Grade 7 Curriculum

English
Seventh-grade English begins with an in-depth study of Greek mythology to parallel the World Cultures curriculum. Students proceed to Arthurian and Robin Hood legends, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Asian literature selections. Vocabulary derives from Vocabulary from Classical Roots and Wordly Wise. During this course students hone their literature responses and compose expository essays, culminating in a research paper taught in conjunction with the World Cultures class. Expanding an understanding of grammar and usage is another emphasis of this course.

World Cultures
Seventh-grade World Cultures focuses on study of the Eastern Hemisphere. Units on ancient Greece, Egypt, the Middle East, and the major monotheistic religions comprise the first half of the course. The second half of the course continues with studies of medieval Europe and the Silk Road before covering India and Asian religions and guiding students through their Asian Research Projects.

Mathematics
Seventh-grade Pre-Algebra is the bridge between the Everyday Mathematics Program and Algebra. The students focus on sharpening their basic mathematics skills while developing the ability to think and write algebraically. The comprehensive content of this class emphasizes the full range of topics needed for the successful study of Algebra.

Science
Earth Science in the seventh grade focuses on the planet Earth and its place in the universe. The curriculum entails study of the scientific method, emphasizing the inquiry method; changing theories of man’s attempt to explain the natural world; an understanding of the earth’s structure and weather systems and those of other planets; and a study of inventors. Students employ skills such as researching, writing, and measuring and recording data throughout this course.

Spanish
Seventh-grade Spanish is a continuation of the sixth-grade Spanish course. Students use the Glencoe textbook Bienvenidos and begin Amsco’s first-year grammar book entitled Spanish First Year. Classes are conducted in Spanish with the exception of grammar explanations. This course emphasizes the study of verb tenses and vocabulary as well as more oral presentations, reading, and writing in the language. Videotapes help to improve listening comprehension and to impart cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking countries.

Latin
As they explore the city of Pompeii, seventh grade Latin students continue to build their Latin grammar and vocabulary while learning more about Roman culture, history and mythology.

French
Summit School, like most independent schools, is in a period of language transition. Currently French is not taught in the seventh grade, but future enrollment will determine the availability of this course.

 

Curriculum-Related Activities

Foreign Languages
French, Latin and Spanish students present holiday programs.  The French and Spanish students participate in Language Day at Lenoir Rhyne College every other year.  Ninth grade French and Spanish students experience an immersion day.  Ninth grade Latin students enjoy the Latin Banquet.

Science and Science Projects
A three-day science field trip to the coast of North Carolina is included.  Projects are optional but encouraged.  Students apply their science skills and concepts in a project involving independent study.

Study Skills
The Study Skills class uses research-based study strategies to help students with learning differences maximize their learning potential. These strategies are practiced and then applied to the regular curriculum.

Experiential Activities

Greek Festival
Students study Greek mythology and culture, and, as a culmination, they present Greek dramas, recite Greek declamations, eat Greek food, and perform Greek dances.  They attend the Greek Church Festival and dance for the audience.

Medieval Banquet
Students study medieval literature and celebrate their knowledge in costume at an evening banquet complete with a student-prepared feast, dramas, pottery dishes, and music.

 

Performing and Visual Arts Activities

Art
As part of their Greek Unit, seventh graders make molded leather masks.  In December their community service includes making ornaments for a Brenner Children’s Hospital holiday tree.   They also study printmaking, drawing, and the art of collage.

Drama
A student production of Greek mythology plays augments English and World Cultures classwork.

Music
Greek music and dance forms are studied as part of the Greek Unit. 

Photography
Intermediate photography emphasizes printing skills.  Digital photography is explored and enhanced.

Pottery
Different cultural designs in pottery are explored with special emphasis on Greek, Indian, African, Colonial, and North Carolina potters.

 

Special Activities

Cooking
Hands-on activities and special classes coordinate with academic courses.

Computer
Computer classes consist of strengthening word processing and document preparation skills; working with databases, spreadsheets and associated graphing; Power Point; and developing internet search strategies.  Computer hardware, software, ethics, and acceptable use policies are also covered.

Advisory Groups
Seventh grade advisory groups discuss goal setting, time management, and conflict resolution.  Counselors work jointly with teachers, division heads and parents to foster each student’s positive emotional, social, moral and cognitive development, and general well being.  Counselors contribute to the team by providing guidance activities, individual and small group counseling, family counseling, student observation, and consultation. 

Robotics                             
All seventh graders improve their problem solving, teamwork, and technical skills by participating in a robotics activity.  They begin by designing and building the robot. The second step is programming the robot to complete tasks.  Finally, they present and demonstrate their project to students in lower grades.