Humanities 6

In Humanities 6, students wrestle with the essential questions of what it means to be human and how the past influences the present. Identity, culture, and history are studied and analyzed within coming-of-age and historical fiction book club units. Students will write across the narrative, informational, and opinion genres. From personal narratives to literary essays to informational writing across transdisciplinary projects, students collaborate with their peers and teachers to hone their craft. The Social Studies component of this class uses American-centric historical content to teach conceptually driven units on Culture, Movement, and Revolution. Students read and analyze fiction, informational, and opinion texts related to the themes and time periods. These are differentiated based on student’s ability levels and taught through the workshop approach. The Humanities model provides the opportunity to explore personal stances on big ideas and centers on deeper learning by examining and analyzing the causal nature of history. 

Primary Resources:  Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi; Social Studies Alive America’s Past; supplemental texts and numerous fiction and non-fiction titles
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 5
Length of Course:     1 year

Math 6

Math 6 compacts all of the Grade 6 Common Core Standards as well as the essentials of the Grade 7 Common Core Standards to ensure that students will be prepared for Math 7. Math 6 offers students an opportunity to strengthen and apply lower-school math skills while diving deeper into a variety of problem-solving methods. Students will study the following units: Proportional Relationships, Rational Numbers, Geometry, Expressions and Equations, and Statistics. Students will have the opportunity to grow and improve their understanding of math concepts/ procedures, math problem-solving skills, and reasoning and communication skills while using proper math procedures and digging deeper to understand the “how” and “why” behind mathematics while also modeling math through visual and numerical representations. The goal of Math 6 is to provide students with the necessary tools and deeper understanding required for Math 7 and beyond.

Primary Resources: Illustrative Mathematics Online Materials 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 5.
Length of Course:    1 year

Science 6

The Middle School follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Therefore, Science 6 focuses on “doing science”. Students will learn how to explain their thinking by drawing models of understanding various phenomena. They will test their theories by designing experiments, creating and interpreting graphs, along with becoming skillful researchers. The main focus throughout this course is realizing how humans impact the environment and how everything is connected. For example, learning about matter gives students background knowledge as they forge into learning more about weather and its elements. Weather connects to climate change which then links to how humans contribute to it but can also make changes to reduce the negative contributions. Another highlight is studying ecosystems and the energy roles within as well as how important the abiotic factors play a crucial role for the biotic factors to live and survive. Everything is connected and must continue to change in order to maintain stability.

Primary Resources: Various
Prerequisite: Successful completion of grade 5
Length of Course: 1 year

Physical Education and Health 6

The ASM Physical Education/Health program is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving and maintaining healthy, productive lifestyles. Classes will focus on important life skills students need to learn and practice for the rest of their lives. The program promotes physical, mental, and social wellness. Physical Education classes will provide opportunities for the students to participate in team, dual, and individual learning experiences. Specific seasons are designed for each grade level in order to provide a complete Middle School program. These seasons are scheduled on a rotating basis with fitness development, personal, social, and responsibility levels (PSR) being central areas of focus. Assessments include PSR, development of fitness, performance, and understanding concepts. Health education is incorporated throughout the year as part of the physical education program. The program is designed to facilitate the development of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that lean towards healthy lifestyles and to prepare students to cope with our complex and constantly changing world. 

It is compulsory that all students wear the ASM physical education uniform and bring a water bottle. The school will provide the equipment necessary for classes.  

Primary Resources: None
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grade 5
Length of Course: 1 year

Español 6º Primaria (Native Spanish speakers)
Lengua y Cultura española

This is the sixth and final year of “Educación Primaria” (Grades 1-6), prior to the four years of “Educación Secundaria Obligatoria” (Grades 7-10). This course covers Spanish Language and Social Studies. The goal of this course, concerning language, is to review all the contents related to the Spanish language, as seen in previous years, specifically focusing on morphology and grammar. This course also consolidates the four basic language skills: written and oral expression as well as reading and listening comprehension. Students will read a variety of texts (including independent reading books) to improve their reading comprehension. Throughout the year they will practice using literary conventions to become more efficient writers. Through Social Studies, the goal is to cover basic concepts of Spanish and European Geography, climate, population, and institutions. This curriculum meets the requirements as set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Primary Resources: Customized units, multiple sources
DECRETO 61/2022, de 13 de julio Reference

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Español Grado 5 (Lower School)
Length of Course: 1 year

Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) 
Español Lengua Extranjera (ELE)

The main objective of Spanish as a foreign language is to introduce students to Spanish culture and enable them to achieve a level at which they will be able to participate in everyday activities using the Spanish language with sufficient fluency and accuracy. Students will be stimulated to develop an interest in learning Spanish and to build self-esteem and self-confidence with their ability to speak the language in and out of class. Classes are conducted in the target language. Students will be assessed and placed at their language level according to their proficiency in all four skills using the Common European Framework (CEFR).

