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Junior High
Art | English/Literature | Mathematics | Music | Physical Education |
Religious Studies | Science | Social Studies | World Language
Benilde-St. Margaret’s is a Catholic coeducational junior and senior high school with a college preparatory emphasis. We are happy to have this opportunity to introduce you to the junior high program (grades 7-8).
We are a traditional school with a strong academic commitment to our students. We provide a caring yet structured environment. To meet the diverse needs of junior high students, we have a comprehensive curriculum and offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
The focus of the junior high program is the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical development of the young adolescent. Our program includes a solid Catholic base of academic religion classes, liturgies, and prayer services. Homerooms meet every day for prayer, announcements and Channel One, a TV news program designed specifically for adolescents. Relevant issues such as peer pressure, decision making, self-esteem, diversity, and healthy social relationships are also addressed in the junior high.
Our curriculum includes three levels of English, literature, and mathematics: (1) basic (for students working and/or testing below grade level or having difficulty learning in that area), (2) standard (grade level), and (3) accelerated (for students working and testing significantly above grade level).
The junior high curriculum emphasizes the development of language arts skills. In addition to separate English and literature classes for all students, seventh grade students learn about the origin of words and the history of language in the Introduction to Language class. Eighth grade students have the opportunity to study a world language.
Our math curriculum includes pre-algebra, algebra and geometry. Basic skills are strengthened in preparation for higher math.
In the junior high technology is regarded as an important tool for learning. Each student (beginning in 2006-2007) is provided with a personal laptop for daily academic use. Technology is integrated into all areas of the curriculum.
Each year our curriculum includes an area of enrichment selected for in-depth, crosscurriculum study. Seventh graders develop an understanding of community, while eighth graders focus on the earth and its environment.
At Benilde-St. Margaret's the seventh and eighth graders are on a quarter system. Some courses are offered for one or two quarters, while other courses such as mathematics, science, and world language are year-long studies. Quarter grade reports, as well as other teacher updates, are posted online for students and parents. In addition, parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year.
Our program is designed to prepare the student for continuing education in high school and college as well as for life-long learning. We are deeply committed to Catholic education and to our students.
Art
Art 7
In this course students are introduced to the elements of art including line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture. Students are involved in projects and study works by artists who strongly utilize a particular element. Projects are two-dimensional using pencil, marker, paint, and collage techniques.
One-semester course, meets every other day, required of 7th graders.
Art 8
In this course students are introduced to the principles of design including rhythm, movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, and unity. Students are involved in production activities and will study works by artists who strongly utilize a particular principle. Each student completes projects with markers, ink, pastels, pencils, paint, paper, and wood.
One-semester course, meets every other day, required of 8th graders.
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English/Literature
English
In English students study grammar, usage, mechanics, speaking, writing, and spelling. Areas of emphasis are determined by student strengths and needs. Students are encouraged to improve their understanding and communication by relating the different areas of language study. Students also apply their writing skills across the curriculum.
Year-long course required of 7th and 8th graders.
Literature
In literature a student develops his/her vocabulary, comprehension skills, and ability to interpret and evaluate written material. Students are introduced to both classical and modern literature of every genre. The seventh grade course emphasizes American literature, the eighth grade course, mythology and legends. Students are encouraged to read independently.
Year-long course required of 7th and 8th graders.
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Mathematics
Pre-Algebra
Students will achieve mastery in the computation of whole numbers, fractions, decimals and integers. They will convert between equivalent forms of numbers including exponential and scientific notation. Students will understand and apply ratios, proportions, and percents in a variety of situations, as well as solve basic algebraic equations and inequalities. They will calculate perimeter, area and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures and know when to apply each formula. Students will interpret and construct tables, charts and graphs. They will record information on number lines and in the coordinate plane. Additionally, students will be introduced to polynomials, probability, and statistics. Students will acquire confidence in and be able to communicate about mathematics.
Two-year course required of 7th and 8th graders (standard). One-year course required of 7th graders (accelerated).
Algebra
This is a high school level algebra course that will also cover aspects of geometry, trigonometry, probability, and statistics. Students will learn a variety of methods to solve basic and complex equations and inequalities, graph relations and functions, use proportions, and analyze polynomials (including use of the Quadratic Formula). Students will apply these topics to real-life situations as they learn problem solving techniques. As well as connecting topics to real-life, students will connect mathematics to technology through the introduction to graphing on computers and the use of spreadsheets.
