Middle School Course of Study

The 6th Grade is a year of transition from the largely autonomous classrooms of the Lower School to the more departmentalized program of the Middle School. Students have different teachers and classrooms for each subject. A large focus is placed on the development of organizational skills and effective strategies for time management. The students are learning how to learn and how that process may vary from discipline to discipline. 

English 6

In English 6, students begin to hone the reading, writing, and speaking skills that are essential throughout the Middle and Upper Schools. Literary selections challenge and engage students while laying a solid foundation in close reading and elements of fiction. Students also self-select literature for independent reading. They are encouraged to generate and respond to essential thematic questions, adding fresh perspectives and ideas as these questions are revisited. Students will better their understanding of expository and creative writing, by engaging in writing at home and in class; they will also learn to manage working on longer projects. Along with building vocabulary, students will establish a foundation of grammatical skills, such as understanding parts of speech, sentence structure, issues of agreement, and punctuation. These skills are practiced through exercises and extensive creative writing. 

History 6

The History 6 curriculum comprises the study of the ancient world, from prehistoric human development through a variety of classical civilizations. Beginning with basic skills in geography and mapping, students move on to the Old and New Stone Ages, touching upon the tools and skills used by historians and archeologists. They cover the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome in considerable depth, developing their understanding of the major trends that influenced the growth of cultures. Connections to the present are a key emphasis, providing students an opportunity to explore new ways of engaging with the material. Through their coverage of the historical content in the course, students strengthen their knowledge of geography and study skills. In order to develop their ability to articulate sound historical arguments, students participate in class discussions focused on a range of primary and secondary sources. Encouraging students to be critical thinkers and enabling them to form generalizations is accomplished through a variety of exercises that include guided reading and writing assignments, projects and presentations, and short research explorations. Time is also reserved for discussion of current events, particularly when they touch upon ideas or issues from the cultures under study.

Math 6

The Math 6 curriculum helps students master the basic computational skills needed for everyday life and understand the process of problem-solving. We expect students to gain fluency in the use of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. We also introduce students to statistics, where graphing data is developed. The Math 6 curriculum also integrates the metric system throughout the year. Students learn basic algebraic and geometrical concepts as they are introduced. Classroom discussions constantly refer to the use of mathematics in all fields and in real-life situations. 

Science 6

The primary focus of Science 6 is to develop an understanding of the Earth, its environment, and sustainability. Throughout the year, students explore key topics such as ecology and ecosystems, environmental quality, and biodiversity. Engaging in hands-on experiences, students gain practical field experience by contributing to the Billion Oyster Project’s mission of restoring one billion oysters to the harbor by 2035. In addition to maintaining an oyster research site, students adopt an oyster research tank in the classroom, fostering a sense of responsibility and ecological stewardship. The course emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and collaboration, culminating in the Annual Sixth Grade Sustainability Fair. This holistic educational experience blends scientific exploration with ecological consciousness, preparing students to be informed and active participants in environmental conservation efforts.

In the 7th Grade, students continue to take courses across all of the major disciplines. We place an emphasis on inferential thinking skills, advancing students’ cognitive abilities toward the next phase of development, i.e. analytic reasoning. Proper note-taking skills become increasingly important during the seventh grade year, and we weave the teaching of these skills into the curriculum. As the students mature and yearn for more independence, we meet this need by placing a high value on their ability to effectively self-advocate and self-monitor in both their academic and personal lives.

English 7

English 7 is distinguished by an increase in the variety of reading and writing objectives, with a focus on developing more analytical readers and writers. Students delve more deeply into literary convention and form and derive a better understanding of genre and elements of fiction. Students also explore a variety of these literary genres through self-selected independent reading and reading responses. Through consistent and progressive writing practice, students begin to understand structure and organization, textual support and detail selection, intent, and audience. Creative writing exercises in both prose and poetry help further develop vocabulary and descriptive writing skills. We reinforce fundamentals of grammar, usage, and mechanics through the students’ own writing, as well as through whole group focus lessons. Students also hone their skills in oral presentation and performance through project presentations, dramatizations of scenes, and poetry recitation.

