Seventh Grade

St. Paul’s seventh graders pursue a full day curriculum that includes art, computers, mathematics, music, physical education, reading and literature studies, service learning, science, social studies, Spanish, and writing and language arts. Students must also take study skills to prepare them for high school. They also choose between drama and an additional science class.

Each quarter, seventh graders select an elective from a changing roster of subjects that may include bookmaking, drumming, running, Shakespeare, Tae Kwon Do, tennis, and yearbook. Seventh graders are organized into same gender advising groups of 7-9 students, where under the supervision of middle school faculty and administrators, they meet for one period weekly. Advising groups provide a safe place for students to express their feelings, show compassion for others and their difficulties, seek assistance with problems, practice conflict resolution, and learn strategies for solving problems. Like all other grades, seventh graders lead Chapel twice each year. Seventh graders may also participate in competitive athletics, Student Council, and EBISC, which sponsors multi-school dances and student events.

Seventh graders receive letter grades each quarter and written evaluations following the second and fourth quarters. St. Paul’s middle school students receive two grades in each subject, one for mastery and one for approach. This unique marking system reflects the School’s belief that lifelong learning skills are as important in education and academic achievement as mastery of a particular subject matter.

Each spring, the students take the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) test as an independent evaluation of student progress.

Following is a brief list of content items in the seventh grade curriculum:

• Poetry and essay studies

• Note-taking and organizing ideas

• Explore Medieval Europe, the Islamic Empire, African kingdoms

• Write and solve linear equations

• Genetics and heredity

• Life processes: strategies and solutions from cells to human beings

• PowerPoint presentation of a cross-curricular study of a Spanish speaking country

• Computer hardware problem-solving

• Chinese brushwork

• Bembe, salsa, and samba styles of music

• Develop acting skills: voice, movement, and improvisation

• Working cooperatively in physical education activities with all peers regardless of skill level