MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTION

2016-2017

MATHEMATICS

SOCIAL STUDIES

GRADE 6 MATH

GRADE 6 SOCIAL STUDIES

Sixth grade mathematics is about 1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; 2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, 3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and 4) developing understanding of statistical thinking. Curricular materials are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards and emphasize these key shifts in mathematical teaching and learning: a greater focus on fewer topics allowing students to gain deep understanding of concepts and skills, topic coherence across grades allowing for progressions of knowledge and skill, and mathematical rigor, in which conceptual understanding, procedural skill and application are equally important outcomes. In addition, the mathematical practices ensure that students develop strategic problem-solving skills and habits of mind. Assessments allow students to demonstrate tiered understanding, and technology is infused into the course.

Beginning with the rise of civilization, sixth grade Social Studies examines the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome. Skills developed include critical thinking, historical empathy, research skills and chronological cause and effect. Activities used to demonstrate understanding of these concepts include Big Six Research projects, videos, inquiry, and simulations. Technology is integrated throughout the course. Assessments include quizzes, tests, writing assignments, performance tasks, and projects. Literacy development in the Social Studies classroom is aligned with Common Core Learning Standards.

Curricular materials include: Engage New York CCLS Math Modules, Eureka Math resources, Holt McDougal Mathematics Grade 6- Common Core Edition (2012), Glencoe Math 6 (2012) and a variety of digital and print materials.

GRADE 7 MATH Seventh grade mathematics is about 1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; 2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; 3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two-and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and 4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. Curricular materials are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards and emphasize these key shifts in mathematical teaching and learning: a greater focus on fewer topics allowing students to gain deep understanding of concepts and skills, topic coherence across grades allowing for progressions of knowledge and skill, and mathematical rigor, in which conceptual understanding, procedural skill and application are equally important outcomes. In addition, the mathematical practices ensure that students develop strategic problem-solving skills and habits of mind. Assessments allow students to demonstrate tiered understanding, and technology is infused into the course.

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Curricular materials include: Engage New York CCLS Math Modules, Eureka Math resources, Holt McDougal Mathematics Grade 7- Common Core Edition (2012), and a variety of digital and print materials.

GRADE 8 MATH Curricular materials are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards and emphasize these key shifts in mathematical teaching and learning: a greater focus on fewer topics allowing students to gain deep understanding of concepts and skills, topic coherence across grades allowing for progressions of knowledge and skill, and mathematical rigor, in which conceptual understanding, procedural skill and application are equally important outcomes. In addition, the mathematical practices ensure that students develop strategic problem-solving skills and habits of mind. Assessments allow students to demonstrate tiered understanding, and technology is infused into the course. Curricular materials include: Engage New York CCLS Math Modules, Eureka Math resources, Holt McDougal Mathematics Grade 8 - Common Core Edition (2012), Glencoe Math 2013 - Grade 8, and a variety of digital and print materials.

GRADE 8 MATH EXTENDED This course extends the topics studied in the grade 8 Math course (see above) and also includes some deepened topics from grade 9. The pace is faster and content more rigorous. Although this is not a fully accelerated course, students are well-prepared for Grade 9 Math Extended should they choose to pursue this pathway. Students may elect to take the Grade 8 Extended course because they have a genuine interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and problems, or because they need mathematics for further studies in fields such as physics, engineering or technology at the university level. Curricular materials include: Engage New York CCLS Math Modules, Eureka Math resources, Pearson Integrated High School Math - Common Core Mathematics 1 Edition 2014, and a variety of digital and print materials.

Curricular materials include: History Alive! The Ancient World (2011) Teacher’s Curriculum Institute, videos, and a variety of digital and print texts and artifacts.

GRADE 7 SOCIAL STUDIES Students examine various regions of the world by focusing on the five geographic themes of location, place, human-environmental interaction, movement, and region. They apply the theories to their study of culture, population, migration and conflict resolution. Students explore the world we live in through various mapping activities. Students undertake numerous critical-thinking and problem-solving applications that enrich the learning of daily concepts. Technology and Big Six Research skills are integrated throughout the course. Current event analyses and debate are other key foci in the class. Assessments include quizzes, tests, writing assignments, performance tasks, and projects. Literacy development in the Social Studies classroom is aligned with Common Core Learning Standards. Curricular materials include: Geography Alive! Regions and People (2011) Teachers Curriculum Institute, World Geography (2012) Holt McDougal, videos and a variety of digital and print texts, maps, and graphics.

