The following courses enrich and complement the core program for students in grades 7 and 8:
Computer Science: Introduction to Computer Applications—Grade 7
This course provides students with the skills necessary to integrate computers into their other courses. Students will demonstrate proficiency in word processing, presentation, and digital media software. Additional concepts covered include Web design, gaming, Internet, and desktop publishing skills. Instructors work with students who require additional skill building in these areas.
Creative Arts
The seventh and eighth grade creative arts program
at Oak Knoll introduces students to the broad spectrum of the fine and performing
arts and provides them with opportunities (curricular and extra-curricular) to
showcase and develop their talents. By
sparking creative interest during this formative period, Oak Knoll hopes to
cultivate young artists in anticipation of their involvement in the extended
arts program offered at the upper levels.
Accordingly, performance groups such as Dancers and the Choraliers welcome
auditions of talented and interested seventh and eighth graders.
The creative arts instructors encourage exceptionally gifted or interested
students to seek request additional help if needed.
Dance - Grades 7 and 8
Students in grades 7 and 8 explore movement and the creative and technical levels of ballet, jazz, and lyrical dance. Students view videos and discuss technique to aid in the development of the total dance experience. Occasionally, students complete written assignments and other projects. Classes benefit both the beginning and advanced student.
Media - Grade 8
Media is a course that teaches students skills in various methods of communication, introducing them to the use of audio-visual equipment for both school-related activities and personal pleasure. Students create a coordinated sound/slide program with PowerPoint software and use technology for doing research and making graphics. Other resources used include the 35mm DSLR camera, copy-stand, the Publisher/Word software, and the Windows Media Player. In addition, the eighth graders receive an introduction to 35mm digital and film photography. Students work in teams, and a cooperative and creative effort is stressed in completing this trimester project.
Sight Singing - Grades 7 and 8
Sight Singing is a two-year program that builds on the knowledge gained at each level. Specifically, this course presents the student with the instruction of sight singing without the aid of an instrument. By the end of the program, students are able to recognize musical signs and terms found in the score and demonstrate their reading of basic rhythmic patterns and melodies. There is also an emphasis on rehearsal etiquette and vocal technique.
Concert Choir II—Grades 7, 8 and 9
The aim of this class is to develop the voice and musical talent of the student. The emphasis is on learning to sing two-part and three-part harmony. The program stresses the development of good choral habits. During the course of the year, the choir prepares for and performs in the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert, and other events, such as Masses and special assemblies. All seventh graders are part of this choral group. Eighth graders elect participation.
General Art - Grades 7 and 8
This course familiarizes students with fundamental skills and techniques in a wide range of both fine art and applied-art forms. With the seventh-grade program focusing on two-dimensional projects (drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking) and the eighth-grade program centering on three-dimensional projects (sculpture, ceramics), each unit follows this structure:
- an introduction to a specific art form or concept
- exercises in individual techniques and processes
- a final project in which the student must synthesize newly acquired knowledge and skills.
While the general art program provides different learning experiences for the seventh and eighth grades, it is a continuing program that builds upon information and skills gained each year.
Latin—Grades 7 and 8
The Latin curriculum serves as a basis for future studies in Latin and the Romance Languages. It introduces students to important lexicon and syntax that will assist in English. While considering a linguistic system different from their native one, students increase their flexibility to think critically about alternate solutions to problems in other areas. The pedagogical approach is holistic. Students learn to read for global meaning while acquiring knowledge of alternate sentence structures and important productive processes. Since Latin is lexically close to the Romance languages and English, students build vocabulary and learn to decode new words without a dictionary. In seventh and eighth grade Latin, students learn declensions and conjugations as tools for reading simple Latin texts, parsing sentences and discovering language patterns all within the context of the rich history of the Roman culture.
Spanish or French—Grades 7 and 8
Foreign language courses at this level focus on listening comprehension, accurate pronunciation, vocabulary building, and correct use of elementary grammatical structures through reading and writing. Through the dynamic nature of these classes, students discover that French and Spanish are living and changing languages. Films, music, songs, storytelling and magazines are an integral part of the course. As students build their linguistic skills through a functional approach, they tackle increasingly complex grammar topics. When feasible, projects in French or Spanish will be combined with other courses.
In the seventh grade the language department selects either French or Spanish as the beginning language and students continue with that language in the eighth grade. These courses will introduce the language or build upon linguistic knowledge students have already acquired, and will provide a sound basis for continuation in the Upper School.
Physical Education
The seventh and eighth grade physical education program follows the National Standards set forth by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education. This program implements a wide variety of activities to support student learning in the development of sport skills, lifetime health fitness, critical thinking and responsible social behavior. Each trimester there is a team sport, an individual or dual sport, a fitness focus and a fitness performance activity. The program provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction in the context of a physical activity setting. Team sports rotate each year and may include soccer, volleyball, team handball, basketball, wiffle ball. Individual and dual sports may include tennis, badminton, paddle ball, Project Adventure activities, track, and orienteering.
Health
The seventh and eighth grade health curriculum centers on the young adolescent woman, integrating current health issues into the curriculum. Topics include health promotion and disease prevention, health-enhancing life skills and growth and development. Content areas include drugs, nutrition and eating disorders, teen sex issues, stress, decision –making, and health fitness. Students interpret health data and information, evaluate the impact of health behaviors and choices, and examine teen trends and fads. Students are taught critical thinking skills to help sort through a barrage of information about health-related topics.
Campus Ministry
Seventh and eighth graders participate in the campus ministry program throughout the year. Some aspects of Campus Ministry activities are woven into religion classes. Each year the Campus Ministry program begins with a presentation and discussion of the various components of the program. Through descriptive and informational handouts the girls are made aware of opportunities for participation in this integral facet of Holy Child education. They are given time to add reflections to their service folder. Grades 7 and 8 participate in a reflection day held off-campus at a near-by retreat facility. Topics such as self-esteem, peer pressure, and community building are woven into these days.
When opportunities present themselves, the girls actively participate in liturgical celebrations serving as ministers of hospitality and readers. Class time is provided in preparation for the celebration of Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten Season. The seventh grade girls plan and participate in Lenten or Easter prayer services. The eighth grade girls write original Marian prayers and lead the school community in reflection during General Homeroom in the month of May. The seventh and eighth grade girls write original prayers for the Holy Child Network website. Seventh and eighth graders also participate in the various outreach programs sponsored by the Campus Ministry Council. Students engage in service projects that include school-sponsored trips to the FoodBank and Bridges runs.
Clown Ministry
The girls have a unique opportunity to learn the fundamental principles of clowning ministry which is incorporated into the religion courses. During this experience, the girls learn the techniques of clowning. This preparation allows them to share this ministry with various agencies, reaching out to both senior citizens and children.