Middle School Programs & Courses

In this art class, students will begin by learning how an artist uses the principles of design to arrange their images on the page. Students will paint, draw, use mixed media and create collages. They will learn how they can trick the eye of the viewer by studying Op-art, Pointillism and Trompe-l’oeil realism. The course will also focus on the artists M.C. Escher, Victor Vasarely, Georges Seurat, amongst others.

Students in this course will work through design challenges and solve problems by prototyping and making in any number of materials. They will be encouraged to ask repeatedly, “What else could this be?” and “What else could this do?” Along the way, they will expand their imaginations, sharpen their observation skills, and learn to critique with positivity and focus.

Middle School Photography and Filmmaking is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to develop and then create a film. Beginning with a study of photography and photoshop, students progress to project-based experiences that help them to write, critique, film, edit, and produce cinema rooted in a story that they develop. Assessment will consist of photography presentation and critiquing, individual and group presentations (both traditional and media-based), and use of digital technologies.

Digital Sketch and Draw explores digital drawing and art using Wacom drawing tablets, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Students will be encouraged to seek creative ways of using technology to prepare projects and assignments. Color Psychology, character design and drawing techniques will be the main focus of this class. Design for blogging, portfolio setup and logo design will be studied. The core software for this class will be Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, though the exploration of other software and how to use design and art software will be a focus.

An introductory course in which students learn basic principles of design and jewelry fabrication, while working with copper, brass, and silver filled wire & sheet. Students will also be encouraged to incorporate nonmetal objects into their work. They can expect to learn how to cut, drill, file and hammer metal. Wire work, chain maille, and installing manufactured rivets will also be covered. Students will develop a plan, taking into consideration design elements such as composition, movement, balance, aesthetics, and wearability.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain  is designed for students to learn about, and begin to master the skill of observational drawing. The course is designed for the student who wants to be able to draw objects and make them look “real”. Using various dry media (graphite, charcoal, pastels), students will master looking at three-dimensional subjects placed in front of them and replicating them on a page.

In addition to developing skills in reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar, students in English 6 learn how to annotate effectively, identifying themes and symbols as they discuss plot and character development. Students learn to use a writing process (planning, drafting, revising, publishing) with respect to the construction of individual sentences that are then linked to create cohesive, well-organized paragraphs. By mid-year, students begin to write analytical responses and use rubrics for revision that facilitate a growing sense of autonomy and confidence as writers. Use of iPads is carefully introduced so that students learn techniques of working with paper as well as electronic texts in both their reading and writing. Texts include short stories, poems and longer texts, such as The Bread Winner, A Long Walk to Water, The Outsiders, and Look Both Ways.

Media & Literary Investigation is a quarter class that introduces sixth grade students to a variety of learning strategies that enhance and optimize the potential for school success across the curriculum. When provided with frequent opportunities to identify strategies and understand why they work, students are better able to transfer those strategies to everyday practice. As reading comprehension is an integral part of all coursework at MBS across disciplines, students will also reinforce critical comprehension skills such as: preview, visualize, monitor, identify the main idea, summarize, inference, and make connections to self and beyond. Activities will focus on understanding readings and evaluation prompts within Math, Science, Social Studies, and Literature.

English in Grade 7 continues to deepen and broaden habits of critical thinking introduced in Grade 6. Literature is used both to enhance student understanding of the world in which they live and to understand the complexity of life through effective study of characterization. As students begin to understand the ways in which authors create, they respond to such close reading through regular annotation, writing, and class discussion. Study of vocabulary and grammar continues to occur within the context of reading and writing along with the use of specific exercises. Ongoing use of writing and revision rubrics reinforces the understanding of writing as a process, particularly with respect to the creation of analytical essays. Independent thinking is encouraged through the use of expository and creative journaling. Texts include short stories, poetry, and longer texts, such as The Alchemist, Fahrenheit 451, To Kill a Mockingbird, and New Kid.

In addition to their Grade 7 English class, students rotate through English Workshop 7, a semester-long course designed to enhance writing and reading skills. After analyzing expository, descriptive, and persuasive writing from a number of academic disciplines, students will develop a portfolio of their own writing in each rhetorical mode. A major new component of Work- shop 7 this year is the student reading club. Under the guidance of their teacher, small groups of students will select texts, create reading assignments, and establish weekly discussion topics.

Students in Grade 8 deepen their skills in literary criticism with continuing emphasis on the decisions authors make when creating theme, character, and plot. The emphasis on authorial intent is further promoted through the creation and revision of analytical essays that require strong thesis statements, appropriate use of evidence, and the discovery of subtextual levels of literary meaning. Shorter writing assignments promote robust patterns of thinking that are both critical and creative. Study of vocabulary and grammar continues within the context of reading and writing along with the use of specific exercises. Students are encouraged to work autonomously and with confidence as a means of prefiguring expectations in the Upper School. Texts include short stories, poetry, and longer texts, such as Animal Farm, Orbiting Jupiter, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You, and Night.

In addition to the Grade 8 English class, all students rotate through English Workshop 8, a semester-long class designed to enhance skills in reading, writing and public speaking. Areas of focus in the first half of the course include note-taking and annotation, essay and paragraph planning, and the incorporation and analysis of textual evidence. Students also practice the key skills of proofreading and revision for clarity and precision. Focus in the second half of the course shifts to public speaking. Through analyzing a range of famous speeches, students learn the elements of successful persuasive speaking, paying keen attention to what speakers say and how they say it. Students then build skills and confidence by creating and delivering a series of their own speeches of varying lengths and styles.

Students will be introduced to beneficial life skills, including self-awareness, through the practice of mindfulness. Students will develop and strengthen their ability to focus, recognize and manage their emotions, and empathize in their relationship with themselves and others. The course will include mindful coping skills such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, guided and self-guided meditation, meditative walking and drawing.

