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Bible
Philosophy Statement
The philosophy of the Bible department is shaped by the conviction that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, wholly without error in the original autographs given by God, and is sufficient as our only infallible rule of faith and practice. A study of the Bible constitutes the most significant discipline for any person. This concept is reflected in scripture, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). Our response to reading and studying the Bible is belief in and obedience to the revealed will of God. No other book compares to the Bible. The Bible and the Christian faith can be defended as the sole deposit of eternal truth as revealed by God and embodies the revealed will of the Eternal God.
5th Grade
Route 66 is a survey of the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is an introduction to each book of the Bible, the main context and characters. Like a road map, it provides students with an aerial view of God’s Word and work in order to prepare the mind and heart for more detailed concepts that will come later. It is designed to help students un-derstand Scripture and scriptural principles as a whole. Woven throughout the study is the main thread of God’s faithfulness and love ultimately found in His Son, Jesus Christ. The student will also learn to study their Bible using the inductive method of study to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word to him/her. Memorization of scriptures to support the truths they are learning will be expected as one step in hiding God’s Word in their hearts and drawing them into a more meaningful, personal relationship with their Savior.
6th Grade
Through the student’s exploration and study of the book of John, supported by other texts, they will experience the life of Christ in a new and more meaningful way. Stu-dents will come to love Christ through discussion and personal meditation on the Word. The students will experience God’s Word in a more personal way, enriching their own personal Bible study.
7th Grade
Students will use the Word of God as our guide to bring to understanding the truths found in scripture that exemplify a “hero” of the faith. We will take an in-depth look into the lives of men and women of God in the Bible that was used by God to teach eternal truths. Old and New Testament character analysis will comprise the main context of our
study. Each nine weeks will include a study of characters that illustrate the overall theme for those nine weeks. All of this will lead us to an understanding of how God uses those heroes who have gone before us to teach us how to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” and become a hero of the faith.
8th Grade
Students will identify their current relationship with God and continue to evaluate that relationship as we see the trustworthiness of the Bible. Students will identify the individ-ual persons of the triune God and their creation in His image. They will also identify the attributes, names, and individuality of God as found in the persons of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The students will discover and explain the Gospel that leads to salva-tion. The “Fruits” and “Gifts” of the Spirit will be discussed and their purpose within the body.
English
Philosophy Statement
Man made in the image of God is unique in his ability to communicate. The study and use of the written form of language is essential to the growth and wisdom of any man. God’s use of man is often correlated with man’s preparedness to minister to his society. The understanding of the elemental levels of language to the highest critical levels of thinking associated with the study of great literature and laws of rhetoric are essential to this process of preparedness.
5th Grade
Students will receive instruction in and demonstrate the ability to perform basic english grammar functions. They will develop the correct use of english grammar in written and oral communication; they will use the writing process throughout the year to write differ-ent types of compositions; they will become clear and effective writers; they will develop study and references skills; they will improve listening and speaking skills.
Literature will be explored primarily through the reading of selected novels.
6th Grade
Students master previously learned skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and written compositions. Students are able to understand idioms, multi-meaning words, and analogies in text. Students recognize literary devices such as flashback, foreshadowing, and symbolism. Sixth grade students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or enter-tain. Students vary sentence structure and use more complex punctuation such as hy-phens, semicolons, and possessives. Students edit their writing based on their knowl-
edge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written lan-guage. Literature will include selected novels that will be read during the course of the year.
7th Grade
Students will receive instruction in grammar, vocabulary, literature, and writing. They will be able to identify and demonstrate knowledge of all eight parts of speech and their functions, and how to punctuate and capitalize correctly. They will demonstrate a knowledge of vocabulary and how to use it correctly. They will be exposed to different types of literature and be able to discuss and write about literature.
8th Grade
Students will be able to not only recognize, but also understand the nuances and prob-lem solve for the appropriate uses of the eight parts of speech (both as individual words as well as in phrases and clauses). They will also apply correct capitalization and punc-tuation rules in writing, construct a five paragraph essay, summary reports, read and receive guidance in the analysis of several works of literature, and demonstrate a grow-ing repertoire of vocabulary words.
Math
Philosophy Statement
In mathematics, the student will see the magnificent order and truth that God has cre-ated. This course will introduce students to new mathematical concepts that God in His infinite wisdom has prepared their minds to be developmentally ready to receive. At the same time, this course will push them to take the foundational mathematical knowledge they have previously acquired and apply it to more complex concepts that will be useful in everyday life.
5th Grade
Fifth grade students will build upon their understanding and mastery of elementary math skills through additional instruction in basic mathematical concepts and functions. They will demonstrate mastery through their ability to perform basic mathematical functions and problem-solving in the areas of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.
