Language & Literature: Students will work on improving vocabulary and reading comprehension skills in fiction and non fiction texts and explore literary analysis of fictional themes, character traits/character development, and author’s point of view utilizing text evidence. Selected literature will make many connections to the I & S subject matter. They write for different purposes that include research reports, persuasive letters and speeches, personal narratives, poetry, fantasy narratives, and literary analysis essays. Many media options beside traditional writing are used to communicate ideas, including google slides, podcasts, imovies, and art.

Spanish: The Spanish course emphasizes cultural awareness and intercultural understanding. Students explore the customs, traditions, literature, and history of Spanish-speaking communities around the world, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Science: During 6th grade science, the students will explore what it means to be a scientist throughout the Middle Years Program. We focus on hands-on science, developing testable questions, collecting data, and evaluating the validity of sources and quality of data. Students are encouraged to follow their curiosity and find their own answers. Outdoor Learning is an essential ingredient for connecting science concepts to real-world experiences.

Individuals & Societies: We start the year in a unit that focuses on developing map skills and connecting how they relate to our orientation in space and time. Students also learn about ancient civilizations in the eastern hemisphere; Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. Special attention is given to scientific and technological innovations developed in those civilizations and how they impact us today. The year ends with a cross curricular unit taught simultaneously in science and L & L that addresses globalization and sustainability issues; the goal is to understand what it means to be a global citizen.

Math: In sixth grade, students move beyond math facts to discover a greater variety in the number system. Students learn to convert fractions, decimals, and percentages. They multiply and divide portions and include negative numbers into their computations. Students begin to write expressions to represent unknown quantities and learn to solve simple equations. Students explore geometry by calculating area, perimeter, and volume.  We connect visual representations of data to our science concepts, creating a variety of graphs. Students will also discover that statistics can help them communicate a message with their data.

Visual & Performing Arts: The program will often align the Language Arts and Individual & Societies units. 6th Grade students will have an introduction to Shakespeare and adapt his plays. They will also create and give performances that explore Greek literature and conflict in history.

Design Lab: In our MYP Design Lab is a space where 6th graders engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning that integrates design thinking principles. 6th graders are encouraged to tackle authentic, real-world problems through design thinking. This approach helps them understand the relevance of their education and the impact they can have on the world around them

Physical Education: In 6th Grade PE, students are introduced to a diverse range of physical activities that promote overall fitness and well-being. The curriculum includes foundational skills in team sports, individual sports, and fitness exercises, with an emphasis on developing coordination, cooperation, and a positive attitude towards physical health. Through engaging in global sports and learning about different cultural approaches to exercise, students begin to understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. This course sets the stage for lifelong physical fitness and fosters a sense of international-mindedness through sports and physical activities.

Science: Through a broad range of in-class and student-centered activities, Seventh Grade Science  covers the basics of Chemistry, Scientific Method, and Cellular Biology/Genetics with a focus on critical thinking and problem solving and connecting scientific knowledge to everyday real-world applications. The overarching theme for the year is “Identity: what makes something unique”

Individuals & Societies: Concept-based inquiry empowers students to prompt their own learning and gives them the flexibility to make connections to their local, regional, global experiences.  I strive to have a student-centered approach that allows for an inviting and warm atmosphere that promotes communication, open-mindedness, critical thinking, reflection, and global understandings across various subject matters. I encourage my students to be self-driven inquirers and empower them to express themselves as individuals and to collaborate with their peers. Through this approach, students are more engaged and gain more depth in their understandings by inviting each student to make connections and gain multiple perspectives in their surrounding global community.

Language & Literature: In 7th-grade L&L, students study how perspective shapes meaning across a range of genres and styles of writing. We also consider the many elements that produce a perspective (context, history, culture, identity).

Spanish: Students are encouraged to reflect on their language learning journey and to think critically about language use in various contexts. Reflective practices enhance metacognition and help students become more effective communicators.

Visual & Performing Arts: Students develop their artistic skills and techniques through a variety of mediums, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional and contemporary approaches to art-making. The program will often align the Language Arts and Individual & Societies units. 6th Grade students will have an introduction to Shakespeare and adapt one of his plays. They will also create and give performances that explore Greek literature and conflict in history.

Design Lab: The first quarter of 7th grade design will be spent learning and refreshing the students’ skills with the tools found in the design lab, and going deeper within the digital programs used for the Laser Cutter and 3D printer. During the second through fourth quarters, they will be using these skills to go through the design thinking process while integrating knowledge from other subject areas, such as integrated units around National History Day, performing arts stage needs, and creating solutions to needs found within their day to day life.

