Success in the modern world depends more than ever on communication skills. The English Department engages students in the challenge to acquire the skills necessary for successful communication: reading, thinking, analyzing and writing. Through literature, writing assignments and class discussions, we seek to introduce students to the issues and ideas that will help them to explore their own identity and the nature of the world around them. Students develop a strong foundation for clear and concise writing in different genres and for different audiences, the skills to read and interpret texts critically and imaginatively, and the judgment to differentiate among sources and analyze their content. The reading program is literature-based, drawing from a variety of short stories, poems, novels, and non-fiction resources. Literature is selected to complement and enhance the themes and topics of the middle school academic program, creating an interdisciplinary platform for the relationship among literature, history, social development, science, and community. A love of independent reading is fostered and encouraged. Students are expected to engage in large and small group discussions, and keep reading journals based on writing prompts. The writing program focuses on detailed, accurate writing that shows an awareness of the rules of the English language. Specific skills include phonics, spelling, vocabulary development, grammar and syntax, speaking and listening skills, and reference skills. The writing process is followed: pre-writing, drafting, revision, editing, and publishing. Word choice, organization, presentation, sentence fluency, voice, ideas, and conventions are discussed and practiced.

6th Grade English Units of Study

• Short Stories (Myths, Native American Legends, & the Human Experience): themes, writing styles, author’s purpose; reaction to current culture; conflicts; symbolism; foreshadowing; predictions; compare/contrast
• Literature Circles (e.g. Tuck Everlasting, The Graveyard Book): summary; setting; symbolism; dynamic/static characters; conflict; suspense; details of plot; foreshadowing; prediction; character analysis; conflict resolution; suspense; author’s purpose; theme
• Research (Peace): study of Peacemakers, including Lincoln, Ghandi, Maria Montessori, Nobel, & others; research projects; poetry; songs
• Writing: persuasive, explanatory, creative, research, compare/contrast, & literary papers; Writing Response Groups; year-long Writing Portfolio; stages of writing; writing rubrics; development of writing “voice”; mastery of grammatical skills; mastery of organizational skills; effectively communicating ideas; Model UN Position Paper
• Vocabulary, Spelling, Root Words, & Grammar: weekly vocabulary & spelling lists; reading comprehension; prefix, root, & suffix study; grammar study of common errors, including run-ons, fragments, agreement, sentence structure, and punctuation
• Plays: (e.g. Lover’s Knot of Canterbury Tales) play types; character development; symbolism; foreshadowing; themes; play writing; performance
• Novels (e.g. Number the Stars, The Outsiders): summary; setting; symbolism; analysis of actions of characters; analysis of conflict; details of plot; foreshadowing; predictions; character analysis
• Poetry (classic & modern poetry, including Shakespeare, Frost, Hass, & Ferlinghetti); lyric poetry, elegy, concrete poetry, dramatic monologue, sonnet, & free verse; analysis of form, figurative language, imagery, & sound devices
• Informational Reading & Test Prep: informational reading; ability to understand informational material; test taking strategies; argument; persuasion; fact/opinion; summarize; bias; patterns of organization; author’s perspective; text features; note taking; graphic aids; inferences