MS Español 1 (A1 CEFR) 

This course is designed for students with little to no experience with the Spanish language.  Students will develop basic listening, oral, reading, and writing skills. Students will work towards achieving a level that will allow them to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, as well as to communicate in simple and routine tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information. The course will cover and assess competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing at a basic level. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently read and speak with accurate pronunciation and intonation. They should also be able to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, and immediate environment and express basic needs in writing and orally.  

Primary Resources:    Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite: Grade 5 placement test and teacher recommendation. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course:  1 or 2 years based on the student’s proficiency level at the end of 
the course. Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español 2 (A2 CEFR) 

This course builds upon the skills previously acquired in MS Español 1. Students will work towards understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in school, leisure, and traveling. Students will work towards understanding and producing different written formats on topics that are familiar or are of personal interest. At the end of this course, they should be able to independently describe in writing and orally experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.  

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite: Grade 5 placement test and teacher recommendation. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course: 1 or 2 years based on the student's proficiency level at the end 
of the course. Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español  3 (B1.1 CEFR) 

This course is designed for students who master all four skills quite efficiently. In this course, students will work in order to be able to understand the main ideas of more complex texts and to be able to interact with a higher degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently produce clear, more detailed texts on a wider range of topics and explain a viewpoint on a topic giving the advantages and disadvantages. Please note that only in extraordinary cases will grade 6 students be placed in this course. For developmental reasons, grade 6 students who are placed in this class will have to retake this course the following year. 

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite: Grade 5 placement test and teacher recommendation. An 
ASM placement tests will be given to new students.
Length of Course: 2 years.

Humanities 7

Humanities 7 builds and extends off the strong foundation of skills and knowledge from Humanities 6. Anchored in the study of the Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations, students will explore why and how social scientists learn about a people, the role that innovation and technology play in a society’s development, and the ways in which literature, myth, and story uphold and reinforce a culture’s norms and values. The program of study emphasizes student inquiry, research, and reading and writing in all modalities. The literature component will focus on Myth, Fable, Short Stories, and Poetry, with possible extensions in Fantasy and Science Fiction. The culmination of the Humanities 7 program will be in a student-created Capstone Project that will require students to apply all aspects of the content learned, including a formal presentation of their findings. 

Science 7

Science 7 uses a thematic approach to learning the skills of science and being a scientist. The thematic units are developed using the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and explore life science (stimulus-response, body systems, biomolecules & nutrition, photosynthesis-cellular respiration matter cycle), physics (waves: sound & light), astronomy, and geology.  NGSS focuses on delivering these concepts through scientific practices. As such, in Science 7, students ask their own questions and learn the process of scientific investigation.  They learn how to write claim-evidence-reasoning including analyzing data, critiquing methods to collect this data, and how to use models to show understanding. During the year they complete a variety of student-led scientific investigations (experiments and engineering projects). 

Primary Resources: Various
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Science 6
Length of Course: 1 year

Math 7

Math 7 compacts all of the Grade 7 Common Core Standards as well as the essentials of the Grade 8 Common Core Standards to ensure that students will be prepared for Integrated Math 8. Students in Math 7 will develop an understanding of applying proportional relationships, formulating and reasoning with expressions and linear equations, solving linear equations and inequalities, and using algebra to model and solve real-world scenarios. Students will work with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume, as well as learn the four main transformations and manipulate those 2D shapes on a coordinate plane. Students will also learn to draw inferences about populations based on samples.

Primary Resources: Illustrative Mathematics Online Materials 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 6
Length of Course: year

Physical Education and Health 7

The ASM Physical Education/Health program is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving and maintaining healthy, productive lifestyles. Classes will focus on important life skills students need to learn and practice for the rest of their lives. The program promotes physical, mental, and social wellness. Physical Education classes will provide opportunities for the students to participate in team, dual, and individual learning experiences. Specific seasons are designed for each grade level in order to provide a complete Middle School program. These seasons are scheduled on a rotating basis with fitness development, personal, social, and responsibility levels (PSR) being central areas of focus. Assessments include PSR, development of fitness, performance, and understanding concepts. Health education is incorporated throughout the year as part of the physical education program. The program is designed to facilitate the development of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that lean towards healthy lifestyles and to prepare students to cope with our complex and constantly changing world. 

