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6th Grade
The sixth grade program includes courses which are taught by specialist teachers in each discipline. Students develop an increasing sense of responsibility for the organization of their schoolwork and for their time spent on work done at home. At this time the students are introduced to the concept of long-range projects, requiring them to plan their time and to do more complex tasks in a step-by-step manner.
Religion
The Religion program for the sixth grade includes three major components: the Old Testament, Human Sexuality, and Social Awareness. The students learn the social and historical contents of the Bible, its different literary styles, how to locate various books, and how to respect the Bible as God's revelation. Study focuses on the Old Testament with particular emphasis on God's fidelity to the covenant and to all God's promises. In Human Sexuality the students explore facets of human relationships and communication in a unit designed to meet their needs at this stage of development. The Social Awareness unit deepens the student's awareness of community needs and provides an opportunity for them to reach out to the greater Houston community.
Language Arts
Language Arts in sixth grade includes literary analysis, the study of grammar usage rules, mechanics and spelling practice, vocabulary enrichment, reading comprehension exercises, test taking strategies, interpreting audiences for written and oral reports, and using supporting details / quotes in written work. The program incorporates both traditional and contemporary literature. Correct grammar usage and punctuation are stressed. Using the writing process, the students develop expressive, creative, informative, and persuasive writing.
Creative Drama
This course is an enhancement to the Language Arts Curriculum. The projects developed for the course focus on writing and verbalization. Using the computer programs, Inspirations and Word, the students write a speech to persuade. The students then practice and deliver their speech to an audience for review and critique. Grade six students learn broadcasting skills as they develop speeches to inform. These speeches are broadcast from Duchesne's T.V. studio to other locations on campus. The final project involves Competitive Speech material (prose, poetry, scripture, scenes duets and humorous interpretation) to be used as entry into the St. Thomas Speech Tournament in the Spring.
Social Studies
The Social Studies program explores ancient civilization and world geography. The course of study focuses on basic geography skills with an exploration of the ancient civilizations. Geographic skills including reading and creating maps and data interpretation from a variety of graphs and timelines will be learned or reinforced. Class discussions and writing assignments will challenge students' critical and analytical thinking, as well as communication skills. A major goal of the program is to enhance the students' acquisition of ancient civilization, interest, and appreciation of their contributions to our world.
Mathematics Gross motor-skills through low organizational games, are developed in physical education.The sixth grade math program will continue reinforcing basic skills combined with an introduction of algebra and geometry. Topics covered during the year include decimals, data analysis, geometry, number theory, fractions, percents, ratios, proportions, integers, measurement, area, volume, and probability. Mental math and problem solving strategies are included in the weekly objectives. Students will also have the opportunity to use math manipulatives, literature, and technology to enhance the learning process.
Science
Sixth grade science is the completion of a two-year survey of Life Science. This course stresses the basic concepts in Life Science with a strong emphasis on the animal kingdom, the cell, cell processes, and heredity and genetics. The course also presents the scientific structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships. The Scientific Inquiry process is emphasized to develop a systematic method to investigate and evaluate the natural world. A Science Fair project is completed by each student using the scientific method. Skills which are reinforced include hands on labs and activities, including dissections of preserved specimens. Technology is utilized in online textbook and interactive activities using the Smart Board. Student skills that are reinforced include reading for the main ideas and details, thinking critically, problem solving techniques, and researching topics.
French
The sixth grade sharpens the skills of listening and speaking. More emphasis is placed on writing and grammar. Cultural awareness is developed as students discover France and the French-speaking world. Native speakers must obtain permission for this course.
Spanish
This course is oriented for beginning students who wish to understand and use Spanish. The lessons encourage the development of language skills in their natural order: listening, speaking, reading and writing. It is intended that the student learns to understand and say in Spanish many of the familiar ideas expressed in English, to read about common events in Spanish stories, and to write about them in simple Spanish sentences. Finally, each student is taught about aspects of the civilization, culture, and customs of the peoples of the Spanish-speaking world. Native speakers must obtain permission for this course.
Art
Middle School students will have the opportunity to draw, paint, sculpt, and print while learning about art tools, art techniques, and artists. Art projects coordinate with the Artist of the Month program linking art disciplines to artists who preceded us historically. All students are encouraged to create visual images to express themselves.
Music
Music in the sixth grade focuses on a deeper understanding of music theory. Students use Music Ace, a music theory software program, that teaches students how to read notes, rhythms, and compose original songs. Students are also given the opportunity to sing special music during middle school prayer services.
6th Grade Physical Education and Health
In 6th grade, the physical education program looks to develop students' sport skills through more structured coaching. The program complements the intellectual, social and spiritual components of the curriculum. Individual physical conditioning, coordination and fitness and health education are parts of the program. Gross motor-skills through low organizational games, are developed in physical education. Health topics include personal health and hygiene, nutrition, safety and substance abuse. All PE courses are Pass/Fail and not calculated into the student's GPA.
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