| ESL | Computers | Language Arts |
| Math | Music | Physical Education |
| Science | Social Studies | Modern Languages |
Art
6th-8th grade
Description of Course:
The drawing sections emphasize developing ideas through sketching and expanding these into quality drawings. A variety of media are used to explore subjects such as still life, landscapes, animal life, fantasy, figures, and portraits. Both representational and abstract styles are utilized. The painting unit introduces students to color theories and painting techniques. Students explore the use of tempera, watercolor, oil pastels, and acrylic. Printmaking skills are developed through working with stencils, relief prints, and reduction printing methods. Three-dimensional design may include paper, fiber, clay and mixed media. Graphic Design, Art History and Developmental Workbook assignments are a part of the ongoing course of study. As students progress through the middle school years, the expectations and techniques become more sophisticated. The course is supplemented by a variety of art objects, reference materials, art magazines, the internet, and audio visual materials. Ongoing displays of student art are a critical aspect of the middle school art program.
Desirable outcomes:
- Explore a basic visual vocabulary for art
- Develop technical and creative approaches for solving design problems
- Be familiar with materials and tools, art forms and processes
- Critique and develop opinions related to art works
- Be able to work from a verbal and writing process to a visual product
ESL
Middle School English as a Second Language Support Program
6th-8th grade
Recommended for: Students who are in the intermediate stages of English language acquisition.
An ESL specialist works with content teachers to develop the four language macro skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) within the mainstream curriculum by using a variety of second language learning strategies. Language learning is directed towards the content of classroom themes with an emphasis on vocabulary development and the widening of semantic fields, rather than focusing solely on syntactical structures. Collaboration between ESL specialists and classroom teachers in curriculum design, lesson planning, and the implementation of diverse teaching strategies, enables students to develop both academic and social discourses.
The ESL program at Seoul International School promotes student learning by helping to facilitate full and equal access to the curriculum for all students. This is achieved through a collaborative approach to in-class language learning, which is often referred to as the 'Sheltered Immersion' model.
This approach recognizes that effective instruction is student-centered and views language acquisition as an integrated, multifaceted experience within the language-rich environment of the classroom. All SIS students benefit from the language enhancing strategies that develop from the collaboration between ESL specialists and content teachers.
Special Classification:
ESL students in the Middle School are wholly integrated with the mainstream in all subject areas, and a specialist is assigned to them. In addition, students attend specialized Language Extension classes every day during the first semester and every other day in the second semester. to further develop their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and to ensure that content language is being made accessible.
The integrated based curriculum develops reading comprehension skills, writing, speaking, and listening. Fundamental reading skills will be emphasized throughout the course with students developing reading strategies to decode, interpret, and analyze text. The course introduces different reading genres and purposes including both fiction and non-fiction. Class reading selections are designed to maximize student interest in reading for pleasure as well as for study. Vocabulary acquisition and reflective thinking skills are critical in a collaborative learning situation.
A variety of written forms are reviewed to cover the basic three genres of formal, creative, and personal writing, to ensure a balanced coverage of the different styles. Letter writing, biography, narratives, persuasive essays, note taking, and report writing are examples of some of the units offered. Students are introduced to the 6+1 writing traits program adopted by the school. Technology is an integral part of the writing curriculum for students in this course.
Middle School Literacy Support Program:
6th-8th grade
Description of Course:
Literacy support students in the Middle School are wholly integrated with the mainstream in all subject areas, and a specialist works with each Grade Level to maximize learning opportunities. In addition, students attend specialized enrichment classes several times each week to further develop their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
The enrichment course is designed to assist Middle School students by focusing on specific literacy skills as determined by standardized and individual test results. Instruction is aimed at developing reading strategies to increase reading comprehension for both independent and academic purposes. Students practice strategies to increase comprehension of difficult content area texts. Word analysis techniques are incorporated to increase awareness of semantic fields and vocabulary conceptualization.
