Grade 6 Curriculum
Language Arts
Writing from myths and stories of Ancient Rome are recapitulated by the students, along with ballads, poems and legends, which are learned by heart. The study of sentence structure including subject, predicate, and direct and indirect object and adverbial phrases are also studied, with comprehensive reviews of parts of speech, active and passive voice, feeling for the subjunctive mood, modal verbs, phrases and clauses, direct and indirect speech and punctuation. Independent composition using correct sentences and paragraphs continues in this grade to accurately describe science experiments or portray scenes from history. Students focus on expository, narrative and descriptive writing projects and work on numerous book reports or give these reports orally (3-6). Business English letter writing is introduced and readers support the historical themes with questions given for reading comprehension. A scripted class play is based on Roman or early Medieval themes. The spelling and dictionary skills of the student will be practiced on a regular basis, and independent reading is expected at this level.
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Math
Students continue mental math in narrative and written form and review four processes with natural numbers, fractions and decimals. The Theorem of Pythagoras is introduced experientially (NOT the written formula) and students will convert fractions into decimals and percentages and back again. They will also continue learning about estimation at this stage. Business Math, including percentages, interest, discount, exchange, profit and loss, tax and a general introduction to the use of formula by using simple interest is studied. Introduction to simple algebra and substitution arrives in grade 6, as does order of operations, exponents, temperature conversion, precise use of compasses, ruler/straight edge and set squares to draw constructing geometric figures. Students make use of colours and shading in finding/producing freehand perspective and learn about fundamental constructions, such as constructing a perpendicular bisecting a line, bisecting an angle and copying an angle. Students will grow their knowledge of different kinds of angles and triangles and learn how to measure these angles.
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Science
In Grade 6 physics and geology and astronomy are taught. The subject of physics introduces the student to the phenomena of acoustics, optics, thermal physics, magnetism and static electricity. In acoustics, for example, the students find through hands-on manipulation of the monochord the relationship between the interval they hear and the string length.
A study of geology gives them a broad description of the forces that have built up and worn down the surface of the earth. This study ends with a trip to Canada’s mineral capital, Bancroft, where the three groups of rocks and their mineral makeup can be directly experienced.
A main lesson in astronomy, which can be brought in Grade 6 or 7, acquaints the students with the motions of the stars, the origin of the seasons, the planets and the zodiac, often ending in a trip to the planetarium at McMaster’s University in Hamilton. This subject is presented as seen from the point of view of the student who stands on the earth – a geocentric view.
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History
Grade Six students move out of the realm of myths and legends. As twelve-year-olds, they crave facts, historical events and time lines. History in grade six responds to this desire through the study of Ancient Rome – it’s mythological beginnings to the Seven Kings and the Roman Republic. Rome’s transformation from Republic to Empire and within this, the life of Jesus of Nazareth as a historical figure and the early ideals of Christianity. The fall of the Roman Empire, the birth of Europe in the early Middle Ages after the dark time of chaos brought about through the Barbarian invasions are also studied. Included within this is the study of feudalism, peasant life, nobility, knighthood and monasteries. The life of Mohammed and the rise of Islam are studied as well as the Crusades.
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Geography
In sixth grade, the students study South American geography which includes the physical features of the lands as well as the fauna and foliage. The economic, political and cultural aspects which have arisen from the different regions are also studied. The colourful beauty of the rainforests, rivers and land is captured in their paintings and drawings.
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French
With the importance of French in Canada as one of its official languages and the wish to prepare students for high school and mandatory French in Grade 9, We work with texts, grammar and vocabulary in a more structured way through a French textbook and the accompanying exercise book. This provides a wide range of exercises which support individualized practice, allows students to learn how to work with a textbook (a skill they will need in high school), and gives them a tangible sense of achievement, something that can’t be underestimated in the early adolescent years. The material of the textbook is complemented, in various degrees, with examples from literature, poetry, history and geography from the ‘Francophonie’. In addition to guided and structured work we aim to develop in students the confidence and skill to write their own texts, to make little presentations in French. Text comprehension is practiced on increasingly more complex texts and students learn how to use the resource material that has been developed in class, or is available through their textbook.
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Music
In Grade Six the children continue practicing unison singing of new material, rounds and parts singing through choral work. Both soprano and alto recorder playing continue in ensemble work and the students increasingly understand rhythm, melody and harmony in music theory. Grade six students join the grade five in the junior choir.
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Movement
The students participate in one double movement period per week. During September, October, May and June we utilize the school field. In the winter term, Grades 5-8 come together to participate in four afternoons of downhill skiing/snowboarding at a local ski hill. Otherwise the students are transported to a rented Gym facility where conventional sports are taught. The students are now able to appreciate and be guided by rules. As the students become independent more emphasis is placed on skills development, technique and self-discipline. In Grades 6, 7, and 8 the students are exposed to as many forms of movement as possible. The lesson begins with running or skipping for cardiovascular stamina and muscle strength. Spatial dynamics exercises are continued for coordination, flexibility and grace. Ball work becomes specialized and techniques improve with annual repetition. The complexity of rules increases with the developing students each year.
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Visual Arts
Students will do wet-on-wet paintings for physics, history, geography, as well as coloured chalk pastels that are used extensively for South American geography, history and seasonal projects. Calligraphy is introduced to support medieval history and coloured pencil crayons are used for main lesson books, as well as shaded drawings (a technique to strengthen the will). Charcoal is used to support the preadolescent development.
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Practical Arts: Handwork
Hand sewing; after a study of the elephant, students draw and paint to gain understanding of form; draw own patterns and, following them (going from 2 to 3 dimensional forms draws on creative forces; create and sew other forms after elephant completion; learn various stitches; supports stage of development – using hands to bring outward expression to something they are feeling inwardly.
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Practical Arts: Woodwork
Carved spoon; students learn how to safely use carving tools and manage healthy risk; learn how to be adaptable, flexible and creative problem solvers; healthy challenge for the developing adolescent; improve observation skills
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Class Trips
Students go to Bancroft, the mineral capital of Ontario. They are taken by a geologist to main sites in the area to explore geological formations, rocks and minerals. They typically have a camping trip and a day trip to the Royal Ontario Museum to view the Rome exhibit.
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