6th Grade Academics

Academics in 6th Grade:

In 6th Grade, we offer four Cambridge courses: Math, Science, English, and Global Perspectives. Even though 6th Grade is connected with the Lower School, for Cambridge academics we are considered Lower Secondary (or Middle School). This means that your students will notice a difference in the way the lessons are formatted, and some of the work may feel different as well. We can discuss all of this more during Parent Night, or feel free to reach out any time. 

Here is a brief breakdown of our academic areas of study:

English: Cambridge English, reading groups, read aloud, Orton Gillingham whole-class instruction (I have loved using this in the classroom. It is usually a one-to-one approach but we find it works as whole-class instruction as well.) Students should find time to read each night, any source is fine. If they have a chance to quiet read in class, they can log that too. 

Math: Cambridge Math (some concepts this year include integers, expressions/equations/formulas, place value, decimals, fractions, shapes, percentages, graphs, ratio/proportion, probability, area/volume) Students will have a learners book and a workbook. Homework will usually be weekly, and working on it at school is fine as long as it is during appropriate times.

Science: Cambridge Science and Science Fair. This year students will learn about cells, materials and their structures/properties, forces and energy, Earth physics, microorganisms, and electricity. Science Fair projects are required for each student. Some planning work and final work will be completed in class, but the experiment/testing must be done at home. (exceptions can be made due to certain supplies or conditions)

World Ocean School: Each year the 6th Grade has the special opportunity to attend WOS (half days) learning all about sailing and being ambassadors for our oceans.

Social Studies: This is not a Cambridge course but is a fascinating journey through the ancient river civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt/northern Africa, India, China, and Greece/Rome. We will start the year with mapping skills and a look at early humans.

Global Perspectives: This is a Cambridge course that highlights the skills of Research, Analysis, Evaluation, Reflection, Collaboration, and Communication while investigating global topics. Each trimester there will be a special challenge topic project the students will complete that highlights one of these skills, while utilizing others.