It is compulsory that all students wear the ASM physical education uniform and bring a water bottle. The school will provide the equipment necessary for classes.  

Primary Resources:  None
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of PE 6
Length of Course: 1 year

Middle School Choir (Grades 6, 7, 8) 

This course provides students with an opportunity to be involved in a well-rounded musical setting. Students study music of various time periods, genres, and styles. Students will learn and perform traditional choral repertoire as well as popular and folk music from around the world. By studying a wide range of choral music, students will grow as musicians and performers and will improve their knowledge of basic music theory and sight singing. Students will learn both solo singing and group singing skills. Students will perform at several concerts throughout the school year and will also have the opportunity to audition for various honor choir festivals which take place throughout the year, including the AMIS Honor Boys Choir Festival, AMIS Honor Girls Choir Festival, and the MAIS Honor Choir Festival.

Primary Resources: Selected ensemble and solo repertoire; MusicFirst, a cloud-based at-home practice program.
Prerequisite: Previous singing experience, or teacher approval
Length of Course: One year

Band 2 (Intermediate)

This year-long course is for students experienced in playing an instrument to continue their development on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.  More advanced topics will include tone production in all registers and more advanced performance techniques. Students will continue to develop their ability to read music notation, concepts taught in Band 1, as well as cultivate new musical abilities geared toward “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of varied literature for concert bands including rock, blues, pop, and classical styles.  Learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice. Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. 

Primary Resources: Tradition of Excellence Book 2, cloud-based music theory 
software, and sheet music
Prerequisite: One-year playing experience is necessary and the ability to 
read music notation 
Length of Course: One year

Orchestra 2 (Intermediate)

This year-long course for violin, viola, cello, and bass players is a continuation of the skills learned in Orchestra 1. Students will continue working on their playing technique, and work toward building their skills in note-reading, analysis, and performance. Throughout the year, this course will introduce students to more complex musical concepts geared toward “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for orchestra including rock, blues, pop, and classical styles. Learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice. Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons.

Primary Resources:String Basics Method Book level 2; Rhythm Basics Method 
Book, Level 2, selected ensemble repertoire, selected solo repertoire.
Prerequisite: One year of playing experience is necessary and the ability to 
read music notation.
Length of Course: One year

Español 1º ESO (Native Spanish Speakers)
Lengua y Cultura española

This is the first of four years of Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (Grades 7-10). This course covers Spanish Language, Literature, and History. In language, the course focuses on a systematic reflection on the Spanish language, placing emphasis on communication, parts of speech analysis, reading, and writing.  Regarding literature, this course will familiarize students with the different types of texts. This course will also provide an overview of the most relevant historical events in the Iberian Peninsula, from prehistoric times to Hispania Romana. Students will work on oral and written expression and comprehension as well as on becoming better readers. The Español 7 curriculum meets the requirements as set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Primary Resources: Customized units. 
Decreto 65/2022, de 20 de julio
Lengua castellana y literatura 1º ESO, editorial Anaya
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Español grado 6 
Length of Course: 1 year

Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) 
Español lengua extranjera (ELE)

The main objective of Spanish as a foreign language is to introduce students to the Spanish culture, and enable them to achieve a level at which they will be able to participate in everyday activities using the Spanish language with sufficient fluency and accuracy. Students will be stimulated to develop an interest in learning Spanish and to build self-esteem and self-confidence with their ability to speak the language in and out of class. Classes are conducted in the target language. Students will be assessed and placed at their language level according to their proficiency in all four skills using the Common European Framework (CEFR).

MS Español 1 (A1 CEFR) 

This course is designed for students with little to no experience with the Spanish language.  Students will develop basic listening, oral, reading, and writing skills. Students will work towards achieving a level that will allow them to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, as well as to communicate in simple and routine tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information. The course will cover and assess competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing at a basic level. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently read and speak with accurate pronunciation and intonation. They should also be able to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, and immediate environment and express basic needs in writing and orally.  