Physical Education: Our 7th Grade PE program emphasizes holistic fitness and the development of lifelong healthy habits. Students engage in a variety of activities, including strength training, team sports, and individual sports, to build physical endurance, teamwork, and personal discipline. The curriculum also integrates global perspectives on physical activity, encouraging students to appreciate diverse sports and exercise practices from around the world. Through a blend of physical challenges and reflective learning, students develop the skills and mindset necessary for a balanced and active lifestyle.

Math: Students progress into pre- algebra building their skills of operations, solving equations, probability, proportions, lines, and graphs.

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 7th grade:

Science: Students also participate in supporting experiences such as presenting their own experimental data in a grade level Science Fair where students must demonstrate their thought process and defend their conclusions based on the evidence presented.  

Individuals & Societies: One of our highlighted experiences is participating in the Oregon Historical Society. This trip/experience is a student-directed, project-based, interdisciplinary learning program that invites students to interpret a historical event that connects to the annual theme by creating a website, paper, performance, exhibit, or documentary. 

Another highlighted experience is the Model United Nations Program. This is a widely practiced program across the globe in IB schools that is “student-led” learning by informing our students about the world and developing the skills such as research, position papers,  public speaking and problem-solving.

Language & Literature: Students whose National History Day projects are selected to compete at the state-level competition will travel to Portland, Oregon to showcase their projects for consideration for the national competition.

In an interdisciplinary unit with Science, students will read Andy Weir’s The Martian, exploring narrative structures in L&L and the science behind Weir’s fiction in Science. Students will have the option of creating their own research based work of fiction or nonfiction, conducting research to support their creation.

World Leadership School: Spring trips that offer travel, learning, collaboration, and community service.

These are two examples of the types of action projects done in 7th grade:

Science: Students will participate in projects such as Stop-motion animation creation and constructing a mobile to represent their individual identity. 

Math: Students will use their math knowledge in 7th grade to make blueprints, create a carnival game, research a UN sustainability goal and predict a world trend, and enjoy pi day!

Science: Using a variety of student-driven, design-thinking activities, Eighth Grade Science  students explore the basics of Newtonian Physics, Wave properties, Human Sensory Systems, and Planetary Geology. Using science based novels they delve deeper into the Periodic Table of the Elements and Scientific Ethics with a focus on critical thinking and connecting scientific knowledge to everyday real-world events both past and present. The overarching theme for the year is “Change: how do changes to a system affect its performance?”

Individuals & Societies: Concept-based inquiry empowers students to prompt their own learning and gives them the flexibility to make connections to their local, regional, global experiences.  I strive to have a student-centred approach that allows for an inviting and warm atmosphere that promotes communication, open-mindedness, critical thinking, reflection, and global understandings across various subject matters. I encourage my students to be self-driven inquirers and empower them to express themselves as individuals and to collaborate with their peers. Through this approach, students are more engaged and gain more depth in their understandings by inviting each student to make connections and gain multiple perspectives in their surrounding global community.

Language & Literature: In 8th-grade L&L, students take up difficult debatable questions that shape the world: we begin by exploring the limits of ambition through our reading of Shakespeare’s Macbeth; consider the limits of communication through our reading of Anne Frank’s diary and other Jewish holocaust writing; take up global conflict and resolution through Model UN position papers; and conclude by reflecting on the ethics of continuing to consume works of art by controversial artists. 

Math: Students begin learning algebra, including lines, solving for variables, exponential functions, through quadratic functions. 

Spanish:
In our IB Spanish program, students immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture, developing proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course emphasizes communicative competence and intercultural understanding, enabling students to engage meaningfully with Spanish-speaking communities. Through interactive activities, cultural explorations, and real-world language applications, students gain the skills to become confident global communicators. At the end of their 8th grade year, students travel to Costa Rica to immerse themselves in culture and language.

Visual and Performing Arts
Our Visual and Performing Arts program nurtures creativity and self-expression through a broad range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, music, and drama. Students explore their artistic talents while developing critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation. The highlight of the year is the Spring Art Show, where students showcase their work, reflecting their growth and artistic journey. This program encourages students to view the world through an artistic lens and appreciate the cultural significance of the arts.

Design Lab
The Design Lab offers students a dynamic environment to explore advanced design concepts and bring their ideas to life. With access to 3D printers and cutting-edge design tools, students engage in projects that challenge their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical abilities. From initial planning stages to the final product, students learn to navigate the design process, developing innovative solutions and refining their craft. This course prepares students to think critically and work collaboratively in the ever-evolving field of design.

