As students transition from Elementary school (5th) and move into the first year of Middle School (6th), they will experience an upper school schedule for the first time. They will have 7 periods in a school day, comprised of various subjects and various teachers in those subjects. Although their elective choices at this level are not as great as those at 7th and 8th grades, they do have an elective choice in the subject of music. As you will see from the 6th Grade Course Selection Form (found in the later part of this Handbook) students will have 5 core classes: Math, Science, English, History and Biblical Worldview. These core classes will each meet 5 hours per week. In addition, they will have a rotation of Physical Education, Introduction to Computers, and MS Tri Course. These three courses will be the equivalent of 5 hours a week of combined instruction. Finally, all 6th grade students will have 2 periods of Art per week and will elect their choice of music which will also meet 2 hours per week.
6th Grade Mathematics
Sixth grade math reviews computational skills with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Students study ratios, proportions, and percents. Simple statistics and probability is covered and students learn to interpret and draw different types of graphs. In geometry, students lean to measure angles and to identify basic geometrical shapes and to find their areas in perimeters. Students are introduced to pre-algebra as they study the order of operations, variables and expressions, and operations with positive and negative numbers. Students will learn to solve simple algebraic equations.
6th Grade Science
The Sixth Grade Science curriculum is a summary of the science taught in grades 1st – 5th. God’s creation is taught throughout the course. Although Life, Earth, and Physical Science are taught, emphasis is placed on Physical Science. Hands-on experiments and demonstrations help students understand the concepts. We train students to know that God created us in His image and for His purpose as they explore the beauty and order of His creation.
6th Grade English
This course is designed to introduce students to middle school language arts studies. It incorporates the study of literary terms, vocabulary words, writing styles, poetry, drama, and age-appropriate novels as well as the study of grammar. Students will be encouraged to explore many genres in their choice of reading material. Students will become more fluent writers as they create descriptive pieces, persuasive writing, poetry, narrative stories, and nonfictional pieces. Grammar skills are studied through mentor texts and within the student’s own writing. Shared novels include Treasure Island, The Magician’s Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, The Secret Garden and A Wrinkle in Time. Knowledge of literature, writing and reading are emphasized as students are challenged to use their expressive skills to the glory of God.
6th Grade World History: The Early Ages
In 6th History, students are challenged to view all of history in light of how God orchestrates events and moves people to bring about His purposes. The course begins with the early civilization in Mesopotamia and continues through the fall of Rome. It includes a study of the development of the ancient peoples of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, India, China and Rome. The course ends with a look at the rise of Christianity focusing on the first Christians and the spread of Christian ideas.
6th Biblical Worldview
The purpose of Biblical Worldview (Grades K4-12) is to partner with families and churches to train up students, challenging them to a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, and a life that passionately follows Christ. Sixth Grade Biblical Worldview builds upon the Elementary curriculum beginning with the Survey of the Old Testament, the redemptive history that lays the foundation for the New Testament. Each section of the Old Testament, the Law, History, Poetry and the Prophets will be studied. The last quarter of the year is devoted to an in-depth study of the Gospel of John. God’s nature and role will be emphasized throughout the study.
6th Physical Education
P.E. is a course which incorporates the body mind and spirit as a whole. As warriors of Christ, students will be encouraged to respect and reflect the God-given worth of human life, pursue excellence in lifelong fitness and lifetime activities, and grow physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Students will be engaged in a variety of lifetime activities (Ultimate Frisbee, Ultimate Football, Floor Hockey, Racket Sports, 43 and Soccer.) Students will exercise sportsmanship and learn how to work successfully with others. They will serve one another in love and with respect while developing individual potential and leadership. The goal of this course is to provide physical activity in an engaging way while learning about the importance of physical activity in overall health. Every 6th grade student will be enrolled in P.E two hours per week. 6th grade students will not be required to dress out but will participate in school uniform.
MS Tri Course: Brains, Books, Bodies
This course is designed to prepare LRCA 6th grade students to successfully transition from elementary to middle school. “TRI” represents the triple focus of this one hour weekly course. The Brains component will cover topics such as how brains learn, learning styles, and factors that aid learning. The Books component will cover practical information about studying effectively, organizing for academic success, and being an active participant in class. In the Bodies component students will learn about facets of health related to adolescence and learning, such as nutrition, exercise, changes in the body, etc. Welcome to LRCA’s very own Triathlon!
6th Introduction to Computers
This course is designed for students to enhance their typing and computer skills. Students will be challenged to build speed and accuracy in keyboarding along with being introduced to Microsoft Office Suite, file management, Internet searching and safety techniques, and documentation formatting. This course will meet two hours per week.
6th Art
The art curriculum at LRCA is designed to sharpen students’ visual perception, encourage personal expression, and refine problem solving skills. In 6th grade art, students will learn to express themselves as they study the language and materials used in drawing and painting. In addition to self expression, students will learn the value of working with others in producing a work of art. Students will create an impressionistic painting, understand the use of light in art as they create a paper stained-glass window, and understand one point perspective and the proportions of the body. Students will use a variety of materials as they learn to draw realistically and with imagination. They will also study basic shapes and cartooning. All 6th grade students will take 6th Art which will meet 2 periods per week throughout the school year.
6th Beginner Band
Beginner Band is made up of 6th grade students. Recruitment will occur at the end of 5th grade. There are no prerequisites for this course. Reading music is not required before students enroll in Beginner Band. Students may choose from flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and a limited number of percussion (auditioned) and bells/marimba. Beginner Band has two required concert performances during the school year. Attendance at these performances and their rehearsals is mandatory and graded. Students in Beginner Band will meet two periods per week.
Middle School Strings Ensemble
The strings program will consist of beginner members starting in 6th grade and also include 7th and 8th grade students who may have previous experience. Students will have the option of playing violin, viola, cello or bass. They will be taught the basics of music and the basics of the desired instrument. This class will meet two periods per week during the school year. Recruitment will take place in the spring. Strings Ensemble has two required performances during the school year. Attendance at these performances and their rehearsals is mandatory and graded.
LRCA Singers
This is a mixed chorus Fine Arts elective which meets two periods per week during the school year. We work on ensemble singing, first in 2 parts, but working up to learning 3 and 4 part harmony as the group develops. This class is open to any 6th grader. We will sing a variety of choral music, sacred and secular, and there are opportunities for solos and small group singing (not required). We learn how to use our voices properly with correct breathing and basic music theory required for singing at this level. Required performances include chapel (not every week, usually one per semester), December and May concerts, and other venues that may arise appropriate for our level of performance.