6th Grade Elective Options

In order to give our 6th grade students a good overview of electives at Bandera Middle School, they will participate in the following electives for 12 weeks each throughout the year:

Art – Students will be exposed to basic concepts and skills in a variety of art forms.

Students will foster reflective thinking and imagination into visual and sensory awareness and problem solving while working to produce a variety of expressions through drawings, paintings, ceramics, fiber art, sculpture, or other form.

Theatre Arts - In this beginning course of theater, students are introduced to an overview of drama. Basic acting and stage terms are incorporated through a series of activities and simple presentations. The student will identify responsibilities involved in a variety of dramatic presentations. In addition, the student will learn basic evaluative techniques of dramatic productions. 

Character Ed -  We will be using the Medal of Honor Lessons once a week through the Theater courses.

Tech APPs - Students will learn basic computer skills and keyboarding accuracy.

Begin Band – This course is open to students who wish to begin a serious study of a band instrument.  The main focus of this group is learning to play together as an ensemble, so mastery of basic technical skills is essential for participation.  Areas of study include the elements of balance and blend, tone production, musical notation, musical symbols, musical structure, and instrument care and maintenance. Home practice is required for participation.  Students must perform at two concerts, one in December and the other in May.  Students have the option of participating in a spring music festival in May. 

Choir - Open to all 6th grade boys and girls who want to learn to sing in a variety of styles of music and perform at concerts.  Students will learn the basics of reading music and develop vocal skills for any future participation. 

STEM - The goal of BMS STEM is to foster a learning environment that supports students in the development of knowledge and skills to solve problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical concepts.  

GT-ISM (Gifted and Talented Interdisciplinary/Mentor Seminar) - This course, based on the exit-level Texas Performance Standards Project for gifted and talented students, offers a non-traditional learning experience to those students who have the ability to create innovative products or performances. Students will develop a product proposal, compile a portfolio, conduct in-depth research, be matched with a mentor from the business or professional community, and prepare for a public presentation of their product or performance at the end of the school year to be evaluated by an audience that includes expert(s) in the field. Students work with their mentor to create a related product with real-world application and tangible documentation. The final product is to be shared with an authentic audience outside the school setting.  (HS Credit)