Curriculum
A literature-based curriculum is the foundation for the rigorous program of studies offered to Powhatan School’s Upper School students. Consisting of grades five to eight, with each grade divided into two sections of up to sixteen students, the Upper School seeks to prepare students to be academically successful at the high school level as well as socially skilled, community minded, and civically and environmentally responsible.
Reading, writing, and higher-level thinking skills are emphasized in all subject areas. The core curriculum consists of English, science, social studies, math, and foreign languages. These subjects are complemented by studies in art, music, drama, public speaking, computer technology, as well as team and individual sports. A Nature-Enhanced Approach to Learning (NEAL) is also an important component of the Powhatan learning experience and is embedded in all areas of our curriculum. NEAL gives students hands-on experiences in ecology and develops a love of nature and a desire to protect the environment.
The academic day is divided into six instructional periods and one sports period. Technology is used extensively in the teaching and learning processes.
English studies emphasize reading, writing, thinking, and creativity. Students are exposed to a wide range of literature genres and are required to complete a significant amount of independent reading during the regular school year and in the summer months when school is not in session. We believe that writing extensively is at the heart of teaching thinking skills and developing creativity and confidence.
Social studies is taught thematically. Areas studied include ancient civilizations, medieval history, major religions, economics, civics, and geography. Students study American, European, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern history as well.
Upper School students study Spanish as a world language requirement. Upon graduation, our students are prepared to enter high school in the second or third year of the language they studied.
The math classes are developmentally grouped, and students may complete high school Algebra I and Geometry at Powhatan.
Science students study physical science, earth science, life science, and ecology in a sequentially based curriculum.
Advisement is an opportunity for students to meet in small groups and address issues that would not come up in a normal academic setting. This may include topics, such as peer relationships, time or emotional management, or communication problems with other faculty members.
Advisors serve as the first line of communication for parents and teachers. Advisors communicate with parents and teachers about student grades and progress throughout the school year.
Mentored by an excellent faculty in a student-centered environment where cultural diversity is valued and intellectual curiosity is central, Powhatan offers students the opportunity to excel in an environment that nurtures them as individuals and prepares them for success as they continue their education.
Fifth Grade
Program of Study
Fifth grade, in general, follows a homeroom-based structure similar to what students experience in fourth grade. However, there are some changes to help bridge the way to the upper school, where they begin to experience what it feels like to be a true Middle Schooler. The homeroom teachers will be teaching language arts and social studies. Students will have different teachers for math, science, technology, Spanish, art, and music to complement their subjects. It’s a great fifth-grade team! All fifth-grade students will experience Workshop.
Language Arts
Language Arts follows a parallel Reading/Writing structure. During the year, students work on the following skills:
Reading – Students are taught to explore a variety of “good fit” books and are encouraged to participate in a 30-book challenge that lasts through the duration of the year. They transfer reading strategies from modeled lessons to their personal reading and respond in writing to demonstrate their growing reading skills. Students also engage in a variety of theme-based, small-group book clubs during which they learn discussion techniques and respond to reading in writing.
Writing – Students frequently write about their reading but also engage in a variety of lessons that focus on formal essays, short stories, narratives, poems, and expository writing. Grammar/conventions are embedded in the writing process, with additional lessons to look at specific pieces in isolation.
Word Study & Vocabulary Development – Students explore various spelling patterns, context clues, Greek and Latin roots, and content-focused vocabulary in unique, flexible groups.
Math
Students in fifth-grade math begin to transition from hands-on/kinesthetic exploration to pictorial models of math and then move further beyond visualizations to abstract understanding. Students work to derive algorithms and then choose those that work best for them. Students are challenged to think critically and apply understanding to real-world situations, analyze errors, set personal goals for growth, and detect patterns in their mastery, habits, and approaches in order to develop a stronger sense of math identity. We cling to the truth that “Practice doesn’t make perfect; it makes permanent” and that good practice starts first with a good, positive attitude.
