Intermediate School Academics
The Intermediate School consists of grades five and six. During these transitional years emphasis is placed on the core curriculum in mathematics, science, and English. Students at this age do not follow a regular period schedule, rather one that has been designed with more time given to the particular needs of this age group. Dedicated teachers are assigned to ensure the transition from our primary years program to the more independent intermediate level program where students must transition between teacher expectations and classes. Additional courses in social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, physical education, and other extracurricular activities provide a wide range of learning experiences for the Intermediate School students.
Off-campus opportunities for field trips are carefully chosen to enhance student learning.
Sixth graders are also offered the opportunity to join the seventh grade students on a bonding and educational week long class trip. These trips offer students the opportunity to learn outside the walls of the classroom as they experience different areas of Texas.
Course Descriptions
English:
Reading and writing guide the 5th grade English curriculum. Students choose books that appeal to them, in order to fulfill the genre reading requirements for this grade level; the goal being to develop a love of reading in each student. Through read-alouds and book talks, literary elements such as setting, plot, character analysis and theme, are taught. This book analysis also enables students to become better writers as they learn to apply these elements to their own writing. Grammar rules and spelling patterns are experienced in both isolation and through student writing. New vocabulary is acquired by studying 40 words every month, including synonyms and antonyms. Students are encouraged to use these words in their writing. Emphasis is placed on the organization and content of essays as well as character development and plot in narrative writing. Book responses and journal entries are also included in the curriculum.
Reading and writing guide the 6th grade English curriculum. Students choose books that appeal to them, in order to fulfill a larger genre reading requirement. Exposure to a variety of genres prepares students for the more rigorous reading required in the middle and upper grades. Through more complex read-alouds and book talks, literary elements such as plot, character analysis, theme, and point of view are taught. This book analysis also enables students to become better writers as they learn to apply these elements to their own writing. Grammar and spelling continue to be taught in 6th grade. Much of this instruction occurs through student writing. New vocabulary is acquired by studying 40 words every month, including synonyms and antonyms. Students are encouraged to use these words in their writing. Emphasis is placed on the organization and depth of content in essays and narrative writing, however book responses and journal entries are also included in the curriculum
Math:
Concepts in fifth grade math include applying whole number operations in a variety of contexts, estimation, division of whole numbers and decimals, addition and subtraction of fractions, ratios, probability, data collection and analysis, exponents, and geometry. Problem solving and communication connections within and outside mathematics and formal and informal reasoning underlie all content areas in fifth grade mathematics.
6th Grade Math: Sixth grade math students will focus on rational number uses and operations, probability and statistics, geometry, formulas to determine surface areas and volumes, operations with integers, and algebraic concepts and skills. Students will also build on a foundation of understanding in number, operation and quantitative reasoning as well as patterns, relationships and measurement. They will continue to develop their ability to communicate, problem solve, and reason mathematically.
Science:
Sixth grade science is an earth science that focuses on planet Earth, its dynamic systems, and its place in the universe. Students will study a wide variety of topics in the fields of geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and environmental science. Much of content studied will be supported and enhanced with hands-on labs that will teach students to observe, classify, infer, predict, hypothesize, collect and communicate data, interpret and summarize findings.
Fifth grade science is divided into three units; Physical Science, Earth Science, and Life Science. Physical Science topics will include basic chemistry, atomic structure and elements. Earth Science will explore the physical earth, its structure and dynamic systems that shape and gradually change the surface of the Earth. Earth Science will also study the solar system. Life Science will explore the human body and the systems that make for a healthy life style. Life Science will also study animal habitats and ecosystems and how they interact with the environments. Fifth grade science is supported and enhanced with hands-on laboratories that will teach students to observe, classify, hypothesize, collect and communicate date, interpret and summarize findings.
Social Studies
5th Grade History: Fifth graders will study the geography, politics, and history of Texas. Geography will include major landforms, economic and natural regions, and cultural groups within Texas. History will include the Native American settlements, Texas as a Spanish, and later Mexican, territory, the Texas Revolution, and its development as a state. Within Texas history, students will learn about diverse migrations, industries such as cattle and oil, and the state’s involvement in the Civil War, WWI and WWII.
6th Grade History: Sixth graders will study the early history of our world beginning with prehistory and the development of The Fertile Crescent. Students will be introduced to the five key components of any great civilization: geography, history, culture, government, and economics. An emphasis is placed on understanding and appreciating the ancient cultures of Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome through a hands-on, differentiated curriculum.
Physical Education
A variety of physical activities are included to meet the needs of the age group of both girls and boys. The emphasis of fundamental skills is applied to individual and co-ed team sports. The courses offer soccer, speedball, volleyball, basketball, flag football, tennis, badminton, track and field and softball. Physical fitness is also a prime objective of the course; the Presidential Physical Fitness Test is given each semester.
Fine Arts
Drama:
Grades 5-6 have music/drama class for 50 minutes each week. During this class they learn basic dramatic skills, such as mimes, movement exercises, and acting games. They act out monologues and scenes and then perform them in front of each other. Drama class fosters creativity and language skills as well as builds social skills and self-confidence. Musical skills are learned as well which include singing and playing instruments. Students learn musical concepts such as styles of music and the lives of composers. They also participate in a Talent Day during class twice each year.
Art
Fifth and sixth grade art offers the young artist a chance to develop strong drawing skills, experiment with various media, and collect and process original ideas and various techniques. Media includes: pencil, charcoal, ink, oil pastels, chalk pastel, acrylic paint and paper mache.
Each student keeps a sketchbook, develops a portfolio, and has opportunities to contribute to art contests and yearbook themes and designs.
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