6th Grade
Students will expand upon the basic skills mastered in 5th grade through the instruction in and ability to perform basic mathematical functions and problem solving in the areas of number sense and operations. Students are introduced to new fraction concepts and
operations, algebraic expressions and equations, geometry and plane figures, measure-ment and percent.
7th Grade
Seventh grade math is a pivotal year as many new concepts are introduced. This is a foundational year for the higher math concepts taught in Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. Students will receive continued instruction in and demonstrate an ability to perform ba-sic mathematical functions and problem solving in the areas of algebraic reasoning, number sense, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability.
8th Grade
At the eighth grade level, most students are enrolled in Pre-Algebra. In this course, stu-dents will expand upon the new concepts learned in seventh grade through problem solving opportunities that will build their confidence in the areas of algebraic reasoning, number sense, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and probability.
Eighth grade students may qualify to take Algebra 1 their eighth grade year if they meet the criteria. Students must be recommended for this class based upon their Stanford Achievement test scores in math and reading, their grades in seventh grade math, and mastery exhibited on an entrance exam.
Science
Philosophy Statement
God’s word shows us, the believer, that we live in an orderly world created by Him. He has instructed us to subdue the earth, harnessing its resources, consuming its bounty, and protecting it as wise stewards. The more we learn and understand about our world, the more we can see God’s magnificent plan for our lives.
Man has developed theories, laws, and descriptions of the ways God’s world functions. Science teachers explain these concepts to students and are thus instrumental in a stu-dent’s exploration of the world. Science teachers help students carefully and objectively study God’s world and to evaluate all scientific theories and knowledge in light of the Bible. Biblical principles and the truth about creation are foundational to every student’s knowledge of the field of science.
5th Grade
Students will explore and experience a variety of areas within the field of science includ-ing life, physical, and earth science through the use of reading, discussion, demonstra-tion, and participation in group and individual projects.
6th Grade
Students will be in the study of the life sciences. They will study the cell as it relates to life’s structure and function, plants, bacteria, characteristics of the animal kingdom and the reproduction cycle. In addition, students study human body systems, including the skeletal system, digestive system, circulatory systems, and the body’s immune system.
7th Grade
Students will explore and experience an introduction to physics, chemistry and the changing state of the atmosphere through labs, experiments, research, discussion, group and individual projects, observation and reading.
8th Grade
Students will study the earth and universe God created. They will understand the proc-esses occurring there today. Also, the ability to gain an appreciation for the vastness of space and the power exerted in earth movements.
History
Philosophy Statement
History is the story of God and His creation of man; the story of God’s purpose, plan and redemption of mankind. History is viewed and taught through these themes and their impact on geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture and technology. We look at the impact of events and individuals through time, in order to understand the connectedness of the past’s influence on the present, and how that continues to shape the future of the world.
5th Grade
The students will see God’s hand move across the settling of lands, in the midst of bat-tles, and fighting for the rights of all human beings. An appreciation of God’s love, grace, mercy, and benevolence will be interwoven on a continual basis striving for a bal-anced approach to social studies instruction that emphasizes Christian philosophy, character and attitudes, while teaching history concepts & geography skills. Students will learn of our responsibility as God’s stewards of our government and our lands. God’s love of all people is expressed in our embracing those of other nationalities who become American citizens and for whom we have fought to defend from the tyrannies of evil. Through the story of American history, the student will develop methods of investi-gating facts and expanding critical thinking skills. These skills will provide the ability to discern connections among events in their own times creating a foundation for responsi-ble Christian citizens.
6th Grade
Students will explore ancient historic mankind and his development socially through his growth from civilizations such as Babylon to formal governmental empires such as Greece and Rome. This will be done through the use of reading formats, discussion, and visuals that are available in a number of technological formats such as films, DVD’s, and the internet. This will also be developing their skills in the formal process of learning such as note taking, developing an approach to essay questions, etc.
7th Grade
The students will explore and understand a variety of elements in Geography, including the world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, envi-ronment, society and the uses of Geography.
8th Grade
The focus of the course in American History is early civilization through the Civil War and Reconstruction era (pre-1492-1877). The student will summarize and understand how civilization began and continued in the Americans. They will examine the causes and effects of early European settlers. The student will describe and analyze the major causes, key events, and important personalities of the American Revolution. He or she will examine in greater depth the factors, events, documents, significant individuals, and political ideas that led to the formation of the United States of America. These will be pursued through a chronological study of the early national period, westward expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Citizenship skills will focus upon the devel-opment and understanding of constitutional government in the United States.
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