History 7

The 7th Grade studies the history of the United States from pre-colonial times through the Civil War. The students use both their textbooks and a wide variety of primary and secondary sources to trace the beginnings of our nation and to understand the ideas and motives that have driven our geographic expansion and our social, technological, and political growth. Particular attention is paid to the early explorers, the Revolutionary War and its aftermath, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, immigration, the Industrial Revolution, and the causes and events of the Civil War. Regular writing assignments put a premium on thoughtful analysis, and students develop their research skills through papers, projects, and presentations. Map work is a significant component of the course, allowing students to foster their geographical skills. Students are encouraged to draw connections to the present, with time reserved for the study of current events, particularly as they relate to the topics under study. Emphases on civic engagement and an informed sense of citizenship are key elements of the class, as students encounter various issues from the American past and mature their critical thinking abilities in the process.
 

Math 7

In Math 7, a pre-algebra course, students learn to work beyond the “how” of math to the “why” of math. Both sections of the course continue the study of fractions, decimals, and percents. The curriculum also integrates problem-solving techniques in every topic. Students also make further algebraic and geometric connections throughout the year. Critical reasoning and analytical thinking take on crucial roles in the course, as students explore numerical and algebraic expressions that require them to evaluate expressions and solve equations. Special emphasis is put on mathematical applications and writing and solving equations. 

Science 7

Students in Science 7 spend the year developing a foundation of biological literacy. The goal of the course is to help students learn biological science while challenging them to push themselves beyond that which is easily comprehensible. The course focuses on investigative and hands-on scientific discoveries. The emphasis of the first trimester is on the scientific method, cellular components, cell processes, and cell reproduction. During the second trimester, we investigate genetics, evolution, and plants. The third trimester explores human body systems and ecology. Students use the scientific method and the metric system for precise measurements in their laboratory work, and they learn the correct use of citations. Students also continue to develop and refine the process of writing laboratory reports

In the final year of Middle School, the goal is to help students move away from concrete thinking and to begin to reason abstractly. The ability to think on this level demands both developmental readiness and environmental stimulation. With this goal in mind, individuals are encouraged to engage in inferential thought using techniques of comparative thinking, logic, and abstraction. In addition to the academic preparation is the focus on the students’ development of greater self-reliance, social maturity, study strategies, and time management that will be required of them in the Upper School. 

English 8

In English 8, students intensify their examination of language and their development of reading, writing, and discussion skills through the study of a variety of complex literature including novels and plays. Students’ exploration of character and reading for meaning is deepened, preparing them for further development in analytical writing. Isolated lessons on the development of thesis statements, introductions, body paragraphs, conclusions, and textual evidence stress the logical underpinnings of thoughtful writing. As we guide students in critically looking at their own work, they focus on the vocabulary and grammatical skills essential to their own success. In small and large group discussions, students collaborate to construct meaning by listening actively, disagreeing constructively, and building on one another’s ideas. 

History 8

The second of our two-year U.S. History sequence in the Middle School, History 8 takes up where History 7 ends, covering topics in U.S. history from Reconstruction to the present. Through the use of primary sources, a variety of secondary source materials, and multimedia, students analyze the main concepts and historical trends of the period, developing a better understanding of how events in our nation's past influence the present. The course emphasizes analytic reasoning, and students are expected to evidence such skills in written and oral form. As students encounter new material and techniques, they are presented with numerous modes of learning, using data-informed methodologies that most effectively help them build long-term retention of the subjects they are examining. An ongoing aspect of the course is an inquiry into the richly pluralistic development of our nation and an examination of the causes and effects of various social, political, cultural, militaristic, and economic phenomena of America's past. Through these investigations, students foster a greater sense of community and civic responsibility, as well as the analytical skills to prepare them for the next step in their scholastic careers.



Math 8

Two courses in mathematics are offered in 8th Grade: Algebra I and Algebra I Part 1. Placement is recommended on an individual basis according to past achievement and readiness. Both courses place special emphasis on problem-solving, critical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Both courses require an in-depth study of properties, integers, rational numbers, absolute value, equations, inequalities, exponents, and linear equations and their graphs. In Upper School, the students in Algebra I will move on to take Geometry, and those students in Algebra I Part 1 will take the second half of Algebra.

