Middle School Course Catalog

• Students will read, demonstrate comprehension, and extend their vocabulary from a variety of both fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as poetry and media messages, for appreciation, information, and evaluation. Students will plan, write, revise, and edit in a variety of modes, including narrative, expository, persuasive, and reflective, with an emphasis on narrative and reflective writing. Students will compose with attention to a central idea, unity, elaboration, and organization. Learning grammar concepts occurs within the context of comparing mentor texts with student writing. Sixth-grade students will learn how to be reflective participants in small-group and classroom discussions. Planned oral, visual, written, or multi-modal presentations will demonstrate each student’s ability to present personal experiences, original ideas, and research products.
• Students will take the Grade 6 SOL English: Reading test

• Language Arts 6 Honors is an academically challenging course in which students are required to demonstrate comprehension of increasingly more challenging fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as poetry and media messages. Students will extend understanding through persuasive writing, multi-modal presentations, and products adapted for purpose and audience, and supported by their research. Students will continue the development of an advanced vocabulary through the examination of rich texts and independent reading. Grammar study occurs within the context of examining a variety of mentor texts, including students’ own writing, and students will apply lessons in their own writing. Because of the extensive reading and writing required, success in the course is linked to the student’s sense of responsibility and academic commitment. Students who are most successful in Honors English typically read at an advanced level and enjoy reading and writing. This course is recommended for students with a Gateways identification and other students who wish to work at an advanced level.
• Students will take the Grade 6 SOL English: Reading test

• The Grade 6 Standards provide a transition from the emphasis placed on whole number arithmetic in the elementary grades to an introduction to algebraic thinking. The Standards include a focus on single-step and multistep problems involving operations with integers and positive rational numbers. Students will determine equivalency, compare, and order decimals, fractions, and percents. Students will solve problems involving area and perimeter, and begin to graph in a coordinate plane. In addition, students will continue using the data cycle by applying it to circle graphs and develop concepts regarding measures of center. Students will solve linear equations in one variable, write inequality statements, and use algebraic terminology. Students will use ratios to compare two quantities and represent proportional relationships as a precursor to the development of the concept of linear functions.
• Students will take the Grade 6 Math SOL test.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 5 and teacher recommendation.
• This is a rigorous and challenging course designed to develop an understanding of Math 6 and select topics from the Math 7 standards.  The sixth-grade topics from above and the following 7th-grade topics will be taught.  The Grade 7 Standards continue to emphasize the foundations of Algebra. The Standards address the representation and comparison of rational numbers using exponents, scientific notation, and square roots. Probability is investigated through comparing experimental results to theoretical expectations. Students continue to develop their understanding of solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable by applying the properties of real numbers.
• Students will take the Grade 6 Math SOL test.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 5 extended and teacher recommendation.
• This accelerated mathematics course compacts and extends content from Grades 6, 7, and 8 of the Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning. Students build a strong foundation in Grade 6 content while mastering Grade 7 standards and essential Grade 8 concepts required for success in Algebra I the following year. The course is designed for highly motivated students who demonstrate strong mathematical reasoning skills and the ability to work independently at an advanced pace. Students deepen their understanding of rational numbers by operating fluently with integers and rational numbers, including exponents, scientific notation, and square roots. Proportional reasoning is a central focus, with students analyzing proportional relationships, unit rates, and slope as rate of change. Algebraic thinking is emphasized through writing, solving, and graphing linear equations and inequalities in one variable, and connecting multiple representations of functions. Students also investigate geometric relationships, including volume and surface area of three-dimensional figures and properties of quadrilaterals. Statistical reasoning is extended through the full data cycle, including histograms and probability, where students compare theoretical and experimental outcomes. Due to the compacted nature of the curriculum and the inclusion of essential Grade 8 content, this course moves at an accelerated pace and requires consistent effort and strong organizational skills.
• Students enrolled in this course will take the Grade 7 Math SOL assessment. Upon successful completion of the course and with teacher recommendation, students will advance to Algebra I the following school year.

• In this course, students will use skills of historical and geographical analysis as they examine American history since 1865. The standards for this course relate to the history of the United States from the Reconstruction era to the present. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history. Political, economic, and social challenges facing the nation reunited after the Civil War will be examined chronologically as students develop an understanding of how the American experience shaped the world’s political landscape. The course will also emphasize the skills required for responsible citizenship.  
• Students will be involved in completing division-wide performance assessments.