Through the integration-based curriculum approach, fundamental reading skills will be emphasized throughout the year with students developing reading strategies to interpret, analyze, and respond to various texts. The course incorporates both fiction and non-fiction content texts with corresponding instruction in the various writing genres.
Computers
6th-8th grade
Computer Enrichment Program
The middle school computer program at SIS focuses on the development of student competence in the operation and use of multimedia and web based software. This includes skills such as still-media manipulation, podcasting, basic movie making an introduction to HTML. Students also learn about ethical behavior related to security, passwords and information. Students are responsible for having read and complying with the school Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
Integrated Computer Program:
The major focus of the integrated computer program at SIS is the development of student competence in the operation and use of essential office software as well as multimedia software. This includes the integration of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia applications and desktop publishing skills within subject areas. Students learn about online research techniques and the evaluation of information in terms of validity, appropriateness, and usefulness. In addition, students also learn about the importance of accurate citation of copyrighted materials through projects, papers, and multimedia presentations.
General objective:
The aim of the computer programs at Seoul International School is to ensure that students can effectively and ethically use technology in preparation for more advanced learning in both all subject areas.
- The student will understand important issues of a technology based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computers and other technologies.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computers and other technologies.
- The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
Language Arts
6th grade
Prerequisites: Standardized test scores and teacher recommendation
Description of Course:
Reading selections represent all types of literature, from specific areas of interest to intermediate age studies. Skills include mastery of decoding, comprehension, critical-thinking, 6-trait writing, as well as reference, study, and literary skills. In addition to the basic reading series, studies also include novel study, individual book reports, plays, and poetry.
Emphasis during the first semester is on the study of grammar, the parts of speech, spelling, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, the six traits of effective composition, prepositional phrases, capitalization, punctuation, paragraphs, using the dictionary, and vocabulary.
The second semester refines those skills and helps students develop skills in structure, speaking, listening, writing exploration, reports, letter writing, and using the library.
General objective:
The aim is to improve language arts skills with emphasis on reading, writing, and oral expression.
Textbook:
The Lanugage of Literature/McDougal Littell/2002
Write Source/Houghton Mifflin Company/2005
7th grade
Description of Course:
The Grade 7 Language Arts program is an integrated curriculum that is aimed at developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Throughout the year students will be analyzing various genres of literature, becoming familiar with important authors and the writing techniques they use, and becoming comfortable with the terminology surrounding writing and literature. The primary objective of Grade 7 Language Arts is for our students to further develop their critical thinking skills and their ability to express ideas clearly, accurately, and with confidence, both written and orally.
General objective:
The aim is to improve language arts skills and to develop independence and an interest in reading.
Textbook:
The Language of Literature/McDougal Littell/2002
8th grade
Description of Course:
8th grade Language Arts in an integrated course that combines reading, writing, and speaking across the content areas. Persuasive, informative, and expressive written and speaking forms are taught, and overall fluency in writing is stressed. Special emphasis is also placed on students developing confidence and fluency in public speaking. The reading and literature program focuses on applying developmental reading strategies and the understanding of basic literary concepts. These concepts are applied to a variety of poems and short stories, as well as a variety of novels including The Giver. A Shakespearean component is introduced in 8th grade as well. Particular emphasis is also placed upon the development of vocabulary.
General Objective:
The objective is to acquaint the students with various types of literature and to improve their communication skills.
Textbook:
The Lanugage of Literature/McDougal Littell/2002
Write Source/Houghton Mifflin Company/2005
Mathematics
6th grade
Description of Course:
This course contains an integrated approach to mathematics. Topics include computational skills involving whole numbers, decimals, and mixed numbers as they integrate into geometry, basic probability, and problem solving.
General Objective:
The objective is to prepare students for Math Level III -'prealgebra' by having the students develop and master the basic mathematical skills required at this level, and be able to use them in problem solving situations.
Textbook:
Math Course 2/McDougal Littell/2007
7th grade
Description of Course:
This 'prealgebra' course contains an integrated approach to mathematics. Topics include computational skills involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers as they integrate into algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, statistics, and problem solving. This course helps students understand the "big picture" of mathematics before going on to high school where each of these topics are studied separately.