Science 8

In Science 8, students apply analytic skills to the investigation of the basic principles of physics and chemistry. We expect students to apply the scientific method in hypothesizing, interpreting events, and predicting outcomes. The laboratory program focuses on classical physics and introductory chemistry. Some of the investigations
the students pursue are accelerated motion, momentum, energy conservation, and single replacement reactions. The students engage in a colloquium after each investigation and write formal laboratory reports. Math skills and scientific skills are developed throughout the course

Students select French, Spanish, or Japanese in the 6th Grade and study one of these languages throughout their Middle School years.  This comprises the School’s required three-year language sequence.

World Language 6

Students in 6th Grade choose to study French, Spanish, or Japanese. In World Language 6 they develop a foundation for continued language study in Middle and Upper School. We emphasize student communication as students learn vocabulary in thematic units. The curriculum also introduces basic elements of grammar, including verb conjugation, gender agreement, and sentence construction. Dialogues, skits, songs, and games supplement the linguistic and cultural dimensions of the course. 

World Language 7

In 7th Grade, French, Spanish, and Japanese instruction continues to stress a functional and communicative approach to language learning. Students develop more complex sentence structures and acquire vocabulary evocative of everyday life. Grammatical instruction focuses on accurate expression, and video and audio technology are used, in conjunction with the textbook, to enhance this skill. These, combined with authentic materials, allow students to further their language proficiency and develop an appreciation of different people and cultures. 

World Language 8

In 8th Grade, French, Spanish, and Japanese continue the development of the four language skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Using text as well as audio and video technology, students learn an increasingly rich body of vocabulary, structure, and idioms, all linked to real-life situations. This course is designed to build solid written and oral communication skills to prepare for intermediate and advanced levels of language. We supplement the curriculum with activities fostering a deeper understanding of culture and civilization.

The Skills Department offers a course that reinforces and strengthens concepts taught in the Middle School curriculum. 6th and 7th Grade students take Strategic Mindsets: Mastering Metacognition, using the SMARTS program to explore a variety of strategies to improve executive functioning skills and work through the organizational transition to Middle School. Some students, in grades 6 through 8, may take Strategies for Learning, a project-based course that further enhances core academic abilities and replaces a world language. 
 

Strategic Mindsets: Mastering Metacognition

The Strategic Mindsets course in 6th Grade has students focus on transitioning into Middle School by learning about what executive functioning is and how their brains work through metacognition, creating achievable and appropriate goals, learning research skills, practicing listening skills, following directions, and thinking about how to shift perspectives and think flexibly. The 7th Grade students further develop their organizational skills and work on learning about time management, note-taking techniques, and studying for tests to enhance their ability to complete the coursework in their classes. 


Strategies for Learning

Strategies for Learning is an additional skills class available to Middle School students who have not yet studied a world language, are admitted in 7th or 8th grade without experience taking a world language, or have a world language waiver. Strategies supplement the other major subjects being studied and hone the skill sets required for success in these academic classes. The work focuses mainly on support with core academic courses and is project-based, demanding the use of a variety of skills as well as creativity. Students in Strategies for Learning work on becoming more independent learners as they examine information in an increasingly analytical manner. The skills learned in this course help prepare students for Upper School.

Visual Arts

In the 6th and 7th Grades, students experiment with
a variety of media and techniques, ranging from acrylic painting, collage, and watercolor to sculpture and mixed media projects. Using group discussion and critiques, students strive toward developing the verbal and visual skills necessary to talk about their work and ideas. By working on group projects, students are given the opportunity to exchange ideas and share decision-making in the creation of collaborative pieces. Several projects are coordinated with information from other course studies so that students can better understand their relationship to art. We encourage students to explore, take risks, and express their own concepts and individuality. 

Illustration 8

The Illustration 8 course is designed to help perfect students’ drawing skills by working in pencil, ink, and watercolors. Illustration projects develop throughout the course and are based on written works including students’ original compositions and others assigned to the class. Students also keep a journal throughout the course. 