GRADE 8 SOCIAL STUDIES Eighth grade Social Studies covers early American history, emphasizing units on pre-colonial history, the growth of the American colonies, the American Revolution, the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Skills developed include critical thinking, use and analysis of primary sources, debate, simulations, projects, current events, and historical research using the Big Six Research Process. Technology is integrated throughout the course. Assessment is based on a variety of quizzes, tests, writing assignments, performance tasks, and projects. Literacy development in the Social Studies classroom is aligned with Common Core Learning Standards. Curricular materials include: History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism (2011) Teacher’s Curriculum Institute, digital and print texts and documents.

SCIENCE • GRADES 6, 7 & 8 Science 6, 7 and 8 are courses in which students use science processing skills (observing, communicating, classifying, measuring, inferring, predicting, investigating, etc.) to explore the content areas of life science, physical science, and earth science. Students learn through hands-on activities, research (both traditional and computer-based), and readings from various sources, including the textbook and current news articles. ACS is currently shifting instruction to fully align its science curriculum to the Next Generation Science Standards. This implementation will take place during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years, with a fully-aligned curriculum in place at the start of 2018-2019. Careful attention to unit shifts will ensure that students progress without gaps or redundancy in their scientific learning.

MAJOR UNITS FOR GRADE 6 SCIENCE • • • • • •

The Nature of Science Structure and Properties of Matter Energy Cells Human Impact Climate and Weather

MAJOR UNITS FOR GRADE 7 SCIENCE • • • • • •

Growth, Development & Reproduction of Organisms Forces and Interactions Electricity and Magnetism Chemistry History of Earth Earth’s Systems

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MAJOR UNITS FOR GRADE 8 SCIENCE • • • • •

Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems Forces and Motion Energy Transformations and Calculations Universe and Solar System

Curricular materials include: Prentice Hall Science Explorer Series (2007), digital texts, videos, labs, and technology-based learning resources.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS FOR GRADES 6, 7, & 8 Using a workshop approach and materials that are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards, students in grades 6-8 English Language Arts use the processes of reading, writing, listening, and speaking to: • Cultivate their love of literacy, • Embrace other perspectives and cultures through literacy, • Respond to varying demands of audience, task, purpose and discipline, • Comprehend and critique various works, • Value evidence to support ideas, • Use research, technology and digital media strategies Students experience the reading workshop through participation in mini-lessons, one-to-one conferring, and independent reading projects. In addition, students are expected to maintain an active reading life through self-selected books read at home. Workshop instruction embraces the process approach to writing, allowing students to gather ideas, draft, revise, edit and publish their writing projects. The workshop includes daily mini-lessons, one-to-one conferencing, and independent writing projects. Classroom assessment practices ensure ongoing feedback through the use of genre-based rubrics and models. Curricular materials include Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Reading, Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing (2014), and various sets of trade books, short stories and poems.

READING AND WRITING UNITS OF STUDY INCLUDE:

• Reading and Writing Short Stories • Reading and Writing Poetry • Reading Novels • Writing Literary Essays • Reading Informational Texts • Writing Research-based Informational and Argument Essays

WORLD LANGUAGES

WORLD LANGUAGE INTERMEDIATE A COURSE: FRENCH, SPANISH (GRADE 7 OR 8) ARABIC (GRADES 6-8)

ARABIC AS A NATIVE LANGUAGE (GRADES 6, 7 & 8)

Building on the Novice course outcomes, the Intermediate Low course develops students’ language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. A wide variety of authentic resources are integrated into the program in order to enrich students’ vocabulary and provide real-world applications for the language. To make lessons as enjoyable and effective as possible, students are given numerous opportunities to practice in the target language through a variety of games, role-plays, presentations, songs, and more.

Students will be using the UAE ministry curriculum as well as the ISS-WLI Qissas modules to strengthen Arabic literacy through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Language usage and reading competence will be practiced and tested through various written and oral assessments. The writing process will apply both grammar and spelling skills and will include summarizing and writing ads, cards and essays that inspire creative thinking. Curricular materials: Qissas Student Workbooks, Arabic books, Ministry Curricular materials, Arabic Language Reading and Exercise Books.

