Middle School Courses

DEPARTMENT:
Bible | English/Language Arts | Mathematics | Physical Education | Science | Social Sciences | Others

Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony Requirements

To participate in the promotion ceremony at the end of the eighth grade, a student must satisfactorily complete the prescribed course of study for Heritage Christian School, and must earn at least 70 credits in the eighth grade (each semester course passed results in 5 credits).

An eighth grade student who fails more than two semester courses during the school year is not eligible to participate in the promotion ceremony.

For an eighth grade student to participate in the promotion ceremony, all of the above requirements must be met; all tuition, day care charges, and fees must be paid including the graduation fee; and all students are required to attend promotion ceremony practice.

Bible

The Bible curriculum promotes the understanding, interpretation, and application of biblical truth. The faculty seeks to help every student develop a world view in which the principles and values of the Bible are applied to the whole of life. Additionally, the development of Christian character and basic Bible knowledge content will equip students for service in the local church and effective witness for Christ in whatever God-honoring careers they pursue.

Bible is required every semester of attendance at Heritage Christian Middle School.

Bible is required every semester of attendance at Heritage Christian Middle School.

Bible 6: The Book of Proverbs Christ and My Life
Grade 6
2 semesters 10 credits

This course examines the wisdom found in the Old Testament book of Proverbs. God’s practical instruction, expressed in short expressions of truth throughout the text, builds discipline and discernment and it yields pragmatic principles for everyday living.

Bible 7: Old Testament Survey
Grade 7
2 semesters 10 credits

This course is designed to reveal the major characters and events in the historical parts of the Old Testament. It demonstrates the unity of Scripture through the theme of redemptive history: the creation by God, the fall of man, and the redemption in Christ.

Bible 8: Life of Christ
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course surveys the life of Christ. The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, provide the chronology. The emphasis is upon Jesus’ identity and mission and man’s need to respond to Him.

English/Language Arts

The English Department offers classes which are heterogeneously grouped.  Formal writing as a process is introduced and reinforced throughout the years of instruction. Spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and usage are taught and integrated into the context of the core literature. As God communicates through His Word, He has given man the ability of and love for communication. God’s Word not only communicates His love for man, but gives encouragement to communicate effectively and truthfully as well. At HCS we strive to develop the ability to communicate effectively, accurately, responsibly and truthfully as well as the ability to evaluate the structure and meaning of literature from a Biblical point of view.

Credit Requirements:

Students must earn 30 credits for promotion.

English 6
Grade 6
2 semesters 10 credits

Students work to perfect reading and language skills through an integrated curriculum of reading, composition, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They are taught introductory research skills. An anthology and literary works are used as reading texts. Journals are used for personal reflection.

English 7
Grade 7
2 semesters 10 credits

Students work on oral and written communication skills. Through the process of instructing, modeling, and student responding, progress will be measured and encouragement given so that each student will attain the highest level of personal success. Topics covered in grammar and composition are: paragraph construction, punctuation, capitalization, sentence patterns and structure, parts of speech, the writing process, and study skills. Literature will look at a variety of materials, including poetry, drama, short stories, novels, and fables. Students will experience literary terms, comprehension, vocabulary development, and book reports.
Honors classes are available for those that have a 3.5 GPA or higher. To be determined by the Counselor. 

English 8
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course has two strong emphases. There is a strong study of the grammatical details that go into the writing process. Writing in clear sentences, using a variety of sentence structures, spelling correctly, and adhering to the rules of grammar learned in class all lead to paragraph development. The writing instruction culminates in a thorough research paper. Students are encouraged to develop the habit of reading, as well as strengthening their reading skills and comprehension, by being exposed to a variety of novels. Included also is a unit on poetry and short fiction for developing creativity, writing, thinking, and reading skills.
Honors classes are available for those that have a 3.5 GPA or higher. To be determined by the Counselor. 

Mathematics

Students at HCS are instructed in the skills of mathematics in order to train their minds to use logical, sequential thought processes, to provide opportunities to acquire advanced mathematical skills and therefore to function as responsible members of society. Using these gifts they will serve and glorify the Lord. Students will display competence in knowledge, comprehension and application.

Graduation Requirements:

Students must earn 30 credits for middle school promotion.

Middle School Math 6
Grade 6
2 semesters 10 credits

This course focuses on numerical reasoning and provides a strong foundation for algebra readiness. The course is an integration of math concepts with real life application. Topics covered include whole numbers, graphs and data, connecting arithmetic to algebra, decimals, measurement, patterns and number theory, adding and subtracting fractions, multiplying and dividing fractions, geometry of polygons, integers, ratio, proportion, percent and probability.