Social Studies
Social studies Content focus: Prehistory & Ancient Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome). Students will then use the content learned as a vessel to develop and strengthen general learning skills like binder organization, notetaking, collaboration, debate, test-taking strategies, project management, speaking & listening, and expository writing. We focus on the process of gathering information, processing information, and applying information to new scenarios. Students are offered multiple modalities to show an understanding of content and are exposed to various assessment structures.
Science
Fifth grade science incorporates the three branches of science: earth, life, and physical, in various engaging units. The hands-on curriculum is punctuated by regular labs (indoor and outdoor) with culminating field trips and presentations throughout the school year. Nonfiction reading and notetaking skills are also a part of the learning process. Students will synthesize information and develop skills to communicate science facts and ideas in writing.
Units of Study: Hurricanes & Extreme Weather, Metric Measurement, Magnetism, Chemistry, Electricity and Energy Sources, Force, Motion & Simple Machines, Flight & Rocketry, Oceans, and Freshwater & Water Conservation.
Spanish
The fifth grade Spanish program focuses on speaking and listening skills to build students’ oral production and make them comfortable using the target language. Students learn through songs, games, stories, videos, and hands-on materials. The Spanish program is based on everyday situations to encourage students to use the language outside the classroom. Topics covered include but are not limited to greetings, numbers, weather, the calendar, food, telling time, personal feelings, and likes/dislikes. Students also learn about cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world, such as Día de los Muertos, Christmas in Mexico, and the Festival of San Fermín in Spain.
Art
Art in the fifth grade centers around the three C’s; Creativity, Composition, and Content. Chronologically we do try to have a cross-curricular program. The Elements and Principles of art begin to be explored and are given relevance within our content area. Tactile art is necessary for our fifth graders and will be seen through projects and experiences. Visually, students begin learning about the History of Art, concentrating on the ancient world, paralleling what is learned in homeroom.
Music
Upper Music, 5th Grade Music, focuses on the development of the performance-based curriculum. Fifth graders are new to the curriculum style due to their transition from lower to Upper School. The goal of their first year in Upper School is crucial in building their confidence throughout middle school. To assist with this direction, they have a talent show that is open for
their families to attend. Students are also introduced to basic music theory concepts, including rhythm and form development. In addition, students begin Kodaly Study to support vocal development. The fifth graders’ understanding of these concepts is developed with partner support throughout most of the year. Another important musical addition is the use of Soundtrap, which is a music program used to help enhance our studies.
Technology
The fifth grade Technology/Computer Science program continues what was learned in previous years, such as keyboarding, digital citizenship, programming, and Google Workspace for Education apps. Fifth graders will explore and construct worlds in virtual reality using CoSpaces and the Oculus Quest VR headsets. They will also learn video editing through filming and creating
their own short video clips in the WeVideo program. Students will use Tinkercad to learn computer-aided design (CAD) and follow up with the use of the 3D printer.
Sports
The fifth grade sports program focuses on team sports. Students will learn the basic fundamentals and rules of the game and gain valuable game experience through intramural play. Students will participate primarily in the sports that are played during their sixth-eighth grade experience.
Workshop
Workshop teaches essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, resilience, reflection, revision, executive functioning, and perspective-taking. Workshop provides an extension of core content through the lens of mission-based experiences both in supported small groups, independent discovery, regular one-on-one, student-teacher instruction, and
conferencing.
Experiences – or missions – are designed with the following four components at the forefront:
1. Workshop extends content through cross-curricular discoveries and aptitudes.
2. Workshop challenges interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
3. Workshop focuses on the process, not always the product.
4. Workshop requires reflection for authentic, rich learning.
Sixth Grade
Program of Study
English
Sixth grade English is divided into four parts: Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Grammar. Students will read throughout the year. At times, we will read the same book as a group, and at other times, students will be part of small reading groups sharing the same book. We will take daily book quizzes that will hone the students’ inference skills and critical thinking. During writing weeks, we will focus on a particular writing skill. The week will include explicit writing lessons, time to write, and time to revise and share.