7th Grade English Units of Study

• Short Stories (Technology & the Human Experience): various short stories, including works by Ray Bradbury; author’s purpose; relation to current culture; conflicts; symbolism; foreshadowing; predictions; compare/contrast book to live theatre production
• Literature Circles (e.g. Tuck Everlasting, The Graveyard Book): summary; setting; symbolism; dynamic/static characters; conflict; suspense; details of plot; foreshadowing; prediction; character analysis; conflict resolution; suspense; author’s purpose; theme; Vlogs (video logs)
• Novels (Man vs. Nature, Coming of Age, Spirituality, Human Experiences): e.g. of novels To Kill a Mockingbird, The Giver, Moon over Manifest, & The Wave; literature circles; summary; setting; symbolism; dynamic/static characters; character analysis; analysis of conflict; suspense; details of plot; foreshadowing; predictions; conflict resolution; suspense; author’s purpose; how to use text to support review
• Research (Peace): study of Peacemakers, including Lincoln, Ghandi, Maria Montessori, Nobel, & others; research projects; poetry; songs
• Writing: persuasive, explanatory, creative, research, compare/contrast, & literary papers; Writing Response Groups; year-long Writing Portfolio; stages of writing; writing rubrics; development of writing “voice”; mastery of grammatical skills; mastery of organizational skills; effectively communicating ideas; Model UN position papers
• Vocabulary, Spelling, Root Words, & Grammar: weekly SAT vocabulary & spelling lists; reading comprehension; prefix, Greek & Latin roots, & suffix study; grammar study of common errors, including run-ons, fragments, agreement, sentence structure, and punctuation
• Plays: (Black Comedy, Tragedy, Human Emotions, & Reactions) e.g. Arsenic and Old Lace; play types; character development; symbolism; foreshadowing; themes; play writing; performance; compare/ contrast play to movie; extension writing
• Poetry (classic & modern poetry, including Shakespeare, Frost, Hass, & Ferlinghetti); lyric poetry, elegy, concrete poetry, dramatic monologue, sonnet, & free verse; analysis of form, figurative language, imagery, & sound devices
• Informational Reading & Test Prep: informational reading; ability to understand informational material; test taking strategies; argument; persuasion; fact/opinion; summarize; bias; patterns of organization; author’s perspective; text features; note taking; graphic aids; inferences

8th Grade English Units of Study

• Short Stories (Technology & the Human Experience): various short stories, including works by Shakespeare, Hanson Baldwin, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., & Stephen Vincent Benet; author’s purpose; relation to current culture; conflicts; symbolism; foreshadowing; predictions; compare/contrast book to live theatre production
• Literature Circles (e.g. Tuck Everlasting, The Graveyard Book): summary; setting; symbolism; dynamic/static characters; conflict; suspense; details of plot; foreshadowing; prediction; character analysis; conflict resolution; suspense; author’s purpose; theme; Vlogs (video logs)
• Novels (Man vs. Nature, Coming of Age, Spirituality, Human Experiences): e.g. of novels Life of Pi, Pride & Prejudice, A Christmas Carol, Dandelion Wine, Enter Three Witches; A Wrinkle in Time; Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde; literature circles; summary; setting; symbolism; dynamic/static characters; character analysis; analysis of conflict; suspense; details of plot; foreshadowing; predictions; conflict resolution; suspense; author’s purpose; how to use text to support review
• Research (Peace): study of Peacemakers, including Lincoln, Ghandi, Maria Montessori, Nobel, & others; research projects; poetry; songs
• Writing: persuasive, explanatory, creative, research, compare/contrast, & literary papers; timed-writing; school newspaper; Writing Response Groups; year-long Writing Portfolio; stages of writing; writing rubrics; development of writing “voice”; mastery of grammatical skills; mastery of organizational skills; effectively communicating ideas; Model UN position papers; MLA format
• Vocabulary, Spelling, Root Words, & Grammar: weekly SAT vocabulary & spelling lists; reading comprehension; prefix, Greek & Latin roots, & suffix study; grammar study of common errors, including run-ons, fragments, agreement, sentence structure, and punctuation
• Plays: (Black Comedy, Tragedy, Human Emotions, & Reactions) e.g. Arsenic and Old Lace & Macbeth; play types; character development; symbolism; foreshadowing; themes; play writing; performance; compare/ contrast play to movie; extension writing
• Poetry (classic & modern poetry, including Shakespeare, Frost, Hass, & Ferlinghetti); lyric poetry, elegy, concrete poetry, dramatic monologue, sonnet, & free verse; analysis of form, figurative language, imagery, & sound devices
• Informational Reading & Test Prep: informational reading; ability to understand informational material; test taking strategies; argument; persuasion; fact/opinion; summarize; bias; patterns of organization; author’s perspective; text features; note taking; graphic aids; inference; review of concepts and skills using classic excerpts