Middle School Math 7
Grade 7
2 semesters 10 credits

This course is designed to answer the question “When will we ever use this?” It provides skills and applications from statistics, probability and geometry in the world around us. The course begins preparing the student for the challenge of pre-algebra. Throughout the year students continue to sharpen basic skills in functions, decimals and percentages. Students learn how these concepts will be used in pre-algebra. Combined with numerical reasoning, this course provides the readiness skills to prepare students for entrance into pre-algebra.

Pre-Algebra
Grades 7-8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course is designed to prepare the student for success in Algebra 1 by emphasizing abstract math skills and logical thinking processes. The majority of the course work involves equation solving, properties of algebra, operations of integers learning to write and solve algebraic equations. Special attention is given to understanding the step-by-sep process of problem solving. Geometric ideas are reviewed or introduced throughout.

Prerequisite: A passing grade in Middle School Math 6 or Math 7. 

Algebra 1A – UC/CSU Approved
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course is designed for those students requiring some strengthening of their fundamental arithmetic skills and a slower pace in acquiring a solid foundation in Algebra. This course meets one-half of the high school Algebra 1 graduation requirement. Together, Algebra 1A and Algebra 1B will satisfy the graduation requirement. Fulfills ½ credit for UC/CSU mathematics “C” requirement.

Prerequisite: A passing grade in Pre-Algebra.

Algebra 1B – UC/CSU Approved
Grade 8-11
2 semesters 10 credits

This course is the second year of the two-year Algebra sequence described in Algebra A above. Together, Algebra 1A and Algebra 1B will satisfy the graduation requirement. This course meets one-half of the Algebra 1 graduation requirement.

Prerequisite: Must have passed both semesters of Algebra 1A. 

Algebra IAB – UC/CSU Approved
Grades 7- 8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course is designed to give a basic background in the techniques and topics of classical algebra. In this class, students will receive a foundation in fundamental operations with real numbers and variables. Students will begin to use formal proofs and will study topics including solutions of equations and inequalities, graphing linear functions, working with functional notation, operations with polynomials and verbal problem solving. Fulfills CSU and UC Mathematics “C” requirement.

Prerequisite: A grade of “B” or higher in both semesters of Pre-Algebra.

Geometry – UC/CSU Approved
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course provides an extension of the concept of a formal proof, develops logical thinking, covers the foundations of Euclidean Geometry, and will develop coordinate geometry including the in-depth study of lines. Fulfills CSU and UC Mathematics “C” requirement.

Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in Algebra 1AB

Physical Education

God created man with physical as well as mental, spiritual and social needs. In physical education classes, we seek to make a major contribution to the physical well-being of students by fostering an enjoyment of physical activity, providing wholesome alternatives in the use of leisure time, building a solid foundation of motor skills and developing physical capabilities such as strength, flexibility, and cardio-respiratory fitness. Physical education is the study and practice of the science and art of human movement. Through physical education, the student has the opportunity to learn to perform efficiently the motor skills needed in everyday living and in recreational activities. The student can develop and maintain sound physiological functions through vigorous muscular activity. Physical education provides situations for learning to compete as well as to cooperate with others in striving for achievement of common goals. Satisfying and successful experiences in physical education should develop in the individual a desire to regularly participate in activity throughout life.

Credit Requirements:

Students must earn 30 credits for promotion.

Middle School Physical Education
Grades 6-8
6 semesters 30 credits

This course covers skills, rules, and strategies of a variety of individual and team sports. Students will have the opportunity to improve their current fitness level and be taught the importance of a lifetime commitment to fitness. Each student will be encouraged to find a sport that may be used in life long fitness. Sweatpants are recommended for cold days.

Dance
Grades 6-8
6 semesters 30 credits

This course is a basic introduction to the fundamentals of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Musical Theater Dance. Students will learn movements, positions, vocabulary, and barre work while participating in warm-ups, across the floor combinations, variations, and choreography. This course will work towards the culmination of a fall dance performance as well as a participation in the spring musical. Dance combines fitness, discipline, agility, coordination, rhythm, and artistic expression which can improve a student’s overall health and well being. In addition, dance benefits a student’s kinesthetic intelligence, enabling them to increase their ability to process and retain information. This course is being offered as an elective or in replacement of PE.

Science

Man has always had three desires: to know where he came from, to know how to function effectively, and to know where he is going. Since God created man, he then has a responsibility to know God and His mandates. The science program thus provides students with the opportunity to study the methods of science (science as a process of studying the world), the content of science including physical science and life science, science in personal and social perspectives, history of science, and unifying concepts and processes. Students will achieve scientific literacy by:

  • becoming familiar with the natural world and respecting its unity;
  • becoming aware of the connectedness of human beings, nature, and technology;
  • understanding some of the key concepts and principles of science;
  • knowing that science is a human endeavor;
  • being able to use scientific knowledge and ways of thinking for personal and social purposes.

Graduation Requirements:

Students must earn 30 credits for promotion.

