Middle School (grades 5-8)

The Middle School art curriculum continues to develop fundamental artistic skills taught in previous years, and promotes individual choice for students as they grow in self-expression, higher-order thinking and creativity. In visual arts, students explore all areas of 2D and 3D materials and techniques, including ceramics. Performing arts introduces students to the many aspects of creating a theatrical performance including both behind the scenes and onstage opportunities (directing, costume design, set design, lighting, sound, acting, etc.)

The middle school mathematics curriculum uses an approach of experience before formality, thereby helping students connect mathematics to the real world and gain a deeper understanding of concepts. Lessons feature tasks that engage students in mathematical problem solving, reasoning, and sense-making as core instructional activities. Students develop habits of mind that enable them to make conjectures, discuss, and explain using the language of mathematics.

The middle school science curriculum intertwines science and engineering practices, problem-based learning, and the scientific method into classroom instruction. We use a spiral approach where students build on their biology, chemistry, and physics knowledge each year. There is a strong emphasis on fostering inquiry skills across all grades; students are encouraged to ask questions, explore phenomena, and design experiments to seek answers collaboratively. Through this approach, students deepen their scientific knowledge and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, preparing them for future academic and real-world challenges with confidence and curiosity.

A key goal of middle school English and humanities is for students to consider multiple perspectives as they build an understanding of their own identity and the world around them. They continue their development as learners and critical thinkers by taking healthy risks in a safe environment where questions are as valued as answers. Students discuss and analyze historical events while reading and studying complementary literature in order to further develop critical reading and writing skills. Students will also practice "historical thinking" through class discussions, debates, presentations, and individual and group projects.

Social studies looks at human behavior within a social and environmental context. As such, it encompasses several disciplines, including history, geography, economics, and civics. The social studies program at Sacred Heart assists students in establishing habits of careful inquiry, supported by a sound knowledge base and a firm commitment to personal responsibility through good citizenship. Students grow in their appreciation of the diversity of human experience, culture, and values.

The intent of physical education is to motivate students to create, improve, and maintain their personal health and fitness. Physical well-being is directly linked with academic learning. The healthy, physically active child is more likely to be intellectually motivated and alert. Physical education promotes the social skills that are increasingly viewed as essential for success in school. Physical education at Sacred Heart offers activities that allow students to make developmental transitions from childhood to adolescence. Games and sport are viewed as a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Competition is put into proper perspective. Students are encouraged to develop a positive outlook to personal fitness and relate to others in encouraging ways. The program helps students develop an age-appropriate level of fitness, a broad spectrum of physical skills, and the enjoyment, understanding and self-confidence needed to motivate a lifetime of active participation.

The music program nurtures the natural creative impulse in each child through a wide range of vocal and instrumental activities. The program consists of three primary activities: singing, instrument playing, and musical academics. Singing is taught as a form of personal expression for enjoyment and as a form of prayer. Instrument playing accompanies singing and is used as a practical expression of other music skills, such as keeping time and music reading. In the academic portion of class, students explore the history of Western music, orchestral music, American folk music, and African American spirituals. Children learn to enjoy music and to participate with confidence. Children at all grade levels participate in performances.

As students developmentally mature and begin to take more ownership of their faith and academic success, they begin to question many things, among them the authenticity of their faith. As students mature and explore questions that are meaningful to them in their relationship with God, parents and religious educators can help them by combining an atmosphere of acceptance with new opportunities for the discovery of their ever-expanding faith journey. Children from other faiths or denominations are educated about the sacraments at the same time as the Catholic students and are invited to witness and participate in their classmates’ celebration of the sacraments.

The Middle School world language curriculum fosters cultural understanding, mastery of basic language skills, and development of competence in comprehending and communicating in the target language. Both the French and Spanish programs strive to develop oral fluency and oral comprehension. Particular emphasis is placed on grammar, pronunciation and written expression during the Middle School years. Study of French and Spanish history and culture is explored through special projects each year. By the end of Middle School, students are prepared for the more advanced language study they will encounter in high school.