8th Grade
The eighth grade curriculum is a challenging course of studies designed to prepare the student for college preparatory high school work. Those students with well-developed abilities in the areas of foreign language and mathematics are offered High School level courses in their eighth grade year. Long range assignments and special projects are important aspects of the program. Finally, students become increasingly responsible for their own academic performance.
Religion
The religion curriculum includes a study of Catholic morality, The Study of the Liturgy, Social Awareness, and Human Sexuality. The course is devoted to a look at Christian moral decision making in light of the principles of the Gospel. Some of the areas covered are: community, relationships, compassion, needs and wants, respect, and responsibility. The process for making moral decisions and forming values is explored, using as a starting point the guidelines given throughout Scripture, particularly in the person of Jesus. The participation of the family, as the primary teacher in the areas of morality and value clarification, is encouraged and regarded as an integral part of the religion program. Students are given an opportunity to study and prepare for the liturgy and prayer services as they are celebrated throughout the school year.
In the Liturgy and Worship component of the course, the students learn about Catholic symbols, rituals, traditions, and the roots of the liturgy. The course involves students in a variety of prayer and worship experiences and an opportunity to plan and prepare a liturgy/prayer service in their respective trimester. Time is spent in reflection to help students to celebrate the liturgy and the Sacrament of the Eucharist intelligently, joyfully, and fruitfully.
The Human Sexuality component of the course presents a Catholic perspective on this very important subject. The program concentrates on the informed and supported framework, which allows for parent/student and teacher/student interaction to help them develop a positive and discerning self-concept and an attitude of respect and responsibility toward their sexuality.
One of the goals of Sacred Heart education is to commit to educate to "a Social Awareness which impels to action." The social awareness component of the eighth grade religion program addresses this goal through its class content. First, it attempts to raise the students' consciousness of issues such as hunger, poverty, and peace from a Gospel perspective, e.g., what the Gospel teaches about these and other justice issues. The second step, imperative in both the Gospel and the Sacred Heart goal mentioned above, is the concept of acting or working for justice. The students will have opportunities throughout the year to experience the needs of others and to act on them.
Eighth graders participate in the Peer Support Program throughout the year. They are divided into small groups which meet once each week. The groups provide an opportunity for eighth graders to discuss concerns of adolescence. Each group is lead by two or three senior or junior Peer Support leaders who have been trained in communication skills and can provide a safe, understanding place where students can share personal situations as well as gain awareness of resources that can provide assistance. Students find that meeting with facilitators in an atmosphere which allows the expression of candid opinions can help relieve some of the tensions associated with adolescence. Each group is monitored by an adult silent observer who provides on-going support and guidance to the student leaders.
English
Eighth Grade English Language Arts nurtures the development of a literary community engaged in the study of literature, writing, and language. Students read, annotate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate assigned novels and plays which are presented in both historical and biographical context. They develop their comprehension of the author’s purpose and meaning through their understanding of literary elements and devices. As members of the literary community, students are required to read their own selections and to make reading recommendations to the class. Students use the writing process to “write in response to literature”, answering the questions “how” and “why.” Grammar and vocabulary are studied formally and are integral parts of the literature and writing programs. Exploration of the history and development of the English language focuses on word forms and origins. A research project designed to improve writing and information literacy skills is assigned each trimester. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to apply the concepts and skills taught and to take increasing responsibility for their academic performance.
American History
The emphasis in eighth grade American history will be from the Civil War to the end of the twentieth century. However, students will begin the year studying Colonial issues and the Constitution. They will learn the art of analyzing primary sources, writing to draw conclusions that are supported by evidence, and reading for facts to support main ideas. Projects include the memorization of important documents and an argument essay using primary sources.
Algebra
Algebra begins with an in-depth review of equations with an emphasis on theoretical properties. The course then proceeds to an extensive study of polynomial expressions and equations. Students learn to graph and solve equations and inequalities in two variables and are introduced to rational and radical expressions. The applications of algebraic methods to practical problems are addressed throughout the course. In this class, the TI-83 graphing calculator, laptop computers, and mathematical manipulatives are used to enhance learning. Performance in this course (as judged by a student's final average, final exam grade, and teacher appraisal of understanding) will determine placement in Grade 9 mathematics.
Science
This course, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, is a study of the basic concepts of the physical sciences. The ability to process concepts, solve problems, and apply them to everyday living is developed. Lab classes using traditional science equipment as well as current technology such as computer probes, computer software, internet textbooks, and research are components of this course. At least one long-term project will be assigned during the year.
French
This course is aimed at preparing students to be placed in French 2 in 9th grade. In order to reinforce the study of the language, students enter the National French Contest in March. Native speakers must obtain permission for this course.
Spanish I
In the eighth grade, the students are encouraged to speak Spanish clearly and to think and to express themselves after developing a more complex background in grammar, reading, and vocabulary. By the time the students complete the second year, they will have acquired a command of the key vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary for personal communication as well as an appreciation of the dimension and variety of the Spanish-speaking world. The students who successfully complete this course are able to pursue Spanish II in High School. Native speakers must obtain permission for this course.
Computer
This course meets once a week for the entire year. Students will become more proficient in Microsoft Visual Basics programming. Students will also be reviewed on network procedures throughout the school year.
Art
The students will continue to demonstrate advanced knowledge of art history, multimedia, art techniques, and tools by challenging the imagination, fostering reflective thinking, and developing disciplined effort and problem solving skills. The students will be expected to use a variety of concepts directly related to the art elements and principles accurately.
Music
Music students study the art of music through singing, hand bell playing, listening, reading, history, rhythm, and interpretive expression. The students develop skills in singing two- and three-part harmony. They participate periodically in school religious services as the liturgical singers. Students develop instrumental skills in hand bell playing at an intermediate level. The class presents a musical in the spring.
Speech
Speech students focus on the development of skills needed for effective oral communication. Students analyze, prepare, present, and evaluate several types of speeches, including persuasive, introductory, informational, and extemporaneous. Additionally, speech students participate in interviewing, storytelling, oral interpretation, monologues, duet acting, leading group discussions, and debate. An emphasis is placed on determining the purpose of a speech and using well-planned strategies to achieve that goal. Each year the girls participate in a formal speech tournament. This class is for High School credit, but a “B”average must be maintained in order to receive High School credit.
