Typical 7^th Grade Schedule:

• 8:00-8:55:Science
• 9:00-9:50:Math
• 9:55-10:45:Language Arts
• 10:50-11:40:Language Arts
• 11:40-12:20:Lunch
• 12:20-1:10:Social Studies
• 1:15-2:05:Social Studies
• 2:05-3:00:Spanish ¹

1: five times a week
Art: twice a week
Music: twice a week
S.E.T.: once a week
P.E.: twice a week

7th Grade Subject Overview

Language Arts

The goal of the 7th grade Language Arts program is to teach students in-depth critical reading strategies through the investigation of a variety of novels, poetry and short stories. Students learn, practice, and apply techniques for highlighting and annotating by searching a text for patterns, similarities, contrasts, and imagery that deepens understanding. They analyze literature orally in panel presentations and class discussions, addressing real-world problems and considering the possible solutions offered by literature, framing their responses in traditional analytical terminology (plot, characterization, conflict, theme, and irony, for example). They are encouraged to use literature as a lens through which they may better understand their own lives and begin to gain insight beyond their own direct experiences.

The 7th grade grammar study and writing program centers around understanding, constructing, and analyzing complex sentence structure. This includes a review of fundamentals (parts of speech, phrases, clauses, etc.), as well as the exploration of more abstract issues (sentence variety, syntax, composition, structural elements, organization, style/voice, etc.), and experimentation with original forms/structures. Continuing development of the analytical paragraph, improved proofreading accuracy, and complex sentence structure are essential components of the students' research project, in which they develop a sentence outline on a current events topic, then transform the outline into a comprehensive research paper. The girls are also encouraged to write for pleasure and creative expression in their National Novel Writing Month project, poetry, and journal entries.

Math

In 7th grade Math, students work to develop the skills, habits, and knowledge that will support them in Algebra. Emphasis is placed on recognizing patterns in data, formula, and representations. The curriculum begins with organizing data, understanding populations and samples, and interpreting visual representations of data. Students solidify mastery of basic operations with decimals and fractions and then apply this knowledge to proportion, ratio, and percent problems. An overview of geometry focuses on polygon relationships, including similar and congruent figures, transformations, symmetry and tessellations. Students explore area, volume, and surface area of complex figures and use the Pythagorean Theorem to find triangle measurements. The year ends with the study of statistics along with multi-step equations/inequalities/functions. Text: University of Chicago School Mathematics Project: Transition Mathematics (McGraw Hill)

Science

7th grade students concentrate on Life Science, beginning with a study of acids/bases/pH, important organic compounds, nucleic acids and proteins, cell structure, and both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Students follow this study with a review of classification and taxonomy, human body systems, plants, mitosis and meiosis, and animal kingdom diversity (beginning with viruses and bacteria, then moving up the phylogenetic ladder). This portion of the course includes evidence of evolution and involves discussions of human origins and animal behaviors. The course concludes with an exploration of genetics, biomes, populations, and conservation. In addition to the unit work represented above, each 7th grade girl submits a science fair project (created mostly at school and consisting of student-only work) to the annual school-wide GSA Science Fair, held in December.

Social Studies

7th grade Social Studies continues to build upon the Global Issues curriculum focus begun in GSA's 6th grade year. Students apply their knowledge of culture, geography, and demographics to current events and global issues. Topics include: the impact of Western values and lifestyle on developed and developing countries, the effect of wars on economies and governments, push and pull factors affecting immigration, and the relationship between literacy rates and other demographic measures. Throughout this study of global challenges, students consider the roles and implications of national, local, and personal responsibility. As they use problem-solving skills to devise potential solutions for these challenges, students deepen their understanding of their roles in the global community and of future opportunities for positive leadership.

Spanish

The Middle School Spanish Language program is designed to help students develop a solid foundation and self-confidence with the language, as well as to gain an understanding and an appreciation for the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Each grade level continues to strengthen the skills acquired in the Lower School courses, while focusing more deeply on the details of grammar and communication. The 7th and 8th grade Spanish program is a two-year equivalent to high school Spanish I. Students read, write, speak, and even sing in Spanish on a daily basis. Covering the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of Spanish I prepares most students to continue with Spanish II when they enter 9th grade.

Art

The GSA Art Curriculum is designed to develop each girl's individual creativity and self-expression through a well-rounded study of art, which includes history/context, mechanics, and hands-on application. Students are exposed to a wide variety of particular art forms and mediums, which are introduced in an historical context and exemplified in the work of notable artists such as Modigliani, Botticelli, Matisse, Vermeer, Elizabeth Vigee LeBrun, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O'Keefe, and Andy Warhol. Discussion and demonstration then focuses on mechanics, and each unit culminates in a technique-oriented project in which students create original work in that medium or art form.