• Students will study a variety of scientific topics, including the solar system, energy, matter, the properties of water, watershed ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the conversion of resources. Students will participate in hands-on activities, experimentation, and technology-based lessons. Fundamental scientific and engineering practices will be embedded throughout this course.

• Physical Education classes are designed to enable students to develop the ability to engage in physical activity while building competence, confidence, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Classes include team and individual sports and there is an emphasis on developing lifetime fitness goals. Health topics include body systems, nutrition, healthy living, disease prevention, substance abuse prevention, and community/environmental health.
• Sixth-grade Family Life Education (FLE) objectives are also included as a part of the sixth-grade health curriculum. Families are welcome to review these standards and may choose to opt their students out of these lessons.

• The Academic Focus Seminar intends to advance students’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in several or specific content areas. The majority of sixth-graders will complete multiple enrichment units that will include an emphasis on appropriately navigating the digital world, world languages, and cultures vocabulary study, academic study skills, mathematics and science reasoning and problem-solving, fine art exploration, focused fiction and non-fiction studies, extended writing practice, and college and career readiness. Other students will receive remediation in reading and/or mathematics through programs targeted for their area of academic need or will receive academic skill support as specified in their IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
• Students will be evaluated in this course on a 4 to 1 scale: 4: exceeds unit expectations; 3: meets unit expectations; 2: minimally meets unit expectations; 1: does not meet unit expectations

• This course is an introductory element in Fauquier County’s commitment to high-quality and relevant world language education.  The emphasis in this Introduction to World Languages course is on exposing students to the sound of the languages as well as the cultures of native speakers, including geographic locations, food, dress, customs, traditions, music, and literature.  Students will learn skills such as common words and phrases, numbers, alphabets, and colors. Work will be in the form of projects, written assignments, and some spoken assignments. This course is not a prerequisite for level 1 of any world language course for high school credit (e.g., Arabic, French, German, Latin, Spanish, Turkish). This course will be offered based on enrollment and school staffing.

• This course is for students who have little or no experience in playing a wind or percussion instrument. They will learn the parts of the instrument they select as well as the proper playing technique of their instruments, including the correct embouchure, posture, and playing position. While learning to play their chosen instrument, students will learn basic theory (note values, basic musical symbols), fingerings, slide positions, and hand positions needed to perform music on Grade 1 and 2 levels. Students will learn at least two major scales in the range suitable for their instruments. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least two performances will take place during the school year, and all concerts are required. Note: Students are expected to secure their own instruments. If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available, and a rental fee is required.

• Students will follow a beginning course of instruction on the four-stringed instruments of an orchestra (violin, viola, cello, and bass). Each student will choose an instrument based on the student’s desire and the needs of the class to attain a balanced instrumentation. Correct technique and posture will be stressed. Basic concepts of theory and note reading will be introduced. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least two performances will take place during the school year and are required.  Note: Students are expected to secure their own instruments.  If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available, and a rental fee is required.

• Students will learn the basics of choral music and the concepts of music theory by learning the proper use of the vocal instrument. Correct posture, breathing, and diction will be stressed. Basic theory and note reading will be introduced. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least two performances will take place during the school year and are required.

• Seventh-grade students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature and acquire widening vocabularies through extensive reading of short and long fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students will refine written composition skills in a variety of modes with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing and with particular attention to word choice, elaboration, organization, usage, and mechanics. In addition, students will write to develop and modify a central idea, tone, and voice to fit the audience and purpose. The learning of grammar concepts occurs within the context of comparing mentor texts with student writing. Seventh-grade students will become adept at selecting appropriate resources for research projects, delivering multi-modal presentations, and identifying persuasive, rhetorical techniques in the media.
• Students will take the Grade 7 English: Reading SOL test.

• Language Arts 7 Honors is an academically challenging course in which students are required to demonstrate comprehension of increasingly more challenging fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as poetry, drama, and media messages. Students will extend understanding through persuasive, analytical writing and multi-modal presentations and products that are supported by their research. Students will continue the development of an advanced vocabulary, including the skillful use of word choice in creating tone and purpose. Learning more advanced grammar concepts occurs within the context of comparing mentor texts with student writing. Because of the extensive reading and writing required, success in the course is linked to the student’s sense of responsibility and academic commitment. Students who are most successful in Honors English typically read at an advanced level and enjoy reading and writing. This course is recommended for students with a Gateways identification and other students who wish to work at an advanced level.
• Students will take the Grade 7 English: Reading SOL test.

