JH Courses

6th Grade English Language Arts & Reading

ELAR curriculum will develop, strengthen, and broaden a student’s understanding and use of language in its many forms – reading, writing, viewing, speaking, and listening.  Students will explore the 6th grade TEKS as they read and respond to various genres such as short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and nonfiction selections.  Students will also use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, and editing) to compose text. 

6th Grade Advanced  English Language Arts & Reading

This is an advanced ELAR course designed to have a rigorous and in-depth content focus. These classes are designed to challenge students beyond grade level academic courses and prepare them for success in future advanced coursework.  Students have frequent opportunities to engage deeply with texts, sources, and data as well as compelling higher-order questions. This course may also have additional ELAR objectives beyond the grade level course, including above grade level resources, and/or require higher performance standards than the on-grade level course.  Students must meet criteria to enroll, have strong study skills and be self-motivated. 

7th Grade English Language Arts & Reading

ELAR curriculum will develop, strengthen, and broaden a student’s understanding and use of language in its many forms – reading, writing, viewing, speaking, and listening.  Students will explore the 7th grade TEKS as they read and respond to various genres such as short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and nonfiction selections.  Students will also use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, and editing) to compose text. 

7th Grade Advanced English Language Arts & Reading

This is an advanced ELAR course designed to have a rigorous and in-depth content focus. These classes are designed to challenge students beyond grade level academic courses and prepare them for success in future advanced coursework.  Students have frequent opportunities to engage deeply with texts, sources, and data as well as compelling higher-order questions. This course may also have additional ELAR objectives beyond the grade level course, including above grade level resources, and/or require higher performance standards than the on-grade level course.  Students must meet criteria to enroll, have strong study skills and be self-motivated. 

8th Grade English Language Arts & Reading

ELAR curriculum will develop, strengthen, and broaden a student’s understanding and use of language in its many forms – reading, writing, viewing, speaking, and listening.  Students will explore the 8th grade TEKS as they read and respond to various genres such as short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and nonfiction selections.  Students will also use elements of the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, and editing) to compose text. 

8th Grade Advanced English Language Arts & Reading

This is an advanced ELAR course designed to have a rigorous and in-depth content focus. These classes are designed to challenge students beyond grade level academic courses and prepare them for success in future advanced coursework.  Students have frequent opportunities to engage deeply with texts, sources, and data as well as compelling higher-order questions.  This course may also have additional ELAR objectives beyond the grade level course, including above grade level resources, and/or require higher performance standards than the on-grade level course.  Students must meet criteria to enroll, have strong study skills and be self-motivated. 

6th Grade Math

Students will explore the 6th grade TEKS through primary focal points of proportional relationships, number operations, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and applying addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of decimals, fractions and integers.  Students will build a foundation of basic understandings in number and quantitative reasoning, patterns, relationships, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, statistics and financial literacy. 

6th Grade Advanced Math

This is an advanced math course at a fast-paced, more challenging and rigorous level.  Students will explore all of the 6th grade TEKS through primary focus points of proportional relationships, number operations, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and applying addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals, fractions and integers.  Students will also be exposed to part of the 7th grade TEKS.  Students will build a foundation of basic understandings in number and quantitative reasoning, patterns, relationships, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, statistics and financial literacy.  Students must meet criteria to enroll, have strong study skills and be self-motivated.  Advanced courses are not subject to the district's redo/reteach policy.   Students will take the Grade 6 STAAR towards the end of this course.

7th Grade Math

Students will explore the 7th grade TEKS with a focus on proportional relationships, expressions and equations, probability and statistics, data analysis and financial literacy. Students will continue to build a foundation in number operations and quantitative reasoning, patterns, relationships, algebraic thinking, geometry and spatial reasoning, measurement and probability and statistics. 

7th Grade Advanced Math

This is an advanced math class that works at a faster-paced, more challenging and rigorous level.  It is an in-depth study of introductory skills necessary before taking Algebra I.  Concepts include working with equations and inequalities, integers, number theory and rational numbers, as well as, covering part of the 7th grade math TEKS and all of the 8th grade math TEKS.  Percents and geometry will also be explored.  Mathematical tools will be utilized to develop conceptual understanding to solve problems in mathematics.  Students must meet criteria to enroll, have strong study skills and be self-motivated.  Advanced courses are not subject to the district's redo/reteach policy.  Students will take the Grade 8 STAAR towards the end of this course.

8th Grade Math

This course is an in-depth study of introductory concepts including the 8th grade TEKS necessary before taking Algebra I.  Concepts of proportionality, expressions, equations and inequalities, mathematical relationships, foundations of functions, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and personal finance are explored.  Graphing technology (graphing calculators and other math tools) will be utilized to develop conceptual understanding and to solve problems in mathematics.  

Algebra I (High School Credit)

This is an advanced and rigorous high school credit course serving as a prerequisite for completing the higher mathematics strand at Bellville High School, which will include Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.  Students will explore real life applications of mathematics concepts, including functional relationships, linear functions, quadratic and non-linear functions, patterns, algebraic thinking and reasoning, measurement and probability and statistics.  The curriculum and instructional strategies will facilitate critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Graphing technology (graphing calculators and other math tools) will be utilized to develop conceptual understanding and to solve problems in mathematics.  Students must meet criteria to enroll, have strong study skills and be self-motivated.  Advanced courses are not subject to the district's redo/reteach policy. 

