Explore Our Curriculum

6th Grade

  • Drama 6

    This half-year course focuses on preparation/rehearsal for and the performance of a Broadway Jr. version of a theatrical musical, designed specifically for middle school students. The course also focuses on theatre games/improvisation exercises to free the actor and further the students’ development as performers. The first part of the course introduces students to the historical and literary context in which the play is set, while empowering them with the tools they need as performers to audition and to bring the play to life on stage. A major emphasis during rehearsals will be on the continuing development of the “ensemble” – promoting the value of working together as a team. The second part of the course focuses on developing improvisational and acting skills that will benefit the students with the development of next year’s original material in Café 007.  

  • English 6

    Novels, short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and 'can't-put-it-down' student-choice reading inspire all genres of writing and research in 6th grade English. Published and student-crafted fiction, nonfiction, and poetry provide mentor texts that inform the writing process throughout the year. Students begin the year reading novels in verse and reading and writing poetry. A study of short stories is followed by social justice reading and writing that span first and second semesters. Projects and action initiatives provide opportunities for students to collaborate, analyzing, synthesizing, and demonstrating individual learning in student-selected multimodal presentations. Ongoing personal-choice reading and writing support students' stamina and literacy skills, contributing to the development of discerning, engaged lifelong readers, writers, and learners.

  • Math 6

    The sixth grade mathematics program is comprised of a three-pronged approach, integrating textbook-driven work, math-based projects, and practice with basic math facts and problem-solving skills. This integrated and engaging approach will assist in providing students with a meaningful sense of numbers and understanding of real-world math, as well as preparing them for future 7th grade math and algebra courses. Throughout the year concepts are revisited and explored in a spiral approach to mathematics. Concepts are interwoven into the science curriculum, particularly with regard to size and scale.

  • Physical Education 6

    This full-year course focuses on a holistic approach to enhancing physical, social, and emotional well being through sport, play, and health education. Through physical education, students are introduced to a wide range of activities at varying aerobic levels. It is the goal of the department to alternate between activities of greater and lesser aerobic intensity as well as team and individual efforts throughout the year. The instruction of traditional sports is paired with the seasonal offering of these same activities by the athletic department. This serves to both enhance confidence and encourage participation in athletics.
     

  • Science 6

    In this laboratory and project-based course students will focus on the science related to the earth’s structure and how the earth’s structure relates to biotic and abiotic factors. The theme throughout our study is “systems and cycles,” and students will use that theme throughout the year to decode our environment and universe. Throughout the year there is an emphasis on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and proper laboratory technique to ensure that students not only are excited and engaged in science labs, but also safely using materials and becoming fluent in the scientific method. Each unit includes projects where students demonstrate their mastery of the concepts. Projects generally rotate between research-based projects or a “building” project. Students who are interested are encouraged to design and enter a project to the Piedmont Regional Science Fair as part of their Genius Hour research.
     

Faculty

Tandem Friends School is a co-ed Quaker day school for grades 5-12 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
Copyright 2016 Tandem Friends School