Course Catalog 2012-2013
Christian Studies
Christian Studies 6
The students will be able to list all 66 books of the Bible in order. They will be able to place Biblical events on a timeline. Students will be able to begin to connect the story of Jesus’ ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension in the New Testament to the Old Testament. As they study Paul’s missionary journeys they will see how God’s gift of salvation is extended to all and how it spread throughout the world. In addition, students will increase in their understanding of how they are used to build God’s kingdom by studying the examples of Peter, Paul, and others. Colossians will be studied as well as some of the letters the apostles wrote to the early church. The course ends with a study of Revelation and the enduring promise of life everlasting with Him in eternity.
Christian Studies 7
This course is primarily a thematic study of the Old Testament, tracing the biblical themes of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration, as they pertain to the events of the Old Testament and to the foretelling of the New Covenant instituted through Jesus Christ. Additional units regarding the Jewish feast days, Old Testament wisdom literature, the prophets, prayer, and biblical literary genres will enhance students’ understanding of the Old Testament and its relationship to the New Testament. There will be an intentional emphasis on the application of material to students’ daily lives.
Christian Studies 8
This course will seek to extend students’ knowledge of the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ as well as the work of the Holy Spirit through the disciples in the formation and expansion of the early church. Particular attention will be given to the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts with an emphasis on the application of biblical principles to students’ daily lives. A foundational unit emphasizing the reliability of the biblical text will reassure students’ of the inerrancy of the Scriptures as a whole, and the gospels in particular.
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English
Literature 6
Literature 6 will encourage each student to discover the power of written words, understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom, and truth. Students will read a variety of literary genres and will further develop reading and comprehension strategies. In addition, students will continue to develop a deeper knowledge of God’s character and a Christian worldview as they discuss the broad biblical themes found in the class literature.
Literature 7
Literature 7 is designed to aid students in the discovery of the power of words, both written and spoken, and to help them gain an understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom, and truth. During this course, students will continue to develop reading strategies which will facilitate their reading in a variety of genres. Additionally, students will begin to recognize the components of a biblical worldview and compare or contrast it with what a given author has written.
Literature 8
Literature 8 is designed to provide students with an opportunity to read and analyze literature in a variety of genres and to equip them to identify, evaluate, and compare or contrast the author’s worldview with a biblical worldview. During this course, as students increase in the understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom, and truth, they will continue to develop an awareness of both the power and the beauty of words. (Prerequisite: Placement in Literature 8 is dependent on the placement test administered in Grammar/Composition 7.)
Grammar/Composition 6
The purpose of Grammar/Composition 6 is to enable students to discover the effectiveness of correctly written and spoken words. Students will continue to build an understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom and truth. In order to express his/her thoughts, ideas, and faith in both oral and written form, each student will work toward mastery of the structure and function of the English language.
Grammar/Composition 7
The purpose of Grammar/Composition 7 is to enable students to discover the effectiveness of correctly written and spoken words. Students will continue to build an understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom and truth. In order to express his/her thoughts, ideas and faith in both oral and written form, each student will work toward mastery of the structure and function of the English language. Students may test out of Grammar/Composition 7 at the end of sixth grade.
English 8
English 8 is designed to aid students in the discovery of the power of words, both written and spoken, and to help them gain an understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom, and truth. During this course, students will continue to develop reading strategies which will facilitate their reading in a variety of genres and learn to identify a biblical worldview in their reading and apply it to their lives. Additionally, in order to most effectively express his/her thoughts, ideas, and faith, in both oral and written form, students will work towards mastery of the syntax and structure of the English language. Students testing out of English 8 at the end of seventh grade will be enrolled in Literature 8.
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History
Medieval History
The students will know and be able to identify significant individuals and events in the history of Europe and Asia Minor from 500 to 1500 AD. Students will learn a broad range of geographic terminology and valuable map skills. Students will begin to synthesize events of long ago in relation to current news issues. They will develop skills including debate, comparison and contrast, and analysis. They will understand that God’s providential hand is evident in every facet of mankind’s existence throughout history, particularly the history of medieval Europe.
