6th

MS Garden

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Learn about plant cultivation and earth science in this hands-on gardening class. Students will plant, care for, and harvest food crops in the school garden and greenhouse, while learning about natural processes affecting soils, water, ecology, and plant growth.
PreAlgebra

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: Math Placement

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 20 minutes

In Prealgebra, students extend their foundational math skills and learn to formalize their algebraic thinking with the use of variables, expressions, equations and inequalities. There is also a continued emphasis on strengthening computational fluency with rational number operations using positive and negative numbers. Other topics include proportional relationships, slope, circles and angles. Throughout the year, students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and learn to communicate their mathematical reasoning.
Computer Science 6

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6

Prerequisites: REQUIRED

This required quarter-long course provides an introduction to a variety of topics related to introductory computer science and is also a survey of the many CS course offerings and programs available here at the Priory. Topics include creative computing, collaboration, conditional logic, and applications. Major units include the art of coding, physical computing with basic electronics, decomposition of real world problems, introductory web design, and an overview of 3D modeling/printing if there is time. Students may also be exposed to a variety of guest speakers to learn about how these skills can be used in the real world.
Film Club

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

In this class, students will survey a variety of films from different genres, learn about the basic techniques of film, and create a few meaningful film-based projects, related to areas of personal interest. Students will learn to identify basic camera angles, film techniques, and genres, to understand the cinematic experience and its impact on the audience. Students will have the opportunity to view and compare samples of film, and create a set of movie posters, a project presentation, and write and present a short film done with partners on their iPad.
Humanities 6

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6

Prerequisites: REQUIRED
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes

In our Humanities 6 class, students will explore the theme of community as they develop their study skills in a supportive class environment. They will learn about the lifestyle, tradition, and culture of people in early civilizations and connect it to the samples of literature we read in class. We will cover the growth of early humans, settlements in Mesopotamia, the rise of Egypt, advancements in China, the culture of India, and the growth and challenges of democracy in ancient Greece. These units will emphasize the actions of people in a community, the growth of culture, traditions, and technology, and the impacts of decisions reached by leadership in different time periods and places. Our main units are connected to a sample of literature students will read, discuss, and analyze. To develop their writing skills, students will work on different samples of descriptive, expository, persuasive, and narrative assignments. Throughout the year, students will craft paragraphs, personal responses, and short essays related to these goals of writing. They will learn to communicate ideas clearly in partner shares, class discussions, and short presentations to the class. Students will use our textbook as a research tool, take notes from a variety of sources, and create digital projects to become more fluent in their tech skills on our Chromebooks. In class, students will design projects in cooperative groups, and learn to improve their range of study skills from guided teacher instruction. Hands-on projects for each main unit of study will emphasize their communication, collaboration, creativity, resilience, and critical thinking skills.
Introduction to French

Course Length: Semester
Open to Grades: 6
Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 10 minutes

This class is an introduction to the French language. Students learn fundamental grammar and basic vocabulary. They study the present tense of regular verbs and some irregular verbs, the near future, and the recent past. They learn how to introduce themselves, to count, to describe themselves, to talk about the family, the class subjects, the hobbies, the market, the colors, the house, the weather, the time, the days of the week, the months, and the seasons. All vocabulary and grammar are paired with a variety of activities to reinforce and motivate learning with joy, using audio-visual and kinesthetic methods: songs, games, poems, stories, baking, dialogues, puppet show, and projects. No textbooks are required. Different stories are chosen from which the vocabulary, the grammar and songs are learned.
Introduction to Mandarin

Course Length: Semester
Open to Grades: 6
Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 20 minutes

World Language 6 as an introduction to the language and culture of French, Mandarin, and Spanish. Homework is minimal and the emphasis is on speaking and listening. Each language is a separate class: Introduction to French, Introduction to Mandarin, and Introduction to Spanish.
Introduction to Spanish