Country Day World School is committed to the pursuit of excellence and mastery in our math program for middle school students. As a central goal of our rigorous program, students progress to a high level of mathematical abstraction. Through the creation and use of mathematical models, students develop their skills in solving real world problems. Our work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) encourages students to solve authentic problems, and asks them to work with others to build real solutions. Middle school Common Core aligned math class track includes Pre-Algebra, Algebra I/ Algebra I Honors, and Geometry.

Pre-Algebra

• Tools of Algebra: Expressions; Variables; Properties; Ordered Pairs; Scatter Plots
• Integers: Integers; Absolute Value; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, & Dividing Integers; Coordinate System
• Equations: Distributive Property; Simplifying Algebraic Equations; Solving & Writing Equations; Sequences; Using Formulas
• Factors & Fractions: Power & Exponents; Prime Factorization; Greatest Common Factor; Multiplying & Dividing Monomials; Negative Exponents; Scientific Notation
• Rational Numbers: Writing Fractions as Decimals; Rational Numbers; Adding & Subtracting Fractions; Least Common Multiple; Measures of Central Tendency
• Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Functions: Ratios & Rates; Proportional & Non-Proportional Relationships; Scale Drawings & Models; Functions & Graphing; Equations & Inequalities
• Real Numbers & Right Triangles: Squares & Square Roots; Number System; Triangles; Pythagorean Theorem; The Distance Formula; Indirect Measurement
• Statistics & Probability: Stem-and-Leaf Plots; Measures of Variation; Box-and-Whisker Plots; Histograms; Misleading Graphs; Simple Probability; Counting Outcomes; Permutations & Combinations; Probability of Composite Events

Algebra I

• Foundations of Algebra: Variables & Expressions; Order of Operations & Evaluating Expressions; Real Numbers & the Number Line; Properties of Real Numbers; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, & Dividing Real Numbers; Distributive Property; Equations; Patterns, Graphs, & Equations
• Solving Equations: Solving Multi-Step Equations; Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides; Literal Equations & Formulas; Ratios, Rates, & Conversions; Solving Proportions; Proportions & Similar Figures; Perfects; Change Expressed as a Percent
• Solving Inequalities: Inequalities & their Graphs; Solving Inequalities; Working with Sets; Compound Inequalities; Absolute Value Equations & Inequalities; Unions & Intersections of Sets
• Introduction to Functions: Using Graphs to Relate Two Quantities; Patterns & Linear Functions; Patterns & Nonlinear Functions; Graphing a Function Rule; Writing a Function Rule; Formulizing Relations & Functions
• Linear Functions: Rate of Change & Slope; Direct Variation; Slope-Intercept Form; Point-Slope Form; Standard Form; Parallel & Perpendicular Lines; Scatter Plots & Trend Lines
• Systems of Linear Equations & Inequalities: Solving Systems by Graphing; Solving Systems using Substitution and Elimination; Applications of Linear Systems; Linear Inequalities; Systems of Linear Inequalities
• Exponents & Exponential Functions: Zero & Negative Exponents; Multiplying Powers with the Same Base; Division Properties of Exponents; rational Exponents with Radicals; Exponential Functions; Exponential Growth & Decay
• Polynomials & Factoring: Adding & Subtracting Polynomials; Multiplying & Factoring; Multiplying Binomials; Multiplying Special Cases; Factoring Trinomials
• Quadratic Functions & Equations: Quadratic Graphs & their Properties; Quadratic Functions; Solving Quadratic Equations; Factoring to Solve Quadratic Equations; Completing the Square; Quadratic Formula & the Discriminant
• Radical Expressions & Equations: Pythagorean Theorem; Simplifying Radicals; Operations with Radical Expressions; Solving Radical Equations; Trigonometric Ratios