Geography 6 introduces some of the basic concepts and skills that are expanded upon in Grades 7 and 8. The course is designed to help students better understand themselves and the world in which they live as they examine the physical and human aspects of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Students learn about the world’s people, places and environments through hands-on activities, mapping labs, oral presentations, cross-curricular real world simulations, and using technology to communicate with others around the globe. There is a strong emphasis on the writing process.

Students in seventh grade History, Society, and Civics focus on decoding artifacts from the past to make sense of the world they live in. Moving from the personal to the global, and from the Ancient World to recent American history, they learn how the past lives on in the present. The year culminates with an investigation of the US constitution as a living artifact, undergoing amendment and reinterpretation since its inception, shaped by and actively giving shape to American society.
The year includes a field trip to Philadelphia and draws on local history.

Students in eighth grade “The US in 20th century World History” asks students to consider American history in relation to 20th century conflicts and social movements around the globe. Relating the national to the international, students will learn to understand history from a global perspective. Over the year, students will focus on pivotal 20th century conflicts and social movements, while sharpening their abilities to ask questions, conduct research, and analyze forces of change in the world.

Vocal Ensemble allows students the opportunity to participate in a vocal music program focusing both on developing ensem- ble singing skills, as well as improving general musicianship. The group sings music of various styles, ranging from pop to American folk music, as well as more traditional choral pieces. The Sixth Grade Chorus performs in both the Winter and Spring Vocal/Instrumental Concerts.

Music Foundations aims to grow students as young musicians, focusing on music literacy in service of introducing students to composition and improvisation. Students will study rhythm and pitches and create music in class and on their own. The course will focus on different genres and different mediums, as students deepen their relationship with an art form they encounter daily, and feel empowered to create music of their own.

Middle School Band students engage with music in a wide variety of styles. This class provides young musicians with the opportunity to increase their individual musical ability while also working as the member of a playing ensemble. Through classes and performances, they develop knowledge of the elements of music, the proper technique required for each individual instrument, and music reading skills. Students perform in concerts on stage in Founders Hall. One year of being in an instrumental program or private instruction is the prerequisite for this course.

Middle School Dance is for students interested in modern dance technique and performance. Students will gain an increased understanding of their individual range of movement, and develop balance and coordination. Students perform in both the Winter and Spring Dance Concerts.

Middle School Tap Attack combines traditional tap dance technique found in 42nd Street and “Singing in the Rain” with the energetic contemporary style of STOMP and TAP DOGS, to provide students with the opportunity to raise the roof and make some noise! They develop focus and rhythmic intelligence, while also increasing physical stamina and coordination. Students will perform in the Winter or Spring Middle School Performing Arts Showcase.

Middle School Strings Ensemble offers students an introduction to basic string technique. Students will gain dexterity and develop tone as they study and perform music of varying periods. Ideal for students with previous string experience, as well as those who play other instruments and desire an introduction to the world of strings. The ensemble performs in various concerts on stage in Founders Hall.

The Middle School Musical Theater Class gives students the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the American musical theater, while pursuing specialized performance training in acting, singing, and dancing. Through the production of an hour-long musical, they will develop musicality, spatial awareness, and collaborative skills, and also learn to create sustainable and motivated characters for the stage. The musical will be chosen specifically for the students in the class to help them cultivate these skills, and will be performed at the end of the semester.

Piano Basics gives students the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the American musical theater, while pursuing specialized performance training in acting, singing, and dancing. Through the production of an hour-long musical, they will develop musicality, spatial awareness, and collaborative skills, and also learn to create sustainable and motivated characters for the stage. The musical will be chosen specifically for the students in the class to help them cultivate these skills, and will be performed at the end of the semester.

Science 6 introduces students to the fundamentals of the laboratory, experimentation, and the stages of scientific inquiry through a series of hands-on tasks and projects. As the year progresses, students are introduced to the fundamental units of biology, and then to an understanding of biological and environmental systems. Students pay special attention to the ecology of water and the environmental impact of water use, forging close connections with their work in Geography 6.

Science 8 introduces students to botany, challenging them to think through problems of form and function of cells and organisms from a new perspective, with opportunities for local fieldwork. Students build on their knowledge of plant life to gain new understanding of environmental crisis and resilience. During the year, students are also introduced to the fundamental principles of physics. As in previous years, strong emphasis is placed on the experimental process, observation, and the analysis of data.

Sixth grade Wellness addresses three key topics: how we stay healthy, how we stay safe in the real and virtual worlds, and what happens to our body during puberty. The healthy living discussions include learning about nutrition, exercise, and hygiene. Students explore personal safety by reading and discussing the concepts of Internet safety, peer pressure, bullying, teasing, and friendship. A unit of study is on puberty, the physical and emotional changes that occur as well as dealing with stress during this time. Through participation and various digital presentations students synthesize and demonstrate their learning.

Sixth Grade Language Exploration introduces students to their study of language at Morristown Beard with an interdisciplinary examination of language and culture through the lenses of French, Latin and Spanish as well as geography, art, history and other disciplines. Students spend time studying French, Latin and Spanish in a manner befitting the pedagogical values of the MBS World Language Department, focusing on a theme in the context of each language. The themes are:

French: How does the food you eat shape who you are and your community?
Latin: How are resources important in the building of community?
Spanish: How do identity and communication help create community?

Students also engage in several integrated units in which they grapple with the intersection of language, culture, identity, and community.

Heritage Spanish Language is a yearlong course designed to engage and promote a high level of speaking, thinking, and writing for Hispanic heritage speakers. Students focus on the cultural aspects of Latin America including the following: food, music, literature and diversity.