6 periods per week

The sixth grade English program aims to nurture basic skills and to develop them further through activities involving listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Following a balanced literacy approach to the study of English, as well as making use of technological tools, the course is comprised of shared reading, independent reading, writing workshop, vocabulary and grammar study.

Writing

Students are encouraged to view writing as a process involving prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Throughout this process, they will also collaborate with their peers to improve their writing. A variety of writing will be explored such as narrative and argumentative. Students will also strengthen their digital citizenship skills by conducting short research projects to gather information for their writing assignments. 

Grammar

Although grammar is taught in the context of student writing as they pursue accuracy and through literature and language texts, some class time will be set aside for a more in-depth study of grammar concepts.

Vocabulary

Students are encouraged to increase the depth and versatility of the vocabulary they use in their writing. Students collect new words from their shared and independent reading material to study definitions and practice spelling, and then are encouraged to incorporate all of these new words into their writing. Students also expand their vocabulary in writing as they go through the writing process. Both British and American standard spellings are acceptable.

Reading

Literature is a primary stimulus for both student discussion and a springboard to writing. During shared reading, works of literature are studied in depth, and students engage in discussions about what they read. Students will develop skills in not only comprehension, but in analysis of the different literary elements. In the independent reading portion of the course, students learn practices of effective readers, including the selection of books and responding to reading. A wide variety of quality literature is available for students to borrow in both the school library and the classroom library. Students are encouraged to read extensively outside of the classroom.

Oral Skills

Students are encouraged to gain confidence in expressing themselves accurately and coherently through class and group discussion, as well as reading aloud their own work and the set texts. In addition, at least two formal oral presentations will be assigned during the school year.

Texts

• I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
• The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson
• A selection of shorter reading pieces (fiction and non-fiction)

Student Learning Expectations (CCSS.ELA LITERACY)

By the end of grade 6, a student should be able to . . .

• Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
• Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
• Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
• Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.<
• Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
• Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
• Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
• Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
• Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
• Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
• Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.
• Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

Assessment

Students will be assessed in the following ways:

• Various forms of writing: argumentative essays, narrative writing
• Oral presentations, class discussions, group discussions
• Visual and media projects
• Quizzes on vocabulary 
• Reading and literature tests

 

6 periods per week

At each level, the mathematics program introduces and develops new topics and skills while building on the skills previously learned. Its aim is to develop an appreciation of the power and beauty of mathematics at appropriate levels of concrete and abstract development. Investigational and practical tasks are fully integrated into the work using a range of modes of learning, including doing, observing, talking and listening, discussing with other students, reflecting, drafting, and writing. Mental mathematics and problem-solving are used throughout the course. Students are encouraged to monitor their own progress and to develop confidence in using a range of mathematical skills. Topics include the following:

•  Number and Computation - understand and build on number facts using non-calculator methods, continue to develop fraction, decimal, and percentage skills, competent use of, and knowledge of different methods for, the four basic operations, use all four operations with directed number
• Measurement and Geometry - use different instruments to measure to a variety of accuracies, read and understand timetables, calculate differences between times, convert between different units of time, measure angles and bearings, use correct angle notation, work with supplementary and complementary angles, and angles within parallel lines, construct triangles and regular polygons using protractors or a set of compasses, use isometric paper to draw 3D shapes, draw nets for 3D objects, find area of more complex shapes, calculate surface area and volume of prisms, calculate missing dimensions from a known area or volume
• Patterns and Algebra - identify, describe, and write expressions for, linear number patterns, substitute values into equations, plot linear functions, write equations for straight line graphs

Main Text
New Signpost Mathematics 7

Homework
Continuation of classroom assignments or reviewing for quizzes. 15 minutes per school day.

Assessment
Assessment of the level of individual student progress is derived from a wide variety of sources that may include:

• Class work
• Homework
• Projects
• Quizzes & tests

4 periods per week

This is the second year of the three-year Middle School general Science course. It aims to provide the student with a basic and broad knowledge of Science that can be developed further up the school. The course is taught with an emphasis on skill and knowledge development through practical work. As well as learning science skills i.e. observation, recording data, analyzing information, planning and carrying out experiments, the students will also develop their skills of researching and group work.

