Excellence in Education |
Middle School Curriculum Grades 6-8 |
| For many students, the middle school years are a time of choices and transitions. The decisions made during these years may have lasting effects. Blair Christian Academy recognizes the challenges facing middle school students. We build on the Biblical and academic foundations provided in the elementary school program while preparing students for the responsibilities of high school and adulthood. |
| All subject matter is uniquely taught from a Christian perspective. Woven into the curriculum are Biblical truths, a focus on Christian leaders, and character building lessons. To provide opportunities to worship God and express their faith, students participate in weekly chapel. The academic objectives of the curriculum are to promote positive decision making and reasoning skils and emphasize valuable core subjects including science, mathematics and English. Standards based content and research based instruction are used to teach middle grades. Through instruction, hands-on projects, field trips and individual study, students improve problem solving skills and enjoy valuable educational experiences. |
| The Outdoor Education program held at Black Rock Christian Retreat is one example of integrating hands-on learning, Science and Biblical application. This unique experi ence offers students the opportunity to be challenged academically as they explore, identify, and analyze various parts of God's creation. The woods, creek, pond, chal lenge ropes course, and nature center all provide an irreplaceable learning environ ment. Through this program and many other educational experiences, students learn and grow. They discover the opportunities available to them and how they can posi tively influence their families, their school and their peers. Ultimately, Blair Christian Academy students will make a difference in their communities and impact the world. |
| Blair uses a Christian based curriculum designed to build students’ awareness of God’s presence in all subject matter. In each subject, core study areas are selected and presented in age appropriate lessons. Reasoning skills, listening skills and personal participation are stressed. The Core Curriculum is composed of six curricular areas Bible, Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, learning is extended and enhanced by resource classes in Computers, Art, Physical Education, Music, and Spanish. |
| The World Ambassadors program is designed to give students global experiences by providing them the opportunity to travel internationally each year. In the past we have traveled to Paris, Italy, Greece, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. |
| Other service programs offered by Blair allow stu dents to be active in the community by volunteering in a variety of outreach activities. Students may interact with senior citizens in the community or work with younger students in the mentoring program. Blair Christian Academy provides middle school students with a strong academic curriculum, Christ-centered teaching, and a variety of education enhancing electives |
| Bible |
| Bible is a major subject. Scripture memory verses with an emphasis on comprehension, the application of Bible knowl edge to daily living, and deliberate Bible study skils all come together to create a comprehensive curriculum. Mid dle School students study the Life of Christ, Joshua and the Judges, and Bible Doctrine. Weekly Chapel services are also held and the Word of God is integrated into all subject areas. |
| Mathematics |
| Students are introduced to algebra readiness skills as un derstanding and using variables, expressions, equations, number lines and graphs. Statistics come alive as we ex plore the variety of interesting ways to interpret and display data, as wel as to determine outcomes. Geometric skils move in the direction of converting measurements, triangle attributes, surface area, and working with a variety of word problems. Irrational numbers and the introduction of the Pythagorean Theorem begin in the middle school, as well. |
| Social Studies |
| Standards-based content and research-based reading instruction are used to teach middle grades American and World History. The Christian perspective is the thread that connects the past to the present as students journey from Creation until recent events. An emphasis on Why History Matters Today and links to current issues related to historical content are the foundation of the middle school curriculum. Social Studies skills, such as map reading, research, geography, and civic partici pation, are integrated throughout the program. A strong skills program ensures that middle school students learn the essentials of geography, culture, and history through the regions that are covered. |
| Science |
| The Science curriculum is taught from the perspective that God is the Creator of the universe and the Originator of its order, reason, and reality. Students are introduced to the scientific method and encouraged to apply it throughout their middle school experience. General, Earth and Life Science give students a fascinating study of soil science, plants, the human body, principles of physical science, atmospheric science, the weather, classification, microscopy, Creation, and insects. Stu dents also study astronomy, in which they learn how the heavens proclaim the glory of God. The basic principles of matter and motion are introduced as they lay the foun dation for Physics. |
| Language Arts |
| Language Arts combines Writing, Grammar, and Litera ture. The goals of the Writing program are to develop the correct usage of English grammar in written and oral communication, use the writing process, expose students to and teach different types of composition, encourage clear and effective writing, and develop study and reference skills. Vocabulary and speling are also infused in the Language Arts curriculum. With a skils-centered approach and a foundation of literature, students will be able to learn and master one skill at a time while immersed in classic and contemporary literature. |
| Technology |
| The computer and related technologies are integrated into our curriculum to enhance critical thinking, research, writing and communications skills. We strive to use the computer as a tool to further cultivate these skills. The focus of the computer is placed in the lab as an agent to prepare students with skils to be utilized in their class room endeavors. |
| Art |
| Art encourages a critical perception, a comprehension of tools and techniques, an appreciation of creativity and the enjoyment of art in our lives. An Art elective is available for students who would like to further develop their skills. |
| Health and Physical Education |
| Health is integrated throughout the Physical Education curriculum and is required every year. Students learn the knowledge and physical skils necessary to perform a variety of physical activities including: basketball, soccer, volleybal, track & field. |
| Foreign Language—Spanish |
| Students learn how to ask and answer questions, give and folow directions, purchase items, make small talk, and present the gospel. Grammar, pronunciation, spell ing, writing, listening, talking, verb tenses, and moods are emphasized in a variety of exercises. |
| Electives |
| Art, Theater, Yearbook, Home Economics, Chess, Graphic Design, Music, and Entrepreneurship |
| As in all grade levels at Blair, we strive to develop open communication with students. Our teachers are expected to not only offer classroom leadership, but to be role models. They reflect a Godly, positive attitude and a genuine concern for students. |
| A full-time guidance counselor is available for all elementary, middle, and high school students. In addition, Blair offers tutorial services for all school subject material. |