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The Middle School Program at Oakbrook begins in the sixth grade as students change
classes and teachers throughout the school day. They also begin to choose elective courses in
physical education and the arts. They may choose to join clubs, become members of school
athletic teams, or audition for the school musical.
A middle/upper school retreat at the beginning of the year helps the students develop
friendships and focus on the Christian values and traits of character that will strengthen and
sustain them as they begin their teen years. A cultural trip at the end of the year will reinforce
these ideals. Opportunities to participate in service projects, such as working at the Soup
Kitchen, develop an awareness and appreciation of others.
By the eighth grade (seventh for some), the students will begin their transition into high
school, earning academic units for graduation. Middle School students take four core
academic courses (math, English/language arts, science, and social studies) and a world
language class. They also participate in a semester of Christian Education. Opposite the
Christian Education class, they select a semester of fitness or a semester of journalism. 6th &
7th graders also take a basic computer class. Their seventh class is their selected elective class.
(band, drama, art, or dance).
See Middle School Rubric below.
Social Studies
Beginning in sixth grade, students move to a book-based curriculum. Books are used as a
guide by the teacher. Students have opportunities for group and independent project work.
Our sixth grade students study the history of South Carolina. Our seventh grade students
study world geography, and our eighth grade students study the history of the world through
the Renaissance.
Language Arts
In sixth grade, middle school students are weaned off of Sitton Spelling and Shurley
Grammar that they used during their earlier years. More and more, the students use their
literature and writing to practice their literary, writing, grammar, and spelling skills. Falling in
line with the "classical education" teachings of Charlotte Mason, students read quality
literature, including classics such as Shakespeare's As You Like It and Romeo & Juliet, The
Odyssey, The Phantom Tollbooth, A Christmas Carol, and others. Students have numerous other
opportunities to improve their writing and speaking skills throughout the year through
various activities, including poetry & essay contests and the annual Literary Meet.
Math
Sixth graders complete one final year of a general mathematics class before their math
becomes more specialized (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, etc.). The usual progression is
pre-algebra in seventh grade and algebra 1 in eighth (receiving one Carnegie unit toward high
school graduation). Some sixth grade students, who have been selected, based on test scores,
teacher recommendation, and academic grades, have the opportunity to take pre-algebra.
Students who take pre-algebra in the sixth grade are able to complete their first Carnegie unit
at the completion of their algebra class in the 7th grade.
Science
In order to best prepare middle school students in all areas of science, classes are now taught
according to topic. Sixth graders focus their science studies on the earth science branch, and
all seventh graders study life science. Eighth grade students take a physical science class,
receiving a Carnegie unit of high school course credit at the completion of the course. Many
other project-oriented assignments are made throughout the year to complement the
curriculum. All seventh graders participate in the school Science Fair, with winners moving
on to the Regional Science Fair.
World Languages
Beginning in middle school, students transition from primarily oral work to a combination
of oral and written. Students in sixth and seventh grade study their language of choice two
(6th grade) or three (7th grade) days a week. In eighth grade, students take their level one
language course. They will receive a Carnegie unit of credit at the completion of the course.
Computer Technology
Currently sixth & seventh graders attend computer class two (7th grade) or three (6th grade)
days a week to become more proficient in keyboarding skills. Through project-based
activities, students get practical experience in MS Office applications.
Related Arts
Each sixth, seventh, and eighth grade student has the opportunity to participate in related
arts activities such as band, drama, art, guitar, dance, and fitness.
Christian Education
All students in middle school attend a weekly chapel service. In addition, they participate in a
required Christian Education class for one semester each year. Sixth and seventh grade
students focus on the Old Testament; Eighth graders study the life of Christ.
|
Math |
Lang. Arts |
Science |
Social Studies |
Language |
Other |
6th grade |
General Math
or
Pre-Algebra (recommendation only) |
English/LA 6 |
Earth Science |
South Carolina History |
Spanish, German, or Chinese |
Computer, Christian Education,
2 Electives |
7th grade |
Pre-Algebra
or
*Algebra I (pre-requisite: pre-algebra ) |
English/LA 7 |
Life Science |
World Geography |
Spanish, German, or Chinese |
Computer, Christian Education,
2 Electives |
8th grade |
*Algebra I
or
*Geometry (pre-requisite: Algebra I) |
English/LA 8 |
*Physical Science |
World History through the Renaissance |
*Spanish I, *German I, or *Chinese I |
Christian Education,
2 Electives |
Electives: Band, Art, Fitness,
Dance, Drama, or Journalism.
*Student receives a Carnegie unit for high school |
After School Care
Knight Shift
Knight Shift is a service provided for
parents who want quality care for their children after school. Some students
attend Knight Shift regularly; others come on a drop-in basis. All children
in full-day K5 through grade 8 who are at school 15 minutes after the
dismissal time of the oldest sibling will be escorted to Knight Shift.
We are glad to offer this convenience at our busy campus. Charges will
be invoiced as follows: A weekly fee of $50.00 or a drop-in fee of $5/hour.
Hours are M-F 2:45pm - 6:00pm daily in the Main Building Senior Commons (grades 6-8). Students in Knight Shift
should be able to complete their homework, enjoy a snack and play time
daily, do an occasional art project, and attend home basketball games.
There is no Knight Shift on half-days.
Grading
(Oakbrook incorporates the Uniform Grading Scale of South Carolina)
A 93 - 100
B 85 - 92
C 77 - 84
D 70 - 76
F 63-69 (Partial GPR credit for High School courses)
F 62 or below (No GPR credit for High School courses)
See Handbook Appendix for
South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale.
Grade Reporting
A midterm report will be sent home at
the half-way point of each term. At the conclusion of each 9-week term,
grades will be reported on the progress report. The grade on the progress
report will reflect an average of the grades received that previous term.
Requirements for Promotion
At the end
of the year all term grades will be averaged to determine the year's
average in each subject area. Grade point averages will be calculated
from these yearly averages. If students in grades 6-8 have a failing
grade in English, math, or any 2 core subjects, they may not be promoted.
Students may retake any high school courses taken before 9th grade. For
any course taken twice the GPA of the second course taken is counted. |
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