WORLD LANGUAGE NOVICE COURSE: FRENCH (GRADE 6) OR SPANISH (GRADES 6, 7, OR 8) AND ARABIC (GRADES 6,7,8) Students will develop beginning proficiency in Arabic, French or Spanish through a variety of experiences and activities. With a focus on building speaking and listening skills, students will gain insights into culture while communicating across a broad array of topics and situations. In addition to interpersonal speaking, students build foundational reading and writing skills in the target language. A wide variety of authentic resources are integrated into the program in order to enrich students’ vocabulary and provide real-world applications for the language. To make lessons as enjoyable and effective as possible, students are given numerous opportunities to practice in the target language through a variety of games, role-plays, presentations, songs, and more.

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The World Language Novice Course is aligned to the ACTFL (American Council for Teachers of Foreign Language) standards and Novice Language Proficiency Targets. The Novice Course includes the following units of study: • Pleased to Meet You! • We Are Family • Let’s Hang Out! • School Days • Yum! Yum! • My Neighborhood • Let’s Go Shopping!

Placement in the Intermediate Course is determined by an assessment of the student’s oral proficiency in the target language, and students remain in a proficiency-based Intermediate Course for two to three years. The World Language Intermediate Course is aligned to the ACTFL (American Council for Teachers of Foreign Language) standards and Intermediate Mid Language Proficiency Targets. Over multiple years, students in the Intermediate Course will experience some of the following units of study: • • • • • •

Social Media Hollywood Boulevard World Health Material World Trading Places Go, Team Go!

• • • • • •

My Everyday Life Taking Care of Myself Celebrations Vacation Destination City and Rural Life Pop Culture

• • • • • •

Cultural Identities Oh! The Places We’ll Go! Parks & Recreation Animal Migration A Better Planet The Internet

ISLAMIC STUDIES (GRADES 6, 7 & 8) This is a compulsory course for all Muslim students at ACS. Islamic Studies is offered as per the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum and students will follow the curriculum appropriate for their grade level. Islamic Studies teaches students the Quran, the Sunna (prophet sayings/actions), Islamic Morals, the History of Islam and the Pillars of Islam. The curriculum and resources used are provided by the UAE Ministry of Education.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Middle School Physical Education program has been designed around the SHAPE standards (http://www. shapeamerica.org/standards/pe/) in order to help students develop their personal and social responsibility, physical motor skills, and knowledge and understanding of different sports and athletic pursuits. Students will be exposed to a variety of team and individual activities that vary by grade level. These may include, but are not limited to: Fitness, Invasion Games, Net/Wall Games, Target Games, Fielding/Striking Games, Movement. Students are further challenged to take risks within a safe environment with our Rock Climbing and Aquatics units.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

GRADE 8 EXPLORING ART CLASS Exploring Art class in grade eight will be a continuation of the seventh grade program. Topics of study may include drawing, design, painting, printing and sculpture. Students will study the remix art society we live in today. Students will build on skills from grade seven and will have an opportunity to express personal feelings, responses to society, and what it is like to a Middle School artist in this year long Art course.

MIXED MEDIA – GRADES 7 & 8 Mixed Media is a two and three-dimensional art course that will explore various combinations of media, such as found object assemblage, plaster, printmaking, and painting. Students will explore a variety of techniques to communicate themes and ideas in their work. Students will study historical and contemporary artists who work in mixed media towards understanding what it is like to be an Artist.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & NEW MEDIA – GRADES 7 & 8 This course will revolve around students understanding of images and how they are part of our lives. Using digital photography, students will take pictures of numerous sources and develop critical skills to evaluate these images. Digital manipulation of photos taken by students will also be a large part of the class. Students will study historical and contemporary sources of photography. Creative problem solving skills related to the concept of composition will be emphasized in this semester long course.

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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY – GRADES 7 & 8 Health and Wellness is a year-long course, delivered in the core classrooms by the middle school counselor and PE teachers. This is a discussion-based, non-graded course, in which students discuss proactive health and wellness strategies, learn about their bodies, explore their thoughts patterns and feelings, and learn how to cultivate and strengthen healthy relationships. Students will complete self-reflections for semester report cards.

The goal of Design and Technology class is to develop students’ abilities to develop innovative solutions to design challenges. Design and Technology is the perfect class for future inventors, entrepreneurs, engineers, and artists. Design and Technology has a unique focus on creativity, innovation and the successful implementation of ideas. Working in real world contexts, students identify problems and opportunities for innovation and respond with ideas and products in this semester based course.

