Technology
Through increasingly complex and sophisticated
projects, the computer curriculum builds girls’
skills and confidence with technology. Students use Microsoft Office
to learn word processing,
spreadsheets and presentation software, and
they use Internet Explorer or Safari to search the World Wide Web. Seventh- and
eighth-graders explore other
programs such as Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe inDesign,
Macromedia Dreamweaver, Geometer's Sketchpad, iMovie and Inspiration.
The Middle School
computer lab features 18 eMacs with built-in read writable
CD and DVD drives, two laser printers, digital cameras, digital video camera and two scanners. In addition to the formal computer classes, all subject areas take advantage of two laptop carts for classroom instruction consisting of 18 iBooks with wireless capabilities. The technology elective, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving with MicroWorlds EX, is designed to provide students with a brief glimpse into the world of computer programming.
English
The English department focuses on building skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. Classes encourage students to discover the joy of reading and the power of language, imagination and self-expression. Poems, stories and novels provide insight into other eras and other cultures, while also allowing young students to see their own thoughts and experiences reflected in classic and contemporary readings. The department encourages girls to write about the literature and to write from their own imaginations. Students frequently share their work with peers and teachers and have regular grammar workshops.
English Expression
This eighth-grade course develops students’ creative and critical writing skills, introduces them to effective research strategies and builds their confidence in addressing an audience. The writing component of the course uses a writing workshop method: pre-writing, drafting, peer review and revision.
English Electives
In addition to the required English courses, Middle School students have the opportunity to take multi-grade, trimester-long electives in Public Speaking, Creative Writing, Voices (a literature discussion course) and The Poetry of Music.
Fine and Performing Arts
See the Arts section of the site.
World Language
Middle Schoolers continue their study of French or Spanish and
begin studying Latin in seventh grade. When Middle
Schoolers enter eighth grade, they can continue with Spanish or
French, switch to a Latin I course, or combine their study of
Spanish or French with a trimester-long Latin elective. Trips to French and Spanish-speaking countries provide students with opportunities to practice their language skills and experience other cultures in authentic situations.
History
Middle School history students gain a broad understanding of the
past and its connection to today’s events. Sixth-graders study
the ancient and classical civilizations, while seventh-graders
study world cultures and geography, covering the regions of Africa,
the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. In eighth grade, they
take a course titled, Portraits of Leadership, in
which they examine leaders from the Middle Ages through the twentieth
century. Students are encouraged to use their sense of the past to solve contemporary problems.
Mathematics
Kent Place School’s mathematics department believes that our students only fully understand mathematics when they can internalize the language of the discipline. Through applications that allow students to engage in and appreciate varied approaches, our students deepen their problem-solving skills. Toward this end, we emphasize classroom discussion and writing in mathematics so that each student can construct her own understanding of mathematics. Seventh grade students who have demonstrated developmental and computational readiness study Algebra I, which gives them the opportunity to study Geometry before high school.
Physical Education
In a non-competitive instructional program, students in the sixth-grade apply fundamental sports skills and strategies to modified and realistic game situations. At the seventh- and eighth-grade levels, students may choose to join a competitive interscholastic team or participate in a traditional physical education class each trimester. Physical educational classes meet daily and may include team sports and recreational games, rock climbing (at the Summit YMCA) and instructional tennis. Team and individual sports include soccer, tennis and field hockey (fall); basketball, volleyball and swimming (winter); and lacrosse, softball, and track and field (spring).
Science
The Middle School science program fosters enthusiasm for learning
about the natural world in an atmosphere of scientific inquiry.
Through the process of independent research, lab practicals and
demonstrations, the students learn to observe, record, analyze
and draw conclusions as they solve scientific questions. Sixth-graders
focus on life sciences, seventh-graders on earth sciences and
eighth-graders on physical sciences. By the end of Middle School,
they have gained investigative laboratory skills and a broad body
of scientific knowledge that will serve as a solid foundation
for future laboratory research courses.
Study Skills
Within the various subject areas, students learn the skills that help them become independent learners: organization, use of time, notetaking, outlining, essay writing and reading techniques. Regularly scheduled study skills classes for sixth-grade formalize the process.
Women’s Life Studies
The first-through twelfth-grade curriculum explores issues that
affect the physical and psychosocial development of women throughout
their lives. Through class discussion, group activities and role
play, girls develop their skills in problem solving, decision
making, values clarification, coping and communication. They
also suggest topics for discussion, based on their own experience
and current events. Parental involvement is an important part
of the curriculum at each grade level.