Artistic mediums/processes covered during the year include pastels, drawing, acrylic painting on canvas, printmaking, pen/ink, and clay. Technical instruction includes classical lessons in drawing the head and body, uses of shadow and light, landscapes, and still life. Guest artists/lecturers provide real-world perspective by sharing their work and experiences.

Throughout the course of the year, girls of all levels enjoy plenty of opportunities to experience a sense of personal accomplishment and recognition through their art by participating in international artwork exchange programs, formal gallery exhibits and informal school displays of their work, charitable events, and multi-cultural collaborative art-centered occasions such as The White Buffalo Project. Middle School students are also encouraged to enter their work in various local/regional/national competitions.

Every year, each K-8 student creates her own self-portrait, and the annual Self-Portrait Show is a highlight for the GSA community. By exploring and creating art, students not only engage in creative self-expression, but also develop another perspective from which to appreciate their own culture and that of others.

Music

Piano
The GSA K-8 Piano program is designed to promote a life-long love of music. A student's course of study is tailored to her individual development/skill/experience level and consists of a unique combination of one-on-one and group lessons in both application and music theory, practice and experimentation time, performance opportunities, and a variety of activities involving listening, discussion, and written response. The Faber and Faber Piano Adventures series lesson book materials are supplemented with repertoire from numerous sources and disparate styles. The girls learn how to decode and respond physically to traditional western music notation and interact with multiple number systems simultaneously. Reinforcement through in-class and at-home practice is an essential component of progress, and students are taught both healthy physiological approaches and strategic practice methods such as identifying patterns and layers, counting whole and subdivided beats, setting and meeting reasonable/strategic goals, hands-separate work, and small-section drilling. As a student advances, more abstract and/or nuanced issues of musicianship such as structure analysis, compositional technique, tactile relationship with the keyboard, constructive critique, personal interpretation, and expressive choices are incorporated into discussions and lessons.

The girls participate in two school-wide concerts per year, as well as other performances as they arise. These events provide performance experience as well as opportunities to learn and practice appropriate performer and audience etiquette. Throughout the course of the year, piano students at all levels are exposed to and encouraged to share their responses to a wide variety of musics representing disparate traditions, time periods, and levels of formality. Music is explored in a synaesthetic and interdisciplinary context.

Strings
In Middle School, the focus of Strings class is on developing a more autonomous approach to the instrument while reaching a more refined level of musicianship. The students choose some of the songs themselves and become more critical in their playing and practicing. They tackle a wider variety of musical styles, including rock songs and unedited classical pieces, and work on making their playing more expressive, using vibrato and a wider bowing palette. This experience often becomes a springboard for more in-depth discussions of music's emotions, as well as its correlation with other fields.

The most dedicated students are encouraged to take private lessons, audition for All-Region Orchestra, and play in Honors Orchestra. The less experienced players learn simpler parts and benefit from the help and modeling of their peers. As always, teamwork is emphasized both in orchestral and chamber music settings, and the approach is always goal-oriented: the students see their efforts rewarded during special performances held in conjunction with the Art program, school assemblies, and biannual school-wide concerts.

Health and Wellness

Middle School Health and Wellness courses cover the following topics/skills: physical fitness, flexibility, individual and team sports, nutrition, personal safety, first aid and CPR, cardiovascular/muscular strength and endurance, hand and foot dribble, volley throwing and catching, and shoot rhythms. Throughout the program, sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized.
GSA's small campus and class sizes allow the staff to respond quickly to situations as they emerge. Mini-workshops are conducted as needed, and advisory sessions are devoted to social/emotional development and other health and wellness related topics when appropriate. These forums in conjunction with Physical Education classes and once-a-week Health education classes in the 5th and 6th grades provide students with ample opportunities to address issues, concerns, and emerging questions such as “Who am I?” and “What is happening to my body?” At GSA, a girl also knows that she may approach her advisor (or another staff member with whom she feels comfortable) at any time with her questions/concerns.

Community Service

The Girls' School encourages active participation in our community—on campus, in Austin, and around the world. Each grade participates in at least one volunteer project per year, and most participate in many more. Whenever possible, projects are linked to the classroom curriculum; for example, for the annual UNICEF collections, the 3rd and 4th graders calculate grade-level and school-wide statistics and then present them at a community meeting. Some of our recent community service projects are listed here.