VISUAL ART

TECHNOLOGY

MS Art Program Overview and Philosophy: The Visual Arts in Middle School allows each student the opportunity to experiment in different media and content. Likewise, courses are designed to allow students to begin to understand what it is like to think and act like an artist. Starting in Grade 6 students are able to get a taste of different materials and art processes in a mandatory semester based course. In Grades 7 and 8 year-long courses, students build on skills following the National Core Arts Standards. Additionally offered in Middle School Visual Arts are semester long electives in Photography and Mixed Media – these offer students not necessarily taking year long Visual Arts courses a chance to explore the incredible world of art making through specific media.

MS Technology Program Overview and Philosophy: In core subject area classes, students are taught basic computer literacy skills through integration into the normal curriculum. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE-www.iste.org) NETS standards are used to design curricula to ensure computer literacy and advanced technology skills among all students. In technology elective classes, the focus is to allow students the chance to explore and experience tech-related topics to help prepare them for tech-related jobs, and an even more digital-centric life. In these classes the Design Process is stressed and students are encouraged to be creative and hands-on in their approaches to solving problems. Connections to other academic subject areas and real-world applications are stressed whenever possible.

GRADE 6 EXPLORING ART CLASS

MULTIMEDIA CREATIONS

Exploring art classes will use a variety of tools and techniques to create two and three-dimensional works of art. Topics of study will include drawing, design, painting, and sculpture. Students will study the historical background of art and its impact on ancient and modern civilizations. Students will have the opportunity to record ideas that express personal feelings. Creative problem solving skills and critical thinking skills will be developed during the semester in Art.

Students in this course explore and create different types of film, music and video production through the collaboration with their classmates. Students will learn the fundamental film-making process of pre-production, production, and post-production including script development, storyboarding, filming, and iMovie editing. Students will also learn and apply film-making techniques, such as the usage of camera equipments and types of camera shots, into the videos.

GRADE 7 EXPLORING ART CLASS Exploring Art class in grade seven will be a continuation of the sixth grade program. Topics of study may include drawing, design, painting, printing and sculpture. Students will study the historical background of art and its impact on modern civilizations. Students will build on skills from grade six and will have an opportunity to express personal feelings, responses to society, and what it is like to a Middle School artist in this year long art course.

ROBOTICS In this course, students will explore the fields of programming and robotics as they learn to build and program robots. Students will design, build and program robots and work within a team to build LEGO robot prototypes to solve programming and construction challenges. Students will learn to use the Engineering Design Process to solve problems and get a chance to participate in a robotics competition.

CREATIVE CODING

CONCERT BAND CLASS (GRADE 8) (FULL YEAR)

Students will learn to write code in this introductory course - no experience is necessary. Creativity and coding are combined as students learn the basics of HTML and CSS to create a website on the topic of their choice. Students will learn how to embed Youtube videos, movies and photos and they will work collaboratively with others to troubleshoot and problem solve. Students will also create fun, basic computer programs and games using programs such as Java.

This class places emphasis on the continued advancement of musicianship, more advanced instrumental technique and the development of tools for understanding and executing a variety of musical styles—previous participation in Grade 7 Band is mandatory. Emphasis is placed on the development of technique, articulation, tone and overall musical understanding for woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Home practice, playing quizzes, written quizzes and performances are required for this course. A small number of after-school meetings and rehearsals may also be necessary for proper preparation in this class. Concert Band students may at times combine with the Grade 7 Band and the High School Wind Ensemble for some performances. Students will perform in two concerts held in December and June. Students in this class have the opportunity to audition for the MESAC Junior Fine Arts Band (held at AS Dubai) and the AMIS International Honor Band (held in Bonn, Germany).

BAND BEGINNING BAND GRADE 6 (FULL YEAR) This course provides students the opportunity to begin a band instrument. No previous musical experience playing an instrument or reading music is required. Students will begin on a woodwind instrument (flute, oboe, bassoon, or clarinet) or brass instrument (trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn or tuba). Students will have the opportunity to audition to switch to saxophone or percussion during the year to help fill out proper concert band instrumentation. Instrument try outs to determine which instrument each student will play takes place at the end of grade 5 for current ACS students and at the beginning of grade 6 for new ACS students. Students will learn to play with characteristic tone and develop good musical, listening, and playing habits including: posture, breathing, internal pulse/tempo, balance, blend, intonation, as well as notation reading skills. Students will meet in split classes of Woodwind/Percussion Instruments and Brass Instruments. The two classes will join together for concerts. Regular home practice, playing quizzes, written tests and performances are a necessary part of this course. A small number of after-school meetings and rehearsals are also necessary for concert preparations in this class. Students in the 6th Grade Beginning Band will give two performances as a combined group in December and June. There may also be other small performances throughout the school year. Performance Uniform: Green “ACS Middle School Music” Polo Shirt (students are given these shirts in the fall, and are provided by the school), black dress pants or knee-length skirt and black dress shoes. (Black pants/skirt and shoes are to be purchased by the student)

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Textbook/Resource materials used: Essential Elements 2000, Book One and performance literature from the ACS Music Library.

