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The Upper School Program at Oakbrook begins
in the sixth grade as students change classes and teachers throughout
the school day. They also begin to choose elective courses in physical
education and the arts. They may choose to join clubs, become members
of school athletic teams, or participate in the band, chorus, or dramatic
productions. A middle school retreat at the beginning of the year helps
the students develop friendships and focus on the Christian values and
traits of character that will strengthen and sustain them as they begin
their teen years. A cultural trip at the end of the year will reinforce
these ideals. By the eighth grade (seventh for some), the students will
begin their transition into high school, earning academic units for graduation.
Middle School students take four core academic courses (math, English/language
arts, science, and social studies). They also take a world language class,
religious studies, and two electives* (band, drama, art, dance, guitar,
and fitness). Sixth & seventh graders also take a basic computer
class. *Private piano lessons are offered during the day. Social StudiesBeginning in sixth grade, students move to a book-based curriculum. Books are used as a guide by the teacher. Students have opportunities for group and independent project work. Our sixth grade students study the history of South Carolina. Our seventh grade students study world geography, and our eighth grade students study the history of the world the Renaissance. Language ArtsIn sixth grade, middle school students are weaned off of Sitton Spelling and Shurley Grammar that they used during their earlier years. More and more, the students use their literature and writing to practice their literary, writing, grammar, and spelling skills. Falling in line with the "classical education" teachings of Charlotte Mason, students read quality literature, including classics such as Shakespeare's As You Like It and Romeo & Juliet, The Odyssey, The Phantom Tollbooth, A Christmas Carol, and others. Students have numerous other opportunities to improve their writing and speaking skills throughout the year through various activities, including poetry & essay contests and the annual Literary Meet.
MathThe Saxon approach of teaching math is used in 6th grade, along with other supplemental materials. The sixth grade will use Saxon 87. After that, the math becomes more specialized (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, etc.), so a different curriculum guide is used. The usual progression is pre-algebra in seventh grade and algebra 1 in eighth (receiving one Carnegie unit toward high school graduation). Some sixth grade students, who have been selected based on test scores, teacher recommendation, and academic grades, have the opportunity to take pre-algebra, which puts these students ahead in the program. Students who take pre-algebra in the sixth grade are able to complete their first Carnegie unit at the completion of their algebra class in the 7th grade.
ScienceThe "Interactions in Science" series is used as a guide in grades six and seven. Students in these grades receive a mixture of earth, physical, and life sciences. All seventh graders participate in the school Science Fair, with winners moving on to the Regional Science Fair. Eighth grade students take physical science, receiving a Carnegie unit of high school course credit at the completion of the course. Many other project-oriented assignments are made throughout the year to complement the curriculum.
World LanguagesBeginning in middle school, students transition from primarily oral work to oral and written. In eighth grade, students take the first half of their level one language course. They will receive the Carnegie unit the following year at the completion of the second half of the course.
Computer TechnologyCurrently sixth & seventh graders attend computer class two (7th grade) or three (6th grade) a week to become more proficient in keyboarding skills. Through project-based activities, students get practical experience in MS Office applications.
Related ArtsEach sixth, seventh, and eighth grade student has the opportunity to participate in related arts activities such as band, drama, art, guitar, dance, and fitness.
Christian EducationAll students in Middle School attend a weekly chapel service. In addition, they participate in a required Christian Education class for one semester each year. Sixth and seventh grade students focus on the Old Testament. Eighth graders study the life of Christ.
Before and After School CareEarly Bird
At the request of parents and teachers, we are providing Early Bird
Service. Students who arrive at school early should go to designated
Early Bird Room. Knight Shift Knight Shift is a service provided for parents who want quality care for their children after school. Some students attend Knight Shift regularly; others come on a drop-in basis. All children in full-day K5 through grade 8 who are at school 15 minutes after the dismissal time of the oldest sibling will be escorted to Knight Shift. We are glad to offer this convenience at our busy campus. Charges will be invoiced as follows: A weekly fee of $45.00 or a drop-in fee of $4/hour. Hours are 2:45pm - 6:00pm daily in the Primary Building. (M-F). Students in Knight Shift should be able to complete their homework, enjoy a snack and play time daily, do an occasional art project, and attend home basketball games. Grading (Oakbrook incorporates the Uniform Grading Scale of South Carolina)
A 93 - 100 See Handbook Appendix for South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale. Grade ReportingMiddle school students will continue to bring Thursday folders home including graded assignments from the previous week. A midterm report will be sent home at the half-way point of each term. At the conclusion of each 9-week term, grades will be reported on the progress report. The grade on the progress report will reflect an average of the grades received that previous term. Requirements for PromotionAt the end of the year all term grades will be averaged to determine the year's average in each subject area. Grade point averages will be calculated from these yearly averages. If students in grades 6-8 have a failing grade in 2 core subjects, they may not be promoted. Students may retake any high school courses taken before 9th grade. For any course taken twice the highest GPA is counted. |
| Oakbrook
Preparatory School - 190 Lincoln School Road - Spartanburg, SC 29301 |
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| Phone 864-587-2060 - Fax 864-587-2092 |