As in the Lower School, Blue Oak Middle School offers students at each grade level an innovative, liberal arts curriculum.
In 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 experiential; the engagement of students in their own learning leads to a love of learning that endures.
Curriculum
Humanities
The seventh grade humanities class combines English and history and meets daily during a double class period. The historical focus of study for the course is ancient history, beginning with the period of pre-history to the late Middle Ages. Students discover, examine and evaluate cultural universals of social structure, art, religion, government and warfare within various ancient civilizations. The writing process is refined to include persuasive, creative, descriptive and expository essays. Grammar and vocabulary are continually expanded through an emphasis on application in written work. Students research, interpret and create documents, integrated art projects and power point presentations that reflect student understanding of the roots of culture. Several interdisciplinary units enhance the curriculum, including an overnight field trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
Mathematics
Mathematics in seventh grade meets daily and introduces students to algebraic formulas, the use of graphs and tables to represent patterns and functions, exploration of the properties of real numbers, developing strategies for approaching and solving word problems and other important mathematical problem solving and learning. Emphasis on the why and how relationships of mathematical concepts are the focus in seventh grade rather than rote memorization of an algorithm.
Science
Seventh grade science focuses on earth sciences and includes an exploration of geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy and conservation. Data collection, measurement taking, interpretation and analysis are also key elements of seventh grade science. Current science events, 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 seventh grade curriculum. 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.