6 periods per week

The Grade 7 English Program is designed to build on skills already acquired in Grades 5 and 6. This year’s program will focus on particular theme-based units which arise from a selection of young adult and literary texts. 

Writing

Students will continue to use the writing process which has been firmly established in Grades 5 and 6. They will write in a variety of lengths – from one- to multi-paragraph essays, and forms, including analytical and narrative. Elements of literature to be written on will include the relation between theme and character, setting, and plot. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in a non-assessed extended creative writing project.

Reading

Students read a variety of fiction texts, including novels, short stories, and poems, and non-fiction articles. These readings aim to encourage critical thinking and reflection on fundamental questions and issues pertinent to middle-schoolers. To encourage students to read extensively outside of the classroom, each student will produce a book promotion on an independently selected novel.

Oral Skills

Students are further encouraged to express themselves orally with accuracy, clarity, and coherence in class and group discussions, as well as formal and informal presentations.

Language and Vocabulary

Students develop their vocabulary, grammar, and syntax through reading, writing, and focused language study. Students also have the opportunity to review grammar, punctuation, and spelling by way of personal accounts on the online learning platform IXL.

Texts

• A selection of fiction, drama and literary nonfiction.
• A selection of essays, poems, and short stories.

Assessment

• Tests on concepts and content from class, including
  • Vocabulary
  • Readings
  • Passage analysis
• Various forms of writing: narrative, one-paragraph, multi-paragraph, literary analysis
• End-of-year exam

5 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. Scientific calculators are introduced as a tool in addition to mental mathematics, and problem-solving is used throughout the course.

Grade Seven is divided into Enriched and Standard groups after careful consideration by the Grade 6 Mathematics teacher, the Head of Department, and the Middle School Principal, with smaller class sizes for the Standard groups. Each group covers the same course work allowing students to make a smooth transition from one group to the other where necessary. 

• Number and Computation - review Grade 6 topics, consolidate knowledge of fractions and percentages, introduce and calculate simple interest, ratios, and rates
• Measurement and Geometry - use Pythagoras’ Theorem to find the missing side of a right triangle, learn the vocabulary associated with circles, apply area formulas for triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and complex shapes, calculate perimeters, find surface areas and volumes for prisms and cylinders, consolidate knowledge of angles on parallel lines
• Algebra and Functions - simplify expressions, combine like terms, expand, factor out a common factor, solve equations with one variable, write equations to solve worded problems
• Probability and Statistics – read and draw stem-and-leaf plots

Main Text
New Signpost Mathematics 8

Homework
Daily, usually consolidating classwork, sometimes reviewing for tests, and sometimes pursuing a practical investigation

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

• Class work
• Homework
• Projects
• Quizzes & test
• The end of year exam counts for 20% of the final grade

This is the third and final year of the general Science course in the Middle School. 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. The topics studied are:

1. Microbiology - This unit introduces cells and microscopes. Students will study how single-celled organisms can harm and benefit people. They will also do controlled experiments to investigate bacterial growth.
2. Classification - This topic introduces biological classification including a study of the main groups of animals. Students will learn how to use keys.     
3. Work and Machines - The students will examine energy changes and the concept of work, and how these are applied to simple machines.
4. Electricity - This unit examines electricity by considering the fundamental concepts and by construction of simple circuits. Saving electricity and alternative energy sources are also studied.
5. Respiration and Photosynthesis - The students will study how plants photosynthesise and how both plants and animals obtain energy by respiration.
6. Evolution and Fossils - This unit discusses the concept of evolution by natural selection. It includes study of fossils, the geological time scale, extinctions and the adaptations of the major groups of vertebrates to life on land.

Homework and Assignments
These will include:

• Laboratory reports
• Oral & multimedia presentations
• Research
• Practice & review questions
• Reading

Assessment
When calculating the semester grade a 50% weighting is given to unit tests and a 50% weighting to other classwork and homework assignments. The final grade for the year is 40% Semester 1 grade, 40% Semester 2 grade and 20% for the exam.

5 periods per week

The seventh grade social studies curriculum involves the study of the growth and development of Western countries from the fall of Rome to the Age of Exploration. The theme of the year is change: fall of Rome and the rise of the Islamic, Byzantine and European states; cultural changes of the Renaissance and Reformation; changing geographical horizons due to the voyages of exploration, and the Scientific Revolution. 

