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SPC Middle School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
RELIGION
In
religion classes, students are encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of and
appreciation for their faith through the study of Old and New Testaments, Sacraments,
church history, morality, prayer and discipleship. The
connection between Christian faith and real life applications is strengthened by class
discussions, small group work, journaling. Weekly
instruction from our pastor, helps instruct students in the virtues and skills required to
live out the mandates of the Commandments.
The eighth grade prepares for
Confirmation which they receive in the fall of ninth grade.
LANGUAGE
ARTS
Through
our Integrated Language Arts Program, our students are immersed in learning through our
extensive literature selections which include novels,
poetry, short stories, magazine articles, newspaper articles, etc. These selections involve global happenings,
history and topics that are a part of our students’ lives. The program challenges the students to analyze,
interpret and synthesize the material presented through reading. During the writing process, our students are
required to explain, describe, instruct and defend their writings. Language Arts skills are implemented through mini
lessons and the writing process. The use of
the Internet to complete writing and reading assignments is required. Daily journal writings across the curriculum are
an integral part of our program.
MATH
Math
stresses increased understanding, practice and application of operations with whole
numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratio and proportions, geometry and measurements,
estimation, reasoning and spatial sense, algebra readiness, variable expressions,
equations and inequalities promoting the higher level thinking skills in problem solving
and computation. This is achieved through use
of the NCTM and New Jersey Catholic School Math Standards, the textbook, manipulatives, calculators, overhead
transparencies, workbooks, computer programs and other supplemental material.
Students who qualify for the
Accelerated Math Program begin in 5th grade.
This program offers students the opportunity to complete the basic
math program by the end of 7th grade and to take a full year of Algebra in 8th
grade. All students participate yearly in the
New Jersey Math League Contest. Most years we
place in the top 5 schools in Camden County.
EXPLORATORIES
We
have developed an exploratory program where students have the opportunity to enroll in
trimester multi-grade courses that are designed to broaden their experiences and to
enhance multiple intelligence education. Exploratory
courses include Power Point Presentations, Desktop Publishing, Database Design, Meet the
Author, Shakespeare Mock Trial, Broadcasting, Exploring French, Cooking, Media Influences,
Debating, Ringers and Singers Music Appreciation, Art
and Sports. Additionally
each grade level has required subjects, including Study Skills, Research Skills, and
Test-taking Strategies. The middle school
musical offers opportunities for acting and
singing, as well as stage crew.
SCIENCE
The
Middle School science program is diversified and challenging in its study of the life,
physical and earth sciences. Students conduct
survies, analyze data, use the Internet for research, perform lab experiments following
the scientific method and write lab reports. The
students become proficient using a variety of lab equipment. Dissections help students understand anatomy. In
the spring, students pursue an area of science of particular interest and develop an
interactive presentation for the school’s Science Showcase.
SOCIAL
STUDIES
Our
Middle School social studies curriculum explores the many facets of both world history and
American history. Their students’
journey through the curriculum begins with the Stone Age, African civilization and the
study of China, India, Persia, Greece and Rome. They
move on to study American history which examines the lives and history of people from the
beginning of our great nation to the present. Our
curriculum emphasises geography skills, charts, timelines, oral presentations,
individual/group projects, research skills, current events and writing tasks. The integration of language arts skills is
implemented within our curriculum, therefore, creating portfolios of each student’s
work.
Music
The study of music provides children with the opportunity to develop
their whole person. In performing, they
develop confidence in themselves and their capabilities.
In our program students are presented with basic skills which are
developed to a level of proficiency.
Songs selected in the primary grades reinforce knowledge and values
taught in the classroom such as the love of God and relationships. In the intermediate grades, sound stories
are related to language arts. In junior high,
material and concepts used are both mathematical and historical.
Physical Education
The techniques used during physical education provide students with
the opportunity to develop and strengthen their bodies and minds, along with strengthening
their self-esteem.
Students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Training
and Testing Program. Field Day is a yearly
activity for all students, strongly supported by parental volunteers.
A continuum of thinking skills is incorporated into this area by
teaching students to become aware of the importance of fitness and good health.
Library
St. Peter Celestine School students are encouraged to become
life-long learners, strengthening their knowledge of other cultures and traditions. The library is a functional media center where
students experience hands-on research with the librarian.
The Reading Express Program motivates reluctant readers and is a
yearly program offered to students.
The library is computerized making use of a scanner/bar coding system
and current computer technology.
Computer
Participation in the computer program in preschool – Grade 3
gives students the opportunity to experience a sense of discovery and success as they
recognize their achievements when using various computer programs.
Our interdisciplinary program in Grades 4-8 promtes self-directed and
self-motivated learning principles.
Software programs which focus on divergent and critical thinking
skills are an integral part of the program.
Computers are continually updated to stay current with ever-changing
technological advances.
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