GRADE 7 BAND CLASS (FULL YEAR) This course builds upon the musical foundations previously established in the beginning band—previous participation in grade 6 band is mandatory. Students will meet together as a full ensemble for each class. Emphasis is placed on the development of technique, articulation, tone and overall musical understanding for woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Home practice, playing quizzes, written tests and performances are required for this course. A small number of after-school meetings and rehearsals may also be necessary for proper performance preparation in this class. This class may at times combine with the Concert Band for performances. Students will perform in two concerts held in December and June. Students in this class have the opportunity to audition for the MESAC Junior Fine Arts Band (held at AS Dubai) and the AMIS International Honor Band (held in Bonn, Germany). Performance Uniform: Green “ACS Middle School Music” Polo Shirt (students are given these shirts in the fall, and are provided by the school), black dress pants or knee-length skirt and black dress shoes. (Black pants/skirt and shoes are to be purchased by the student) Textbook/Resource materials used: Essential Elements 2000, Books One & Two and performance literature from the ACS Music Library.

Performance Uniform: Green “ACS Middle School Music” Polo Shirt (students are given these shirts in the fall, and are provided by the school), black dress pants or knee-length skirt and black dress shoes. (Black pants/skirt and shoes are to be purchased by the student) Textbook/Resource materials used: Essential Elements 2000, Book Two and performance literature from the ACS Music Library.

CHOIR GRADE 6 CHOIR-VOCAL VIPERS (FULL YEAR) The major emphasis of this course is to provide students with a variety of musical experiences and activities. This standards-based course focuses on the development of vocal ensemble skills through a variety of singing, listening, note reading and writing activities. Students will have an introduction to musical elements including: rhythm, melody, form, tempo, dynamics, timbre or tone color, harmony, and style. The course also develops discrimination and critical judgment in music that is heard or produced, and encourages interest in music from diverse cultures and historical periods. Written and oral assessments and at-home practice are integral elements of this course, as well as summative performances outside of school. Performance Uniform: Green “ACS Middle School Music” Polo Shirt (students are given these shirts in the fall, and are provided by the school), black dress pants or knee-length skirt and black dress shoes. (Black pants/skirt and shoes are to be purchased by the student) Textbook/resource materials used in Choir Class: Choral Octavos, Successful Sight-Singing, Book 1; Online Rehearsal Tracks (Veracross); Garage Band Program; ScoreCloud Online Notation Software

GRADE 7 CHOIR (FULL YEAR) The major emphasis of this course is on ensemble singing activities and individual vocal production. This standards-based course develops the skills necessary for singing a wide variety of musical genres, and reading music notation. Grade 7 Choir students will also continue to develop an understanding of musical elements (rhythm, melody, form, harmony, expression, and style), and musical terminology while working collaboratively with other students. Written and oral assessments and at-home practice are integral elements of this course, as well as summative performances outside of school. Students enrolled in Grade 7 Choir will have the opportunity to audition and participate in two annual choir festivals: The Middle-East South-Asia Middle School Arts Invitational (2015-2016 school year - American School of Doha) and the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) Middle School Honor Choir (Location TBA). Auditions for these festivals will be held in September. Performance Uniform: Green “ACS Middle School Music” Polo Shirt (students are given these shirts in the fall, and are provided by the school), black dress pants or knee-length skirt and black dress shoes. (Black pants/skirt and shoes are to be purchased by the student) Textbook/resource materials used in Choir Class: Choral Octavos, Successful Sight-Singing, Book 1; Online Rehearsal Tracks (Veracross); Garage Band Program; ScoreCloud Online Notation Software

GRADE 8 CHOIR (FULL YEAR)

THEATRE MEDLEY (SEMESTER)

This course is designed to further students’ understanding of the fundamentals of singing and reading music. Previous participation in Grade 6 and Grade 7 Choir or Band is preferred, but not required. This standards-based course focuses on further study of music reading, the understanding of musical terminology, musical elements (rhythm, melody, form, harmony, expression, and style) and the performance of music in individual and group settings. Written and oral assessments and at-home practice are integral elements of this course, as well as summative performances outside of school.