Primary Resources:    Customized units; realia and extra materials 
Prerequisite: None. An  ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course: 1 or 2 years based on the student’s proficiency level at the end of 
the course. Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español 2 (A2 CEFR) 

This course builds upon the skills previously acquired in MS Español 1. Students will work towards understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in school, leisure, and traveling. Students will work towards understanding and producing different written formats on topics that are familiar or are of personal interest. At the end of this course, they should be able to independently describe in writing and orally experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.  

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials
Prerequisite:     Successful completion of Español 1 and teacher 
recommendation based on the student's proficiency. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course:  1 or 2 years based on the student's proficiency level at the end 
of the course. Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español  3 (B1.1 CEFR) 

This course is designed for students who master all four skills quite efficiently. In this course, students will work in order to be able to understand the main ideas of more complex texts and to be able to interact with a higher degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently produce clear, more detailed texts on a wider range of topics and explain a viewpoint on a topic giving the advantages and disadvantages.

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite:Successful completion of Español 2 and teacher recommendation based on student’s proficiency. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course: 1 or 2 years based on the student's proficiency level at the end 
of the course. Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español 4 (B1.2 CEFR) 

This course is an extension of MS Español 3. It is designed for students who have a very solid command of Spanish in order to further their knowledge of the language and to consolidate the skills previously acquired in MS Español 3. Students will be required to understand a wide range of longer texts, as well as to express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Students will work towards using the language flexibly and effectively for academic purposes. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently produce clear, well-structured, and detailed oral and written texts on a variety of topics, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, grammatical structures, connectors, and vocabulary. The course will cover and assess competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a wide range of styles. Please note that this course will be offered if there is a minimum number of students that qualify for it.

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español 3 and teacher recommendation based on student’s proficiency. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course:    2 years. 

Humanities 8

Humanities 8 builds on and extends the skills and knowledge from Humanities 6 and 7. Major concepts include the purpose, perspectives, and writing of History, the origins of individual and collective beliefs, notions about power, and finally, what happens when beliefs clash in Resistance. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources to conduct research and design their own inquiries and communicate their findings in debates, presentations, and in writing. Major literature units will investigate Contemporary Fiction, Memoir, and Dystopian Fiction. 

Integrated Math 8 Core

Integrated Math 8 covers all of the Grade 9 Common Core Standards to ensure that students working at grade level meet proficiency in all standards. Students in Integrated Math 8 Core will develop an understanding of geometric transformations on the plane, congruence, similarity, area, and volume. Algebraic concepts will be extended to linear and exponential relationships, equations, and systems. Functions will be introduced and applied to both algebraic and geometric topics such as graphs in the coordinate plane and area and volume. Algebraic literacy will be expanded with the study of exponents and scientific notation and applied to the Pythagorean theorem. Statistics will be introduced and students will be able to represent, explain and interpret bivariate data.

Primary Resources: Open Up Resources Online Materials 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 7
Length of Course: One year

Integrated Math 8 Extended

This is a first-year course in high-school-level mathematics for advanced students. Students will expand upon algebraic concepts learned in Math 7 in the domains of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students will develop proficiency in 10 domains: Quantities (working with units), Seeing Structure in Expressions (Linear and Exponential expressions with integer exponents), Creating Equations (Linear and Exponential equations that model real world numbers and relationships), Reasoning with Equations & Inequalities (Solving equations in 1 variable, Systems of Equations, Graphing Equations & Inequalities, and Explaining thought process and reasoning of steps), Interpreting Functions (Interpreting Linear & Exponential Functions as they arise in context, Input / Output Relationship and using Function Notation), Building Functions (Building Functions that model relationships between quantities and translations of basic functions), Linear & Exponential Models (Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models and solve problems), Congruence (Figure transformation within a plane and understand congruence in terms of rigid motion, basic geometric constructions), Expressing Geometric Properties with Equations (Use coordinates to prove simple geometric theorems algebraically, including the distance formula), Interpreting Quantitative & Categorical Data (Summarize, represent, and interpret data on one or two categories and quantitative variables)

Primary Resources:     Open Up Resources Online Materials 
Prerequisite:      Mastery beyond proficiency in some standards in Math 7
Length of Course:    One year

Science 8

Students in Grade 8 science will focus on the process of science as they learn about the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts that guide scientific inquiry and help explain phenomena. Students will use these practices to investigate thematic units into the structure and properties of matter, natural selection and the theory of evolution, and forces and motion. Through these investigations, students will hone their skills in collecting and analyzing data and using strong scientific reasoning to support a scientific claim. The culminating project at the end of 8th grade is participation in the 8th grade science fair where students will independently go through the scientific process to ask a great research question, do background research, design and conduct an experiment, and present their findings to the ASM community. 

