Middle School

In middle school English Language Arts, students analyze a variety of literature and nonfiction selections to practice various techniques for reading, comprehending, and making sense of unfamiliar texts. Students are encouraged to learn writing techniques and literary devices by separating literature and grammar. Students are taught to diagram sentences, read with intention, and write in a technical and knowledgeable manner. The ELA department seeks students to:

●      Understand the different effects of written and spoken language

●      Develop variety, sensitivity, style, and effectiveness in language

●      Improve the understanding of grammar and its purposes

Students use concepts, algorithms, and properties of real numbers to explore mathematical relationships and to describe increasingly complex situations throughout middle school.

The primary focal points in 6th grade are number operations; proportionality; expressions, equations, relationships; and measurement and data. While in 7th-grade numbers and operations, proportionality; expressions, equations, and relationships; and measurement and data. These concepts build to the primary focal areas in 8th grade: proportionality; expressions, equations, relationships, and foundations of functions; and measurement and data.

These focal points are achieved through the Big Ideas Math programs using a universal design for learning to create a fun and innovative program that uses hands-on activities and scaffolded instruction. This allows for balanced lessons with built-in responses to interventions that appeal to students and teachers alike. With an intense emphasis on classroom problem-solving, students can transfer their mathematical knowledge to new concepts and apply their understanding to real-life situations. Students become more comfortable with problem-solving through practice and problem-solving to become strategic mathematical thinkers.

Additionally, students can test for advanced math after 6th grade. If accepted, students proceed to Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade and complete middle school math in Algebra I.

6th Grade – Old Testament Survey

WCS 6th Grade Bible will be a general survey of all the books of the Old Testament. Topics such as authorship, historical context, primary themes and literary devices, major events and figures, and relevance to the New Testament will be covered. Students will learn how the Lord moved through the Israelites in His plan of salvation.

WCS 7th Grade Bible will continue a general biblical survey by familiarizing students with all the books of the New Testament. Topics such as authorship historical context, primary themes and literary devices, major events and figures, and continuity with the Old Testament will be covered. Students will learn how Christ and the Holy Spirit fulfill the Lord’s promises to us and to the world.

In addition to Bible classes, students will attend weekly chapel services and a biblical worldview is engrained naturally into every subject. Spiritual growth is cultivated through chapel services, community service, team-building retreats, and regular study of the Bible.

WCS 8th Grade Bible will be an examination of primary biblical figures in the Old Testament (including: Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Esther, Deborah, and David) and New Testament (including: Peter, Paul, Mary, and Jesus). The historical contexts, personal lives, major events, strengths and flaws, and role in redemptive history of each figure will be examined. Students will learn how to properly view our predecessors in biblical history.

A meaningful, hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum STEMscopes is used to teach science concepts to develop 21st-century technology skills needed for future STEM careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The science standards are met and taught cross-curricular incorporating writing throughout the lessons. STEMscopes provides a foundation in science that establishes critical thinking experiences for students as they learn and discover about all God’s creations.

In the 6th grade, students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary societal events. Through rich primary and secondary sources, students learn about the cultures studied. 6th-grade students mix social studies’ geographical and historical aspects to build a base that will carry them through our middle school history program.

The 7th grade introduces students to study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Students examine the full scope of Texas history, from its people to contemporary Texas eras. Each era focuses on key individuals, events, and issues and their impact. Students use primary and secondary sources to examine Texas’s rich and diverse cultural background.

In the 8th grade, students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, religious, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras. Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights, reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students use critical-thinking skills, including identifying bias in written, oral, and visual material.

This elective program is designed to allow students to explore various interests and passions. The program includes various options, such as Art, Graphic Design, Academic Meet, Theatre, and 4H.

In Art, students will explore various techniques and mediums, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. They will also learn about art, history, and culture. In Theatre, students will explore acting, directing, and stagecraft. Finally, in 4H, students will learn about all kinds of practical skills that support a well-rounded life.

The elective program allows students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting relationships with their peers.