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 8th grade:

Spanish: In 8th Grade Spanish, students can expect to deepen their language skills and cultural understanding as they prepare for a unique and immersive experience. The curriculum focuses on advanced conversational Spanish, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on real-world application. A highlight of the year is the class trip to Costa Rica before graduation, where students will have the opportunity to practice their language skills in an authentic setting, explore the rich culture and biodiversity of the country, and create lasting memories with their classmates. This experience not only enhances their Spanish proficiency but also fosters a deeper appreciation for global cultures.

Science: Students participate in supporting experiences such as presenting a mini-lesson on a scientific concept of their choosing to another grade level as a final demonstration of their knowledge. 

Individuals & Societies: One of our highlighted experiences is participating in the Oregon Historical Society. This trip/experience is a student-directed, project-based, interdisciplinary learning program that invites students to interpret a historical event that connects to the annual theme by creating a website, paper, performance, exhibit, or documentary. We are hoping to all physically attend this event in April 2022

Another highlighted experience is the Model United Nations Program. This is a widely practised program across the globe in IB schools that is “student-led” learning by informing our students about the world and developing the skills such as research, position papers,  public speaking and problem-solving.

Language & Literature: As theater is a communal art, students will bring Macbeth to life through in-class theatrical readings, as well as a live performance of a modernized interpretation of the play by the 8th-grade Performing Arts students late fall.

These are a few examples of the types of action projects done in 8th grade:

Science: Students will participate in projects such as building water bottle rockets and Newton-Scooters in demonstration of Newton’s 3 laws of motion.

Individuals & Societies: Students in Individuals & Societies will participate in many action projects that are driven by their own inquires while navigating The Middle Year’s Program.  Such exemplars of this framework will include the opportunity to explore Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences during our National History Day exploration in the New Year!

Strength and Conditioning II: Fitness for Life
This course focuses on the holistic development of physical fitness through a variety of activities, including advanced weight lifting, circuit training, aerobics, yoga, power walking, jogging, and cross-country running. Students engage in personalized fitness plans that promote lifelong health, strength, and endurance, fostering a balanced approach to physical and mental well-being.

Team Sports II
In this course, students deepen their understanding of team dynamics and sportsmanship through advanced participation in sports such as volleyball, softball, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee. The curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking, collaboration, and the development of leadership skills within a competitive, yet inclusive, environment.

Indoor Games II
This course provides students with opportunities to refine their skills in various indoor sports, including team handball, indoor soccer, indoor football, international kickball, and wiffleball. The focus is on enhancing agility, coordination, and teamwork, while also exploring the cultural significance and global variations of these sports.

Individual Sports II
Students in this course will advance their abilities in individual sports, such as pickleball, badminton, golf, tennis, archery, racquetball, croquet, bocce, project adventure, and horseshoes. The curriculum encourages self-discipline, goal-setting, and personal achievement, while also fostering an appreciation for the diverse range of physical activities that can be pursued throughout life.

These courses are designed to align with the IB philosophy, emphasizing the development of both physical and intellectual capacities, promoting international-mindedness, and encouraging students to adopt a balanced and active lifestyle.

What is the IB 8th Grade Community Project?
The 8th Grade Community Project is a culminating experience in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). It empowers students to take meaningful action in response to an issue or challenge they are passionate about. This independent project requires students to identify a need within their community, plan and execute a solution, and reflect on the process.

What is the Purpose of the Community Project?
The Community Project is designed to help students:

• Develop agency and responsibility: Students take the lead in their learning, managing all aspects of their project from start to finish.
• Foster personal growth: It encourages self-reflection, problem-solving, and critical thinking while nurturing empathy and compassion for others.
• Build real-world skills: Research, collaboration, organization, and communication are essential components of the process.
• Understand global citizenship: The project aligns with the IB’s mission to create internationally minded individuals who seek to make a positive impact in their world.

What Will Students Gain from the Experience?

• Confidence: By tackling challenges and presenting their work, students gain valuable self-assurance.
• Perspective: They learn about local and global issues and how small actions can create meaningful change. Empower students to turn their passions into action and change.
• Academic Growth: The project connects the IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—critical thinking, research, time management, and more—with real-world application.

How Can Parents Support Their Child?
Parents play an essential role by encouraging students and offering guidance while allowing them to take ownership of their project. You can:

• Ask open-ended questions about their ideas and progress.
• Help them brainstorm resources or contacts if needed.
• Celebrate their efforts and accomplishments, regardless of the outcome.

At Seven Peaks School, the Community Project is more than just a requirement—it’s a chance for students to discover their passions, step outside their comfort zones, and truly make a difference in their community. We can’t wait to see the creative and inspiring projects our 8th graders will produce this year!