Typical 8^th Grade Schedule:

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

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

8th Grade Subject Overview

Language Arts

The goal of the 8th grade Language Arts program is to improve students' fluency in self expression and literary analysis. In an interdisciplinary program linking Language Arts and Social Studies, students read primary source material, fiction and poetry of the time period, historical fiction, and historical analysis. They grapple with the ethical issues attendant to periods of U.S. History, from genocide and prejudice to survival and personal responsibility. Students read for literary techniques as well as content and theme. Seminar-style discussions allow students to learn from each other, require them to think deeply about texts, and enable them to practice oral expression skills.

The 8th grade writing program focuses on the finer points of writing, exploring elements such as voice, complex sentence structure, use of pattern, and syntax techniques through a variety of genres. Students become adept editors of their own and others' work, striving for clarity in organization and word choice. Students experiment with original forms and structures in informal assignments, extend their fluency and creativity through National Novel Writing Month, and practice research and formal writing skills in an end-of-year research paper.

Math

8th grade students begin with a review on solving equations and inequalities as well as number line graphing. The focus on graphing is extended to familiarize the girls with the (x, y) ordered pair coordinate plane. Over the course of the year, they learn to distinguish between and perform basic operations with whole, real, rational and irrational numbers, and integers, as well as to convert numbers from standard to scientific notation and vice versa. Measures of central tendency and rules for performing basic operations with exponential terms are also addressed. Geometry topics include patterns, perimeter, area, the Pythagorean Theorem, and characteristics of three-dimensional solid objects. Their exploration of ratio and proportion leads to work with similar/congruent shapes, theoretical and experimental probability, and a more in-depth conceptualization of counting and sample space. Students learn and apply the elimination, substitution, and matrix methods for solving systems of equations, the FOIL process for multiplying binomials, and the sum/product technique of factoring trinomials. The girls end the year with a brief introduction to mathematical relations, functions, and functional notation.

Algebra I
Algebra students learn how to translate number patterns and “real life” mathematical questions into variables and equations that can be manipulated and solved. Students synthesize cumulative knowledge to understand the principles and concepts underlying familiar shortcuts, and begin to derive formulas to describe procedures. They learn and practice multiple ways to approach problems and check solutions. In Algebra I, students develop logical approaches, precise procedures, and effective strategies for improving performance and avoiding common mistakes. They increase familiarity with tech-tools like the graphing calculator, and increase their understanding of how calculators and computers are designed to work with respect to solving math problems. Students recognize and appreciate how mathematics interrelates with science, music, art, sports, literature and history.

Science

8th grade students begin their year's focus on Physical Science by reviewing both the S.I. system of measurement and atomic structure. This is followed by a detailed examination of the properties and structure of matter, and the forms of both matter and energy. During these units the girls test Newton's laws and learn about work/power/simple machines. Through study and experimentation, students explore the characteristics of waves, the design and use of the periodic table, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, chemical equations, space technology, the nature of light and optics, the electromagnetic spectrum, and sound. In addition to the unit work represented above, each 8th 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

GSA's 8th grade United States History course draws on a variety of sources to present students with multiple perspectives on the story of our country. Relying on critical reading of primary source material and two core texts, students explore America from its earliest exploration through the Civil War and Westward Expansion. Reading excerpts from the journals of Bartolome de las Casas and Christopher Columbus, students imagine a Native American perspective on European exploration. Later they chafe under the tyranny of both British and Colonial elitist rule, and join the Founding Fathers in debating crucial points of the constitution. Students listen to the neglected and marginalized voices of slaves, Native Americans, and women, and seek to understand the importance of the Frontier in the development of a unique American identity. Students apply this growing understanding of their country to current events, considering local/national/global issues from historical and multicultural perspectives.

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.