Geometry

• Tools of Geometry: Nets & Drawings for Visualizing Geometry; Points, Lines, & Planes; Measuring Segments; Measuring Angles; Exploring Angle Pairs; Basic Constructions; Midpoint & Distance in the Coordinate Plane; Perimeter, Circumference, & Area
• Reasoning & Proof: Patterns & Inductive Reasoning; Conditional Statements; Biconditional Statements; Biconditionals & Definitions; Deductive Reasoning; Reasoning in Algebra & Geometry; Proving Angles Congruent
• Parallel & Perpendicular Lines: Parallel & Perpendicular Lines; Parallel Lines & Triangles; Constructing Parallel & Perpendicular Lines; Equations of Lines in the Coordinate Plane; Slopes of Parallel & Perpendicular Lines
• Congruent Triangles: Congruent Figures; Triangle Congruence by SSS, SAS, ASA, & AAS; Using Corresponding Parts of Congruent Triangles; Isosceles & Equilateral Triangles; Congruence in Right Triangles; Congruence in Overlapping Triangles
• Relationships within Triangles: Midsegments of Triangles; Perpendicular & Angle Bisectors; Bisectors in Triangles; Medians & Altitudes; Indirect Proof; Inequalities in One Triangle & Two Triangles
• Polygons & Quadrilaterals: Polygon-Angle-Sum Theorems; Properties of Parallelograms; Proving that a Quadrilateral is a Parallelogram; Properties of a Rhombus, Rectangle, & Square; Trapezoids & Kites; Polygons in the Coordinate Plane
• Similarity: Ratios & Proportions; Similar Polygons; Proving Similar Triangles; Similarity in Right Triangles
• Right Triangles & Trigonometry: Pythagorean Theorem & its Converse; Special Right Triangles; Trigonometry; Angles of Elevation & Depression; Law of Sines; Law of Cosines
• Area: Areas of Parallelograms & Triangles; Area of a Trapezoid, Rhombus, & Kite; Area of a Regular Polygon; Perimeters & Areas of Similar Figures; Trigonometry & Area; Circles & Arcs
• Surface Area & Volume: Space Figures & Cross Sections; Surface Areas of Prisms & Cylinders; Surface Areas of Pyramids & Cones; Volumes of Pyramids & Cones; Surface Areas & Volumes of Spheres; Areas of Volumes of Similar Solids
• Circles: Tangent Lines; Chords & Arcs; Inscribed Angles; Angle Measures & Segment Lengths

The science curriculum at Country Day World School challenges students to reason
creatively and to think critically. The three-year track offers students opportunities to
engage with the world around them in the classroom, the laboratory and fieldwork.
Students are constantly questioning, discovering and understanding in the state of the
art STEM lab, discussion space and farm facilities. Technology is integrated into the
curriculum to place the tools of discovery directly into the hands of the students.

Environmental Science – 6th Grade

This course strives for student understanding and appreciation of the ever-changing world around them. Students gain a better understanding of the scientific method as their observational abilities, quantitative skills and analytical thinking are challenged. Topics covered include elements of sustainability of ecosystems, evolution and adaptations of living organisms, water chemistry, resource consumption and implications for sustainability, relationships between organisms and their environment, human impact on the environment and more. The 6th grade students also manage the salt and fresh water tanks as they gain an understanding of the nutrient cycles and water chemistry that contributes to sustaining an ecosystem.