1. Water & Air - Investigating water (including its properties, the water cycle and water pollution) and air (including the main gases and their properties and air pollution).
2. Sound, Light and Senses - The properties of sound and light and how the eyes and ears work.
3. Ecology - How living things interact with each other and their environment.
4. Forces – Investigate different types of forces and their effects.
5. Human Body  - The structure and function of human body systems.
6. The Solar System - The solar system and the effects on the Earth of the Sun and the Moon.

Homework and Assignments
These will include:

• Lab reports
• Researching
• Written reports
• Oral & multimedia presentations
• Practice questions
• Reading

Assessment

The development of the science skills outlined above will be assessed along with organisational skills. The development of scientific knowledge is assessed through a variety of assignments and quizzes.

5 periods per week

The sixth grade Social Studies curriculum includes the study of History and Geography while making connections to today’s world whenever applicable.

In History, the course aims to introduce the civilizations of East Asia with particular emphasis on the cultural appreciation of Japan and China. In Geography, map reading and atlas skills are enriched to help better understand why early civilizations chose to settle in the areas they did while making comparisons to today.

The essential skills of independent notetaking, being able to use details and examples to help support answers, and interpreting sources with accuracy are also promoted throughout the year.

Some of the course objectives are:

• To enrich the experience of living in the "East"
• To foster an appreciation of China’s influence on the region
• To develop an understanding of the unique histories and cultures of Tibet and Korea
• To provide a historical background to the culture of Japan
• To explore the concept "culture" and how it is viewed between countries
• To compare forms of government looking at how they are effective or not
• To further develop map work and atlas skills
• To explore the ways in which trade develops and enriches the lives of people
• To make comparisons from the countries studied in the past to today
• To begin to understand primary sources and the context in which quotes and information was recorded

Homework

• Continuation of class work
• Written work
• Research
• Map work

Assignments

• Research
• Presentations
• Writing exercises
• Projects
• History chronicles

Assessment

• Written work, extended writing  and research projects
• Oral skills: class discussion, debate, individual and group presentations
• Tests and quizzes
• Simulations and role-play
• Class participation

1 period per week

ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

The main objective of ICT classes in the Grade 6 is to develop each student’s independence on the computer through engaging assignments in which skills can be transferred to all other curriculum areas.

By the end of Grade 6, students will have:

• Become proficient using Google Docs to manage files as well as save, share and work collaboratively.
• Further developed basic coding skills using the Python programming language.
• Created interactive slideshows that progress in a non-linear format.
• Learned to use spreadsheets to plan and budget.
• Reviewed and learned to practice online safety.

 

Library Media Studies

The purpose of this course is to ensure that the students are confident users of the facilities and resources offered in the Middle and High School library. Students will continue to learn about the borrowing policies associated with various resource types and how to locate those resources in the library, particularly through the use of the Alexandria Online catalog database. Students will learn how to conduct and refine searches in other digital environments such as EBSCO Host’s journal database and other online resources. They will focus on locating and evaluating scholarly and trusted information on the internet that will assist them in meeting their future research needs. The development of information literacy skills will be a core objective of the course.  An appreciation of literature and opportunity to read for pleasure will be addressed by participation in the Sakura Medal program.

The sixth grade language classes are scheduled together. All three languages offered are timetabled simultaneously and classes are kept small to maximize language acquisition. The four skills will be developed: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

JAPANESE: 4 periods per week

The International School of the Sacred Heart offers two Japanese programs: as a Second Language (JS-for non-Japanese speakers) and Japanese as a First Language (JF-for Japanese speakers).

Japanese as a Second Language

The aim of this course is for students to acquire sufficient competence in Japanese to meet their communicative needs, to gain knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture and to enjoy using the language so that they may become life-long learners. Students will acquire sufficient competence in Japanese by developing all four language skills. Students are placed in different levels according to their language ability. Classroom activities include oral, reading, writing, role-play, skits, interviews, essays, journals, projects, presentations, etc.