Primary Resources:    Various    
Prerequisite:         Successful completion of Science 7
Length of Course:    One year

Physical Education and Health 8

The ASM Physical Education/Health program is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for achieving and maintaining healthy, productive lifestyles. Classes will focus on important life skills students need to learn and practice for the rest of their lives. The program promotes physical, mental, and social wellness. Physical Education classes will provide opportunities for the students to participate in team, dual, and individual learning experiences. Specific seasons are designed for each grade level in order to provide a complete Middle School program. These seasons are scheduled on a rotating basis with fitness development, personal, social, and responsibility levels (PSR) being central areas of focus. Assessments include PSR, development of fitness, performance, and understanding concepts. Health education is incorporated throughout the year as part of the physical education program. The program is designed to facilitate the development of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that lean towards healthy lifestyles and to prepare students to cope with our complex and constantly changing world. 

It is compulsory that all students wear the ASM physical education uniform and bring a water bottle. The school will provide the equipment necessary for classes.  

Primary Resources: None
Prerequisite: Successful completion of PE 7
Length of Course:     One year

Español 2º ESO (Native Spanish Speakers)
Lengua y Cultura española

This is the second of four years of Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (grades 7-10). This course covers Spanish Language, Literature, and History. In language, the course focuses on a systematic reflection on the Spanish language, reviewing parts of speech and placing emphasis on syntax analysis.  Regarding literature, this course will familiarize students with the literary genre and an overview of Spanish literature. Students will work on oral and written expression and comprehension as well as on becoming better readers. This curriculum meets the requirements as set forth by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Primary Resources:    Customized units. Decreto 65/2022, de 20 de julio
Lengua y literatura 2º ESO, editorial SM 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of  Español Grado 7 
Length of Course: One year

Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) 
Español lengua extranjera (ELE)

The main objective of Spanish as a Foreign Language is to introduce students to the Spanish culture and enable them to achieve a level at which they will be able to participate in everyday activities using the Spanish language with sufficient fluency and accuracy. Students will be stimulated to develop an interest in learning Spanish and to build self-esteem and self-confidence with their ability to speak the language in and out of class. Classes are conducted in the target language. Students will be assessed and placed at their language level according to their proficiency in all four skills using the Common European Framework (CEFR).

The transition from MS Spanish courses to US Spanish courses 

MS Español 1 (A1 CEFR) → US Español 1 (A1-A2 CEFR)
MS Español 2 (A2 CEFR)→ US Español  2 (A2-B1.1 CEFR)
MS Español 3 (B1.1 CEFR)→ US Español  3 (B1.1-B1.2 CEFR)
MS Español 4 (B1.2 CEFR) → US Español 4 (B1.2 - B2 CEFR)

MS Español 1 (A1 CEFR) 

This course is designed for students with little to no experience with the Spanish language.  Students will develop basic listening, oral, reading, and writing skills. Students will work towards achieving a level that will allow them to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance, as well as to communicate in simple and routine tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information. The course will cover and assess competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing at a basic level. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently read and speak with accurate pronunciation and intonation. They should also be able to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, and immediate environment and express basic needs in writing and orally.  

Primary Resources:     Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite:     None.
Length of Course:    One year. 
Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español 2 (A2 CEFR) 

This course builds upon the skills previously acquired in MS Español 1. Students will work towards understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in school, leisure, and traveling. Students will work towards understanding and producing different written formats on topics that are familiar or are of personal interest. At the end of this course, they should be able to independently describe in writing and orally experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.  

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite:Successful completion of Español 1 and teacher recommendation based on student’s proficiency. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course:    One year. 
Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español  3 (B1.1 CEFR) 

This course is designed for students who master all four skills quite efficiently. In this course, students will work in order to be able to understand the main ideas of more complex texts and to be able to interact with a higher degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently produce clear, more detailed texts on a wider range of topics and explain a viewpoint on a topic giving the advantages and disadvantages. 