Life Science-7th Grade

In this course students gain an understanding for what constitutes a living organism from the cellular to physiological level. Student’s observational abilities, quantitative skills and analytical thinking continue to be challenged as they obtain advanced practical laboratory experience. Students plate and grow cultures in our incubator and follow up by preparing their own slides to study under the microscope. The course anchors topics in areas of marine and animal science as students study the salt and fresh water fish and farm animals. 7th grade students spend time in both the equestrian and farm facilities studying and contrasting the behavior, physiology, reproduction and growth of our livestock animals. Content sequence includes cellular biology, health, physiology and nutrition, classical and molecular genetics and biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Physical Science-8th Grade

The 8th grade physical science course is largely laboratory based as students explore advanced topics in both chemistry and physics. Students begin by studying molecular structure, states of matter, and chemical and physical behavior of elements and compounds in preparation for exploration into the interaction of matter. Through hands on laboratory work and problem based learning students gain an understanding of bonding and chemical reactions. Students then begin to explore more physical properties of matter as they discover elements of force, kinematics and motion. The marine and animal science integration continues as water chemistry is explored at a deeper level and the biochemistry of nutrition is examined. In addition to the continued focus on observational abilities, quantitative skills and analytical thinking is competency of scientific writing. Students write extensive lab reports that examine scientific practice and processes.

Animal Science at Country Day

The animal science program at Country Day consists of salt and freshwater fish tanks and equestrian and farm facilities. Middle school students take responsibility for the care and management of these animals at various levels. Environmental, life and physical science courses anchor instruction in animal science offering deeper learning opportunities. More discrete courses in animal science are offered for middle school students in areas such as animal reproduction, poultry management, and equestrian science.

The Humanities curriculum that follows was developed to provide middle school students the ability to learn about world and U.S. history in a concurrent presentation of topics beginning in the sixth grade. The content is arranged to infuse lessons on history, humanities, geography, economics, civics, government, current events, and beyond. The curriculum eliminates the study of topics in isolation, allowing students to truly understand the history of the world, the foundations of government, the responsibilities of individual citizens, and the significance of interaction in the global community.

• 6th Grade: From the Late Middle Ages to A New Nation
• 7th Grade: From A New Nation to Rift & Revolution
• 8th Grade: From Rift & Revolution to A Changing Society

Late Middle Ages (900 C.E. to 1300’s C.E.)

• Feudal Society: Land & Government; the Nobility; Knighthood; the Manor
• The Church: Catholic Influence; Attempts at Reform; Learning; the Crusades
• The Rise of Trades & Towns: Trading Centers; Merchants; Living Conditions; The Ride of Guilds; Cultural Changes
• The Rise of Monarchies: France; England; The Hundred Years’ War; Germany; Spain
• Geoffrey Chaucer & Canterbury Tales

Beginning of Modern Times (1300 C.E. to 1600 C.E.)

• The Renaissance: The Italian City-States; France; Germany & Flanders; Spain; England
• The Reformation: Martin Luther; A New Religion; Catholic Reform; A Middle Way; Wars of Religion; The Thirty Years’ War
• Age of Discovery: The Portuguese; The Spanish; Northwest Passage
• The Tudor Family
• William Shakespeare, The Renaissance Theatre, & Sonnets

The Changing World (1500 C.E. to the late 1700’s C.E.)

• Expansion into the Americas: Portugal; Spain; England; The Netherlands; France; the Influence of Empires
• Political Revolutions: Revolution in England; the American Revolution; The French Revolution
• Rise of Industry: Scientific Revolution; Agricultural Revolution; Industrial Revolution; Industrial Impact; Spread of Industry

Colonial Settlement (1500 C.E. to 1700’s C.E.)

• The 13 English Colonies: English Settlers in Virginia; Pilgrims Found Plymouth Colony; Settling the New England Colonies; Settling the Middle Colonies; Settling the Southern Colonies
• Life in the 13 Colonies: the New England Colonies; the Middle Colonies; the Southern Colonies; Democracy takes Root
• The Road to Revolution: an American Way of Life Develops; the French and Indian War; Taxes & Boycotts; On the Brink of War

A New Nation (1776 C.E. to 1791 C.E.)