General objective:
The objective is for students to prepare for entrance into Algebra I by developing and mastering the basic mathematical skills required at this level, and by demonstrating usage of those skills in problem solving situations.
Textbook:
Pre-algebra/ McDougal Littell / 2008
8th grade
Prerequisites:
Completion of Pre-Algebra course
Description of Course:
This course is designed for students who have studied pre-algebra in the past. This rigorous course covers applications of algebraic relationships: linear equations, inequalities, and systems; polynomials with factoring; quadratic equations and functions; and radical expressions and equations. This course prepares students for high school geometry and Algebra 2.
General objective:
The objective is to prepare students to advance to geometry by mastering the basic algebraic skills required at that level and to be able to apply those skills to higher level academic math classes in the future.
Textbook:
Algebra 1/McDougal Littell/2007
Music
Middle School Concert Chorus
6th-8th grade
Description of Course:
The Middle School Concert Choir will provide singers with the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a choral setting. The ensemble rehearses by grade level every other day and performs in at least two concerts each year. The students will have the opportunity to participate in solo performances throughout the year. Members of this choir may also have the opportunity to participate in the KAIAC Choral Festival.
General objective:
In Middle School Choir, students will improve their singing skills as members of a performing ensemble. Fundamental skills dealing with tone production, technique, and articulation will be stressed. In addition, students will improve their rhythmic literacy, knowledge of music terminology, and appreciation for different types of choral music. All of these individual skills will be acquired within the context of a large-ensemble setting, where students will learn the importance of their contribution and cooperation with others.
Strings
6th grade
Description of Course:
The 6th grade strings class will provide students with the opportunity to play in a string orchestra setting. This is an elective specials course that will run the entire year. Basic playing techniques are reviewed and more advanced techniques are introduced through a variety of etudes and string orchestra repertoire.
General objective:
Emphasis will be placed on bow technique development, left hand facility, accuracy of intonation, and music reading skills. As these techniques develop, so will the student's ability to express himself/herself through music.
7th grade
Description of Course:
The 7th grade strings class will provide students with the opportunity to play in a string orchestra setting. This is an elective specials course that will run the entire year. With the continuation of the string curriculum, intermediate techniques will be introduced and practiced.
General objectives:
The goal of this ensemble is to aid students in experiencing creative self expressionism through the development of proficiency in playing a string instrument. Intonation accuracy, finger speed and agility, dynamic range and tonal growth, vibrato will be emphasized.
8th grade
Description of Course:
The 8th grade strings class will provide students with the opportunity to play in a string orchestra setting. This is an elective specials course that will run the entire year. With the continuation of the string curriculum, advanced techniques will be introduced and practiced.
General objective:
Advanced techniques such as playing in higher positions, artistic phrasing, performance style according to musical demands, and bow distribution will be emphasized in this course. Opportunities to play alone or in small groups in recital will be provided.
Middle School Orchestra
6th-8th grade
Prerequisites: By individual audition in August
Description of Course:
The Middle School Orchestra provides students the opportunity to play in a full orchestra setting. Each student benefits musically by playing with other instruments, larger works and repertoire not always addressed in band or strings alone. Orchestra meets once a week after school. A high level of commitment to the group is expected.
General objective:
Orchestral techniques such as following the conductor, balance and blend between sections. Intonation and rhythmical accuracy, as a group will be emphasized.
Band
6th grade
Description of course:
The Grade 6 Band is an instrumental ensemble composed of wind, brass, and percussion instruments. The band rehearses every other day and will participate in at least two concerts a year. The students will have the opportunity to participate in solo or small ensemble performances throughout the year. Members of this band may also have the opportunity to participate in the KAIAC Band Festival.