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Español 2 and teacher recommendation based on student’s proficiency. An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course:    One year.
Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

MS Español  4 (B1.2 CEFR) 

This course is an extension of MS Español 3. It is designed for students who have a near to native command of Spanish in order to further their knowledge of the language and to consolidate the skills previously acquired in Español 3 MS.  Students will be required to understand a wide range of longer texts, as well as to express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.  Students will work towards using the language flexibly and effectively for academic purposes. At the end of this course, students should be able to independently produce clear, well-structured, and detailed oral and written texts on a variety of topics, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, grammatical structures, connectors, and vocabulary. The course will cover and assess competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a wide range of styles. Please note that this course will be offered if there is a minimum number of students that qualify for it.

Primary Resources: Customized units; realia and extra materials.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Español 3 and teacher recommendation based on student’s proficiency.
An ASM placement test will be given to new students.
Length of Course: One year. 
Teachers will consider students’ eligibility to progress to the next level based on the standards. Students will need to have demonstrated proficiency in all standards of the course.

Grade 6 Band 

 Grade 7-8 Band 

Middle School Choir  Grades 6, 7, 8 

Grade 6 Orchestra 

Grade 7-8 Orchestra 

Drama  Grades 6, 7, 8 

World Languages 

French 1  

French 2 

French 3 

Mandarin I

Mandarin II  

Mandarin III

Humanities Exploratories 

Important Note: Some exploratory classes may be offered only during a single trimester. Also, some exploratory classes may not be available due to scheduling restrictions.

Debate and Persuasion Grades 6, 7, 8

In Debate, students learn how to effectively discuss two opposing viewpoints on a particular topic. They gain self-confidence and poise with public speaking through speeches, debates, projects, and presentations, as well as through feedback from peers and teachers. Students learn how to hone their research skills through their exploration of current events and other debatable topics. They develop critical thinking skills, learn about the art of persuasion, and creatively apply different persuasive strategies in group projects. Through this process, students develop a willingness to really listen to others and a more open-minded approach to learning.
Length of Course: One trimester

Journalism Grades 6, 7, 8

Students in Journalism produce the Middle School newspaper, “News From the Middle,” by becoming real reporters and designers.  Students are involved in each stage of the process of developing the newspaper.  They identify newsworthy topics that are informative and entertaining for our target audience, the Middle School community.  They interview their peers and teachers, draft and revise their articles, and take photos.  They also learn about principles of design and create the layout for “News From the Middle” themselves.  This course is designed to be repeated as few or as many times as a student wishes throughout Middle School.  A student taking this course for the first time will gain an understanding of the basics of the writing and layout processes.  A student repeating the course will be able to continue their learning where they left off by completing more complex projects.

Length of Course: One trimester

Model United Nations  MUN  Grades 6, 7, 8

The content of the Model United Nations elective includes geography, current world issues, and global politics. Students will learn about one country in particular, and represent that country through in-class mock debates. Throughout the course, students will be developing their critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Regular homework assignments will involve following the news by investigating different news media sources. There will also be a focus on public speaking. MUN is a great way for students to better understand complex global problems that the United Nations currently discusses and at the same time be focused on realistic solutions.

Model United Nations is also offered to middle school students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 as an after-school activity twice a week during the first and second half of the school year for those that cannot fit the elective into their schedule. This after-school activity prepares students for two unique experiences: A MUN conference in Europe and Madrid (MADMUN). Each year, a group of students is selected by the MUN Director through an application process to participate in a MUN conference in Europe. Students who are selected to participate in these conferences must be in good standing academically and demonstrate good citizenship at school. 

Length of Course:     One trimester 

Creative Writing Grades 6, 7, 8

Get your “stories” out there! In this dynamic writing workshop, students will experience the benefits of creative expression through crafting and revising their own short stories, poems, and non-fiction essays. All writers will be full participants in the “workshop” process; not only will they learn various exercises to help them become more creative writers, but they will also engage in the process of sharing and editing each other’s work in a non-judgmental environment. Discussions will be devoted to the analysis of student work and that of professional writers. Students should expect to come away with a greater knowledge of the craft, enhanced approaches to revising their work, and a far better understanding of their own unique writing style.
 
Length of Course:       One trimester

Film as Literature Grades 6, 7, 8

The class is designed to show students how film is a form of literature. By viewing classic and modern American films, students will learn that good film, like good literature, has certain elements in common. Students will be expected to understand motifs, symbols, metaphors, allusions, plots, themes, and other literary elements as they relate to both film and literature.  In addition, students will develop an appreciation for the interaction of film elements such as scripting, directing, acting, producing, lighting, sound, music, editing, cinematography, special effects, set design, and costuming. Students will learn to recognize such film genres as drama, comedy, western, science-fiction, mystery, action/adventure, and animation. Students will use their knowledge of the various elements of cinema to analyze and critique films studied in class. Assessment will include class discussions, notebook checks, film reviews, oral film critique, and a trimester semester project.  

