The grade 6 curriculum 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.

English
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.

Mathematics
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.

History/geography
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.

Earth science
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.

Spanish
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
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.

Success skills
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.

Physical education
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.

English and History
The seventh and eighth grade programs frequently integrate the study of history and English. Both classes emphasize vocabulary, grammar and usage, extensive writing, discussion, speech, and critical thinking skills. In the seventh grade, students examine ancient cultures from prehistory through the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Themes that unite the seventh grade curriculum are: ethics and cultural values; prejudice, racism, and genocide; freedom and slavery; human and environment interaction; journeys; friendship; and living deliberately. The eighth grade curriculum centers on U.S. civics and literature. Themes that unite the curriculum are leadership and community (from national to local), the requirements and opportunities of citizenship, recognizing varied perspectives, and learning through experience.

Mathematics
After a thorough review of arithmetic, students learn Pre-Algebra, including: decimal notation, fractions, and percent; measurement; use of variables; operations of arithmetic; problem-solving strategies; combining operations; and measurement formulas and real numbers. The Algebra course includes an introduction to the basic concepts of Algebra 1. Among the topics are the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division within Algebra; solving linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables; sets and probability at an introductory level; equations of lines in the coordinate plane; and exponents, polynomials, parabolas, and quadratic equations. In Geometry, students learn the language of Geometry and the concept of proof. Topics include parallel lines, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles, circles, polygons, area and volume, and coordinate geometry.

Placement in Algebra, Pre-Algebra AB, and Geometry is by testing and with permission of the St. Gregory Mathematics Department.

Science
Science in the seventh and eighth grades provides the students with an introduction to scientific inquiry through an exploration of the fundamental concepts of biology, chemistry, and physics. Observational, investigative, and analytical skills are developed through laboratory investigations and discussions. In the seventh grade, students study the conditions for life, cell theory, Mendelian genetics, genetic engineering, and the structure and function of various systems within human physiology. Eighth-grade students learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter, the phases of matter, mass and energy relationships in chemical and nuclear reactions, mechanics, simple machines, forms of energy, electricity, and the properties of light and sound.

Spanish 1
Students in seventh grade complete the first half of high school Spanish 1. Eighth grade students complete the second half of high school Spanish 1. Students are engaged in listening, speaking, reading, and writing that is integrated with the study of Spanish and Latin American culture and geography.

Latin 1
Students in seventh grade complete the first half of high school Latin 1. Eighth grade students complete the second half of high school Latin 1. The Latin program offers a comprehensive foundation in the language from the introduction of basic vocabulary and grammar through the study of grammatical syntax and literature. Reading comprehension, translation, and Latin prose and composition are explored in the course. Readings from Roman authors focus on classical culture, history and mythology.

The arts
The arts provide a vital avenue for learning and expressing oneself. In seventh grade, students may choose intermediate band for the whole year, or they may take one-semester courses in art, drama or dance. In eighth grade, students may again choose intermediate band for the whole year, or they may take yearlong courses in art, drama or dance.

Physical education
Lifelong health and fitness are emphasized in physical education and reinforced through class discussions and structured activities. The program in seventh and eighth grade builds on the fundamental skills learned in sixth grade. Activities range from daily exercises through a full spectrum of sports, which include volleyball, flag football, soccer, softball, and basketball.

Complete course descriptions are available in the Admissions Office.