Middle School Performing Arts

Music and drama hold an important place in Middle School, giving students a showcase for their talent and providing them with opportunities to perform in front of an audience of their peers, parents, and other members of the community. The Middle School music program continues the music appreciation cultivated in the Lower School by offering required music courses across all three grades. Students choose between Vocal Ensemble and Instrumental (violin, viola, or cello) which they continue through the remainder of Middle School. Every year, the Vocal Ensemble and Instrumental classes perform at our Holiday and Spring Concerts. Middle School students also have various theatrical performance opportunities each year, ranging from a musical performed at an off-Broadway theater to a fall play or cabaret. Students may also choose to be a part of the tech team for these shows, contributing to set building, stage management, or lighting design.


The Middle School Computer Science course of study, in Grades 6 through 8,  centers around building competence in the technical skills that will bring students into a world of endless opportunities. The goal of the program is to motivate students to use modern technology to their advantage by introducing them to a variety of useful applications. Topics of study include advanced word processing, audiovisual editing, computational thinking, Python programming, web development, 3-D modeling, and graphic design. Throughout the program, proper keyboarding techniques are reinforced along with guidelines on practicing safe online behavior and “digital citizenship” aligned with our Honor Code and Code of Conduct. The Computer Science Department maintains an inquiry-based learning environment in which students are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions about what they watch, hear, and read in the media. Innovation and critical thinking are emphasized. Students will leave Middle School equipped with the problem-solving and technical skills required to be competitive in an increasingly digital world.

The Middle School Health curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of health concepts, including the intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of healthy living. Each class is a forum for discussion, providing students with an opportunity to identify their own attitudes and beliefs concerning critical health issues. In Health 6, topics taught include mental and emotional health, personal health, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and drugs, family health, and sexuality. Health 7 topics include alcohol and drugs, peer pressure and refusal skills, family health and sexuality, the reproductive system, body systems, nutrition, and social, physical, and emotional health. Health 8 topics include family health and sexuality, gender and consent, STDs, first aid, fitness, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. All three grades also take part in the Teens and Tech curriculum, developed in partnership with the Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development. This curriculum delves into the basics of neuroscience, helping students understand how social media and technology influence brain development. By providing this knowledge, we empower students to make informed decisions about their technology use.

The Physical Education and Athletics program provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of activities through sequential instruction and movement. Students practice and strengthen the foundational skills introduced in the program through cooperative participation in group activities. Organized warm-ups, drills, and practice sessions help students attain proficiency in specific sports skills and the development of physical fitness. Students learn rules, skills, and strategies related to physical activities. The three main areas of activities for the Middle School program are health-related physical fitness, individual sports and activities, and team sports and activities. All Physical Education and athletic activities stress a sense of healthy competition, fair play, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Our Middle School students also utilize the school Fitness Center during certain times of the day and as part of their athletic teams. 
 

Team Sports

Fall
5/6 Intramural Soccer*
5/6 Intramural Volleyball*
7/8 Soccer*
7/8 Volleyball (Girls)
7/8 Cross Country*

Winter
5/6 Intramural Basketball (Boys)
5/6 Intramural Basketball (Girls)
7/8 Basketball (Boys)    
7/8 Basketball (Girls)
7–12 Swimming*
7-12 Squash*

Spring
5/6 Intramural Badminton*
5/6 Intramural Mini-Tennis*
7–12 Varsity Tennis*
7/8 Track and Field*
7-12 Varsity Golf*
8-12 Varsity Baseball (Boys)

*Co-ed

Students in the Middle School are expected to reach out, in meaningful ways, to their communities and not only serve them but, in their service, learn the value of civic responsibility and the power of the individual to take part in strengthening these communities. The Middle School will help raise awareness of needs in our communities and offer many opportunities for students to work with and learn from different local and global organizations. Student preparation, action, and reflection lead to an enriched learning experience. We also expect students to seek opportunities to serve on their own. While the School does not require a set number of hours to be completed for the year, students are expected to participate in one school-sponsored service project per trimester, a total of three for the year. The school expects that students will become global citizens who take an active role in shaping their world through consistent and willing participation in these projects. 