Students’ vocabulary development will expand this year. We will live in an environment of rich vocabulary. We will share words we find in our individual books while explicitly learning ten new words each week. These words will come from the engaging books in our room. Students will hone their speaking skills by learning the rules of grammar. We learn grammar by highlighting sentences in our books and by incorporating the traditional approach of diagramming sentences. Students will learn to diagram sentences so the rules of grammar will be seen clearly and organized. As Gertrude Stein said, “I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences.” We agree!
Math
Sixth grade Math class continues to use a problem-solving and conceptual approach. Students focus on solidifying their computational math skills while developing problem-solving strategies. Students learn to navigate a textbook and organize a math binder, including classwork, homework, and teacher and student-created materials. We focus on rational numbers, which include computation skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, negatives, fractions, decimals, and percent. Pre-algebra and geometry concepts will also be covered in concrete and semi-abstract experiences. Students will explore math involved in computer science, too. Making math relevant to the world outside a classroom is very important, so we work to make connections through activities and projects.
Science
The sixth graders study Life Science, which consists of three units: an introduction to science and Life Science, a Human Body unit, and a Wildlife unit to finish the year. We often start class with a discussion and then move to some activity or experiment illustrating those concepts. The goal is to excite students with the possibilities of science and life science- whether human needs and survival skills during our Survival Trip, cell parts during our microscopy, or ecology as we look at our beautiful campus in the spring.
History
Sixth grade History begins with an in-depth exploration of religion. We will study the origin and traditions of major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. With this knowledge intact, the students are prepared to learn about influential movements in history. Units include The Age of Exploration, The Renaissance, The Reformation, Henry VIII, and The Reign of Elizabeth I. Students will hone their note-taking skills, their essay-writing skills, and their study skills. All this while learning about the most exciting stories ever told!
Spanish
The sixth grade Spanish students will develop Spanish language comprehension through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students in 6th grade will be starting the Spanish I curriculum, which focuses on learning the present tense in the regular form. Students learn through videos, books, games, stories, songs, and hands-on materials. Topics covered include but are not limited to greetings, numbers, weather, personal feelings, likes/dislikes, school and afterschool activities, describing yourself and others, and describing school, classes, and location. In grammar, they will learn subject pronouns, definite and indefinite articles, noun-adjective agreement, and all forms of present-tense verbs. Students also learn about cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world.
Music
In Upper School sixth grade Music we continue to focus on performing musical concepts. In addition to basic theory teachings, students are introduced to aural skills and beginning compositional writings using Kodaly techniques. With this knowledge, mini-compositions are initiated. Students are also introduced to musical forms, including Ternary and Rondo, throughout composition writings. Not only do we perform our understanding of these concepts in class, but our technology programs of SoundTrap and Flat allow the student to explore so much more.
Art
Art in the sixth grade centers around the three C’s; Creativity, Composition, and Content. Chronologically we do try to have a cross-curricular program. The Elements and Principles of art continue to be explored and pushed and are given relevance within our content area. Students will spend several weeks in the Pottery Studio throwing and beginning to learn techniques to make them proficient potters. On the canvas, students will work in watercolors, acrylics, and other mixed media throughout the year. Visually in Art History, we will learn about Pop Art, Dada, and Nouveau Art, mainly concentrating on movements carrying them from the 1890s through WWI.
Sports
The sixth grade sports program provides the first opportunity for students to choose their sport and play interscholastic games in our PAC-6 Conference. Students will participate at the JV level with an age-appropriate number of games during each season.
Seventh Grade
Program of Study
English
Seventh grade English will feature literature across a variety of genres with creative and formal writing opportunities throughout the year. Vocabulary and grammar study is embedded within each thematic unit, focusing on classical roots. English 7 will guide students to become critical thinkers who can question, analyze, and discuss to gain a deeper understanding of literature, including anchor texts, small group selections, and independent choice reading.