General Objective:
In Grade 6 Band, students will improve their playing abilities as members of a performing ensemble. Fundamental skills dealing with tone production, technique, and articulation will be stressed. In addition, students will improve their rhythmic literacy and knowledge of music terminology. All of these individual skills will be acquired within the context of a large-ensemble setting, where students will learn the importance of their contribution and cooperation with others.
7th grade
Description of Course:
The Grade 7 Band is an instrumental ensemble composed of wind, brass, and percussion instruments. The band rehearses every other day and will participate in at least two concerts a year. The students will have the opportunity to participate in solo or small ensemble performances throughout the year. Members of this band may also have the opportunity to participate in the KAIAC Band Festival.
General Objective:
In Grade 7 Band, students will improve their playing abilities as members of a performing ensemble. Fundamental skills dealing with tone production, technique, and articulation will continue to be stressed. In addition, students will improve their rhythmic literacy and knowledge of music terminology. All of these individual skills will be acquired within the context of a large-ensemble setting, where students will learn the importance of their contribution and cooperation with others.
8th grade
Description of Course:
The Grade 8 Band is an instrumental ensemble composed of wind, brass, and percussion instruments. The band rehearses every other day and will participate in at least two concerts a year. The students will be expected to participate in solo or small ensemble performances throughout the year. Members of this band may also have the opportunity to participate in the KAIAC Band Festival.
General Objective:
In Grade 8 Band, students will improve their playing abilities as members of a performing ensemble. Fundamental skills dealing with tone production, technique, and articulation will continue to be stressed. In addition, students will improve their rhythmic literacy and knowledge of music terminology. All of these individual skills will be acquired within the context of a large-ensemble setting, where students will learn the importance of their contribution and cooperation with others.
MS Jazz Ensemble
6th-8th grade
Description of Course:
The Middle School Jazz Ensemble will provide wind, brass, and percussion students the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a big band setting. The ensemble rehearses once a week after school and will participate in at least two concerts a year.
General Objective:
The Middle School Jazz Ensemble is an exploratory course in which students will be exposed to many different facets of the jazz idiom through the rehearsal and preparation of music from a variety of styles. Students will begin to explore improvisation, as well as other unique aspects of jazz such as articulation styles and harmonic language (blues and dominant scales).
Physical Education
6th-8th grade
Description of Course:
P.E. in the middle school at SIS involves students learning rules, skills, and strategies for various team sports and games. A big emphasis is on teamwork and positive collaboration. In addition to team sports, minor games and creative movements such as stuntnastics, circus arts and dance, there is also a strong emphasis on physical fitness.
General Objective:
The aim is to develop in students an appreciation and understanding of team sports, their contribution to our culture and principles, as well as an understanding of the importance of personal fitness and health when becoming adults. We also emphasize working together as a group and being a positive contributor in all situations.
Science
General Science
6th grade
Description of Course:
Science 6 is an introductory course in which students will gain experience in using scientific methods, critical thinking, and personal interest in studying disciplines of basic chemistry, biology, earth science, and physics.
General Objective:
Students will develop an inquisitive nature and an innate curiosity in science. Critical thinking will motivate students to question scientific explanations and confront current issues that exist in science today.
Textbook:
Integrated Science: Level Green/Holt
7th grade
Description of Course:
This course provides a balance of all science disciplines and one that integrates other curriculum learning areas as well as the world outside the classroom. The course recognizes and builds on students' previous knowledge, experiences, skills and understanding. There is some emphasis on developing an awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment.
General Objective:
The aim of this course is to promote an understanding of science concepts and the development of independent thinking.
Textbook:
Integrated Science: Level Red/Holt
8th grade
Description of Course:
The 8th grade science course offers the students experience in each of the three major fields of science (physics, chemistry, and biology) before they make the transition into high school. During the year students will undergo a detailed investigation of: electricity and magnetism; the physical, chemical, and reactive properties of different substances; reproduction and genetics; and a unit on earth and space science. Whenever possible, these topics are developed with a very "hands-on" approach so that the students can easily make connections between what they study in class and the world around them.