• The Grade 7 Standards continue to emphasize the foundations of Algebra. The Standards address the representation and comparison of rational numbers using exponents, scientific notation, and square roots. Students continue to develop proficiency in operations with rational numbers and solving problems in context by expanding their study from Grade 6. Students will build on the concept of ratios to solve problems involving proportional reasoning, which is emphasized throughout the Grade 7 Standards. Students will solve problems involving volume and surface area and focus on the relationships among the properties of quadrilaterals. In addition, students will continue to apply the data cycle and extend the application to histograms. Probability is investigated through comparing experimental results to theoretical expectations. Students continue to develop their understanding of solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable by applying the properties of real numbers. Students investigate proportional relationships and begin to develop a concept of slope as rate of change.
• Students will take the Grade 7 Math SOL test.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 6 Extended and teacher recommendation.
• This is a rigorous and challenging course designed to cover the topics of Math 7 and the algebra readiness topics from the Math 8 standards.   Students continue to develop proficiency in operations with rational numbers and solving problems in context by expanding their study from Grade 6. Students will build on the concept of ratios to solve problems involving proportional reasoning, which is emphasized throughout the Grade 7 Standards. Students will solve problems involving volume and surface area and focus on the relationships among the properties of quadrilaterals. In addition, students will continue to apply the data cycle and extend the application to histograms. Students investigate proportional relationships and begin to develop a concept of slope as a rate of change. The Grade 8 Standards continue to build on the concepts needed for success in high school-level Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics. Students will explore real numbers and the subsets of the real number system. Proportional reasoning is expounded upon as students solve a variety of problems. Students find the volume and surface area of more complex three-dimensional figures and apply transformations to geometric shapes in the coordinate plane. Students will verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem, creating a foundation for further study of triangular relationships in Geometry. Students will represent data, both univariate and bivariate, and continue to apply the data cycle and extend the application to boxplots and scatterplots.
• Students will take the Grade 8 Math SOL test.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 7 Accelerated and teacher recommendation.
• The successful mastery of Algebra 1 is widely considered to be the gatekeeper to success in the study of upper-level mathematics. The study of algebraic thinking begins in kindergarten and is progressively formalized prior to the study of the algebraic content found in the Algebra 1 Standards of Learning. The progression of algebraic content includes patterning, generalization of arithmetic concepts, proportional reasoning, and representing mathematical relationships using tables, symbols, and graphs. All students are expected to achieve proficiency with the Algebra 1 Standards. The study of Algebra 1 assists students in generalizing patterns and representing relevant, contextual situations with algebraic models. To assist students in developing meaning and connecting algebraic concepts to geometry and statistics, consideration should be given to the sequential development of concepts and skills by using concrete materials to support the transition from the numeric to the symbolic. Connections between Algebra 1 and other subject areas through contextual applications may help students attach meaning to the abstract concepts of algebra. 
• Students will take the Algebra I SOL test. 
• This is a high school credit course that counts as a verified credit toward graduation requirements. The final grade for Algebra I will be factored into the student's high school GPA. Parents or guardians may request to omit this course grade and credit from the student's transcript and have them retake the course in 8th grade. Please contact the school counselor for more information.

• In this course, students will examine the role citizens play in political, governmental, and economic systems in the United States. Students will examine the constitutions of Virginia and the United States; identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens; and describe the structure and operations of government at the local, state, and national levels. Students will investigate the process by which decisions are made in the American market economy and explain the government’s role in it. The course will emphasize personal character traits, such as patriotism, respect for the law, and a sense of civic duty, that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society. It will also emphasize the skills required for responsible citizenship.
• Students will be involved in completing division-wide performance assessments.

• In Life Science, students will develop a deeper understanding of the cellular structure, classification, and genetic inheritance of living things and their interactions within ecosystems. Concepts covered include cells, classifications of organisms, energy transfer, ecosystems, DNA, genetics, adaptations, evolution, and the relationship between human activity and ecosystem dynamics. Students will participate in hands-on activities, experimentation, and technology-based lessons. Fundamental scientific and engineering practices are embedded throughout this course.

