Grades 5-8

Expanding the Possibilities

Applying knowledge outside the classroom is at the core of Nueva's Middle School program. To offer greater challenge and increased dimension to the kind of exploratory learning fostered in earlier grades, the middle school emphasizes a multi-disciplinary, theme-based approach to learning. Through the use of source material, in-depth study, and off-campus experiences, our students truly engage with the material and develop a strong sense of their academic goals. The developmental needs of our growing adolescents are met through a multi-tiered approach to social-emotional learning, a key factor in the academic success of gifted students.

To deepen the learning process, we integrate off-campus experiences that give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and demonstrate independence in real-world situations. During our study of governance, law, and U.S. history, sixth grade students and teachers move the classroom to Williamsburg, Monticello, and Washington, D.C. The drama component for seventh graders involves a mini-conservatory led by Bay Area theater professionals, culminating in a trip to see a series of plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. At the end of the eighth grade year, students travel to either Spain or Japan for a three-week intensive study program that immerses students in the culture and allows them to further explore the art, history, and architecture of those countries.

The humanities program utilizes an interdisciplinary curriculum in which students apply theories and concepts to the material. We incorporate history, geography, and the language arts to explore a central theme, topic, or experience. Students study U.S. and world history and conduct comparative analyses of ancient and modern cultures with an emphasis on the Pacific Rim. Through the study of archaeology, sociology, economics, and political science, students hone their critical thinking and communication skills.

The mathematics program emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving. At each grade level, we integrate four major strands into the course of study: data, numbers, geometry, and algebra. This approach offers students a broad perspective on math and helps develop deeper connections to math concepts and other disciplines. We use a variety of tools, from manipulatives such as multi-base blocks and algebra tiles to graphing calculators and computers. Collaborative work in small groups emphasizes open dialogue and debate about multiple solution strategies. By the conclusion of eighth grade, most Nueva students have completed at least the equivalent of traditional ninth grade Algebra I.

The science program fosters scientific inquiry and discovery through an integrated program of physical, earth, and life sciences. Our faculty enhances the curriculum with hands-on experimentation, computer technology, and mathematical analysis. Innovative classroom investigations encourage logical thinking and creative expression. The program incorporates interdisciplinary methods that open doors to greater complexity and real-world application. Our integrated curriculum uses art projects to explore the principles of physics, literature to raise questions about scientific ethics, and field trips to provide observations of living systems and opportunities for environmental research. Each experience using the scientific method emphasizes understanding nature and develops a sense of responsibility for the survival of our planet.

The fifth grade curriculum topics span a shorter time than the yearlong themes in the elementary grades, such as a three-month study of the Southwest. This integrated theme involves students in the study of geology, plate tectonics, and carbon dating. They work on mapping skills, look for patterns in pottery, and find the original location of an artifact. In humanities, children read journals and essays by scientists describing ancient civilizations, and study oral traditions among the Pueblo and Hopi peoples. Information technology plays an important role as our students gather and evaluate web sites and program a simulated archaeological dig. Art class provides opportunities for students to create their own Southwestern-inspired pottery. This intensive study culminates in a trip to an archaeological dig site in the Southwest where our fifth grade adventurers conduct hands-on field research and explore the Anasazi culture.

Beginning in 6th grade, students have the choice to study Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish. All three language options are highly integrated into the Middle School humanities curriculum, including the study of history, art, architecture, and culture. The Japanese curriculum begins with the introduction of the Hiragana alphabet and challenges gifted students with its complex structure and multiple alphabets. In seventh grade, language study intensifies to include verbs, a larger vocabulary, and conversational Japanese. During eighth grade, the language program extends across the curriculum, integrating Japanese history, literature, and art. Nueva graduates often enter the second year of Japanese at the high school level. Mandarin students develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills using Pinyin (the phonetic alphabet of Mandarin) and traditional Chinese characters. Students learn various basic Mandarin sentence patterns and develop oral communication skills through tasks such as dialogues, questions and answers, and oral presentations. Learning Chinese characters and their character formation is incorporated into the lessons. The Spanish curriculum begins with the fundamentals of the language, including pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. As students begin to master conversational Spanish, they are introduced to Spanish history and culture. This integrated approach offers a rich interdisciplinary experience for the students.

Advisory groups, led by a faculty member, meet regularly to review organizational strategies and set personal goals with our middle school students. The mixed-age groups give children the opportunity to share experiences and to mentor younger students. Advisory groups discuss issues pertinent to their growth as students and individuals.