Grade 6
Language Arts 6
As a result of the language arts experience, an Epiphany School of Global Studies student will
be a lifelong learner who is a critical reader and thinker, an effective writer and
communicator able to apply what is learned in a meaningful, responsible and honorable way
that contributes to the greater community. Language Arts 6 features study of novels, plays,
non-fiction, and poetry. As students develop an appreciation of the various literary genres,
they improve their comprehension skills. Students are encouraged to broaden their literary
thinking beyond plot analysis and into interpretation for meaning. Some selected texts will
reinforce concepts encountered across the 6th grade program. Students increase their
facility with written language through paragraph writing, reporting, analytical responding
to literature, journals, and creative writing. Grammar study emphasizes usage of selected
parts of speech and a thorough understanding of sentence structure. Vocabulary
development continues. Spelling and writing mechanics are enhanced through regular
practice across the curriculum.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Language Arts 6:
• Grammar: parts of speech, parts of a sentence, sentence structure, punctuation,
commonly confused words
• Writing: organization of a paragraph
• Reading: basic comprehension; introductory applied literary terms (i.e. character,
plot, setting, main idea)
• Major Works: My Brother Sam is Dead, The View From Saturday, When You reach Me
Math 6
The students of The Epiphany School of Global Studies will be able, confidently and
effectively, to use their math skills in daily living, college level work, and in a professional
environment. Each student will possess the necessary skills to analyze a problem, to call on
a repertoire of problem-solving strategies and tools, and to think logically and reasonably in
arriving at a solution. In addition, students will communicate from a mathematical
standpoint, both in verbal and written form. Most importantly, it is the hope of the School
that students will sustain the desire to be lifelong learners. Math 6 continues to strengthen
the functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division which were taught in
earlier grades. Decimals, fractions, measurement, variables, equations, geometry, integers,
and probability and ratios are also covered. There is a strong emphasis on problem-solving
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strategies and math vocabulary. In addition to our daily class routine, students have
opportunities for math enrichment, including challenge problems and projects, games, and
online resources.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Math 6:
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Functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
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Decimals, fractions, measurements, variables, equations, geometry, integers, and
probability and ratios
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Problem-solving strategies and math vocabulary
Earth Science
At the completion of the science education at The Epiphany School of Global Studies, students
will possess a curiosity about the world. The student will have developed skills associated
with scientific inquiry and will have acquired the knowledge to make observations about the
world, so that inferences and predictions can be made that are consistent with natural laws.
As science is interdisciplinary and has played a significant role in history and the
development of culture, the student will use scientific literacy in making personal decisions
and solving real world problems. Earth science will be the primary focus of study with topics
such as topography, climate, solar system, light and sound. The curriculum as a whole,
especially in science and social studies, includes the theme of ecology that promotes an
understanding of people as being a part of the living world, dependent upon and responsible
for the environment. Other learning experiences will include reading, research, projects,
field trips, and experiments.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Earth Science:
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Logical thinking, problem solving skills, and the scientific method
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Topography, climate, solar system, light and sound
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Lab and field work
American History 1
Students emerging from American History at The Epiphany School of Global Studies will
acquire and utilize lifelong learning skills and values of democracy. Students should be able
to evaluate the relative significance of information and to present/express diverse views.
Values of democracy include awareness of the world community with a respect and
appreciation for individuality, moral courage, and a spirit of inquiry. The course begins a
two year study of American History, covering the period from our nation’s founding through
Reconstruction. The content is closely aligned to selected novels and earth science topics.