Math
Seventh graders will be either taking Honors Algebra I or Pre-Algebra. Honors Algebra will be following a high school curriculum for credit. Topics include algebraic properties, solving equations, inequalities, absolute value, linear and quadratic functions, and rational functions. This class is fast-paced, and students will be expected to complete work outside of class. There is a mix of theoretical and application problems with an emphasis on real-world problems. Pre-Algebra will be taking Honors Algebra in their eighth grade year. Pre-algebra students will focus on building the skills necessary to be successful in algebra next year. Topics include algebraic expressions, integer operations, rational values, proportions, percents, and using geometry formulas. Students will be exposed to algebraic concepts toward the end of the year to prepare for algebra. Both courses will be using the notebook method to keep track of their materials. There will be homework assignments, followed by quizzes and tests. Projects will be included, too.
History
Seventh grade History is a study of early U.S. history beginning with an overview of European exploration of the Americas from 1400-1625, followed by units on Colonial America, The American Revolution, The Constitution, The Federalist, Jefferson, and Jackson Eras, and Manifest Destiny. The final trimester covers the Civil War and an overview of Reconstruction. Primary sources and videos are used to supplement learning. Students will have several writing opportunities in different genres, including picture books, plays, and essays. Students will read several historical fiction books, including but not limited to Chains, Fever 1763, Lyddie, Slave Dancer, Night Riders of Harpers Ferry, The Bravest Girl in Sharpsburg, and Rifles for Watie. In the Spring, there is a field trip to Harpers Ferry and Antietam.
Science
Seventh grade Science encompasses several branches of earth science. The major units of study include Earth’s geological history and processes, astronomy, and environmental studies. Geological history and processes are broken down into the study of weathering and erosion, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Astronomy includes a history of space exploration, the solar system (with a focus on Mars exploration), and stars and galaxies. Our environmental study includes units on alternative energy, man’s impact on the environment, and weather and climate. Students learn to intelligently discuss and question science. We write about science, and we test science. Demonstrations, hands-on activities, and technology projects are used throughout the year to reinforce concepts learned in class. After acquiring a solid understanding of a particular science topic or issue, students apply their newfound knowledge by creating, debating, or writing.
Spanish
Seventh grade Spanish students will develop Spanish language comprehension through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students in seventh grade will be finishing the Spanish I curriculum which focuses on learning the present tense in the regular form. Students learn through videos, books, games, stories, songs, and hands-on materials. Topics covered include but are not limited to family vocabulary, clothing, shopping, places, and events, getting around town, describing a house and furniture, planning a party, household chores, daily routine, parts of the body, and health. In grammar, they will learn all forms of irregular present-tense verbs. Students also learn about the cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world.
Music
Upper School seventh grade Music, the focus is on the many components of a musical. We explore much of the school year with vocal, acting, and choreography techniques. While the middle school curriculum is performance-based, the seventh graders also spend a great deal of time understanding set design, leading them into the brainstorming stages of set building as supported by the art department. In addition to all of this, there is dialect coaching as needed from each show. In the latter part of the year, students review general music concepts, including music theory.
Art
Art in the seventh grade centers around the three C’s; Creativity, Composition, and Content. Chronologically we do try to have a cross-curricular program. The Elements and Principles of art continue to be explored and pushed and are given relevance within our content area. Students will spend several weeks in the Pottery Studio throwing and beginning to learn techniques to make them proficient potters. On the canvas, students will work in watercolors, acrylics, and other mixed media throughout the year.
Sports
The seventh grade sports program is a continuation of the sports program where students may play at the JV and Varsity levels. This is determined by the team’s needs for each sport and by the head coach. Generally, these students will play a few more games than sixth graders, depending on the season.