Such civic responsibility culminates in 8th grade through our Leadership Course that meets twice a week. Building upon the premise that leadership and ethical decision-making are not innate but rather learned and cultivated, our 8th graders are challenged to become the everyday leaders of our middle school. Beginning with an exploration of the habits and qualities of what makes an effective leader, students then search out those qualities in themselves, asking not just what they value but why. The leadership journey then moves outward by aligning such discovery more profoundly with our school community. Students ultimately collaborate on a capstone project they identify as an essential commitment and responsibility, which is completed and presented to our Middle School faculty, administration, and student body.

The STEAM Initiative at BWL was created to equip students with 21st-century skills that enable them to thrive in and improve the world. Students are challenged to use both hard and soft skills to solve problems. Within and beyond the classroom, STEAM programs, including classroom STEAM challenges and interdisciplinary projects, empower students to engage the world and solve problems through inquiry and innovation. Programs, like the annual 6th Grade Sustainability Fair, The Billion Oyster Project, and our Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farm, highlight the importance of being a global citizen by using scientific and technological fluency to build a more sustainable world. In addition, students in Grades 4-8 may join the Lower and Middle School Robotics Team. This after-school program has students competing in the FIRST Lego League Challenge. Friendly competition is at the heart of the Challenge, as teams of students engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering--building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. 

The School’s Independent Study Program provides opportunities for highly motivated 7th–12th grade students to explore a particular subject or topic of interest while developing the skills to produce high-level academic projects. The program is designed for students who are excelling in a specific subject area and want to expand their knowledge through independent study and mentorship, learning to produce high-quality academic writing while presenting their ideas and research in a symposium setting. Eligible students are paired with a mentor teacher in their focused subject area, as well as an Independent Study advisor for weekly meetings. These faculty members provide direction, support, and the necessary skills for students to explore their passions and produce a final project of which they can be proud. Each Independent Study takes place over either the Fall or Spring term, with a culminating Independent Study Symposium where students present what they have learned and created. 

The Middle School takes advantage of opportunities for learning and exploration throughout New York City by taking field trips that supplement the curriculum. These include visits to local museums, parks, historic sites, and other neighborhood institutions. Past and planned trips include the New York Public Library, the local New York Police Department precinct, Museo del Barrio, The Museum of the City of New York, the Jewish Heritage Museum, field observations at the East River, The Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, John Jay Park, Central Park, and more. Each grade in Middle School also takes an overnight trip to a camp for team-building, orienteering, and leadership development activities.

Middle School students are placed into advisory groups that meet every day for a short period of time with an advisor. The advisor oversees the academic progress of these students and maintains contact with parents and the administration. During the advising period, advisors check in with advisees, make announcements, and participate in a developmentally attuned spiraling curriculum including constructive dialogue, mindfulness and mental well-being, community-building, organizational and executive functioning skills, leadership, and the development of agency and self-advocacy.

Each advisory group in the Middle School is part of a House each year that works to celebrate our school values and to encourage school spirit and service. Houses are named for our school colors and values (Green-Integrity, White-Loyalty, and Blue-Civility) and consist of one homeroom from each grade level, 6th through 8th. Each House works as a team to earn House points through participation in school events, service opportunities, extracurricular activities, sports, and then displays of academic progress, and adherence to the Code of Conduct and Honor Code. Individuals also have opportunities, each day, to earn points for their Houses by demonstrating exemplary behaviors that show kindness, good manners, active participation, a positive attitude, service, motivation, and responsibility. The year culminates with the awarding of the House Cup to the House that has earned the highest number of points that school year. 

Each student in Middle School is required to participate in a Club or Activity during the “Activities Block” that is part of their weekly schedule. These rotating offerings include over 20 different options across the year, and students can rotate through choices each term. Past and current offerings include Ethics Club, Service Learning Club, Chess Club, Knitting Club, Anime / Manga Club, Magazine Writing Club, Math & Logic Puzzles Club, Environmental Club, and many others. There are additional opportunities for clubs and activities after school, including FIRST LEGO League Robotics, Rock Band, the Middle School Play or Musical, and Intramural Sports. In addition, BWL hosts a school Spelling Bee as part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.