U.S. History I
The students will know and be able to identify significant individuals and events in the history of America from the early heritage of the Americas to 1877. Students will also become aware of and learn geographic terminology and map skills. Students will learn and understand the history of America and compare and contrast past themes with current issues.
U.S. History II
The students will know and be able to identify significant individuals and events in the history of America from the Civil War to the present. Students will also become aware of and learn geographic terminology as it relates to the unit topic. Students will learn and understand the history of America and compare and contrast past themes with current issues.
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Science
Earth Science
The sixth grade Earth science course is designed to introduce students to the systems that interrelate to make planet Earth livable. Students will be able to understand and describe the structures and features found on Earth’s surface and in Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, students will explore the Earth as the magnificent planet that God created through the study of Earth’s raw materials in soil, air, and water.
Life Science
In Life Science, students will observe God’s creativity, purposeful design, sovereignty, and love through the study of the environment, origins of life, cells, plants, animals and the human body. Students will begin to learn about the vast array of organisms that God created and the myriad of processes and systems God put in to place to yield the exciting and complex world we live in. Throughout the year students will have ample opportunities to evaluate and discuss biblical truth and science. During the laboratory portion of the course, students will continue to refine their science skills by conducting hands on investigations implementing the scientific method while learning to properly utilize lab equipment.
Physical Science
Physical science begins with a study of the properties and nature of matter. Students will use the scientific method and inquiry laboratory exercises to better understand the complexity and purpose for the smallest particles that God has created and how these particles interact in forming the chemical bonds and reactions that we see occurring in the world around us. The course will then build on this foundation to examine the interaction between matter and energy. Students will examine the impact that motion and forces have on matter and, in turn, how these forces produce the energy we see and use on a daily basis. The course will conclude with a study of sound, light, magnetism, and electricity that will allow students to connect what we observe happening around us with a God who is in control of all things, to include the matter and energy around us.
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Eighth Grade Enrichments
Logic
In this one semester course, students will analyze arguments for validity through the study of formal logic. In addition to formal logic, students will also analyze common language in order to determine fallacious statements. We are called to not be held captive by false philosophies and this course is an introduction in how to analyze the philosophies and arguments of the world so that students may be able to defend what they believe.
Speech 8
Speech 8 is a one semester course designed to increase students’ appreciation for the power of the spoken word as they continue to build an understanding that language is a gift from God intended to communicate knowledge, wisdom, and truth. Throughout the course, each student will listen to, evaluate, and prepare a variety of oral presentations. Students will also work towards improving their listening skills and delivery techniques, including personal articulation and body language.
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Math
Math 6
This course develops the students' ability to apply the basic math concepts necessary for future classes in algebra and geometry. These concepts include place value; order of operations; computations involving fractions, decimals, and percents; graphing and statistics; ratios and proportions; geometry and measurements; and the use of integers. Students will develop their deductive reasoning skills through the use of the principles of logical reasoning and problem solving. They will understand that mathematics emanates directly from the Creator of the universe and that studying math allows a student to more fully understand and appreciate the attributes of God. (Prerequisite: Placement is determined by the math department.)
Math 7
Math 7 gives students a solid foundation for exploring and understanding algebra and geometry concepts as they transition from elementary to high school mathematics. The students will focus on the content areas of numerical reasoning, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability, and such processing skills as problem solving, reasoning communication, connections, and real-world representations. (Prerequisite: Placement is determined by the math department.)
Pre-Algebra
The students will make connections between math and the real world and will work on going from concrete to abstract thinking. The course is a rigorous course in which students will learn to apply basic skills to more complicated problems. They will further build upon solving equations and will study how to gather and display data. Basic concepts such as fractions, decimals, percents, and integers will be reinforced through complex problems. Students will be introduced to the orderliness of math and how God has created the world in an orderly fashion. They will see that God laid down the foundations of math from the first moment of creation. (Prerequisite: Placement is determined by the math department.)