North Carolina’s role in our country’s development is explored as well as brief look at our
Canadian and Mexican neighbors. We use timelines, internet activities, role-playing, texts,
maps, and problem-solving to inform our study. Weaving in fun experiences with geography
and map skills as well as field trips will be especially important in enhancing an awareness
of our past.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in American History 1:
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Part 1 of Middle School American History
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Geography, history, and cultures of America from Native Americans to the Civil War
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Development of the American identity
Systems of governance
Economics
International relations
Civic responsibility
Spanish 6
Through foreign language study, The Epiphany School of Global Studies international
exchanges, and community service opportunities, students of Epiphany will have acquired
an understanding and appreciation of the power of language as a tool of oral and written
communication. As responsible citizens of the world, they will have gained an affinity and
respect for diverse peoples, ideas, and cultures. They will have developed curiosity, critical
thinking skills, and a passion for life-long language learning. Conversational Spanish in the
sixth grade focuses on culture and beginning level Spanish expressions. The course will
expose students to the target language through a variety of age‐ and developmentally‐
appropriate activities covering listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Concepts such
as the alphabet, calendar, basic cognates, classroom objects, commands, numbers, colors,
weather, and greetings will be incorporated into the curriculum.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Spanish 6:
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Conversational Spanish
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Beginning expressions
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Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
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Alphabet, calendar, basic cognates, classroom objects, commands, numbers, colors,
weather, greetings
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Basic verb conjugations
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Hispanic cultures
Life Skills
With the assistance of Life Skills, the Epiphany student will emerge a well-rounded individual
capable of sound judgment, independent thinking, self-awareness, and empathy for others.
The student will possess resilience, resourcefulness, and persistence allowing attainment of
full potential.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Life Skills:
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Course Theme - Know Thyself
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Self-discipline, self awareness, and independence
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Decision making and value judgments
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Yearlong course based on Sean Covey’s “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teen”
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Gender-divided advisory groups
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Day Retreat: Camp Don Lee
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Overnight Experience: Williamsburg, Virginia, and Jamestown, Virginia
Electives
Developmentally appropriate, elective classes allow students to explore their interests and
talents as they prepare for choice they will have in the future. Sixth graders will select two
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electives, one per semester. Teachers will assess students in elective classes on a pass/fail
grading format.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Electives:
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Choral Music – beginning music theory: note durations, names and definitions; key
signatures; solfege; treble clef; and performance in choral concerts
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Art – drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media
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Physical Education – exercise, skill development, and teamwork
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Instrumental Music -- modern popular music, music notations, chords, tablature,
diatonic theory
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Grade 7
Language Arts 7
As a result of the language arts experience, an Epiphany School of Global Studies student will
be a lifelong learner who is a critical reader and thinker, an effective writer and
communicator able to apply what is learned in a meaningful, responsible and honorable way
that contributes to the greater community. Furthermore, the course of Language Arts 7
focuses on all aspects of the English language, including reading, writing, speaking, listening,
thinking, and presenting. There is a particular emphasis on grammar and reading
comprehension. Students in seventh grade will read a variety of texts including units on
Shakespeare, the media, and dystopian fiction. Students will write a variety of responses for
assessment including essays, free writes, a class newspaper, and fictional stories.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Language Arts 7:
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Course Theme – Overcoming Challenges
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Grammar: review skills from LA6; correcting errors - proofreading/revising;
advanced punctuation (i.e. semi-colon, colon, comma usage); passive voice vs.
active voice
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Writing: organization of paragraphs; complex sentences, varied sentence structure;
introduction to essay writing
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Reading: basic comprehension; recalling & summarizing; applied literary terms (i.e.
character, plot structure, setting, atmosphere, symbol, characterization)
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Major titles: The Giver, Much Ado About Nothing, Nothing But the Truth
Math 7, Pre-Algebra, & Pre-Algebra Honors
The students of The Epiphany School of Global Studies will be able, confidently and
effectively, to use their math skills in daily living, college level work, and in a professional
environment. Each student will possess the necessary skills to analyze a problem, call on a
repertoire of problem-solving strategies and tools, and to think logically and reasonably in
arriving at a solution. In addition, students will communicate from a mathematical
standpoint, both in verbal and written form. Most importantly, it is the hope of the School
that students will sustain the desire to be lifelong learners.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Math 7, Pre-Algebra, and Pre-Algebra
Honors:
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Math 7 – ratios, proportions, and percentages; multi-step equations and
inequalities; decimals; rational numbers; area, circumference, and surface area; and
data distribution
Pre-Algebra & Pre-Algebra Honors– algebraic skills; exponent and integer rules;
rational numbers; graphing linear equations; geometry; statistics; measurements;
ratios; and proportions
Life Science
At the completion of the science education at The Epiphany School of Global Studies, students
will possess a curiosity about the world. The student will have developed skills associated
with scientific inquiry and have acquired the knowledge to make observations about the
world, so that inferences and predictions can be made that are consistent with natural laws.