Assessment

• Unit tests (speaking, listening and writing)
• Quizzes (oral and written)
• Kanji
• Essays
• Homework
• Oral presentations (skit, speech, interview, presentation and oral work in class)
• Projects
• Class participation

Japanese as a First Language

This course is designed for native Japanese speakers and follows the Japanese language curriculum program used in the Japanese schools. Students follow a balanced program, which incorporates development in the four language skills. Students develop critical thinking, linguistic sensibility and sensitivity through reading of fiction and nonfiction, appreciating poetry and writing on varied topics. Kanji skill is developed as well as relevant and accurate expressions in writing and speaking. Students are given the opportunity to connect with their own experience and to foster a positive attitude to Japanese culture and other cultures. Teachers use varied methodology in class and students are placed in levels according to their language ability.

Assessment

• Unit tests
• Quizzes
• Kanji
• Essays
• Homework
• Oral presentations (skit, speech, interview, presentation and oral work in class)
• Projects
• Class participation

FRENCH: 4 periods per week

Language as communication is the basic concept of the fifth and sixth grade French program. There are two levels offered to students who are placed according to their proficiency in the four language skills. Students will learn to read, to talk and to write about a variety of topics beginning with themselves and reaching out to the world around them.

Grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary are presented in dialogues, descriptions, short stories, poems, small plays, drill exercises, educational games, songs, as well as using videos and Internet resources. They are integrated through specific projects and productions (dialogues, descriptions…). Emphasis is placed on vocabulary expansion, verb tense mastery and pronunciation. Students are encouraged to extend their language skills beyond the program when possible.

Within the study of the language students will also get to discover French culture, as well as other cultures included in the French speaking world known as La Francophonie. Each year, the French Department focuses on one country from the Francophonie and organizes events and workshops in relation to this country, in order to deepen the understanding of students, as well as to make the language alive.

The levels taught are in line with DELF’s exams of French Ministry of Education and the levels of the Council of Europe' s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).

Homework and Assignments

Prepared exercises on:

• Text comprehension
• Grammar
• Vocabulary

Reference book (among a variety of customized material)

Décibel 1 Manuel + Exercise book. (A1 - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) 

Assessment

• Tests
• Quizzes (oral and written)
• Listening practice
• Reading & conversation in class
• Oral presentations
• Class participation
• Project
• Homework

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: 4 periods per week

A student enrolled in the ELA (Language) program has additional English language instruction while other students are taking French or Japanese. ELA students use these periods for theme-based English language study with a communicative and genre-based focus. Content material is often based on the themes and the language skills addressed in mainstream classes.

ELA students in this program have generally achieved a strong communicative competence in their interpersonal use of language. However, because their academic language skills are still developing, additional ELA instruction is needed. This course aims to develop academic reading and writing skills, in particular. As student independence is also one of the goals of the ELA program, these classes also aim to further develop learning-how-to-learn skills, as well as compensatory strategies to enable students to continue to learn language independently. Instruction and assessment focus on skills which enable students to self-monitor, self-correct, and self-assess in order to become active and independent language learners.

Once a student has acquired a level of competency that allows her to function in the content areas along with her peers, she may transfer from the program to take either Japanese or French, provided there is a suitable class available.

Assessment

A student’s growth in English is monitored on a regular basis through a variety of language-based tasks.  Effort and in-class participation are also important criteria in the assessment of an individual’s language development.

Recommended texts:

All students should have access to a reputable online bilingual dictionary, as well as the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Students may also wish to have a paper version of the bilingual dictionary for use during tests and exams.

MUSIC: 1 period per week for one year

This course aims to develop an appreciation of music through a varied schedule of activities including guided listening, note-reading, improvisation and composition. An important element of Grade 6 music is public performance through singing two and three-part songs and playing instruments from different cultures around the world. Multicultural pieces of different eras are included in the range of this course as students are asked to deepen their knowledge of music as reflected in different cultures. Students develop their music reading, aurally recognize intervals and practice sight-reading in every class. In addition, students further their understanding of music theory by encountering more complex rhythms and identifying basic intervals.

Assessment

• Projects
• Worksheets
• Tests (singing, written, aural, transcription, listening, sight-reading)
• Quizzes
• Group Work/Performance
• Posters
• Public Performance
• Effort

 

DRAMA: 1 period per week for one semester

Introductory course in Drama. Activities in this course are based on aspects of storytelling, introduction to different styles of theatre from around the world, and looking at different themes through process dramas. Skills developed include constructing a narrative, basic theatre performance skills, group work, and collaboration skills.

