Class VII

The course concentrates on grammar, with an emphasis on using grammar knowledge to improve composition skills. The literature is comprised of a short story anthology, a memoir and at least four short novels. Expository and creative writing assignments (some based on the in-class literature) emphasize concise, organized and lucid writing technique.

Classes VII–IX stress oral skills, comprehension and knowledge of syntax. Student-teacher interaction and material appropriate to the study of the French language and culture continue to be the focus of Upper School classes. Students strengthen their skills through the reading of short stories and the writing of summaries and compositions. Literature is chosen to further the understanding of French culture and civilization.

The Latin program in Classes VII and VIII emphasizes both the ability to translate and the mastery of grammar and vocabulary with a view to achieving the major goal of reading Latin literature. Secondary goals include the students’ gaining a historical perspective of Roman culture and history and learning English vocabulary derived from Latin.
Class VII Latin covers Stages 1–17 of the Cambridge Latin Course.

Class VII Mathematics is an Algebra I course in which students are introduced to foundational algebraic concepts. After completing an intensive review of real number operations, ratio and proportion, students begin to explore functions. Functions are then used throughout the remainder of the course as a means of connecting problem solving, symbolic manipulation, estimation and pattern recognition. A substantial amount of time is spent studying rate-of-change and, specifically, linear equations and functions. Other topics include absolute value, combining like terms, rules of exponents and some of the basics of quadratic functions. There are standard and advanced sections of this course.

Class VII Science is a life science course that draws attention to the concept of adaptation, or the idea that organisms have developed structures especially suited to ensure their success as a species. This important biological concept is the primary focus from single-celled organisms to the phyla of the animal kingdom, where students study the diverse types of structure, motion and behavior through microscopy, dissections and direct interactions. A unit on human physiology complements a general discussion about mammals and focuses on the body systems, nutrition, puberty, human sexuality and heredity. Emphasis is placed on building skills in observing, reporting and making inferences. Assessments include regular quizzes, full-period tests, lab reports and investigative essays.

The SLA curriculum reinforces the reading, writing, speaking, listening, organizational and executive-functioning skills taught in the general curriculum. The learning specialists serve as resources for the classroom teacher, suggesting teaching strategies and materials. They also help coordinate and interpret students’ standardized achievement tests and administer diagnostic tests. Students in Upper School SLA work in small groups that meet at least three times per week. The department also serves as a resource for all the Upper School students who may need support in any of their academic subjects.