Course Length: Semester
Open to Grades: 6
Prerequisites: None

This course focuses on conversational Spanish, starting with Spanish basics. The course introduces everyday language and includes activities to practice all four language skills: reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension, and speaking. The goal is to introduce students to a 1A proficiency level. After completing this course, students will be prepared to introduce themselves, ask basic questions, and conduct a brief conversation in Spanish. Reference materials will be used, cultural notes, grammar explanations, functions of language, etc. Students will be able to monitor their progress by taking a number of oral and written assessments and a final achievement test.
Math 6

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6

Prerequisites: Math Placement

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30 minutes

Math 6 is designed to meet the needs of students from diverse math backgrounds. The focus is on developing a strong foundation in computational skills, while deepening conceptual understanding of fundamental math concepts, in order to set students up for success in future math courses. In particular, there is a strong emphasis on building computational fluency around fractions and decimals. Other topics include ratios and rates, positive and negative integers, and introductions to algebraic thinking. While learning these concepts, students practice mathematical reasoning and communication, and build their number sense and confidence through individual and collaborative work.
MS Algebra I

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 7, 8

Prerequisites: Prealgebra
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30 to 45 minutes

In MS Algebra I, students develop a solid conceptual understanding of algebraic reasoning and build computational fluency through work with manipulating expressions and equations. Topics include: linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponential functions, and quadratic functions, with an emphasis on representing functions in different forms. Through individual and group work, students build resilience in problem-solving and learn to effectively communicate their mathematical thinking to others.
MS Art Foundations

Let’s learn about ART! This course is perfect for all students to learn about and experience different mediums and techniques. The Elements of Art and Principles of Art will be introduced and emphasized in various activities and projects. During the course, students will be exposed to a variety of visual arts and have an introduction to subject matter that they may be interested in exploring more in-depth during a full quarter elective in the future, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, glass, printmaking, geo design, photography, and/or book arts! No previous art experience required, but a willingness to take risks and try new things is key!
MS Book Club

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: None

Do you wish you had more time to read in your busy day? This elective will provide middle school students time to relax, be thoughtful, work on fun mini-projects, and read books of their choice for pleasure. Why not have some extra time in your school day to read with your classmates?
MS CAD & 3D Printing

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: CS6

If you can design something in your mind, this course will help you make it become real. TinkerCad and other CAD software will be used for 3D designing on the computer. The digital design will be transformed into a tangible object by the use of a 3D printer. Units included in this class are: kitchen gadgets, interior design/architecture plans, wearable objects, and a collaborative design project.
MS Ceramics 1

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Estimated hours of homework per class period: None
Prerequisites: None

This course will cover fundamental skills necessary to create sculptural and functional ceramic objects. The course will be divided into hand building and wheel throwing units. Hand building units will include: mold making/press forming, coiling, pinching, slab rolling, and extruding. We will make cups, plates, and vessels during our wheel throwing units.
MS Ceramics 2

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Estimated hours of homework per class period: None
Prerequisites: MS Ceramics 1

MS Ceramics 2 will build on the skills learned in MS Ceramics 1. Projects will be more complex and detailed but will involve all the aspects of hand-building and wheel throwing previously practiced.
MS Choir

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15-30 minutes

This course is designed to introduce students to choral ensemble singing. Good breathing and vocal technique, vowel placement, projection, and a basic understanding of musical elements will be addressed through performance of Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Jazz and Popular styles. Teamwork, personal growth, and creative thinking are developed through rehearsal and performance. This is a performance-based class and outside of the school day performances will be required.
MS Coding Animations and Games

MS Coding focuses on the foundational concepts of computer science with an emphasis on making a custom mobile-friendly game. The flavor of the course would be to teach javascript, using block-based coding as well as text-based coding, on the code.org platform.
MS Creative Writing