• Physical Education classes are designed to enable students to develop the ability to engage in physical activity while building competence, confidence, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Classes include team and individual sports, and there is an emphasis on developing lifetime fitness goals. Health topics include body systems, nutrition, healthy living, disease prevention, safety, mental wellness, violence prevention, and community/environmental health.
• Seventh-grade Family Life Education (FLE) objectives are also included as part of the seventh-grade curriculum. Families are welcome to review these standards and may choose to opt their students out of these lessons.

• This course consists of multiple academic units that will provide enrichment, remediation, or support to students based on their needs. Students enrolled in this course will study topics that will enrich and extend their understanding of academic concepts. Enrichment units may include vocabulary study to provide a foundation for SAT preparation, mathematics, science, reasoning and problem-solving, literature circles, project-based learning, extended writing practice, etc. Other students will receive remediation in reading and/or mathematics through programs targeted for their area of academic need or will receive academic skill support as specified in their IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
• Seventh graders who take both music and Introduction to Spanish or French will not take this course. Students will be evaluated in Academic Focus on a 4 to 1 scale. 4: exceeds unit expectations; 3: meets unit expectations; 2: minimally meets unit expectations; 1: does not meet unit expectations.

• This is an introductory course to the French language and culture. In this course, students will begin to build a foundation for future language study. Introductory vocabulary, basic communication skills, and culture will be the focus of this class. This course is recommended for students who are interested in learning languages, in addition to students who plan to take French I for high school credit in the eighth grade.
• This course will be offered based on enrollment and school staffing.

• This is an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture. In this course, students will begin to build a foundation for future language study. Introductory vocabulary, basic communication skills, and culture will be the focus of this class. This course is recommended for students who are interested in learning languages in addition to students who plan to take Spanish I for high school credit in the eighth grade.
• This course will be offered based on enrollment and school staffing.

• This course is an introductory element in Fauquier County’s commitment to high-quality and relevant world language education.  The emphasis in this Introduction to World Languages course is on exposing students to the sound of the languages as well as the cultures of native speakers, including geographic locations, food, dress, customs, traditions, music, and literature.  Students will learn skills such as common words and phrases, numbers, alphabets, and colors. Work will be in the form of projects, written assignments, and some spoken assignments. This course is not a prerequisite for level 1 of any world language course for high school credit (e.g., Arabic, French, German, Latin, Spanish, Turkish).
• This course will be offered based on enrollment and school staffing.

• Students will refine and develop their playing skills and expand their musical vocabulary. Their repertoire of scales will expand to at least those major scales that contain three sharps and three flats. Students will be able to perform music in Grades 2 to 3 grade level. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least two performances will take place during the school year and are required.   This ensemble may participate in the Virginia State Concert Assessment. Note: Students are expected to secure their instruments.  If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available, and a rental fee is required.

Students will advance to at least a level of Grade 2. Basic techniques stressing correct bowing and good intonation will be taught, with a variety of articulations being introduced. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least four performances will take place during the school year, and all concerts are required. This ensemble may participate in the Virginia State Concert Assessment. Note: Students are expected to secure their own instruments.  If this is not possible, a limited number of FCPS instruments are available, and a rental fee is required.

Students will study the basics of middle school choral music by learning the proper use of the vocal instrument. Basic theory and sight-singing skills will be studied. The class will attain at least Level 2 in sight singing. Practice is necessary to fully develop musical skills and understanding. At least four performances will take place during the school year, and all concerts are required. This ensemble may participate in the Virginia State Concert Assessment.

• Students will demonstrate skillful applications of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as they move toward being independent learners. Students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature and acquire widening vocabularies through the study of a variety of literary forms, with particular emphasis on the interpretation and evaluation of novels, poems, a longer dramatic work, as well as nonfiction sections. Students will also explore how literary devices help convey the effect and meaning of literature. Students will write for a variety of purposes with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing. They will edit and revise for clarity, style, and technical accuracy. Grammar study occurs within the reading of rich texts, including student writing, and students will apply lessons in their writing. Students will apply speaking and listening skills in a variety of contexts, including interviews.
• Students will take the Grade 8 English: Reading and English: Writing SOL tests

• Language Arts 8 Honors is an academically challenging course in which students are required to demonstrate comprehension of increasingly more challenging fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. Students will apply and extend their understanding through analytical writing, multi-modal presentations, and products enhanced by extensive research. Students will continue the development of an advanced vocabulary, including the skillful use of word choice in creating tone and purpose in their own writing. Students will learn pre-advanced analysis and interpret literary and rhetorical devices, as well as defend their own positions using counterclaims, reasons, and evidence from credible sources. The rhetorical study will also emphasize the analysis of persuasive techniques in, as well as the creation of, media messages. Because of the extensive reading and writing required, success in the course is linked to the student’s sense of responsibility and academic commitment. Students who are most successful in Honors English typically read at an advanced level and enjoy reading and writing. This course is recommended for students with a Gateways identification and other students who wish to work at an advanced level.
• Students will take the Grade 8 English: Reading and English: Writing SOL tests.