Algebra 1
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
Algebra 1 (Accelerated)
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
Geometry
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
Honors Geometry
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
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Foreign Languages
Latin 1
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
French 1
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
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Fine Arts
MS Art 1
Students will be challenged to go beyond the paper and pen to other mediums of art while learning about the elements of art and the principles of design. The class will explore various types of projects that will give students the opportunity to experience and develop their creativity. As a class, the students will learn skills of art criticism, the ability to look at art and discern its meaning, quality, and technical aspects, by experiencing aspects of art history during the school year.
MS Art 2
The students will apply the basic elements of art and principles of design as presented in MS Art 1 and develop their understanding through more challenging techniques. These “basics” will aid the students’ understanding of God as the Master Creator. The students will demonstrate this understanding through their own work. With an emphasis on personal style, the student will explore their own solutions to the problems presented by the instructor. The production of their own art will help them discover the joy and struggle involved in producing their own artwork. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Art 1 or portfolio review by instructor.)
MS Art 3
Having developed a working knowledge of the elements and principles of art in both MS Art 1 and 2, the student will begin to express themselves through more advanced techniques. The students’ understanding of God as the Master Creator will aid them to discern trends in art history and to see how their own artwork can express both thoughts and beliefs. As students gain confidence in their own work, they will be better prepared to pursue art on the high school level. Techniques such as drawing and painting will be expected to reach mastery, as well as development of personal style. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of MS Art 2 or portfolio review by instructor.)
MS Intermediate String Ensemble
In this course, students will learn to play their instruments individually and as an ensemble. The students will learn about the basic elements of music and the historical background of composers and their works. Students will also be taught the proper technique of playing their instruments through scales and current repertoire. Performances will include TCS chapels, concerts, off-campus ministry opportunities, and solo & ensemble festival. The students perform as an offering of worship to God and as an act of service and witness to the community. (Prerequisite: Placement to be determined by the fine arts department on the basis of an audition with the director.)
Advanced String Ensemble
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
MS Intermediate Chorus
In this course students will learn proper singing technique and diction. They will work with other students to create a blended choral sound, singing literature for treble choir with technical accuracy and expression. Students will explore the fundamentals of music, including sight singing and ear training. In addition, students will perform during concerts and worship services at TCS. (Prerequisite: Placement to be determined by the fine arts department on the basis of an audition with the director.)
Advanced Chorus
Upper School course—please see Upper School Course Catalog.
MS Intermediate Band
Students develop individual and group performance skills, using various styles of band literature. Emphasis is placed on proper breathing, tone quality, intonation, articulation, development of range, improvisation, and music reading skills. Intermediate Band uses an assessment software, called iPAS, to assist at home. Students in Intermediate Band will have opportunities to perform in a chapel service, a winter concert, a spring concert, an off-campus ministry performance, and at a band festival. This course will encourage students to use music to edify the church, enrich the culture, and worship God. (Prerequisite: Placement to be determined by the fine arts department on the basis of an audition with the director.)
Advanced Band
Upper School course – please see Upper School Course Catalog.
MS Drama
In this class students will engage in the study of vocal technique, stage presence, and characterization through acting. A variety of dramatic genres will be presented. Students will apply learned techniques through both small and large group productions.
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Physical Education
Physical Education 6
In sixth grade physical education, the principles of fair play and respect for one another, teammate and opponent, are stressed. Physical education classes also introduce the rules and strategies of a variety of team sports. Through individual and cooperative exercises, the student gains an appreciation for both health fitness (fitness for a lifetime) and physical fitness (motor proficiency).
Physical Education 7/8
These physical education classes will introduce the history of various sports and the tactics of play. Decision-making skills that support the motor proficiencies of predominately team games (although individual and cooperative exercises are included) will be emphasized. The character of the player and how to incorporate being a Christian on the playing field is integrated throughout the year. We will also stress the importance of developing positive and beneficial lifetime fitness habits in conjunction with physical fitness.
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