Year-long course open to 7th and 8th graders (accelerated).
Pre-requisite: Pre-Algebra/teacher recommendation.
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Music
Band
This course teaches intermediate and advanced musical concepts. It is a building program and a continuation from elementary school. Suggested proficiency is one to two years playing experience. The band concentrates on larger performance skills and works to improve overall ensemble sound. Students will work on improving their rhythm, technique, and style. Two major concerts are performed each year and are required.
Year-long course, meets every other day, available to 7th and 8th graders as an option to choir.
Choir
This course is intended to develop beginning to intermediate music competencies. Fundamentals are stressed with emphasis on performances. Music includes sacred, classical, and pop tunes. Attendance is required at two performances, the Christmas concert in December and the spring concert in May. There is an opportunity to participate in junior high pop choir, which meets Wednesdays after school.
Year-long course, meets every other day, available to 7th and 8th graders as an option to band.
String Orchestra
This course is designed for players of orchestral stringed instrumentswho have had one to two years of playing experience. Intermediate level techniques, along with the study of orchestral music from various styles and periods, are employed to broaden and refine fundamental skills and prepare for the transition to more advanced level playing. Performances in a variety of venues including school Masses, community and school events, and seasonal concerts with band and choir will require some after-school, before-school, and weekend participation. The students will at times combine with high school players in order to perform larger works, as well as portions of oratorios to be performed with the choir.
Meets every other day. Available to 7th and 8th graders as an option to choir or band.
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Physical Education
Physical Education
The physical education program offers a wide variety of activities to assist students in developing interests and skills. The goal is to provide enjoyable activities in which the students can meet with success. Individual, team, lifetime, and fitness units are offered. The lessons focus on participation, fundamentals, sportsmanship, motor skills, and student interaction.
Year-long course, meets every other day, required of 7th and 8th graders.
Life Skills
The seventh grade life skills curriculum is intended to help students strengthen their communication and decision-making skills. Emphasis is on refusal skills, peer pressure, goal setting, and building self-confidence.
One-quarter course, meets every other day, required of 7th graders.
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Religious Studies
Religious Studies 7
This course deals with all major aspects of Christ’s life including the prophets' foretelling of His birth, the infancy narratives, His adolescence, the choosing of the twelve apostles, His parables, the spreading of the Good News, the two greatest commandments, and His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Reading the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is a major part of this course as is C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia.
Year-long course, meets every other day, required of 7th graders.
Religious Studies 8
This course provides students with themes of Christian leadership and morality to help them develop a strong spirituality and a sense of self-identity. A survey of history figures deepens students' understanding of the Catholic faith tradition and challenges them to relate Christian values to their lives. Through researching the lives of Christian role models and significant events in the Church's history, students gain an appreciation for a contributing comunity. Students also explore themes such as community-building, forgiveness, decision-making, sexuality, and justice, as they develop skills in Christian leadership.
Year-long course, meets every other day, required of 8th graders.
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Science
A background in science provides students with skills which may be used in many areas of life. Science teaches students how to make observations, formulate questions, solve problems, think critically, be creative, work cooperatively with others, and use technology.
Life Science 7
In science seventh grade students examine living systems, their interactions and interdependence. Areas of study include the scientific method and inquiry-based investigation, plants, animals, microorganisms, genetics, the human body, ecology, and the effects of humans interacting with the environment. Special emphasis during the year is placed on current events in science-related technology.
Year-long course required of 7th graders.
Earth Science 8
Eighth grade science is the study of the four core earth sciences: astronomy, geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Students will explore the relative position and motion of objects in the solar system, including moon phases, tides, seasons, and eclipses. They will observe changes in the earth's history through evidence found in fossils, rocks, land forms, and natural events.
Information will be presented through text, lecture, labs, guest speakers, field trips, supplemental materials, and outdoor experiences. Special emphasis during the year is put on current events in science and breakthroughs in science technology.
Year-long course required of 8th graders.
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Social Studies
United States History 7
Seventh grade American history concentrates on the period between human migration to the North American continent and expansion west. Included are the following units: American Indians, West African History and Culture, European Exploration and Colonization, Revolutionary War, U.S. Constitu