Some of the course objectives are:

• To gain an appreciation of change and continuity in history
• To enable students to gain an appreciation of cause and effect in history
• To enable students to gain an appreciation of the interaction of cultures
• That students learn about the geography of the regions
• That students continue working on their written, oral and comprehension skills
• That students become familiar with primary sources and identify bias

Homework

• Collecting information
• Analysis of documents
• Map work
• Written work

Assignments

• History Chronicles
• Research papers
• Writing exercises
• Group projects
• Presentations

Assessment

• Written work: answering written questions, note taking, comprehension, interpreting sources, essays and  research projects
• Oral skills: class discussion, debate, individual and group presentations
• Tests and quizzes
• Simulations and role-play
• Class participation

Grading

• 30%    for major assignments and projects 
• 25%    tests and quizzes
• 20%    for classwork, homework, and minor assignments
• 15%    for the History Chronicles
• 10%    for class participation

1 period per week

ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

The main objective of ICT classes in the Grade 7 is to develop each student’s independence on the computer through engaging assignments in which higher order skills can be transferred to all other curriculum areas.

By the end of Grade 7, students will have:

• Further developed coding and logical thinking skills using the Python programming language.
• Carried out a survey project using design thinking and present their findings and suggestions in a persuasive manner.
• Developed 3D Design skills in a virtual environment.
• Reviewed and learned to consistently practice online safety.

The seventh grade language classes are scheduled together. All three languages offered are timetabled simultaneously.

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 and 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
• Reading
• Writing

Reference book (among a variety of customized material)

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

Or

• Décibel 2 Manuel + Exercise book. (A2.1 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
• End of year examination (Oral and Written)

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

Students will increase their ability to use sensory experience to comprehend music through guided listening, note-reading, improvisation and composition. An important element of Grade 7 music is public performance through singing three-part songs and playing instruments. Students will continue to express themselves creatively through music in their performances. The music and drama class collaborate throughout the first quarter of the school year to create musical theatre performances where students experience performing in small ensembles. Later in the year, the students focus on more advanced singing and instrumental repertoire. 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 identifying intervals, key signatures, major scales and whole/half steps.

Assessment

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

 

DRAMA: 1 period per week for one semester

This course encompasses a number of units in which students cover the skills to analyse and perform a script, create a scripted story, exploration of voice work through shadow puppetry, and musical theatre.

Assessment

• Ability to discuss and analyze issues and themes involved in a script
• Physical awareness and Expression during performance
• Stage design
• Use and understand a range of technical vocabulary
• To perform a musical theatre piece 

 

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 (chalk pastel), and printmaking (linocut). 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 7 students will explore a variety of ways to create functional and sculptural three-dimensional artwork. Throughout the semester, students will utilize a sketchbook to develop original ideas as well as revise and reflect on their creative process. Students will use 3-D materials such as clay, wire, papier-mâché, and paper to create meaningful and personal artworks. 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

This is a one-year course that all students take in either grade 7 or 8. Three major units are taught: cooking, child development and interior design. In cooking, the recipes are more complicated than G6. In child development, they acquire the basic knowledge of the development stages of infants and children and how children play, and practice reading books to them. They also learn and practice the basic First Aid skills. In interior design, the basic elements of design and color scheme are introduced. Highlights include cooking demonstration speech, working with kindergarteners and planning a room design. 

Assessment

• Class participation
• Motivation and positive attitude
• Cooperation with group members
• Time management
• Organization of self and materials
• Clean up
• Group reflection and self evaluation
• Cooking Demonstration speech
• Room design project

Needle Work: 2 periods per week for one year

Needlework is required of all students in the 7th and 8th grades.  Students will learn the basic skills of sewing and needlework, and will create a series of everyday objects such as purses, facemasks and simple items of clothing.

Assessment

• Class participation
• Motivation and positive attitude
• Cooperation with group members
•  Time management
• Organization of self and materials 
• Clean up
• Group reflection and self evaluation 
• Originality in design and creativity

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 Seven will focus on World Religions and Philosophy.

Philosophy of Religion

This module is aimed at giving the students an introduction to some of the ideas from the Philosophy of Religion. We will be looking at arguments for and against the existence of God from Philosophers and thinkers such as: Aristotle, St Aquinas, Polkinghorne, Richard Swinburne, Darwin, Paley, and William Lane Craig. Students will discuss these ideas and develop their skills of logical reasoning, evaluation and analysis. 

Values Project

Students will choose a project based on the School’s 5 goals. They will then work together as a team to complete this project developing skills of problem solving, team work and leadership. In a role which will support them in real world problems.

Logic

We will be looking at a basic introduction to Propositional logic and argument structure. Students will develop their skills of rationality and reason which will assist them in all areas of their studies. They will learn how to debate more effectively and how to support their beliefs with reasonable assertions.

Assessment

In grades 7 and 8 teachers will use a variety of methods to assess the student’s progress and to ascertain a grade. Students will be assessed on their class work, group work, written work and participation in class.

1 periods per week

The personal education course focuses on developing self-awareness, self-confidence and a sense of personal responsibility. 

It will concentrate on the skills of working with, relating to others and coping with the changing society in which we live. It will explore a range of issues that relate to our physical, social and emotional well-being, as well as trying to address issues of paramount concern to students.

Students will be given a say in the areas that we discuss building the relevance and usefulness of these sessions.

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 7 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