Junior High Academics / Curriculum : Electives

Music Appreciation
Course Description: The basic materials, terminologies, styles, literatures, and forms of music incorporated with listening examples. Lectures and guided listening to develop skills for a better understanding and appreciation of all kinds of music.
Grade: 6
Course Length: 1 Quarter

Life Skills
6th grade students take a journey to explore just a few of life’s skills that will come in handy as they grow into Godly young men and women. These include but are not limited to Manners and Etiquette, Personal Hygiene, Hobbies, Budgeting, Healthy Food and Exercise options, as well as how to prepare healthy snacks and foods.
Grade: 6
Course Length: 1 Quarter

Art Exploration
This course is designed to solidify the student’s knowledge in the Elements of Art (line, value, shape, color, space, texture, and form). A good foundation will be built in this course, allowing students to begin exploring the Principles of Art (emphasis, unity, pattern, rhythm, balance, movement, and contrast) in junior high and high school. This is a course that will include a variety of media, very limited homework, quizzes, and a test.
Grade: 6
Course Length: 1 Quarter
Fees: A $10 art fee is charged and a sketchbook is required.

Exploratory Speech
The purpose of this course is to assist students in the development of basic oral communication skills. Students will learn to be comfortable presenting various forms of speeches in front an audience, learn proper audience etiquette and ways positively provide critique and feedback to their peers.
Grade: 6
Course Length: 1 Quarter
Prerequisite(s): None

Introduction to Computer
The introductory computer course provides each student with the opportunity to learn the basics of Microsoft office computer skills. In addition to keyboarding techniques students will learn and practice using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access programs. The students who complete this course will be ready to use technology to complete academic research for educational and other uses.
Grade: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester

Worship
The main goals for this class are as follows: learn more about Worship, practice to become better performers, including auditioning to play in chapel, and receive practical advice on how to be an effective “Worship Leader.” A typical week in this class includes time to work on projects related to various forms of worship, instruction and discussion on what worship is, learning new musical skills and concepts and lots of practice. This elective is rewarding and (often) loud!
Grade: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester

Introduction to French and French Culture
This introductory semester course covers some basic preliminary French vocabulary and language skills which will prepare you for French 1. The class will also introduce you to the culture, art, history, geography, current events, cuisine, and clothing of not only France but also many other French-speaking countries around the world. The goal of this class is to interest you in the French-speaking world and lay the foundation for the French 1 course.
Grade: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester
Class Fee: $20

Art Elective
This is a semester long course aimed at transitioning the student’s knowledge from the Elements of Art (line, value, shape, color, space, texture, and form) to a beginning understanding of the Principles of Art (emphasis, unity, pattern, rhythm, balance, movement, and contrast). The Principles of Art will be the foundation of high school art and this course gives the students a taste of some of the easier concepts in this area. Projects include a variety of media and change each semester so that students can take the art elective more than once. There will be limited homework, quizzes and a test.
Grade: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester
Fees: A $10 art fee is charged and a sketchbook is required.

Math Enrichment
This is a course to help students further develop their skills in mathematics. In this class students will get help with any areas of math that they need assistance in.
Course Length: 1 Year

Drama 1
This is a beginning course in which, you, the student will engage in creative Theatre exercises to develop imagination, observation, and concentration. Students will also condition their bodies and voices to be flexible, coordinated, and expressive. Students are introduced to drama through activities such as improvisation, pantomime, storytelling, characterization, stage directions, and vocal projection. This course will also explore the basic elements of dramatic production along with Historical and social context.
Grades: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite(s): None

Drama 2
As a follow up class to Drama 1, students will take skills in scene, story, and character creation and apply it to scripted text. Students will work on memorization techniques as well as writing their own scripts. Work will be done as individuals, partners and in groups.
Grades: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite(s): Drama 1, or permission from teacher.

Digital Photography
This course emphasizes the basic elements of photo composition, photojournalism and the use of students’ photographs in a digital production environment. By learning the fundamentals of photo composition, students learn to communicate through photography, to take photos that are aesthetically appealing, and create interest for the viewer. Through the use of photojournalism and caption writing, students document the various MCS activities throughout the year. Students then learn how to place photos and captions into a yearbook spread, using Adobe InDesign. Students learn how to constructively critique their own work and the work of others, build a portfolio, and participate in the annual MCS Art Show. Winners will advance to the ACSI Art Festival.
Grades: 7 or 8
Course Length: 1 Semester
Class Fee: $25