• The American Revolution: Declaring Independence; Declaration of Independence; The Colonies at War; The War Moves South; Victory at Yorktown
• Creating a New Nation: Forming a Union; The Confederation Era; The Constitutional Convention; A More Perfect Union
• Citizenship Handbook & United States Constitution: A Lasting Plan of Government; Five Principles of the Constitution; Government in Action; Duties & Responsibilities of Citizens

Early Years of the Republic (1789 C.E. to 1830 C.E.)

• The Federalist Era: Establishing the New Government; Dealing with Other Nations; Political Parties Develop; Troubled Times for John Adams

• The Age of Jefferson: Jefferson Takes Control; The Louisiana Purchase; Troubles with France and Britain; The War Hawks; The War of 1812
• The Nation Grows: Industries Take Root; Moving West; Nationalism and Sectionalism; Monroe and Foreign Affairs

The Nation Expands (1820 C.E. to 1860 C.E.)

• The Age of Jackson: The People’s President; A New Spirit in The White House; Crisis & Conflict; The End of Jacksonian Era
• Manifest Destiny: The Oregon Country; Texas Independence; War with Mexico; Spanning a Continent
• The Spirit of Reform: Literature, Art, & Science; Calls for Widespread Education, Social, and Cultural Change; The Antislavery Movement; The Woman’s Rights Movement

Rift and Revolution (1820 C.E. to 1877 C.E.)

• Sectional Differences: The Changing North; Life in the North; The Cotton Kingdom; Life in the South
• Road to the Civil War: Settling Differences; Moving Closer to Conflict; A New Political Party; Election of 1860 and Secession
• The Civil War: The War Begins; The War in the East; The War in the West; Behind the Lines; Surrender at Appomattox
• Reconstruction: Restoring the Union; President and Congress Clash; The South during Reconstruction; Reconstruction Ends

The Birth of Modern America (1877 C.E. to 1900 C.E.)

• Settling the West: Miners and Ranchers; Farming the Plains; Native Americans
• Industrialization: The Rise of Industry; The Railroads; Big Business; Unions
• Urban America: Immigration; Urbanization; The Gilded Age; The Rebirth of Reform
• Politics and Reform: Stalemate in Washington; Populism; The Rise of Segregation

Imperialism and Progressivism (1890 C.E. to 1919 C.E.)

• Becoming a World Power: The Imperialist Vision; The Spanish-American War; New American Diplomacy
• The Progressive Movement: The Roots of Progressivism; Roosevelt in Office; The Taft Administration; The Wilson Years
• World War I and Its Aftermath: The U.S. Enters World War I; The Home Front; A Bloody Conflict; The War’s Aftermath

Boom and Bust (1920 C.E. to 1941 C.E.)

• The Jazz Age: A Clash of Values; Cultural Innovations; African-American Culture
• Normalcy and Good Times: Presidential Politics; A Growing Economy; The Politics of Prosperity
• The Great Depression Begins: Causes of the Depression; Life During the Depression; Hoover Responds
• Roosevelt and the New Deal: Roosevelt Takes Office; The First New Deal; The Second New Deal; The New Deal Coalition

Global Struggles (1931 C.E. to 1960 C.E.)

• A World in Flames: America and the World; World War II Begins; The Holocaust; America Enters the War
• America and World War II: Mobilizing the War; The Early Battles; Life on the Home Front; Pushing the Axis Back; The War Ends
• The Cold War Begins: Origins of the Cold War; The Early Cold War Years; The Cold War and American Society; Eisenhower’s Policies
• Postwar America: Truman and Eisenhower; The Affluent Society; Popular Culture of the 1950s; The Other Side of the American Life

A Time of Upheaval (1954 C.E. to 1980 C.E.)