Length of Course:      One trimester

Drama Grades 6, 7, 8 

The aim of this course is to pursue drama as a means of nurturing teamwork, promoting communication, improving confidence levels, and gaining personal satisfaction from collaborating with one’s peers. Skills include but are not limited to, pantomime, trust exercises, improvisation, acting techniques, use of character, monologues, script writing, history of theater, and the production process.

Length of Course:      One trimester

Technology and Innovation Grades 6, 7, 8

The new technology curriculum for Middle School students will incorporate a concept-based approach to learning, allowing students to explore technology through a broader lens. Rather than focusing on individual subject areas such as Media Production, Computer Programming, Robotics, and Future Technology, the curriculum will integrate these fields of study through overarching concepts.

Students will be encouraged to think critically about the technology they encounter in their daily lives and explore the concepts that underlie these technologies. For example, they may learn about the concept of computational thinking, which underlies both computer programming and robotics. They may also explore the concept of media literacy, which encompasses the production and consumption of various forms of media.

The curriculum will be structured around a series of units that explore these concepts in depth. Each unit will include activities and projects that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios. Students will also be encouraged to reflect on their learning and make connections between different concepts and subject areas.

While the new technology curriculum will incorporate a concept-based approach to learning, it will still cover the same field of study as before. The difference is that students will now explore these fields of study in a more integrated and holistic way, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the role of technology in our lives.

Primary Resources: Teacher-selected resources
Prerequisite: None
Length of Course: One trimester

Science Design and Projects Grades 6, 7, 8

Do you ever wonder how things work?  Do you like hands-on projects, designing, and constructing?  Do you like to create inventions? Students will work collaboratively to try to solve real-world problems. Inquiry, design, engineering, dilemma, and puzzle experiments are stressed. Some projects will occur in one class, while others may be long-term. To be successful in this course, you need to be willing to take risks, make mistakes and adjust, be a team player,  as well as brainstorm and problem solve all while having fun exploring and designing.  

Primary Resources: Teacher-selected resources
Prerequisite: None
Length of Course: One trimester

Ideate with LEGO®  Grades 6, 7, 8

In this trimester exploratory course, students will design and promote their own, unique LEGO® set. The course is similar to LEGO® Ideas “Product Ideas”. Students design a building block set, as well as some of their own connecting bricks. Sets are designed using various platforms like TinkerCad and Mecabricks. They even get to 3D print their special bricks. Throughout the course, students also learn to pitch and market ideas in writing and verbally. At the end of the course, they highlight their set design and 3D printed pieces by creating a website and advertising trailer. Each week will focus on a different step of the design process:
“Pretotype” - quick builds using LEGO® and no instructions 
Conceptualize 
Design 
Prototype 3D print the small set or part of a big set or a mini-figure
Promote the Product
This course is highly collaborative and task-oriented where students will regularly share ideas and give each other feedback on their builds, designs, and communication skills. Learning is aligned with ISTE and CCSS Literacy standards.

Primary Resources: Teacher-selected resources
Length: One trimester
Prerequisite: None

Gardening Grades 6, 7, 8

Students will gain hands-on, practical experience working in the ASM garden by learning about components of essential garden care, such as composting, soil quality, germination conditions, planning, and maintenance. Furthermore, students will partake in inquiry-based lessons regarding these topics and have the opportunity to initiate project-based or service learning-based activities on topics of their choice. These topics could include food waste, biodiversity, invasive species, waste management, climate change, the economic/climatic impact of the food industry, food insecurity, and food deserts. In addition to working in the garden during the majority of class periods in order to gain practical experience, students will have a chance to voice their interests and decide which topics they want to dive deeper into and design their own projects around these topics. 
Primary Resources: None
Length: One trimester
Prerequisite: None

Band 2 Intermediate

This year-long course teaches “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for concert bands including rock, blues, pop, and classical styles. Skills and concepts taught in Grade 6 band will be developed and expanded upon. Student learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and; performance practice.  Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons or auditioning for the AMIS honor band.

