6 periods per week

The Eighth Grade English/Language Arts course applies the skills acquired in previous grades to expand and develop the literacy, language, writing, and speaking skills necessary to successfully meet the challenge of the High School English program.

Writing

Students will continue to use the writing process which has been firmly established in grades 5, 6, and 7.  In addition to creative writing, 8th grade students will learn to plan, organize, and compose a limited literary analysis essay. Research writing skills, including appropriate citations, will also be covered.

Reading

As a class, the grade 8 students will read a selection of short stories, two novels, and a play. Vocabulary is introduced through the topics and works of literature studied as a class. Students will advance their recognition and analysis of various elements of literature and literary devices including characterization, setting, conflict, theme, and symbolism. Non-fiction texts and other material enhance the study of literature. At least one individualized independent reading assignments will be assigned during the year. For independent reading, 8th grade students are also encouraged to select challenging nonfiction and fiction from the extensive choice available in the school library.

Grammar

Topics of specific emphasis in 8th grade include avoiding sentence errors and using the correct mechanics.  Students will be provided with online resources for improving their mastery of grammar and mechanics.

Speaking

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

Texts

• “Top Man” (James Ramsey Ullman); “The Demon Lover” (Elizabeth Bowen);  “Miriam” (Truman Capote)
• A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (William Shakespeare)
• To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• A selection of shorter reading pieces (fiction and non-fiction)

Student Learning Expectations (CCSS.ELA LITERACY.RL.8.1)

By the end of grade 8, a student should be able to . . .

• cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an 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 analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot.
• analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.
• write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
• write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
• produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
• conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources, quoting or paraphrasing the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
• present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
• use technology to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

Assessment

Students will be assessed in the following ways

• Various forms of writing: expository essays, blogposts, and creative writing
• Oral presentations, class discussions, group discussions
• Visual and media projects
• Reading analysis and response notes
• Quizzes on vocabulary
• Reading and literature tests
• A written final 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 Eight is divided into Enriched and Standard groups after careful consideration by the Head of Department, 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 - learn and use rules of exponents/indices, work with scientific notation, calculate percentage increase and decrease and interest, use scale factor, review perimeters, areas, surface area, volume, ratio and rates
• Measurement and Geometry - use Pythagoras’ Theorem, work with angles on parallel lines, identify congruent triangles and similar figures, learn trigonometric ratios to find sides and angles of right triangles
• Probability and Statistics - predict outcomes, draw Venn diagrams and use them to solve problems, learn set notation, revisit the terminology of various graphs and averages, review stem-and-leaf plots, and learn to find the five-number summary and draw a boxplot.
• Algebra and Functions - plot points, find equations of lines, solve linear equations and simultaneous linear equations, work with speed and distance-time graphs, expand and factor quadratic expressions, solve quadratic equations, graph functions

Main Text
Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 9

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 & tests
• The end of year exam counts for 20% of the final grade

6 periods per week

This course is an introduction to the physical principles at the foundation of all sciences. It is designed to offer a strong introduction to the Physical Sciences - Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science. There is also a focus on accuracy and good scientific practice throughout the year, and preparation for science studies in High School. Considerable emphasis is placed on laboratory work. 

The topics covered are:

1. Units and Density - After a general introduction to SI units of measurement, some are used in a practical study of density.
2. Matter - The movement of particles is used to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases. We study the differences between elements, mixtures and compounds.
3. Earth Science 1 - The Earth's structure, plate tectonics, continental drift, earthquakes and volcanoes.
4. Forensic Science - An investigation of the scientific principles and techniques that are used by Crime Scene Investigators. The collection of evidence and how it is used in a court of law. Many case studies are given to the students to investigate and the topic has a great deal of practical work
5. The Periodic Table - The internal structure of atoms and how elements are arranged in the periodic table and the trends in the properties of the elements in the table.
6. Earth Science 2 - Investigation of the rock types, the rock cycle, and weathering and erosion.
7. Separating Techniques - This topic includes experiments and demonstrations to show how substances are separated from one another. A quantitative understanding of how much one substance dissolves in another is included.
8. Temperature and Effects of Heating - The difference between heat and temperature is described, and the Kelvin scale is introduced. The expansion of materials is also studied in this topic.
9. Heat Transfer & Weather - This topic involves the study of conduction, convection and radiation. The physics of the atmosphere is used to explain worldwide climate and weather. Weather maps are interpreted.

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 8th grade curriculum is a general survey course that traces the history of Africa and Pre-Colombian America from prehistoric times to 1500. The themes that will be examined include the influence of geography and cultural diffusion on the development of selected civilizations as well as the causes for the rise and decline of selected civilizations. The importance of anthropology and archaeology will also be examined.

Some of the course objectives are:

• To understand why civilizations first appeared along river systems
• To develop and hone skills to read charts, maps, and graphs
• To discuss the cultural contributions of the people of these areas
• To analyze how culture traits are transferred and transformed over time
• To analyze the causes for the rise and decline of selected civilizations while making comparisons to today
• To analyze the role of technology in the rise and fall of civilizations
• To find similarities and differences between the different civilizations 
• To determine the context and bias from primary sources

Homework

• Research
• Analysis of Primary and Secondary sources
• 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

• 40%    for tests and quizzes
• 25%    major writing assignments
• 25%    classwork
• 10%    for class participation
   

The eighth 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. Students will continue to express themselves creatively through music, and learn to make informal judgments about music and its relationship to the histories, cultures, and environments of the world's people.  An important element of Grade 8 music course is public performance through singing accompanied and a cappella songs from different musical eras (e.g. Renaissance, Baroque) and playing instruments. The students experience singing repertoire in small ensembles and develop stage confidence through their performances. 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 understanding major scale construction and basic chord structure.

Assessment

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

 

DRAMA: 1 PERIOD PER WEEK FOR ONE SEMESTER

Students will explore contemporary styles and texts through Epic Theatre, Physical Theatre by examining the use of the body as a vessel for expressing. Students will also enhance their skills to analyse a performance, and experiment with traditional texts (Shakespeare) with new styles (physical theatre) to create a short performance.

Assessment

• Communication and co-operation with each other in group projects
• Devised group performance on political issues using the style of Brecht.
• Group and Solo performance
• Script Analysis
• Use and understand a range of technical vocabulary
• Participation in group discussions and class activities

 

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, painting (tonal acrylic painting), and design (cellophane ‘stained glass’ window). 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 8 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, personal artworks both individually and collaboratively. Throughout the semester, students will utilize a sketchbook 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

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

 

There are three Values programs in Grade Eight.

Christianity: 1 period per week (All year)

This is a non-denominational Christian based course to encourage students to consider their own faith and to explore what having a religious view of life means. Students will reflect on their own experience and beliefs as well as the experiences and beliefs of others through the themes of Communication, Celebration and Values. Students will be considering ideas about prayer, freedom and responsibility, decision making and reconciliation.
 
The aim of this course 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.

Personal Education: 1 period per week (Semester One)

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 topics we cover building relevance and usefulness of the sessions. 

World Religions: 1 period per week (Semester Two)

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the history and fundamental beliefs of some of the major world religions. During this course we delve into the philosophical question of the nature of life after death looking into a variety of worldviews on the topic. Students are encouraged to discover and define the values by which they live, to manifest concern and respect for others and to reflect on their own ideas. An understanding of the common strands in all religions is fostered.  During this year, Buddhism is the major faith that is studied.

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.

Grading

Students will be graded E (Excellent), S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory).

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 8 students participate in a number of sports and 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