UPPER SCHOOL: Planting the Seeds of Success
Forms IV, V, VI and VII - Grades 6, 7, 8 and 9
For students in Forms IV through VII (sixth through ninth grades) the class day consists of eight 40 minute periods for classes, lunch and supervised study halls. Extra help/extra challenge is available each day between 2:00 and 2:35 p.m. for students who need additional instruction or desire enrichment work. All classes are departmentalized. The average class size is twelve students. All teachers assign homework each night which accounts for one half of each bi-weekly grade. The other half consists of quiz and test scores. A bi-weekly report card is sent to parents and a copy is given to each student by the advisor.

Formal examinations or term papers are given in all subjects twice a year. Term reports, including grade averages, examination scores and individual teacher's, advisor's and Headmaster's comments are sent home three times a year.

ENGLISH
Goals and Overview
The English Department aspires to four goals: to create a respectful environment in which learning and discussion can take place, an environment for the exploration of different ideas and shared experiences; to foster an enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of books and of reading; to use and value language, both oral and written; to give students knowledge of their own authority, allowing them to approach the things they do critically and responsibly.

Reading, writing and thinking are an integral part of our curriculum, which is based on literature and includes vocabulary, journal writing, a school-wide declamation in the spring, free choice reading, grammar, literary terms, a modified process approach to writing, at least one research project each year and the publication of both a poetry and a creative writing magazine in conjunction with the art program.

MATH
Goals and Overview
The math curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in arithmetic and algebra, focusing on fundamental concepts, operations, and the laws and properties governing those operations. By offering a cohesive sequence of courses, the program solidifies students' mathematical skills while introducing them to the analytical thinking required in later grades. Organizational and study skills, such as note-taking and test preparation, are also integrated into the program while research papers, class projects and use of computer applications further enhance the learning experience. The department offers two possible sequences of courses; placement is based on past performance and department recommendations.

SCIENCE
Goals and Overview
Through a balance of earth, life and physical science units the students are exposed to learning experiences which relate to their everyday environment. The program also provides opportunities for the teacher to integrate language arts, mathematics and other liberal arts skills into their science lessons. Hands-on lessons encourage students to become involved in active learning and problem solving.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Goals and Overview
The Foreign Language Department seeks to develop in each student an understanding of the value of foreign language. While we provide the tools necessary for students to be able to use the target language both orally and written, we also hope to foster curiosity of different cultures' histories. In our changing world, our mission also includes promoting cultural and global awareness.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Goals and Overview
The History Department seeks to cultivate an appreciation for history in its students. Emphasis is placed on developing organizational and study habits. In each of our classes we strive to make history come alive for our students.

Reading historical fiction literature helps students understand specific events in history through a young adult's perspective.

HEALTH EDUCATION
Goals and Overview
The health education program is designed to inform students about a wide variety of health related issues in order to help them better understand their bodies and how they function. The curriculum also provides accurate information concerning how the choices an individual makes can affect his or her health and well being. An informal atmosphere is created in order to promote discussion and student participation. Lower level courses meet once per week for one semester and upper level courses meet twice per week for one semester. Topics for discussion include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, personal appearance, decision making, drug and alcohol awareness and human sexuality. The goal of the program is to develop in each student the skills which are needed to respond thoughtfully and carefully to the demands of living in today's complicated world.