• The New Frontier and the Great Society: The New Frontier; JFK and the Cold War; The Great Society
• The Civil Rights Movement: The Movement Begins; Challenging Segregation; New Issues
• The Vietnam War: The United States Focuses on Vietnam; Going to War in Vietnam; Vietnam Divides the Nation; The War Winds Down
• The Politics of Protest: The Student Movement and the Counterculture; The Feminist Movement; New Approaches to Civil Rights; Saving the Earth

A Changing Society (1968 C.E. to present)

• Politics and Economics: The Nixon Administration; the Watergate Scandal; Ford and Carter; The “Me” Decade; Life in the 1970s
• Resurgence of Conservatism: The New Conservatism; The Reagan Years; Life in the 1980s; The End of the Cold War
• Into a New Century: The Technological Revolution; The Clinton Years; An Interdependent World; America Enters a New Century; The War on Terrorism

Geography: Ongoing Unit of Study

• Understanding Maps
• Using an Atlas
• United States
• Latin and South America
• Canada
• Europe (Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern)
• Asia (Northern, Central, Southeast, Southwest, and South Pacific)
• Africa (Northern, Central, Southern, Eastern)

Economics, Civics, & Government: Ongoing Unit of Study

• Economics
• Civics
• Government

Current Events: Ongoing Unit of Study

• Local Events
• State Events
• National Events
• International Events

Election Years: Special Unit of Study

• Election Coverage for Local, State, and Federal Elections

At Country Day World School, the phrase “capturing the best of both worlds” makes multiple references, including: both Spanish and Chinese world languages; traditional learning and virtual learning designs; and class group experience and ability-based small group activities. The World Language classes of Spanish IH, Spanish II H, and Chinese are distinctive in setup, using a blended learning approach that stands apart as a model in the future of effective education. Daily, students experience Spanish and Chinese through seminars, independent study, and discussions during the World Languages/Advising block period.

As in the past, CDWS utilizes a variety of language learning programs cohesively in one area through our web-hosted classroom management site. Students quickly acquire new language skills through genuine immersion instruction with fully interactive, multimedia technology methods. Diverse digital class tools combine the voices of native speakers, written text, and vivid real-life images to teach new words and grammar inductively through a process of creative discovery.

Our competitive world language study program indeed has something to offer every student and encompasses the national World Language standards known as The Five Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities, as well as the Florida Sunshine State Standards. Students are challenged according to their ability in differing levels of instruction and will learn to apply the four basic linguistic skills of speaking, reading, listening, and writing.

Music feeds the soul as well as the emotions all adding to the development of the whole person. Our Music Program encourages students to participate in their own learning process by exploring music through creative problem solving, divergent thinking, and by becoming active participants in their world rather than mere observers of it. Students acquire perception and understanding in a way that only the fine arts can encourage. Our program hopes to encourage students to see and not just to look, to listen and not just to hear, and to feel and not just to touch.

Musical composition is an integral part of the music curriculum. Students compose original soundtracks and compositions based on selected themes using the GarageBand music software on their iPads. They continue to develop vocal technique skills and the ability to harmonize during singing classes. Their vocal repertoire includes sophisticated two- and three-part authentic songs. They also engage in ensemble singing, drumming circles, and improvisation activities. Their ability to perform the soprano and alto recorders reaches a higher level of sophistication. A study of the composers and important works of classical music is an essential part of the curriculum.

Music History

• Gain and demonstrate knowledge of a variety of cultures and various historical periods
• Learn about influential historical composers and their musical styles

Composition

• Compose short pieces using the basic elements of music to demonstrate repetition and contrast
• Create an original composition using different styles of music
• Show respect for the composing and arranging efforts of others
• Create original lyrics by integrating song structure
• Correctly identify song lyric hooks, storyline and over tone.

