As in the Lower School, Blue Oak Middle School offers students at each grade level an innovative, liberal arts curriculum.
I n all subjects learning, thinking, problem solving and inquiry are stressed. Students are taught in thematic units and encouraged by faculty to design their own projects. The learning is hands-on and cooperative; the engagement of students in their own learning leads to a love of learning that endures.
In eighth grade significant time is devoted to preparing students for the move to high school with support in test preparation, essay writing, high school visits and interview protocol – all aimed at helping each student find the right match for his or her interests and goals.
Curriculum
Humanities
The eighth grade humanities class combines English and history and meets daily during a double class period. The historical coursework is focused on China, and the study of its history, philosophy, literature, art, politics, and its influence in the world. In the second half of the year, students focus on the concept of sustainability and its importance in our lives.
Research, writing and oral presentation skills are refined in eighth grade and supplemented with creative writing and projects designed to reflect the depth of student understanding. Students analyze text for plot, character development themes and other structural patterns with increasing depth. The writing process is refined to include narrative, creative, descriptive, compare/contrast and expository essays. Grammar and vocabulary are continually expanded through an emphasis on application in written work. The culminating project for the eighth grade year is the Capstone Project, wherein students select a topic, complete an in-depth study and give a multimedia presentation to an audience of peers, parents and faculty.
Mathematics
In eighth grade mathematics is focused on algebra – both the study of algebraic notation and the language of algebra. The coursework explores solving multi-step equations, linear equations and graphing, solving and graphing inequalities, polynomials and rational expressions, radical expression and equations, the use of quadratic formula and quadratic equations as well as other algebraic concepts and problem solving. The focus is clearly on the link mathematically to the why and how explanation rather than rote memorization of an algorithm.
Science
Eighth grade science focuses on physical sciences including the study of motion, heat, energy, light and sound. The structures of matter, its physical and chemical properties, are also explored, as are water chemistry/water quality, aquatic life and marine ecosystems. Each year, the eighth grade travels to Sanata Catalina Island where they spend a week expanding what they’ve learned in the classroom through an extensive, hands-on study of marine biology.
Current events in science as well as issues of sustainability and the environment are integrated into the curriculum and often involve students in field studies outside of the classroom.
Spanish, Arts, Technology, Life Skills, PE and Electives
Students meet four times per week for Spanish language with classes in art, music, drama, Life Skills, electives and physical education meeting weekly.
Technology, at an age-appropriate level, is integrated into all aspects of the eighth grade curriculum and is a large part of the eighth grade Capstone Projects. All students are assigned a laptop computer when entering the Middle School, which is theirs to use during their tenure at Blue Oak School.
Advisory
Every Blue Oak Middle School student is a member of a small advisory group in which students and teachers work together to create an inclusive classroom and arrive at a feeling of belonging and safety.