Eighth Grade
English
Eighth grade English activities promote engaged reading, informed discussion, and clear, creative, and convincing writing. William Shakespeare takes center stage in the fall; reading, speaking, and writing supports the annual Shakespeare production. Research, writing, technology, collaboration, communication, and presentation are the foundations of the Chapel Talk unit. The Holocaust/WWII unit’s novel study and visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum correlate with the History 8 curriculum, and the Human Rights unit caps off the year. Core novels are Ian Doescher’s William Shakespeare, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and To Kill a Mockingbird; additionally, students choose a variety of books to read in small groups or individually. Vocabulary and grammar studies focus on strengthening reading comprehension and writing well-crafted sentences, paragraphs, and complete, polished pieces.
Math (Honors Algebra I / Geometry)
The eighth graders will be either taking Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra I. Both courses will follow a high school curriculum for credit. Both courses will be using the notebook method to keep track of their materials. Honors Algebra topics include algebraic properties, solving equations, inequalities, absolute value, linear and quadratic functions, and rational functions. This class is fast-paced, and students will be expected to complete work outside of class. There is a mix of theoretical and application problems with an emphasis on real-world problems. Honors Geometry topics include basic geometric vocabulary, reasoning and proofs, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygon properties, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, and surface area and volume of 3-d shapes. There will be homework assignments, followed by quizzes and tests. Projects will be included, too. There may be a final exam at the end of the year.
Science
The eighth graders study Physical Science, which consists of three units: an introductory unit on science and Physical Science, a unit on Physics, and a final unit on Chemistry. Class usually starts with a discussion and moves to something that gets kids up and moving and learning. The goal is to excite students with the possibilities of science and physical science- with our study of Chesapeake Bay water quality during our trip to Tangier Island in the fall, the student-made cars we use in our velocity tests, or our study of natural indicators as part of our acid-base exploration.
History
Our eighth grade American History class begins with the aftermath of the Civil War. Over the course of the year, we seek to get as close to the present as possible. We work to understand the key events, people, and issues of this fascinating period as well as its important themes, continuities, and discontinuities. We strive to master vitally important facts and to grasp the deeper and larger significance of these facts. Helping students further build their analytical and critical thinking skills is a preeminent purpose of this class. Essays, projects, and discussions focus on the characters and developments that have helped define our culture, economy, politics, and ideals. We read and discuss primary and secondary sources, always urging students to engage in their studies and develop their perspectives with objectivity, careful thought, thorough analysis, and prudence.
Spanish
Students will develop Spanish language comprehension through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students learn through videos, books, games, stories, songs, textbook activities, and hands-on materials. The Spanish II curriculum focuses on learning the past (preterite) tense in all its forms. Students also will learn how to discuss daily routines using reflexive verbs and work on using direct and indirect object pronouns to advance their level of Spanish. To expand their vocabulary, students will learn to talk about being on vacation, going on a trip; sports and health; clothes and shopping; and legends and stories. Students also learn about cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Students receive high school credit for this course.
Music
Upper School, eighth grade Music students become more comfortable with performing methods. Also, this year, students can perform as soloists in school-wide concerts, whether as a vocalist or instrumentalists. Their general studies include basic theory, aural skills, solfege, movement, composition, form & analysis, variations, music history, musical influences, notation, and much more. The understanding of these concepts is performed or presented daily. Later in the eighth grade year, there is an emphasis on bridging the comparisons of classical music and contemporary music. Due to the high demand for technology use, students are able to use various programs to support and enhance some areas of study. Programs such as SoundTrap and Flat allow the student to explore so much more.
Art
Art in the eighth grade centers around the three C’s; Creativity, Composition, and Content. Chronologically we do try to have a cross-curricular program. The Elements and Principles of art continue to be explored and pushed and are given relevance within our content area. Students will spend several weeks in the Pottery Studio throwing and beginning to learn techniques to make them proficient potters. On the canvas, students will work in watercolors, acrylics, and other mixed media throughout the year.
Sports
The eighth grade sports program is the culmination of the middle school interscholastic experience. Students will participate in more games at the Varsity level with the possibility of Saturday tournaments or meets depending on the season.