 

Field trips add depth to the Science curriculum. In the fall, students travel to Camp Bernie for a three-day retreat to learn about environmental issues and practice stewardship to protect the earth. Camp Bernie also provides leadership training. 

Each spring, Middle School students are immersed in hands-on and feet-wet activities studying either Wetlands Ecology or Barrier Beach Ecology at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. 

Grades 5 and 6 also take part in a field trip to Baltimore or Annapolis to grow deeper in the knowledge related to wetlands, complementing their studies at the SHA Wetlands. 

Middle school students are involved in numerous STEM activities throughout the school year including creating a mechanical hand with moving fingers and joints, a bridge to withstand the weight of a given object, and programming their own interactive games. STEM helps students learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.

Middle school students explore and strengthen all four skills in French that are important to language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing. High interest topics of personal relevance are central to all class activities and form the basis for art and technology projects, songs, language learning games, writing activities, and practiced conversations. The Exploring French and Adomania series are used to reinforce language structures, vocabulary, geography, and culture of a variety of French-speaking countries. After Grades 7 and 8, students will have completed the equivalent of Upper School French I. 

Middle School students are naturally energetic and look forward to being challenged; they can be surprisingly curious, quizzical, and enthusiastic about expressing themselves. Yet, in their quest for personal expression they often look for rules to follow - at least when it comes to making art! Thus, the Middle school art lessons are taught from a Fine Arts perspective. Experimenting with spontaneous and analytical line, scale and proportion, and light and shadow helps the students to understand the fundamental principles needed to create the illusion of three dimensions in their two dimensional works of art and increases their understanding of the forethought needed to develop actual three dimensional artworks. Giving our young students the tools and rules to draw and sculpt what they actually see is a stepping stone in giving them the confidence needed to make artworks that intentionally alter and/or exaggerate a subject for greater personal expression.

Individual and team sports are an integral part of the middle school curriculum. Involvement in these sports and activities promotes a well-rounded and adjusted student socially and emotionally as well as physically. This interaction through sports creates a positive environment toward physical activity for a lifetime.

Sports that are offered include: Field hockey, soccer, basketball, kickball, wiffleball, flag football, capture the flag, softball, pickleball, floor hockey, dodgeball, and many more.

General Music
The Middle School music program serves as a four-year comprehensive study of music. The general music courses cover a variety of music, periods of music, music techniques, music theory, and other topics. Students also experience music as a performing art form through their participation in chorus.

Piano Lab
Each grade meets once a week for piano instruction. Students work in pairs according to ability. Each quarter the students set a goal for themselves. Every quarter ends with an all-class recital at the performing arts center, where each student is required to play one of the pieces they have been working on.

Middle School Choir
Students meet several times throughout the semester. They learn to read music at an appropriate level and are introduced to basic vocal technique, including proper breathing, diction, and focus. Students work on preparing two- and three-part choral pieces for the Christmas and spring concerts.