Earth Science
Grade 6
2 semesters 10 credits

Earth Science allows students to take a detailed look at the planet God created for us and the processes that have shaped it. During the course, students will be exposed to important concepts in astronomy, meteorology, geology and physical oceanography. Earth science is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the Earth as it relates to life, physical, and environmental science. The program focuses attention on the general characteristics of the earth and also the constantly changing dynamics of our planet.

Life Science
Grade 7
2 semesters 10 credits

Life Science students’ study the major branches of the subject matter including: cell physiology, microbiology, botany, zoology, human anatomy, physiology, and genetics. These are God’s building blocks that unfold through the course. Throughout the year, the students investigate the features, functions, and relationships among representative organisms in the five kingdoms. Activities or labs that follow scientific methods are integrated specifically for the material being studied.
Honors classes are available for those that have a 3.5 GPA or higher. To be determined by the Counselor. 

Physical Science
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

Physical science is a course which explores elementary concepts and principles of chemistry and physics with emphasis placed on the process and activities of the physical sciences. Areas of study and activities include scientific measurement, properties of matter, basic atomic theory, periodic table relationships, chemical reactions, force, motion, energy, and principles of chemistry and physics. Emphasis is on use of the scientific method, critical thinking, process and problem solving skills, math and graphing skills.
Honors classes are available for those that have a 3.5 GPA or higher. To be determined by the Counselor. 

Social Sciences

The Social Science Department at HCS focuses on methodically teaching a chronology of historical events overlaid with the development of cultures, civilizations and nations from ancient civilizations to the present.  A Christian world perspective, such as the fall of man and its impact upon subsequent generations, as well as God’s abundant grace are integrated into the interpretation of historical events. Social Science classes meet the grade-level standards set forth in the California State Standards for Education in the Social Sciences and are further enhanced with biblical values, concepts, and truths.

Credit Requirements:

Students must earn 30 credits for graduation.

World History 6
Grade 6
2 semesters 10 credits

This introductory class deals with the beginnings of history and civilization. Students study all of the cultures in the sixth grade book, from Mesopotamia to the Middle Ages. This is a foundation course for other history classes at grades 7 and 9. Research skills, note-taking skills, and map/graph reading skills are emphasized.

World History 7
Grade 7
2 semesters 10 credits

World History 7 is a survey of the history of the Middle Ages and continues to the Twentieth Century. The course begins with a review of the materials covered in sixth grade. Topics covered in the course include the Byzantine Empire, the rise of Islam, Europe during the dark ages, medieval India, China, Korea and Japan. Pre-Colombian America and African civilizations are also covered. This course requires reading skills, spelling skills, map reading skills, and note taking skills.
Honors classes are available for those that have a 3.5 GPA or higher. To be determined by the Counselor. 

United States History 8
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

This course begins with an intensive review of the major issues and events proceeding the founding of our nation. Students then concentrate on the major events in U.S. history from the framing of the Constitution through the Civil War. The general categories covered will include colonial heritage, the new nation, the U.S. Constitution, sectional development in the U.S. from 1780-1850, the causes and consequences of the Civil War and the rise of industrial America. Included throughout will be a study of U.S. geography and various social science skills, such as reading charts and graphs.
Honors classes are available for those that have a 3.5 GPA or higher. To be determined by the Counselor. 

Others

Acting for the Camera
Grade 6-8
2 semester 10 credits

This class will explore how actors prepare, rehearse, audition, and perform differently in front of the camera as compared to a stage production. They will hone their acting techniques through on camera scenes and monologues. Students will learn to calibrate their performances based on shot sizes and angles, eye lines, hitting their mark, and physical and emotional commitment and continuity. Students will be assigned scenes from TV and Film as well as original works to study and film in this class. Other techniques include the difference between commercial, episodic (comedy and drama), documentary reenactment, web series and feature film acting.

Advanced Band/Orchestra
Grades 7-8
2 semesters 10 credits

The 7th/8th grade Advanced Middle School Band/Orchestra is comprised of members who have successfully completed one year in the Beginning Middle School Band. 6th graders may be added to the roster at the director’s discretion upon completion of an evaluation of the students abilities and with the understanding that the student will participate in private lessons to develop the skills necessary to successfully meet the challenges of higher levels of music. Students should have their own instruments, either owned or rented as Heritage-owned instruments are limited and may not be removed from the school property. Members of the Advanced Band/Orchestra members are strongly urged to take lessons to continue to develop their skills. Membership in musical ensembles requires a high level of personal commitment and responsibility to ensure integrity in the organization as each member is vital to the ensemble.

Computer Applications & Study Skills
Grade 6
2 semester 10 credits

In this class, students will become familiar with basic computer operations and terminology. They will work on basic keyboarding skills, do simple word processing, and become familiar with PowerPoint. Students will incorporate what they learn into ongoing thematic projects similar to those required in the classroom in upper middle school and high school years.