• The Grade 8 Standards continue to build on the concepts needed for success in high school-level Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics. Students will explore real numbers and the subsets of the real number system. Proportional reasoning is expounded upon as students solve a variety of problems. Students find the volume and surface area of more complex three-dimensional figures and apply transformations to geometric shapes in the coordinate plane. Students will verify and apply the Pythagorean Theorem, creating a foundation for further study of triangular relationships in Geometry. Students will represent data, both univariate and bivariate, and continue to apply the data cycle and extend the application to boxplots and scatterplots. Students build upon the algebraic concepts developed in the Grade 6 and 7 Standards, which include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving multistep linear equations and inequalities in one variable, and graphing linear functions. The Grade 8 Standards are vital to providing a solid foundation in Algebra I.
• Students will take the Grade 8 Math SOL test.

• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 7 Extended and teacher recommendation.
• The study of Algebra 1 assists students in generalizing patterns and representing relevant, contextual situations with algebraic models. To assist students in developing meaning and connecting algebraic concepts to geometry and statistics, consideration should be given to the sequential development of concepts and skills by using concrete materials to support the transition from the numeric to the symbolic. Connections between Algebra I and other subject areas through contextual applications may help students attach meaning to the abstract concepts of algebra. 
• Students will take the Algebra I SOL test. 
• This is a high school credit course that counts as a verified credit toward graduation requirements. The final grade for Algebra I will be factored into the student's high school GPA. Parents or guardians may request to omit this course grade and credit from the student's transcript and have them retake the course in 9th grade. Please contact the school counselor for more information.

• Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I for 7th Graders and teacher recommendation.
• The course includes an emphasis on developing reasoning skills through the exploration of geometric relationships, including properties of geometric figures, trigonometric relationships, and mathematical proofs. In this course, students use various types of reasoning, justification, and methods of direct and indirect proof, and interpret and determine the validity of conditional statements. Venn diagrams are used to represent set relationships.  This set of standards includes emphasis on two- and three-dimensional reasoning skills, coordinate and transformational geometry, and the use of geometric models to solve problems.  Students will take the Geometry SOL test.
• This is a high school credit course that counts as a verified credit toward graduation requirements. The final grade for Geometry will be factored into the student's high school GPA. Parents or guardians may request to omit this course grade and credit from the student's transcript and have them retake the course in 9th grade. Please contact the school counselor for more information.

• In Physical Science, students will develop a deeper understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Concepts covered include atoms, properties of matter, organization, and use of the periodic table, conservation of energy, force, motion, electricity, and magnetism. Students will participate in hands-on activities, experimentation, and technology-based lessons. Fundamental scientific and engineering practices are embedded throughout this course.
• Students will take the Middle School Science SOL test.

• The focus of this course is on the study of the world’s peoples, places, and environments, with an emphasis on the world’s regions. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives of the course are centered on the world’s population, historical context, and cultural characteristics, landforms and climates, economic development, types of government,  and migration and settlement patterns. Spatial concepts of geography will be used as a framework for studying interactions between humans and their environments. Using geographic resources, students will employ inquiry, research, and technology skills to ask and answer geographic questions. Particular emphasis is placed on students’ understanding and application of geographic concepts and skills to their daily lives.
• Students will be involved in completing division-wide performance assessments.

• Physical Education classes are designed to enable students to develop the ability to engage in physical activity while building competence, confidence, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Emphasis is placed on individual and team sports and the development of lifetime fitness goals. Health topics include body systems, nutrition, healthy living, disease prevention, substance abuse prevention, safety, mental wellness, violence prevention, and community/environmental health.
• Eighth-grade Family Life Education (FLE) objectives are also included as part of the curriculum. Families are welcome to review these standards and may choose to opt their students out of these lessons.