Vocal Production & Performance

• Breathing
• Tonal Placement: Chest, Mask, Voice
• Response to Cues of Conductor
• Integration of Basic Acting Skills & Story Telling through Song

Technical Production

• Use iPads, sound recording software, and vocal recordings to create original compositions, music videos and recordings
• Learn studio elements via GarageBand (Mixing, splitting, laying tracks and looping)
• Understand how to cue music beats and layer instruments in music based software

Musical Theater Production

• Demonstrate the ability to perform and understand the basic tasks of the actor including the practice of character analysis, memorization of text, participation in ensemble, the employment of sufficient volume of sound and clarity of speech to communicate to an audience, and use of the body in an expressive and communicative way.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental skills required of the director: script analysis, communication of directorial intent/concept, audition procedures, rehearsal procedures, and communication with collaborative artists.
• Demonstrate the ability to use the body effectively on stage as an instrument for characterization and to be responsive to changing time/rhythm demands and spatial relationships.
• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the analysis and acting of songs written for the musical theatre.
• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in dance and movement technique appropriate to the musical theatre.

Academic Technology curriculum is designed to increase students’ knowledge of computer programming, enhance critical thinking skills, and increase student confidence in construction and engineering. There is a greater focus on the challenges involved in taking abstract ideas and making them physical reality with innovation as the core goal. We use the Engineering Design Process to refine robots, machines, and constructed solutions. Middle school students use iPads, laptops, RaspberryPi technology,VEX robotics, and iPods. Further, students use tools like Minecraft to gain a better understanding of 3D space, planning and blueprinting a project, and how to work in a collaborative project environment.

Elements of Academic Technology Program

• Basics of Programming (using Python)
• Engineering using real world science and math
• Construction and Mechanics of Robots (using VEX System)
• Focus on Innovative Thinking using the Engineering Design Process
• Exposure to using both Apple and Microsoft tools (example: Word and Pages)
• Properly using the internet for Research (From a reputable source)

Aligned with the mission of Country Day School, the Global Studies program invites students to develop a world view that broadens and deepens their thinking beyond the boundaries of nations and continents. Through a combination of content knowledge and 21st century skills, the program introduces students to diverse cultures and traditions providing opportunities for international travel and service learning. Students are involved in global collaborations with school from across the globe. Projects have included the Global Moon Project, Eracism Global Debate, International Day of Peace, and Sister School relationships. For more on our International Program and Global Studies, please visit our International Programs page.

21st Century Skills for Global Success

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Collaboration
• Entrepreneurialism
• Written or oral expression
• Intercultural competency
• Creativity, adaptability, & resilience

The personal and social benefits of good health habits and physical fitness are increasingly important to all of us. The Physical Education Department provides students with the opportunity to prepare for a lifelong healthy and active lifestyle. The goal of the Physical Education Department reflects school ideas to educate the total person. With this goal in mind, our department emphasizes physical, intellectual, and social development through participating in vigorous physical activities and learning the principles of physical fitness and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Students participate in team sports including basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football. Many other units of study, such as swimming and equestrian, are integrated into the curriculum and highlighted throughout the year. Grades are based on participation, dressing out, sportmanship, completion of activities, and conduct. Middle school students have PE every day for 45 minutes.

Units of Study

• Flag Football
• Fitness
• Soccer
• Lacrosse & Team Handball
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Jumprope
• The Blue & Gold Competition
• Basketball
• Softball
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Volleyball
• Equestrian

The Health Program provides students with the information and skills necessary to develop and practice healthy lifestyles at school and at home. It provides age-appropriate, developmental programs that look at physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during the stages of life. The program reinforces our school mission and provides a safe environment in which students learn how their choices affect their well-being as well as that of other people and the community.

We believe that hands-on learning in our Barnyard Program leads to deeper understanding of the world as we give students the tools they need to care for our earth and its creatures. As students interact on the farm, they understand how society is organized and learn divisions of labor. Compassion, dedication, and collaboration skills are developed through our program. Care for barn animals, plants, and the planet are also emphasized, as the importance of sustainability is personally experienced.

Students take care of themselves, their community, and many of the lives that surround them by:

• Growing and cooking their own food
• Managing natural resources
• Caring for dependent animals, including horses, a cow, multiple goats, geese, chickens, and a pig