As science is interdisciplinary and has played a significant role in history and the
development of culture, the student will use scientific literacy in making personal decisions
and solving real world problems. The focus of Life Science is to give the student a basic
understanding of science in general and life science in particular. The course focuses on the
fundamental concepts of living organisms and then looks more specifically at protists, fungi,
plants, and animals. Various methods will be used in teaching this class including lecture
and note-taking, audio-visual aids, performance-based assessment, teamwork activities, and
labs. Students will complete several projects throughout the year.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Life Science:
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Logical thinking, problem solving skills, and the scientific method
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Living organisms, (bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, animals)
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Ecology, cell structure and function, global environmental issues
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Lab and field work
American History 2
Students emerging from American History at The Epiphany School of Global Studies will
acquire and utilize lifelong learning skills and values of democracy. Students should be able
to evaluate the relative significance of information and to present/express diverse views.
Values of democracy include awareness of the world community with a respect and
appreciation for individuality, moral courage, and a spirit of inquiry. The course concludes
a two year study of American History, covering the period from Reconstruction to the
present day. Units of study include post-Civil War studies, The Industrial Age, World War I,
The Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the New Millennium.
This course examines American culture, the people, the change to America over the decades,
the development of the American identity, systems of governance, economics, international
relations, and civic responsibility.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in American History 2:
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Part 2 of Middle School American History
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Geography, history, and cultures of the United State from Reconstruction to the
modern era
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Development of the American identity
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Systems of governance
Economics
International relations
Civic responsibility
Spanish 7
Through foreign language study, The Epiphany School of Global Studies international
exchanges, and community service opportunities, students of Epiphany will have acquired
an understanding and appreciation of the power of language as a tool of oral and written
communication. As responsible citizens of the world, they will have gained an affinity and
respect for diverse peoples, ideas, and cultures. They will have developed curiosity, critical
thinking skills, and a passion for life-long language learning. This course begins a two year
journey through Spanish I. The emphasis for this year is basic conversational skills and
vocabulary development. Students explore different Hispanic cultures, including foods,
holidays, religions, and music.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Spanish 7:
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Part 1 of Upper School Spanish I
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Basic conversational skills and vocabulary development
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Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
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Verb conjugations
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Hispanic cultures
Electives
Developmentally appropriate, elective classes allow students to explore their interests and
talents as they prepare for choice they will have in the future. Seventh graders will select
four electives, two per semester. Teachers will assess students in elective classes on a
pass/fail grading format.
What a TES student will know and be able to do in Electives:
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Instrumental Music – modern popular music, music notations, chords, tablature,
diatonic theory
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Exploration of Art I – Art I is a foundational/introductory course exploring various
2-d and 3-d art forms including paper crafts, drawing, printmaking (collograph),
painting, and pottery. When possible, the school’s global focus for the quarter will
help determine the lessons in art history and the choice of projects.
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Exploration of Art II – In this course, students continue to work on the skills
introduced in Exploration of Art I. In printmaking students will do linocuts rather
that collograph printing. When possible, the school’s global focus for the quarter
will help determine the lessons in art history and choice of projects.
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Art Around the World (pre-requisite Exploration of Art) -- Exploring different artists
and art works for different regions of the world. Students will create their own
works inspired by the artists or works studied.
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Choral Music – beginning music theory: note durations, names and definitions; key
signatures; solfege; treble clef; and performance in choral concerts
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Physical Education – exercise, skill development, teamwork, history and rules of
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global sports
Introduction to Latin– Latin roots, vocabulary, basic sentences, ancient Roman
culture, impact on modern world
Science Olympiad – exploration and application of scientific knowledge for team
competitions for regional and state levels; STEM principles
Study Skills – learning/testing strategies, time management skills, homework time
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