Philosophy | Grade Five | Grade Six | Form I | Form II

Philosophy

The Middle School history curriculum is designed to show the student that the nature of life is to grow and change. As students become more aware of the changes in the past, they will be better prepared to adapt to change in the future. Through learning the rudiments of the historian’s discipline, students focus on processes, concepts, and skills. The content serves as the vehicle through which the student develops reading, writing, note taking, and research skills. Learning the importance of geography in the study of history and the relationship of the past to current events are additional goals of the department.

Grade Five

Experience World Culture and Heritage. This course studies the geography, culture, and heritage of today’s world. Through exposure to different cultures, students gain a knowledge and appreciation for the differences and similarities that exist between these cultures and their own. This course is cross-curricular, and several American literary works, such as Number the Stars, The Cay, My Brother Sam is Dead, and The Watsons Go To Birmingham, are integrated into the historical narrative. Map skills, note taking, and computer literacy are emphasized. Students are assigned a project to complete each trimester relative to the subject matter being studied. The main text used is Houghton Mifflin, We the People Discover Our Heritage: World Cultures and Geography.

Fall Term: Europe in the Modern Age. The term begins with an exploration of the modern world with an emphasis on geography and culture. Students then move to an investigation of Europe with particular focus on significant 20th century events. Students develop research skills through biweekly library visits and projects that also allow them to delve into topics introduced in class.

Winter Term: North, Central and South America in the Modern Age. Students take a comprehensive look at the western hemisphere and are exposed the the rich past and present of this region. The boys are assigned a trimester-long project involving library research, note taking and class presentations. The unit culminates with Latin America Day, a celebration of these wonderful cultures.

Spring Term: Africa in the Modern Age. Students have the opportunity to learn about the different countries, cultures, and people of Africa. The boys focus on the geography, history, and current events of this vast continent.

 

Grade Six

Ancient and Medieval History. This course is designed to introduce students to the earliest known civilizations, the rise of Greece and Rome, and political and religious developments in medieval Europe. Emphasis is placed on writing, analysis of sources, classroom discussion, and note-taking skills. Research and study skills continue to be introduced and practiced throughout the year.
Fall Term: Ancient Civilizations. This sequence begins by exploring the origin of river valley civilizations ]]>