Primary Resources: Tradition of Excellence Book 2 and 3
Prerequisite: One year of instruction on an instrument or teacher approval
Length of Course: One year

Middle School Choir Grades 6, 7, 8

This course provides students with an opportunity to be involved in a well-rounded musical setting. Students study music of various time periods, genres, and styles. Students will learn and perform traditional choral repertoire as well as popular and folk music from around the world. By studying a wide range of choral music, students will grow as musicians and performers and will improve their knowledge of basic music theory and sight singing. Students will learn both solo singing and group singing skills. Students will perform at several concerts throughout the school year and will also have the opportunity to audition for various honor choir festivals which take place throughout the year, including the AMIS Honor Boys Choir Festival, AMIS Honor Girls Choir Festival, and the MAIS Honor Choir Festival.

Primary Resources: Selected ensemble and solo repertoire; MusicFirst, a 
cloud-based at-home practice program.
Prerequisite: Previous singing experience, or teacher approval
Length of Course: One year

Orchestra 2 Intermediate

This year-long course teaches “comprehensive musicianship” through the performance of challenging and varied literature for concert orchestras including rock, blues, pop and classical styles. Skills and concepts taught in Grade 6orchestra will be developed and expanded upon. Student learning units will be based on four standards: music literacy; performance skills; musicianship & reflection and performance practice.  Students perform three concerts for the ASM community. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged by taking private lessons and/or auditioning for the AMIS Honor Orchestra Festival. Advanced string players will also have the opportunity to perform with the Upper School Orchestra and participate in the Iberian Music Festival. 

Primary Resources: String Basics Method Book 2 and 3; Rhythm Basics Method Book, 
levels 1 and 2, selected ensemble repertoire, selected solo repertoire, and SmartMusic (a cloud-based at-home practice program)
Prerequisite: Two years of instruction on an instrument or teacher approval
Length of Course: One year

Literacy Support Grades 6, 7, 8

Literacy Support is a course for students who have been assessed by teachers as needing intensive English language reading and writing instruction that supplements the regular English class.  Students benefit from small group and 1:1 instruction to reach individualized achievement goals in both areas. Students will learn strategies for approaching fiction and nonfiction texts, skills that will carry across content areas.  Focused word-study instruction will arm students with ways of approaching new words in their texts.  Students will refine skills in each stage of the writing process; planning and organizing ideas, drafting, revising for word choice and sentence structure,  and editing for grammar, mechanics, and usage.  

Primary Resources:  Teacher-selected resources
Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation
Length of Course: One year

English as a Second Language (ESL) Grades 6, 7, 8

In order to succeed at the American School of Madrid, where English is the language of instruction, students need to be proficient in the language.  For students who have not mastered the basics of English, the ESL class provides intensive English instruction in order for the students to function to their best ability in the mainstream classes. Students have ESL in addition to their other classes in order to receive the instruction necessary to be proficient in English.  While fluency in a language requires approximately seven years, a student can become proficient in less time. When the student demonstrates proficiency, then he/she will no longer need ESL support.

Primary Resources:  None
Prerequisite: Recommendation by teachers
Length of course: One year

Study Skills Grades 7 and 8

In Study Skills, students improve their learning effectiveness, attitude, and motivation. Through self-reflection and examination of both their work and study habits, students come to understand their individual strengths and weaknesses as learners.  Once identified, students develop individualized study plans that address their needs.  Aspects of these plans include habits of organization, time management, self-monitoring, note-taking, studying, test-taking, and critical thinking. The course provides students with a variety of strategies to build these habits, as well as opportunities for guided practice and reflection on their growth as learners. 

Primary Resources:  Teacher-selected resources
Prerequisite:  Recommendation by teachers
Length of course: One year (minimum two trimesters)

Math Foundations Grades 6, 7, 8

This course is designed to develop students’ math knowledge and develop skills to help them be successful both within and beyond the classroom, including:

Making sense of problems 
Reasoning abstractly and quantitatively
Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others
Modeling with mathematics
Using appropriate tools strategically
Attending to precision

Over the course of the year, this course will cover several key foundational skills and concepts that span four main strands: 1) number sense 2) algebraic expressions and equations 3) geometry, and 4) statistics. More specifically, this course will support students with learning current content while also strengthening weaknesses in foundational mathematics.

Primary Resources:  Teacher-selected resources & IXL
Prerequisite: Recommendation by teachers
Length of course: One trimester or one year