Study skills are designed to assist students in becoming more mature and responsible in their actions. Included in the course are basic study skills, lessons on peer relationships, family relationships, relationship to God, study of emotions, and how to control them, how to resolve issues in a Christ like manner and other topics that may meet the needs of the students in the class.

Computer Applications
Grade 7
2 semester 10 credits

In this class students will continue with basic computer operations and terminology. They will work on basic keyboarding skills, do simple word processing, and become familiar with PowerPoint. Students will incorporate what they learn into ongoing thematic projects similar to those required in the classroom in upper middle school and high school years. This class will continue to build ideals and skills from 6th grade.

Beginning Band
Grades 6-8
2 semesters 10 credits

The Beginning Middle School Band consists of 6th grade students who have completed 5th Grade Band and 7th and 8th grade students who have not yet had beginning band experience. Students enrolled in the Beginning Middle School Band will develop higher levels of musicianship and performance skills built upon those they have already mastered. Students should have their own instruments, either owned or rented as Heritage-owned instruments are limited and may not be removed from the school property. Beginning students are encouraged to pursue private lessons to assist them as they strive to participate at the 6th grade Intermediate level. These skills are necessary to move on to the Advanced Middle School Band/Orchestra and high school ensembles.

Creative Design
Grade 6-8
2 semester 10 credits

This class is intended to explore the creative nature in each student. Students will be encouraged to use inspiration and interests to develop fundamental concepts in every aspect of creative design. Several design techniques will be utilized. Students will be exposed to airbrushing and woodburning concepts, project design, project development and construction. This course will prepare students for high school level Wood Design, Studio Art, Ceramics, Robotics, and beyond. A lab fee will be assessed for this course.

Drama
Grades 6-8
2 semester 10 credits

Middle School Drama provides students with creative and improvisational games to improve performance and group skills.  Students will work collaboratively to produce a class play performed at the end of the semester.  Individuals are considered separately, but the majority of the work is group-oriented.  Learning will occur through movement activities and acting games, field trips, and the creative process.

MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES – Students will be able to:

  • Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
  • Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation
  • Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work
  • Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work
  • Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art
  • Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding

Intro to Computer Science
Grade 8
2 semester 10 credits

This course in computers is designed to provide students with hands-on experience of the personal computer and its uses in society. More advanced application features from Google will be taught including Documents, Sheets, and Slides. This class also provides an introduction to computer programming concepts using the modular programming language Scratch as well as basic web page design using Google Sites.

Middle School Choir
Grades 6-8
2 semesters 10 credits

The Middle School Choir is a mixed chorus for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.  This course is designed to prepare students for admission into the High School Concert Choir, which is a high level, advanced ministry ensemble. Students will investigate all styles of choral music spanning history.  They will learn proper vocal technique, performance practices, singing in multiple parts, and the principles of the ensemble.  Students will perform two major concerts per year and participate in festivals, competitions and ministry opportunities.

French 1 – UC/CSU Approved
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

French 1 is a beginning course of the French language utilizing the skill of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as developing appreciation of the culture which produced that language. Fulfills CSU and UC Foreign Language “E” requirement. Note that this is a blended high school course, and students should expect a high school level workload.

Prerequisite: 8th graders who take this course must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and a grade of “B” or better in the most recent English course.

Spanish I – UC/CSU Approved
Grade 8
2 semesters 10 credits

Students will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language, as well as acquiring the ability to function in the world where Spanish is spoken. Course work will consist of grammatical exercises, dialogues, skits, and short compositions; students will use memorized materials in simple statement or question form (e.g., greetings, numbers, time, dates, weather, activities, preferences, feelings, possessions, money, past times). Use of Spanish for instruction will increase progressively throughout the year. Fulfills CSU and UC Foreign Language “E” requirement.. Note that this is a blended high school course, and students should expect a high school level workload.

Prerequisite: 8th graders who take this course must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and a grade of “B” or better in the most recent English course.

 

Warrior Drum Corp  
Grades 6-8
2 semesters/10 credits

The drum corps course serves to provide students with a systematic approach to developing the skills necessary for, and theories and vocabulary surrounding, performance in a battery ensemble for students with and without prior percussive training. Through planned activities including practice management assessment, performance for peer and non-peer audiences, music analysis, music composition, and historical exploration of drumming, students will engage in critical analysis surrounding percussion performance, advance percussion abilities for use in and outside of school community ensembles, and articulate the various performance and composition methods implemented to advance percussion instrumentation and performance throughout the context of musical history. Within each activity, students will also be provided the opportunity to assess oneself on live performance and presentations via a provided rubric containing elements of technique, expression, and application of rhythmic intent, in addition to delivering and receiving constructive criticisms to and from peers. The drum corps class aims to deepen the theoretical and self-expressive elements of music performance through both individual work and collective collaboration.