Curriculum Overview

Eighth grade is the crown of the elementary and middle school grades. It is also known as the Age of Revolution. Their individualities are emerging and intellectually, they become stronger as they become familiar with the world through history, literature, geography, and science. They have, thus far, achieved a decent level of proficiency in various skills that allows them to walk through the world with confidence and gratitude as they anticipate enthusiastically for the coming challenges of high school.

Whilst the curriculum continues to support our eighth graders to reach their subject masteries, an emphasis is placed on the experience of the individual in a rapidly changing world. Over the course of the year, our eighth graders will develop a project of their own. They will establish a relationship with a mentor who helps them deepen an interest they have.

This is a year-long project that usually consists of three parts: an oral presentation, a written report and a three dimensional artistic, dramatic, or mechanical creation. Our eighth graders will present their projects to the community. This culminating project emphasizes life-long learning and independence in academic pursuit.

Our Eighth Graders will learn

• Language Arts: Grammar, composition, creative writing, spelling, reading, report writing, note-taking, research, drama, literary forms, style elements, Shakespeare.
• Mathematics: Algebra, rational numbers, number patterns, percentages, ratios, rates, proportions, Pythagorean Theorem, graphing equations, polynomials, probability, statistics.
• Science: Human physiology, organic chemistry, thermal dynamics, refraction, electromagnetism, hydraulics, aero-mechanics.
• Geography: World geography including Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• History: From the Age of Revolution to modern history.
• Chinese: Reading, conversation, poetry, advanced grammar, writing.
• Physical Education: Team sports, social dancing.
• Handwork: Fibre arts, machine sewing, woodworking.
• Art: Watercolour, charcoal, pastels, drafting nature scenes, geometric forms, portrait drawing.
• Music: Chorus, sight-reading, intonation, music composition.