Middle School Curriculum

List of 14 items.

• Advisory

  Health and values education occurs in Middle School through advisory, special assemblies and speakers. Topics, including the importance of maintaining physical and mental health, are presented and discussed in age-appropriate ways. Students discuss with their advisors the significant emotional and physical changes that occur in early adolescence. Each grade level has an all-day retreat that focuses on teamwork, building relationships and bonding as a class.
  
  In addition, there is a special focus for each grade to help facilitate a comfortable social transition for each respective age. Such topics include cyberspace safety, cliques and friendships and healthy relationships.

• Art

  In the visual arts classroom, students focus on the techniques of still-life, landscape painting and figure drawing while exploring several different artistic media. The year culminates with a thematic cross-divisional art show as well as the annual Middle School Art Show.

• Classical Languages

  Students begin to study the origins of Western Society through Latin language and Roman culture in the seventh grade and continue in the eighth grade. These courses emphasize the influence of the Roman Republic and Empire on the language and culture of the West. Students also learn how to use diverse academic skills in order to understand the language and culture of Ancient Rome. By the end of their Middle School experience, students will be able to recognize specific elements of Roman language and culture in the art, history, and language of the West. If a student desires, she may continue her study of Latin in the Upper School.

• Computer Science

  Technology and computer science skills are an important part of the Bryn Mawr curriculum, as well as the general school environment. Technology is integrated into all aspects of the school, and the Middle School has a one-to-one laptop program. In Computer Science, students hone their programming skills by using programs such as MIT's Scratch,  MIT's App Inventor, and use tools for digital fabrication such as Tinkercad and our collection of 3-D printers. Additionally, students learn about robotics and develop their own robot.
  

• Dance

  Every Middle School student takes dance in preparation for the annual Gym Drill, a longstanding Bryn Mawr tradition. An exhibition of cultural dance and rhythmic exercises, Gym Drill is a much-beloved rite of passage for all Middle and Upper School students. In addition, the Middle School has its own Dance Company, which performs an annual concert of ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and musical theater pieces.

• Drama

  Middle School students are introduced to the skills of performance and creative dramatics. Physical theater exercises such as mime and improvisation provide students with opportunities to work together in a creative group process and build confidence in using their entire body for dramatic expression.

• English

  The Middle School English curriculum emphasizes composition, literature, oral expression, vocabulary and grammar. Throughout their English classes, students explore a range of genres, including science fiction, mystery, historical fiction and fantasy through both classical and modern texts. Students practice their writing skills using a variety of writing activities like analytical essays, creative pieces, response journals and oral speeches.

• History

  The history curriculum introduces students to broad political, social, economic and intellectual developments throughout the world. Students develop skills in oral and written analysis, research and primary source reading. They study topics like American history, global history and ancient history to truly broaden their understanding of the world.

• Mathematics

  The scope and sequence of mathematical topics are carefully planned so that students encounter, practice and extend their knowledge of mathematics in ways that promote confidence and mastery. Typically, students progress from learning mathematical operations in sixth grade to pre-algebra in seventh grade and on to algebra in eighth grade, gaining a solid foundation for the Upper School math program. There is also an advanced track available for students who excel at math.

• Modern Languages

  The modern language program in the Middle School is designed to provide a hands-on and engaging learning experience for all students. An authentic, communication-based curriculum prepares students for meaningful expression in the target language through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Through world language study, students develop sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic heritage of others and prepare to participate in a society characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity.
  
  French
  Continuing their studies of French from Lower School, Bryn Mawr students develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students have the opportunity to continue their in-depth exploration of the cultures and events of the Francophone world.
  
  Spanish
  In sixth grade, students have the option to begin studying Spanish. As with the French program, there is a focus on developing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. As their skills improve, the emphasis on conversation, grammar and writing also increases. In addition, students have the opportunity for an in-depth exploration of the cultures and events of the Spanish-speaking world.
  

• Music

  In music, the Orff-Schulwerk program provides a foundation for theory and composition while also emphasizing creativity, innovation and improvisation. Girls have access to a number of different performance opportunities, including choruses at every grade level and a string ensemble.

• Physical Education

  Physical education is an essential part of the Bryn Mawr experience. Each program in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools is designed to promote the importance of a physically active and healthy lifestyle. During Middle School, emphasis is placed specifically on the four phases of growth and development: physical, motor, cognitive, and social. Students participate in a variety of activities that foster skill development and cooperation. Students learn the basic skills and strategies of a variety of sports, including field hockey, volleyball, soccer, rookie rugby, basketball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, flag football, floor hockey, team handball and badminton. The health related components of fitness, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance are incorporated into the curriculum through traditional and non-traditional sports as well as through yoga and specific cardiovascular and muscular strengthening exercises.

• Science

  Middle School science engages students in laboratory-oriented coursework. Students participate in discovery activities as they develop their scientific and creative thinking skills and endeavor to build a strong fundamental scientific knowledge base. Classes range from Earth Science and Life Science to Applied Physical Science. Additionally, there is a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills, which is interwoven into the classroom setting.

• Study Skills

  This course teaches sixth-grade students how to become independent learners. Students develop an understanding of the theory of multiple intelligences and their own learning style. Students will learn about the importance of developing a growth mindset and a high level of resilience. The course emphasizes an understanding of how the brain learns best and how the memory system works. Students also learn the fundamentals of organization and time management, and are introduced to active study strategies and test-taking tips that will aid them throughout their academic careers.