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

In this class, students will refine their creative writing skills and discover the hidden writer in themselves. By using a variety of short writing prompts in class, we will develop our ideas into a set of completed pieces by the end of class. The main units of study include the use of descriptive language, short story, and poetry. We will read works by published authors, discuss them, and then try our hand at creating some meaningful, varied forms of creative writing. Students will focus on elements of creative writing: point of view, voice, character, setting, plot, conflict, narrative structure, along with the use of figurative language in their writing. We will share ideas and techniques, and develop our craft in a workshop approach. Their journal responses, writing prompts, poetry, and short stories in class will be completed in class, but there are expected due dates for the main projects. Writing outlines and revision guidelines will be passed out in class and posted on our site.
MS Drawing and Painting

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 0-20 minutes

Prerequisites: None

Middle School Drawing and Painting focuses on developing fundamental drawing and painting skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to draw and paint everyday objects, still lives, buildings and landscapes in a realistic manner. No matter the skill level, each individual will see vast improvements in his or her current drawing and painting abilities. Lessons are straight forward and easy to understand because students follow along with the teacher every step of the process. During drawing units, students will work with pencils and charcoal, During the Painting units, students will work with watercolor and acrylics. No previous experience required, but a willingness to risk and try new things.
MS Geometric Designs

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

In this quarter-length course, students will explore repetition and patterns in art. We will explore tessellations, stamping patterns, doodle art, mandalas, and 3-D art. We will work with a variety of mediums including, paper, paint, pens/ink, printmaking/stamping materials, pens, found objects, and/or even tile! We will do individual and group projects. No previous art class experience is required; this class is accessible to everyone.
MS Hiking & Outdoor Games

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

The hiking and outdoor games course takes advantage of Priory's beautiful natural setting by bringing the highlights of outdoor ed to the regular school day! Students will play active games, participate in team building activities, and hike on local trails. The course will develop students' physical fitness and teach collaboration, communication, and resilience. Students will also learn about local flora and fauna and practice staying safe in the great outdoors. Most importantly, hiking and outdoor games will be FUN, bringing some much needed movement to the day and building connections between classmates!
MS Improvisation

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 5 minutes

This course is designed for actors of all levels. The goal of this course is to grow student's acting skills, release the madness of their imaginations, and expose them to games and exercises in which they will build tons of characters and situations. The students will learn: basic acting vocabulary, improvisation games, voice work to sound different character-to-character, and they will increase their power and come at character-building in many ways. This class WILL NOT perform for the Middle School, and students will have fun and grow from creating characters and scenes with each other.
MS Intro to Instruments

This class will serve players in developing their musical skills on a chosen string, woodwind, or brass instrument. They will be working on the art of practice, technique, and playing with other instrument players. The hope is that a love of playing music will be gained through the course of the class. This elective will prepare students to move into one of the instrumental ensembles; Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble.

Instrument choices: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass
MS Jazz Ensemble

Course Length: Year (Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisite: Permission from Instructor by audition
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes

This ensemble consists of students playing at all levels on woodwinds, brass, and percussion. You will play with students who are equally interested in having a good time growing their skills and making great music. In this class, you will learn a variety of musical styles and genres including jazz, swing, and funk, and will learn to become more proficient on your instrument.
MS Musical Theater Performance

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes or less

This quarter-long class focuses on training beginning and intermediate performers to combine the elements of acting, dancing and singing into performing selections from the musical theater genre. MTP utilizes both individual and group work in a variety of short scenes and concentrates on character development through body language/dance and vocal inflection/tone. A variety of techniques and exercises will be employed and the historical and social contexts of musical theater will be explored as well. Ultimately, students will have a better sense and ability to create characters through music and dance. At the end of the quarter, students will perform their songs and scenes for an invited audience of parents and select middle school classes.
MS Orchestra

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6-8

Prerequisites: Audition with Instructor
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15-30 minutes

This ensemble consists of students playing at all levels on strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. You will play with students who are equally interested in having a good time growing their skills and making great music. In this class, you will learn a variety of musical styles and genres and will learn to become more proficient on your instrument.
MS Outdoor Survival Skills

Course Description:

