Seventh Grade

This course is a study of the Gospel of Mark. Mark’s gospel is believed to be the oldest of the gospels, and it focuses on the servanthood of Christ.  Students begin with a brief study of general information about the New Testament before transitioning to the book of Mark.  Students study the Gospel of Mark through a variety of activities including class discussion, art projects, journaling, and small group Bible studies. Students add to their Progress of Redemption Art Portfolio, which returning students begin in sixth grade. Curriculum: NLT Bible Translation and the Gospel of Mark Workbook

Driven by student interest and choice, students read diverse texts as students thrive when they choose what they read. Students and teachers collaborate to set reading goals at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the school year, one-on-one conferences with the instructor help students reach their individual reading goals. Additionally, students learn literary analysis through assigned readings, focusing on texts such as Freak the Mighty, Holes, and A Wrinkle in Time. Students learn to respond with critical thinking in writing as they are taught how to use structure and apply basic grammar, usage, and mechanics. Students also compose an MLA-formatted research paper, learning the process of evaluating sources, summarizing, paraphrasing, and citing. Technology is utilized to enhance learning in a variety of ways.

Seventh grade students take either Math 7 or PreAlgebra. Placement is based upon their sixth grade yearly math average, achievement test scores, and teacher recommendation. All students work on ACT prep-type questions as well as other standardized tests in order to develop stronger test taking skills. Students participate in additional activities to develop problem solving and thinking skills.

Math 7 topics include simplifying ratios, proportions, percents, and basic algebraic expressions, as well as solving equations and inequalities. Discrete mathematics topics include probability and statistics. Integrated geometric topics involve finding perimeter, circumference, area, and volume of shapes, such as circles, triangles, rectangles, pyramids, and prisms. All topics will be taught while strengthening skills used in operations with fractions, decimals, and integers.

In PreAlgebra, students study algebraic concepts including order of operations with real numbers, linear equations, variable expressions, proportions, ratios, percents, probability, statistics and data analysis. Geometric concepts, such as perimeter, circumference, area, surface area, volume of conic figures, transformations, congruence, similarity, and right triangle trigonometry, are also explored.

Life Science is taught in seventh grade. This course introduces students to cells, the anatomy of a cell, body systems, the growth and development of organisms, and the inheritance and variation of traits. Within the course of the year, the students dissect a squid, and frog and observe the life cycle of a chicken egg with the climactic end of a baby chick hatching. Curriculum: STEMscopes

The Bible states that man is made in the image of God for the purpose of bringing glory to God. People around the world are important to God, so this course incorporates geography, history and cultural characteristics of people around the world in order to help students understand that God values people, including those who are different from us. The geographical knowledge earned through this course enables students to better understand the relationships between people, places, and their environments, providing a foundation for future social studies as the student’s academic career progresses. Along with traditional classwork, the instructor incorporates some individual and small group projects that will help students develop higher skills in a variety of technology platforms. Textbook: World Geography (Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt).

In the 7th grade Spanish class, students embark on a dynamic language-learning journey. The focus is on strengthening fundamental language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Lessons are designed to be interactive and engaging, incorporating a variety of resources to enhance comprehension. Cultural exploration is integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to appreciate the diversity of Spanish-speaking regions. Through activities such as role-playing, collaborative activities and  cultural webquests, 7th graders develop both their communication skills and a cultural awareness that goes beyond the language itself. Textbook: Senderos 1A (Vista Higher Learning, 2023)

The Middle School Physical Education program is made up of two parts, PE and Athletics, and is designed to ensure that each student actively participates. Physical Education units include basketball, field hockey, tennis, soccer, and weight training. Athletic teams use this time for practice. Middle School fall sports are cheerleading, cross-country, football, soccer, and volleyball. Winter and spring sports include basketball, baseball, bowling, fitness, softball, tennis, track, wrestling, strength training, and team games.

Students learn the elements and principles of design and apply basic techniques to create finished works. Emphasis is placed on self-expression and visual communication. A variety of mediums is explored.

Performing in both the Marching Band and Concert Band, this enrichment course is for students who have experience with an instrument. Whether it’s marching in the half time show of varsity football games, or performing in two special concert programs during the school year on our campus, this group experience helps students prepare for any challenge.

This course is open for students who are interested in performing in a concert setting. The emphasis is on excelling in vocal technique and choral standards.  Students are graded on participation and musical skills.  This group also participates in choral festivals, taking trips to various destinations such as Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Orlando. Seventh grade students who participate in Middle School Choir are eligible to audition for the Middle School Honor Choirs sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association.