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 sixth grade humanities class combines English and history and meets daily during a double class period. The focus of study for the course is 19th century American history, beginning with the Corps of Discovery (Lewis and Clark) and ending with the American Civil War. Students explore and expand critical thinking skills via inquiry-based learning, reading, researching and creating. Parts of speech, the mechanics of writing and sentence patterns are reviewed. The writing process is refined to include paragraph structure and development, creative, compare/contrast and expository essays. Grammar and vocabulary are continually expanded through an emphasis on application in written work. Students read, interpret and create multimedia presentations and write individual novels that explore our history, freedom and responsibility as citizens. Study skills, including time management, are also a part of the curriculum.
Mathematics and Science
Mathematics and science in sixth grade are also combined into a double class period meeting daily. Math focuses on solidifying concepts, relationships and basic operations with fractions, decimals and percents. The review of basic geometric vocabulary and concepts with 2-dimensional shapes, exploring metric and standard units of measurement, identifying factors, multiples, prime and composite numbers as well as other important mathematical concepts and functions are part of the coursework.
Sixth grade science explores chemistry, astronomy, and the physics of structure through the construction of bridges. The male and female reproductive systems and other appropriate subject matter are also an integral part of the curriculum. An interdisciplinary approach to math and science is reflected in lab work and other activities, such as the dissection of cow eyes, acid and alkaline studies or water studies throughout California.
Issues of sustainability and the environment are regularly integrated into the curriculum including participation in watershed restoration projects and other field studies outside of the classroom.
Spanish, Arts, Technology, Life Skills, PE and Electives
Students meet three times weekly 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 sixth grade curriculum. All sixth grade students are assigned a laptop computer, 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.