In this course our units include scene study and stage combat. Our first unit focuses on performance skills. In small groups, the students work on developing effective physical and vocal traits for their individual role from a professionally written short scene. The scenes are performed for an audience. In the second unit, the students learn approximately 20 different stage combat moves including rolls, slaps, kicks, and punches that they put together to create a fight sequence with a partner. The moves are incorporated into a scene so the students can learn to balance all of the elements of a fight sequence with the challenge of maintaining a believable character.

Students enrolled in Grade 8 Choir will have the opportunity to audition and participate in two annual choir festivals: The Middle-East South-Asia Middle School Arts Invitational (2015-2016 school year - American School of Doha) and the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) Middle School Honor Choir (Location TBA). Auditions for these festivals will be held in September.

GRADE 7 DRAMA

Performance Uniform: Green “ACS Middle School Music” Polo Shirt (students are given these shirts in the fall, and are provided by the school), black dress pants or knee-length skirt and black dress shoes. (Black pants/skirt and shoes are to be purchased by the student)

GRADE 8 DRAMA

Textbook/resource materials used in Choir Class: Choral Octavos, Successful Sight-Singing, Book 1; Online Rehearsal Tracks (Veracross); Garage Band Program; ScoreCloud Online Notation Software

GRADE 6 DRAMA (SEMESTER) Over the semester the students work towards creating a safe and caring environment where all students feel comfortable to explore new ideas. The goals for this course are for the students to learn to work cooperatively with their peers as well as improve their presentation skills and confidence. By focusing on using their eyes, body, face, voice and a dedicated rehearsal process, the students grow as performers during our time together. The units we use as tools to improve these skills include an exploration of trust, the creation of infomercials, choral dramatization, scene study, and improvisation. We offer a taste of quite a variety of theatre styles in sixth grade so that the students can see there are many different elements of theatre to appreciate.

GRADES 7 & 8

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PLAYWRITING AND PERFORMANCE (SEMESTER) This is a great class for students who enjoy performing as well as writing, as they get opportunities to do both of these activities throughout the semester. Our first unit focuses on performance skills. In small groups, the students work on developing effective physical and vocal traits for their individual role from a professionally written short scene. The scenes are performed for an audience. The second unit incorporates playwriting, as the students are asked to adapt a children’s book into a play script, create their own costume design, props list and set design, and then perform it for an audience.

PRODUCTION (SEMESTER) In this class students all work together to create a performance of a professionally written play. The students learn about auditions, sets, costumes, props, make-up, and advertising as they take on different roles and responsibilities of the production team. They also focus on their performance skills as they switch gears and become the actors for the show - working on their character analysis, physicality, and vocal traits for their individual role. The students then perform their show for multiple audiences.

This is a yearlong elective course for students in 7th grade. It includes units in silent scenes, stage geography, set design, scene study, tableau, playwriting, clown and improvisation.

This is a yearlong elective course for students in 8th grade. It includes units in abstract theatre, mask, monologues, stage make-up, playwriting, and scene study.

LEARNING LAB The Learning Lab provides instruction to students who require support to be successful in their grade level classrooms. Students enter the program for various reasons. Most students are referred by their teachers; however, some may be placed in the program due to psychometric testing results or a history of support in a previous school setting. Students may be scheduled to attend daily, or every second day, depending on their individual needs. Students enter and exit the Learning Lab through approval by an SST team, which consists of the principal, counselor, parents, teachers and the learning resource specialist. The Learning Lab consists of two components:

CURRICULAR SUPPORT Rather than remedial in nature, the Learning Lab is designed to provide the student with direct support in curricular areas, as well as to teach compensatory strategies for independent learning. A focus is placed on vocabulary development, reading comprehension strategies, some math remediation, and applying these skills to content areas.

STUDY SKILLS Independence and responsibility are essential to academic success. Students are taught organizational skills, self-advocacy, note taking, and test taking skills. Memory techniques and learning preferences are also explored. An emphasis is placed on learning these skills within the context of their daily assignments. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for maximizing their learning potential and educational opportunities.

Reflecting Middle Eastern culture and the UAE, our host and home, the shape of the ACS logo has 8 points. These points represent: The four Pillars of ACS: Academics, Arts, Athletics and Service The four Core Values of ACS: Courage, Curiosity, Compassion and Integrity All eight points radiate outward, symbolizing how we share our values with our community and the world. All points also connect to the center, which symbolizes the heart of our supportive and strong community.