Middle School Philosophy and Programs

We understand that the middle school years are a critical period in a student’s academic, social and intellectual development. We have carefully designed our curriculum to focus not only on the student’s area of need in language remediation, but also on his or her academic strengths and interests. Throughout our academic curriculum the focus is on a variety of learning experiences, hands-on activities and the opportunities for skill development which the project of topic provides. During their years in middle school, it is our hope that our students will progress toward more abstract thinking. We also provide assistance with the development of organization and time management skills, encourage the student’s ability to generate and reflect upon ideas, and foster his/her willingness to work in a group and also independently.

Middle School is a multi-age environment, but we follow a core curriculum representative of a traditional middle school program. We base our curriculum for Middle School on The Core Knowledge Series by E.D. Hirsch, Jr. In addition to Language Skills, Writing and Reading the curriculum includes Literature, History and Geography, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Health and Physical Education. Speech and Language Classes are integrated into the curriculum as well as social skills, esteem-building and self-advocacy classes.

In Middle School we strive to develop in our students’ self awareness and a positive self image while, at the same time, expanding the students’ respect for individual differences and promoting an understanding of the larger community around them. Our goal is to prepare each student with the necessary academic, personal and social skills to succeed in high school and beyond.

Mathematics

The Middle School Math program provides students with a broad, concept-driven curriculum that attempts to give students the mathematical knowledge and tools necessary for daily life and future education. Students develop their ability to solve problems, reason logically and communicate in the language of mathematics. Included in the curriculum are topics in computation, number theory, estimation, measurement, geometry, graphing and the fundamental concepts of algebra. Since calculators expand the student's capability of computing, focus on concept development and the problem solving process is steadily maintained. The TINS method continues to be utilized to effectively sequence and solve word problems.

• Making Math Real™ is a multi-sensory, hands-on and structured program designed for students of all learning styles. The approach integrates key cognitive development necessary to success in math. Brain tools essential to success in math, such as symbol imaging, detail analysis and sequential processing are developed through fun and engaging lessons that guide students from Kindergarten through algebra.

• TINS (Thought, Information, Number sentence, Solution) Method was designed to help students break down word problems and solve them with accuracy. Students are taught to identify keywords and nonessential words, visualize the problem and understand the “language of math” so they are able to choose the appropriate operations when solving a problem.

Social Studies

In the Middle School history and social studies curriculum, students expand their knowledge of geography, history, economics, civics, world cultures and current events. Comprehension skills including note-taking and outlining are taught. Hands-on projects and simulations allow students to “experience” history in the classroom. In addition, each student in the Middle School receives Time for Kids and class time is devoted to current events on a regular basis.

Science

Middle School students continue to engage in multi-sensory activities to extend their knowledge in the life, physical and earth sciences as well as to develop skills in the use of laboratory equipment. Students participate in experiential learning by completing several lab experiments, including dissection activities as well as using Delta materials to facilitate discovery based learning. Students also use their surroundings as an outdoor classroom and utilize many local resources, such as the Watershed Outdoor Center, Trenton State Museum and Planetarium and Clean Ocean Action Summit for the study of many life and environmental concepts. Computer applications integrated into the science curriculum include research on the internet, web-quests and demonstrations on the SMART Board™.

Greek and Latin Word Roots

Middle School students learn Greek and Latin word roots to help them increase vocabulary and reading comprehension. Each week, students are presented with strategic vocabulary instruction through Greek and Latin word parts from the book series, Vocabulary from Classical Roots. Students are empowered with a useful, transferable technique for making sense of unfamiliar vocabulary across content areas and on standardized tests. Exercises have students think about word relationships, determine correct usage of words in context, complete analogies, and use words in writing and discussion. The teacher provides the student with many multi-sensory activities that include the Greek and Latin word roots learned, so that these word parts become internalized.

Performing Arts

Music is an essential component of every child’s education and all Cambridge School students participate in musical learning through the Fine Arts Program. Cambridge School’s music program is performance based. The program is directly linked to school celebrations through vocal and instrumental music as well as drama. A winter concert, an annual all-school musical and end of year ceremony performances are just a few of the ways we share our students' musical accomplishments. Songs are oriented toward the seasons, holidays and school projects. It is our goal to develop students’ musical skills including vocal production, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, note reading and harmony through the medium of rehearsal. Many different musical styles, genres, and cultures are represented in teacher led listening activities. The music program is integrated with classroom curriculum. Opportunities to enhance team work, cooperation, community and self-esteem are provided through these large-group collaborations and the art of working together to achieve a common musical goal.