Most of us know who Bear Grylls is. Or at least most of us have seen a survival reality show where contestants are asked to survive in extreme elements in the wild. This class will not be asking you to survive 3 weeks on a deserted island or navigate your way out of an ice storm in Antarctica…but it will give you the basic skill sets to be more confident exploring the great outdoors. Students will learn how to navigate with and without a compass, start a fire, cook on a fire, track and trap animals, read the weather, and be a smarter, safer, and more appreciative adventurer.
MS Percussion

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes

MS Percussion is a beginning class open for students brand new to music. Students will play a variety of drums and many other percussion instruments. Students will be working on the art of practice, technique, and playing with other players. This is an exciting class, an opportunity for students to express themselves, and allows students to transition into the larger music ensembles if they wish.
MS Plant to Plate: Grow, Eat & Repeat

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: None

Plant to Plate I is an interactive, hands-on gardening and cooking class. We will learn how to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables, care for the chickens, and maintain the garden. Students will learn basic, intermediate, and advanced cooking skills including health and safety measures in an outdoor kitchen. Science concepts will be woven into our work in the garden. Benedictine values will be at the center of our time around the table as we "break bread" together.
MS Printmaking

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Let’s Make Prints! Students will learn the basic history of Printmaking (with slides and examples), and explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional printmaking techniques including monoprints/monotypes, block printing, and editions. We will use a variety of mediums and methods like gelli plates, rubber, cardboard, and/or foam plates. We will make prints from objects found in nature and from recycled materials. Elements of graphic design, collagraphs, gluing, cutting, registration, and reduction printing will also be incorporated into the course. You’ll learn all the basics: transferring an image, envisioning it in positive/negative space, carving, inking, and printing. Students will leave the course with a collection of their prints, and a group project. No previous printmaking or art experience is required; this course is accessible to everyone.
MS Python Programming

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: CS6

Python programming is a hands-on project-based one quarter long class using Python programming language. It covers basic programming concepts such as variables, data types, iteration, flow control, input/output, and functions. The class is appropriate for middle students who do not have prior Python experience and have completed at least a Pre-algebra math course.
MS Racket Sports

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

Students will learn about and play various racket sports, such as tennis, pickleball, badminton, squash, and paddle tennis. Racket sports are famous worldwide and enjoyed by people of all skill levels. These games offer many benefits, including improved coordination, strength, agility, and higher cardiovascular fitness.
MS Robotics

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: None

Come learn how to design a robot to play a game. Whether you are interested in building, coding, 3D modeling, electronics, or video games, there's something for everyone to explore and contribute. Participants will also compete with their robot in the FIRST Tech Challenge at a local Bay Area competition in Nov/Dec. No experience is required.
MS Songwriting

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes

This quarter-long class is designed for students who want to compose their own music. Students will gain a strong foundation of the fundamentals of songwriting including music theory, lyric writing, harmony, music notation, and chords. Students will create their own songs, collaborate with classmates on projects, and develop their musical ear to further appreciate the music they love.
MS Sport Skills

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

Students will build on skills learned in 6th grade and acquire a higher understanding of how to improve their sports skills and why it’s essential. This course teaches and provides practice specific techniques and conditioning in the sports of football, basketball, and tennis.
MS Stewards in Action

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: None

Do you like working with your hands to solve problems? Do you find it satisfying to use your time and talents to fix things that need attention? Do you like to leave a place better than you found it? Do you enjoy the intangible and intrinsic rewards of stewardship? Stewards in Action is a class dedicated to helping students discover the joys of campus stewardship. Together, we will look at ways that we can make a positive difference in the school operations, appearance, and environmental impact. Students will learn basic tool use and techniques – skills that they can apply to real-life projects and problems. Most class time will be spent outdoors, with projects including: campus habitat restoration, trail improvement, tool reconditioning and repair, and community education/information.
MS Storytelling

Course Description:

“Stories are a communal currency for humanity.”- Tahir Shah. Stories are, and always have been, how we learn about ourselves and others. Our histories, cultures, ideas, triumphs, and meaningful failures are all passed down and through our stories. How we hear and tell those stories is an art that truly benefits humanity. In this course, we will explore the different ways we hear and share stories. We will take walks around campus while listening to podcasts, we will go outside and read short stories, and we will watch films that visually create worthy tales. We will also craft our own stories and learn how to best share them through creative writing and in person story telling. In doing so, we will gain an appreciation for the inherent value of stories and a better understanding of how to absorb and share them.
MS Swords, Words & Mayhem

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 5-10 minutes

In this class students will be playing with Shakespeare as he was meant to be done: on their feet, sword in hand! Shakespeare wrote some of the greatest, darkest, most twisted, and most comic characters and words ever, and he’s meant to be acted, not read while confined in a desk. Students will learn Unarmed Combat and Broadsword Stage Combat as a way into that world (after all you never know when you’ll be attacked by a medieval sword-wielding Scotsman in an alley!). Fantastic scenes and monologues from Shakespeare will be played with, and students will look at fun and exciting ways to make the language and characters come ALIVE! Students’ will grow their focus, confidence, vocal power, acting skills and stretch their imaginations, bodies and voices. This class WILL NOT perform for the middle school.
MS Visual Design

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: CS6

This quarter long course provides an introduction to various Adobe programs and different design skills with art elements and principles. This is a hands-on project-based class in which students get plenty of opportunities to learn vector and bitmap graphic design software for print products. A digital portfolio showcasing student works throughout the quarter is used to celebrate the completion of this course.
PE 6

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6

Prerequisites: None

The Priory sixth grade physical education class meets two times a week for fifty minutes and emphasizes health-related fitness activities. The class provides a varying array of traditional sports like volleyball, golf and basketball combined with non-traditional sports like cricket, lacrosse and badminton to create an exciting learning environment. In addition to improving overall physical fitness, the curriculum focuses on other important outcomes, including the attainment of motor skills, knowledge, and social values. The focus during class time, however, is on students being actively engaged in developmentally appropriate movement. Students should learn to enjoy and seek out physical activity along with developing and maintaining acceptable levels of physical fitness. Our curriculum is based on the framework and standards of the state of California and SPARK (Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids, a nationally honored non-profit organization dedicated to physical education).
Science 6

Course Length: Year

Open to Grades: 6

Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30 minutes

This year-long middle school science course is designed to introduce students to science and scientific thinking and procedures through an investigative class format. Students will learn how to “do as scientists do” while focusing on physical science.
Study Skills 6

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6
Prerequisites: REQUIRED

Studies Skills 6 is a class focused on creating organization and order in the lives of sixth graders. Each quarter is broken into several large themes: school community, personal learning, reading and writing skills, and presentation skills. Students reflect each class period through journal writing on school values and community-building themes. In collaborative partnerships, students assess their organizational skills each week. Students clean and organize their binders and planners. Through creative projects, written expression, and discussion, sixth grade students find their way through their first year at the Priory.
Theology 6

Course Length: Semester

Open to Grades: 6

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: None

Theo 6 introduces students to the discipline of theology and The Priory Way. Students explore the principles and practices of the Benedictine Spiritual tradition through a variety of means and methods. Lessons are designed with scripture and literature, visual and performing arts, movement and stillness, meditation and reflection, lectures and conversations. Theo 6 is an invitation and a challenge to follow our Benedictine values both inside and outside the classroom.
Tinker

Course Length: Quarter

Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8

Prerequisites: None

Having fun with science! Students will build and tinker to discover facts about physics and engineering through hands-on exploration. These will include creating and designing projects, such as an egg drop, bridge building, catapults, roller coasters and so much more. Throughout this course, students will strengthen their knowledge on science and everyday life concepts, including: air resistance, projectiles, gravity, support structures, the scientific method, the design process, the design review process, data collection, data analysis, constructive feedback, observation, working independently and working in groups. Students will leave this class with several projects and a greater understanding of the scientific process and areas of study. The information students learn about in Stem Building is applicable to all future science courses.

No previous knowledge or experience with engineering or science is necessary for this course. Open to all grades.

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6th

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