Assessment

• Communication and ensemble skills
• Participation
• Performance skills
• Understanding stage directions

 

2-D Art: 2 periods per week for one semester

The course aims to promote an enjoyment and appreciation of art while developing the necessary skills to enable the realization of successful works of art. Students will complete projects that give them experience in the areas of drawing (charcoal), and painting (watercolor and acrylics). Emphasis is placed on both creativity and skill development. By teacher demonstration and practice students will learn to use art materials, equipment and techniques with confidence and proficiency. The development and improvement of observational skills will be encouraged as well as the ability to create thoughtful, original, and well-composed finished pieces.

Assessment

• Critiques of work (in progress and completed) and written feedback
• Listening and following directions
• Class participation
• Idea development and reflection
• Time management and organization
• Studio procedures and use of materials

 

3-D Art: 2 periods per week for one semester

Grade 6 students will explore a variety of ways to create functional and sculptural three-dimensional artwork. Students will use 3-D materials such as clay, wire, papier-mâché, and paper to create meaningful and personal artworks. Throughout the semester, students will learn to develop original ideas as well as revise and reflect on their creative process. Students will be introduced to contemporary 3-D artists and art related careers.

Assessment

• Listening and following directions
• Class participation
• Idea development and reflection
• Working collaboratively with class members
• Time management and organization
• Studio procedures and use of materials

 

HOME ECONOMICS: 2 periods per week for one year

Students broaden the skills learned in fifth grade. Through teacher demonstration and practice, they acquire knowledge about kitchen and food safety, basic kitchen equipment, measuring techniques, cooking terminology and techniques and dishwashing techniques. For nutrition education, MyPlate dietary guidelines are used so that they become comfortable and confident in their food choices.  Table manners are also emphasized.

Assessment

• Class participation
• Motivation
• Positive attitude
• Cooperation with group members
• Time management
• Organization of self & materials
• Clean up
• Group reflection and self evaluation

2 periods per week

The aim of all Values courses is to encourage students to discover and define the values by which they live, to show concern and respect for all people and for their faith, to reflect on their own behavior and to value prayer and spirituality.

The Values program at Grade Six will focus on World Religions including Christianity. 

World Religions

The aim of studying World Religions is to introduce students to the history and fundamental beliefs of some of the major world religions.  Students are encouraged to discover and define the values by which they live, to manifest concern and respect for others, to reflect on their own behavior and to value prayer and worship. An understanding of the common strands in all religions is fostered.  During this year, Hinduism and Sikhism are the major faiths that are studied.

Christianity

The aim of studying Christianity is to encourage students to consider their own beliefs and faith.  We will look at the history of the Bible. Students reflect on their own experience and beliefs as well as on the experiences and beliefs of others through the themes of Story and Values. We will look at morality, decision making skills and the dangers of Prejudice and Discrimination.

Assessment

In grades 5 and 6 teachers will use a variety of methods to assess the students’ progress. Students will be assessed on:

• Class work
• Group work
• Written work
• Participation in class  

3 periods per week

Physical Education

The Physical Education department is focused on developing lifelong fitness and health attitudes that benefit students. We intend to guide students through physical activities that strengthen and enhance their understanding of physical health by using a variety of fitness and health disciplines that promote lifelong fitness and wellbeing. 

Throughout this course students will participate and develop an understanding of collaboration skills, rhythm and dance, invasion games and leadership, net/wall games and sports science. These units incorporate project based learning to allow students to use their own interests, work with others and use a range of technologies to support their learning throughout each unit. Students will be assessed in both formative and summative assessments and a PE journal is used by students to reflect on their learning and engage in continual feedback. 

In Grade 6 students participate in a number of sports / activities covering skills, game play, rules and strategies.

Incorporated within the program is extensive fitness testing

Inter-Scholastic League Sports

All students are encouraged to participate in the Sacred Heart sports teams, which practice after school and compete against other international schools in the Tokyo area on Saturdays.

Fall Sports Season (Sep - Nov)

• Volleyball
• Cross-Country

Winter Sports Season (Nov - Feb)

• 8 aside Soccer

Spring Sports Season (March - May)

• Track and Field
• Basketball