Sixth Grade
English
In sixth grade, writing skills are strengthened and students are introduced to the formal essay. By working on paragraph structure, thesis statements and topic sentences with supporting details, students gain the basics of formal writing to prepare them for the seventh grade. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar mechanics are continued. Our reading selections come from short stories, novels and poetry that coincide with the time periods covered in History.
Our first novel of the year is Arabian Nights II: Sinbad and Other Popular Stories translated by Husain Haddawy. It is a collection of stories from the area we know today as the Middle East. Most of these stories have been around for over a thousand years. This particular collection has been translated by a native speaker and thus is much more authentic.
The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White will take us into the second quarter and is meant to go along with the students' study of the Early Middle Ages in History. We will study Gothic art and architecture during this time and take our annual trip to the National Cathedral, while reading this novel.
Students will finish the year reading The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas. This French classic was popular among the students last year. It gives an excellent view into pre-Revolutionary France and the culture of Europe at the time.
Math
The math program incorporates the Connected Mathematics and Pre-algebra courses. It reinforces some basic sixth grade math skills, while engaging students in an advanced-level course for the second semester. Students are taught and encouraged to use multiple approaches to solve mathematical problems. Students can explore math independently, working in cooperative groups, as well as participate in whole class discussions. Use of the Lab Gear Algebra Manipulative deepens the connection of the concrete to the abstract in a challenging and appealing format. Using visual ideas help to bring the material to life.
Science
The environment is our most valuable resource; by learning how the natural world works our students gain the tools they need to become responsible members of a global community. During this course sixth grade students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. By participating in engaging hands-on lab activities, class discussions, and interdisciplinary projects, students are able to observe scientific processes firsthand and apply their critical thinking skills to real world problems. Surface and groundwater geology, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, historical geology, natural resources, oceanography, weather, climate, and climate change are covered in the course. Field trips include Great Falls, Virginia, the Natural History Museum, Baltimore Aquarium and Mason Neck State Park.
World Geography I
The study of Geography at Browne Academy is pursued through three different aspects of geographical knowledge: the study of physical forms on the globe; the study of world cultures and religions; and, the practice of map reading, identification, and drawing. In the process, the importance of water supply, agriculture, economy, and trade to the development of various cultures is introduced. The concepts of latitude, longitude, and time zones are also covered. In the fifth grade, attention is given to Southwest Asia (the Middle East), Northern Africa, Central and Eastern Asia, and Southern Europe. Along the way, students learn about the basic tenets and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Geographical study is integrated with the historical study of ancient civilizations to provide knowledge of how our world civilization has evolved.
Technology
Sixth grade Technology classes go to Browne's Computer Lab twice a week to explore ‘Communication Through the Ages.' As each communication medium is explored, students create projects directly relating to that media, including designing/animating their own cartoon story in HyperStudio. The objectives of the sixth grade Technology program are to:
- Develop a technical vocabulary about communication media
- Understand and experience communication history
- Master keyboarding skills with Type to Learn 3 for Networks while concentrating on proper hand placement and accuracy
- Process, store, and retrieve documents from the Browne network and the Internet
- Create various documents in Microsoft Word using information gathered from the Internet
- Create animation in HyperStudio
- Organize data in Microsoft Access, PowerPoint and Excel
French
Browne Academy's French program reinforces and solidifies listening, speaking, reading and writing in French, and explores the cultural and historical dimensions of the Francophone world. French at the sixth grade level introduces new and more complex grammatical concepts and vocabulary. They will work on their conversational and reading skills by listening, reading and memorizing cultural notes and dialogues on a variety of topics.
More emphasis is placed on developing their comprehension and conversation skills with the help of a French native speaker. Students have French four times on a six-day rotating schedule and each lesson lasts fifty minutes. Students use a book accompanied by a video program depicting the French culture. Activities include class lectures, class discussions, oral exercises, reading and writing tasks, field trips, and educational songs and videos. French is spoken frequently, but English is used to explain difficult concepts. They continue to explore French history, art, music, food and French culture. Major issues in the Francophone world are addressed by sharing newspaper and magazine articles.
Spanish
The overall objective of the Browne Academy's sixth grade Spanish program is for students to enrich their vocabulary with themes such as community and home routine, always using listening, speaking, reading and writing, combined with culture. Classes meet four times in a six-day rotating schedule. The topics are: discuss plans, sequence events, extend invitations, express feelings, sports comparisons, weather, and opinions. The sport unit is a highlight. Students research their favorite sport and present a project incorporating their personal interest and expertise.
Art
Art is a language of visual images - we make visual images, and we study images. Through the study of the art of many lands and peoples, we learn how art can express the highest aspirations of the human spirit. Through art, we learn the meaning of joy of work - to work to the best of one's ability, for its own sake, for the satisfaction of a job well done.
The visual art curriculum of the Middle School is thematically linked to the course content of each grade's social studies course. Special events are also used to demonstrate the connection between the visual arts and other subject areas. The arts of other cultures or times are used to explore themes, materials and techniques. The artwork students create will not imitate, but will integrate what they have learned about these cultures with who they are today. Hands-on demonstrations, lectures, and reproductions introduce the lessons. Assessment and evaluation of student work is based on effort, application of new skills, creative solutions to assignments and class participation. Sixth graders will explore the artists of the middle ages, the Renaissance up to the 18th Century.
Physical Education
The sixth grade P.E. program refines motor skills and game strategies while working to improve student cooperation and teamwork. Students in sixth grade are expected to begin mastering beginning-level skills and work to develop their intermediate skills. Through a variety of activities, students work to improve their strength, flexibility, cardio-vascular endurance and general comprehension of game concepts. Students work independently, in small groups and in class games to improve their conceptual understanding. Sixth graders participate in core sport units including soccer, street hockey, flag football, basketball, softball, volleyball, lacrosse and swimming. Cooperative games, fitness activities and team building exercises supplement the core sports units to create a balanced curriculum. A strong emphasis is placed on sportsmanship, teamwork and effort.