Textbook:
Integrated Science: Level Blue/Holt
Social Studies
6th grade
Description of Course:
The social studies curriculum is comprised of three major components. The first part of the course explorers the relationship between the people of the earth and the land through the study of maps, earth systems and cultural components. The next area of study addresses the major themes of world history beginning with ancient civilization and ending with the industrial revolution. The final part of the course is the study of the Western regions of the world through the examination of currents events, physical geography and historical factors that shaped those regions of the world. The regions of study are Canada and the United States, Latin America and Western Europe.
General objective:
Students are made aware of the world around them, use maps, globes, charts, etc. with ease, understand and appreciate the people in each country we live in or visit.
Textbook:
Western World/Holt (new)
7th grade
Description of Course:
Grade 7 Social Studies explores connections between geography and history. The focus of this course is Asia in the context of the modern world. From the Middle East to the Pacific islands, students survey the diverse cultures, exotic landscapes and consequential events of the largest continent. Along this fascinating journey, students hone their map, writing and research. More importantly, they learn how to think critically about our rapidly changing global society.
General objective:
Students will be able to think critically about issues in the news and connections between geography and history.
Textbook:
People,Places, and Change: Asia and the Pacific/Holt/2003
* New text to be adopted for next school year.
8th grade
Description of Course:
United States History
This course is a study of the development of the United States beginning with the discovery and settlement of the New World and continues through to the events in the U.S Civil War. Emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to read and understand history. The first semester covers the explorations and colonization of the New World, the growth of the thirteen British colonies in the present-day United States, and the American Revolution. The second semester continues with westward expansion; the changes to work and society brought on by the Industrial Revolution and the reform movements of the 1830's; sectional differences and divisions; and the Civil War.
General Objective:
The students will understand the major developments in US history from the Era of Exploration to the Civil War Era. Students will gain and develop skills needed to understand primary documents and to answer Document Based Questions. The focus of the class is on developing reading and writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Textbook:
The American Nation/Prentice Hall/2003
Modern Languages
Foreign language study in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish is offered in the 8th grade with the aim of preparing students for the AP Language Tests. This course offering enables students to receive four years of language instruction prior to enrolling in the AP course. Successful completion of the level one introduction will therefore place students in level two of their respective languages once they enter their freshman year of high school. The enrollment criterion for foreign language enrichment is rather stringent due to the fact that students are committing themselves to a high school level course which includes a high school level workload and high school level expectations.
Mandarin Chinese
Course Description of Course:
Chinese 1 is an introductory course to Mandarin Chinese. Though students will receive instruction in all four aspects of the language (oral, listening, reading and writing), during the early stages of their Chinese studies, class time will primarily be devoted to acquiring basic oral and listening skills. Later on, when students are more familiar with structural conventions they will be challenged with listening and reading materials that include some unknown characters in order for them to develop these skills under more authentic circumstances. In addition to gaining communicative and linguistic competence, students will be exposed to Chinese culture in order for them to better understand the cultural context in which their language skills will be used. The course will provide students with the ability to communicate interpersonally in daily life. Topics will include greetings, basic introductions, making appointments, location, countries and languages, descriptions, shopping andfood.
Course Objectives by Skill:
Speaking/Listening
- Accurate pronunciation and usage of pinyin (the Chinese phonetic alphabet) including the four tones
- Ability to formulate and respond to questions using simple sentences to exchange information
Reading/Writing
- Writing Chinese characters with the correct stroke order
- Build a basic vocabulary of approximately 250-300 simplified characters (there will be some exposure to traditional characters
- Usage of basic grammar constructions and sentence patterns
Textbook:
NiHao1 Student Text/ChinaSoft
Various Supplementary Materials
Spanish
Grammar:
Conjugation of regular, irregular and stem-changing verbs in the present tense. Concepts such as subject/verb agreement and the use of statements, commands and questions in regard to the position of specific parts of speech will be emphasized
Textbook:
Ya Veras! Gold Student EditionPrentice Hall 30
Workbook for Ya Veras!
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