is a carefully designed
transitional year between primary school and the increased
academic expectations of middle school. Our sixth grade
faculty teach the students to assume greater responsibility
for organizing and managing their academic work, both
at school and at home, while balancing their academic
commitments and extracurricular activities.
The sixth grade English program concentrates on reading,
writing, grammar and usage, spelling, vocabulary, and
speech. The focus of the language arts curriculum is on the
essence and practice of effective communication. Through
the examination of traditional and contemporary literature,
students learn about their own rights and responsibilities
and about tolerance for the beliefs and rights of others. We
encourage students to develop an appreciation of literature
and the skills necessary to communicate effectively.
Sixth grade mathematics provides a thorough preparation
for Pre-Algebra. This course focuses on: place value; adding,
subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals; graphing; number theory; measurement;
geometry, perimeter, area, and volume; and integers.
Pre-Algebra placement is based on mathematics placement test results and
the permission of the St. Gregory Mathematics Department.
The sixth grade curriculum in history blends the study of
geography and the cultures of modern nations around the
world. The skills include identifying the five themes of
geography, reading and interpreting maps, taking notes from
a textbook, making the best use of a textbook, and improving
notebook organization. Students are encouraged to develop a
sense of their place in the global community.
The sixth grade science curriculum focuses on Earth Science,
which introduces students to features and processes that
make the earth unique, while simultaneously introducing
them to the scientific process. Topics and principles in geology,
meteorology, oceanography, plant life, and environmental
disciplines are explored through classroom discussions,
dialogues, research, and “hands-on” lab explorations.
Collaboration is emphasized and other skills include: observation,
data collection, forming conclusions, and prediction
for creative problem solving.
Sixth grade Spanish introduces students to the Spanish
language and Hispanic cultures. Students are engaged in
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This highly
interactive course involves conversational and situational
exercises, hands-on activities, games, individual projects,
and group projects.
The arts provide a vital avenue for learning and expressing
oneself. Students explore, for 12 weeks each, the visual arts, drama, and music or they may choose intermediate band for
the entire year.
Because we want our students to become disciplined learners
and critical thinkers, an important component of the sixth
grade curriculum is the teaching of skills essential for collegebound
students. This course helps students take notes,
become better organized, and manage their time more efficiently.
They also learn the basics of word processing, web
design and internet research.
In their first year at St. Gregory, physical education emphasizes
individual growth within a group process. Students are
challenged on a daily basis by games, sports, and activities.
They learn the fundamentals of good health, athletic training
and competition, and athletic rules and strategies. Emphasis
is on participation and the development of a positive attitude
toward lifelong physical activity and fitness.
Complete course descriptions are available in the
Admissions Office.
