Middle School Curriculum

List of 13 items.

• Computer Science

  The Middle School computer science program prepares students to become global citizens fluent in problem-solving and programming techniques, using multiple platforms and software packages. While studying computer programming, students learn to apply practical, logical, and creative solutions as well as acquire the technological skills necessary to succeed during Middle and Upper School. As part of the Arts Rotation, Middle School students are enrolled automatically in the computer science course Digital Essentials; students may pursue additional middle school courses. All computer science courses allow students the opportunity to investigate the vast world of computers through lab exercises and practical assignments.
  
  Courses include:
  Design Lab (Grade 7-8)
  Digital Essentials (Grades 6-8)
  Introduction to Apps (Grade 7-8)
  Introduction to 3D Video Game Design (Grade 8)
  Introduction to Python (Grade 8)

• Drama and Dance

  The Drama and Dance Department offers various levels of theatre classes that explore acting techniques, history, improvisation, and literature with an eye toward notable diverse playwrights. Dance offerings include two levels of dance and a boys hip-hop class. Students in the sixth through eighth grades are automatically enrolled in introductory classes in theatre and dance as part of the Arts Rotation.
  
  Courses include:

  Introduction to Dance (Grades 6-8) 

  Advanced Middle School Dance (Grade 8)

  Middle School Boys Hip-Hop (Grades 6-8)

  Theatre 6 (Grade 6)

  Middle School Theatre I (Grades 7-8)

  Middle School Theatre II (Grade 8)

  Scriptwriting (Grades 6-8)
  

   

  Additional activities include Middle School Choir and Middle School Orchestra.

• English

  The objectives of the English Department are to provide thorough training in the thoughtful and efficient use of language, to develop the analytical skills needed for a critical appreciation of literature, and to expose students to major works of recognized literary merit. All English courses require intensive work in reading, writing, and critical thinking and encourage the exchange of ideas through participation in classroom discussion. The department places major emphasis on developing in students a love of reading and an ability to write clearly and persuasively. Students are given a firm foundation in composition with particular instruction in grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and study skills.
  
  Courses include:

  English 6: Language Arts (Grade 6)

  English 7: An Introduction to Literature (Grade 7

  English 8: A Study of Literary Genre (Grade 8)

   

  Electives include:

  Middle School Journalism

   

  The Writing Lab offers workshops and individual tutoring. Summer reading is assigned.

• Mathematics

  The goal of the Mathematics department is to provide students with an appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics, a solid foundation in the basics of the various fields of mathematics (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, functions, as well as numerical, graphical, and statistical analysis) and the ability to solve application problems in a variety of ways. Calculator technology is emphasized, and teachers make use of interactive whiteboards and various software packages to provide dynamic visualizations of the concepts being studied.
  
  Courses include:

  Math 6

  Pre-Algebra

  Algebra I

   

  The Math Lab provides support for students in mathematics from teachers and volunteer students. Students are given formal instruction on the use of calculators, including graphic calculators used for college entrance exams.

• Music

  The music department offers courses in vocal and instrumental music, composition, music technology and production, and experiential classes. Students have extensive opportunities to perform in various ensembles. Sixth- through eighth-grade students are enrolled in introductory classes as part of Arts Rotation.
  
  Courses include:

  Choir 6 (Sixth-Grade Choir)

  Choir 7–8 (Seventh/Eighth-Grade Choir)

  Middle School Concert Band (Grades 6-8)

  Orchestra 6 (Sixth-Grade Orchestra)

  Orchestra 7–8 (Seventh/Eighth-Grade Orchestra)

  Experience Music: Jazz and Blues (Grades 6-8)

  Experience Music: Rock and Roll (Grades 6-8)

  Introduction to Music Composition and Technology I (Grades 6-8)

• Physical Education

  Students in grades 6–8 have the opportunity to choose physical education courses or to participate in athletics to fulfill their school requirements. Buckley physical education curriculum and activities emphasize strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, balance, game skills, and cognitive capabilities.

   

  Each trimester consists of three different activities. Our physical education and athletics program are designed to give students a successful experience. 

   

  Classes include:
  Middle School Physical Education
  Co-ed Physical Education (Grade 6)

  Co-ed Physical Education (Grades 7–8)

   

  Fall sports include:

  Boys’ Flag Football
  Girls’ Basketball

  Co-ed Swimming
  Equestrian
  Co-ed Cross Country (Grades 7 and 8)
  Girls’ Tennis (Grades 7 and 8)

   

  Winter sports include:

  Boys’ Basketball

  Girls’ Soccer

  Boys’ Soccer (Grades 7 and 8)

  Girls’ Softball (Grades 7 and 8)
  Equestrian

   

  Spring sports include:

  Girls’ Volleyball
  Boys’ Tennis (Grades 7 and 8)

  Boys’ Baseball

  Boys’ Soccer (Grade 6)

  Boys’ Volleyball (Grades 7 and 8)

  Co-ed Golf (Grades 7 and 8)

• Robotics

  Middle School robotics is part of the VEX robotics program, one of the largest and fastest-growing middle school robotics programs in the world, with more than six thousand teams from 25-plus countries playing in hundreds of tournaments worldwide. Robotics is offered as part of the Middle School arts rotation, where class members will design and build robots to complete a prescribed task. 

• Science

  The science department develops students’ scientific literacy through hands-on learning and experimentation and fosters an appreciation of science in everyday life. Course work emphasized the “Three Ps”: posing questions, problem solving, and persuasive argument.
  
  Courses include:

  Topics in Science (Grade 6)

  Life Science (Grade 7)

  Physical Science (Grade 8)

• Visual Arts

  In Buckley visual arts classes, students are encouraged to explore individual, creative approaches to their art and to develop technical skills with a variety of media. The study of art history and modern concepts provide students with a cultural context of art.
  
  Courses include:

  Art I (Grades 6-8)

  Art II (Grades 7 and 8)
  Art III (Grades 7 and 8)

• World Languages

  The world languages curriculum is designed to develop students’ proficiency in the four primary skills of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each language course — Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish — is taught in the target language and guided by the National Standards for World Language learning.
  
  Courses include:

  Introduction to Chinese Culture and Language (Grade 6)
  Chinese IA (Grades 7–9) 

  Chinese IB (Grades 8–10); prerequisite: Chinese IA
  French IA (Grades 7–9)

  French IB (Grades 8–10); prerequisite: French IA
  Latin IA (Grades 7–9)
  Latin IB (Grades 8–10); prerequisite: Latin IA

  Spanish IA (Grades 7–9)

  Spanish IB (Grades 8–10); prerequisite: Spanish IA

• Social Sciences

  The Buckley social science curriculum is designed to impart a global and historical understanding of humanity to our students to equip them to engage thoughtfully in an ever-changing and complex world.
  
  Courses include:

  History 6: World Geography and Cultures (Grade 6)

  History 7: Global Studies (Grade 7)

  History 8: Social Issues in American Society (Grade 8)

• Special Programs

  See The Buckley School Middle and Upper School Course Catalog for details on:

  Life Skills (Grade 7)

  Outdoor Education

  Community Service Programs

  Middle School Summer School
  National Junior Honor Society

• Extracurricular Programs

  See The Buckley School Middle and Upper School Course Catalog for details on:
  

  Clubs
  

  National Junior Honor Society
  

  Drama and Dance productions
  Music: Choral groups, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra

  The Buckley Middle School Advanced Strings

  Junior Voice (Middle School newspaper)
  Math-Science Competitions/Teams

  Student Government

  Athletics teams