Drama has many beneficial applications in the classroom. Research shows that drama increases creativity, originality, sensitivity, fluency, flexibility, cooperation and examination of moral attitudes, while developing communication skills and an appreciation of literature. Drama provides a method of better accommodating students with different learning styles (visual, auditory and kinesthetic), of teaching critical thinking skills and of producing aesthetic experiences with literature. In addition, research on drama in the classroom has been found to improve reading comprehension, persuasive writing, self-esteem and positive attitudes towards others. In addition, drama provides a platform for safe expression and the utilization of the imagination.

Art

The goal of the art program at Cambridge School is to stimulate creative thinking and to encourage students to feel comfortable using art as an effective and meaningful form of communication. Students with different learning styles often display a strong aptitude for the visual arts. Therefore, we strive to challenge them through creative problem solving and experimentation with art. We strive to inspire students with a lifelong curiosity and urge to create. Students develop confidence in their creative expression by building skills in a variety of media. The students work with tools appropriate to their abilities and skill level in order to develop manipulative skills needed to satisfy individual artistic expression. Elements of design are introduced; line, shape, color, texture, space, light, as well as the principles of design; pattern, rhythm, balance, contrast, emphasis and unity. The students create bridges between art and the world around them through a theme-based integrated curriculum. For examples, students design and create set backdrops and stage props that will be used in their all-school musical production. Often projects connect art concepts to language, math, and social studies. Projects are designed to offer enough structure for students to feel creatively safe as well as the freedom for them to make their own discoveries. The students expand their horizons and are visually inspired by experiencing a variety of artwork from contemporary and past cultures. Also, students create a connection with the art community through museum/gallery visits, field trips, visiting artists, and the annual Student Art Show.

Computer Education

Computer Education is designed to enhance the students’ familiarity with computers and emphasis is placed on discovery learning and problem solving that enriches the program of study. The program revolves around the academic curriculum and the developmental levels of the students. The program uses the computer as a tool for academic learning as well as for teaching clearly defined technology skills. Course objectives are to improve students’ keyboarding skills through the use of Ultra Key and to bolster their confidence in the use of the computer as a writing tool. Thus, students learn to use computers effectively as a tool in their schoolwork. Students have the opportunity to, safely and ethically, research topics via the internet, explore on-line library services, and utilize reference CD-ROMs. They become familiar with word processing, spreadsheets, and how to navigate the Windows environment. Students also learn the basic file structures and general concepts of hardware and software. Students also have the opportunity to learn the basics of computer architecture; to save to the hard drive; create multimedia presentations; create and contribute to the design of a web page; and have knowledge of a scanner and digital camera. Students are guided in producing Power Point presentations based on writing assignments and reports across the curriculum.

Brain Gym

Each morning Cambridge School students begin with Brain Gym Exercises. Brain Gym is movement-based learning. The movements are designed to support a child as they discover reading, handwriting, spelling, or mathematical computation. These natural movements enhance learning by addressing the sensory elements involved in the integration of new ideas. The brain gym movements facilitate the flow of information within the brain, restoring our innate ability to learn and function at top efficiency.

Physical Education

Middle School curriculum capitalizes on the skill development taught in Lower School. Students are growing steadily with their muscular coordination and improving skills. The qualities of accuracy and speed in object manipulation are emphasized. Peer acceptance, sportsmanship, independence, and recognition are of great importance. The students are exposed to team and group activities as well sports and sport related activities. They are competitive, active and inquisitive. They learn and experience valuable concepts and skills, some of which include competition, sportsmanship, beneficial social interaction, self-discipline and leadership abilities. In addition, students participate in an annual fundraiser called Jump Rope for Heart, which ties into our community service program.

During the fitness component, the students are being evaluated and tested to measure the level of their fitness and skills compared to other students their age.

In the winter semester all students have health classes integrated into their physical education program. Health classes are designed to address health issues related to the students’ social environment equipping them with skills necessary to make appropriate choices.