6th Grade Science

This course engages students in hands-on scientific and engineering practices aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), developing skills in safe laboratory investigations, data collection using SI units, and evidence-based reasoning. Students explore matter and energy (including classification of elements, mixtures, and chemical change), force, motion, and waves, Earth and space systems (spheres, cycles, and resource management), and ecosystems (biotic/abiotic interactions and organizational levels). Instruction emphasizes modeling, analyzing systems, and the history and impact of scientific research to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and informed decision-making.

6th Grade Advanced Science

This accelerated course deepens TEKS-based 6th-grade science through rigorous, inquiry-driven investigations, advanced laboratory techniques, and independent research projects that prepare students for competitive presentation at the campus science fair. Students investigate matter and energy, force and motion, waves, Earth and space systems, and ecosystems while mastering laboratory safety, precise SI measurement, data analysis, modeling, and scientific argumentation per Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Emphasis is placed on experimental design, engineering problem-solving, and communicating evidence-based conclusions—encouraging intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and the scientific perseverance needed for successful fair projects. Advanced courses are not subject to the district's redo/reteach policy.

7th Grade Science

This course engages students in TEKS‑aligned, inquiry-based exploration of organisms and environments, matter and energy, force and motion, and Earth and space systems. Students spend substantial time designing and conducting safe laboratory and field investigations, using SI measurements and appropriate tools, analyzing data, developing models, and constructing evidence-based explanations. Emphasis is placed on relationships among structure and function, energy flow in ecosystems, taxonomy, and human impacts on Earth systems to build critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills in preparation for higher-level science study.

7th Grade Advanced Science

This accelerated TEKS‑aligned course challenges students with in-depth, inquiry-driven study of organisms and environments, matter and energy, force and motion, and Earth and space systems, emphasizing rigorous experimental design, data analysis using SI units, and scientific argumentation. Students conduct frequent laboratory and field investigations (using appropriate tools and models), develop independent research projects, and refine communication skills to present evidence-based findings—culminating in preparation and participation in the campus science fair. Instruction highlights engineering practices, model-building, and evaluation of human impacts on ecosystems to foster critical thinking, scientific perseverance, and readiness for advanced science coursework. Advanced courses are not subject to the district's redo/reteach policy.

8th Grade Science

This course immerses students in TEKS‑aligned, inquiry-focused exploration of force, motion, energy, matter, and Earth and space systems, emphasizing safe laboratory and field investigations, SI measurement, data analysis, and model‑based reasoning. Students study atomic structure and chemical reactions, Newton's laws and their real‑world applications, weather and climate systems, plate tectonics, and the components of the universe while evaluating evidence, developing testable explanations, and communicating scientific arguments to prepare for high school science.

8th Grade Advanced Science

This accelerated TEKS‑aligned course challenges students with rigorous, inquiry-driven study of atomic structure and chemical reactions, Newtonian force and motion, energy transfer (including wave behavior), and Earth and space systems—emphasizing safe lab practices, precise SI measurement, quantitative data analysis, model‑based reasoning, and the nature of scientific theories. Students design and conduct independent research and engineering investigations, engage in advanced experimental design and error analysis, and develop communication skills to present evidence-based conclusions at the campus science fair. Instruction foregrounds application of TEKS practices such as using appropriate scientific tools, evaluating models and data, and connecting natural events and human activities to Earth's changing systems to prepare students for high school science. Advanced courses are not subject to the district's redo/reteach policy.

6th Grade Social Studies

In 6th grade Social Studies, students explore world cultures through the study of geography, history, economics, and civics. Using maps, primary and secondary sources, and real-world case studies, students examine how people around the world adapt to their environments, govern societies, and develop belief systems and traditions. Emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, global connections, and critical thinking skills as students learn how historical events and geographic factors shape societies past and present.

6th Grade Advanced Social Studies

Advanced 6th Grade Social Studies provides an in-depth study of world cultures through a rigorous examination of geography, history, economics, and civics. Students analyze complex texts, interpret primary and secondary sources, and engage in inquiry-based research to compare civilizations across time and regions. Emphasis is placed on higher-order thinking skills such as analyzing patterns, evaluating cultural interactions, and constructing evidence-based arguments. Students are expected to demonstrate independence, academic discussion skills, and strong written responses.

7th Grade Social Studies

7th grade Social Studies focuses on the rich and complex history of Texas from early Native cultures through modern times. Students investigate the influences of geography, colonization, revolution, statehood, and economic growth while analyzing the roles of diverse groups who shaped Texas. Through inquiry-based learning, students examine primary sources, evaluate cause-and-effect relationships, and develop an understanding of Texas government, citizenship, and identity within the United States.

7th Grade Advanced Social Studies

Advanced 7th Grade Social Studies offers an accelerated and analytical study of Texas history from early Indigenous cultures through the modern era. Students engage with primary source documents, historical maps, and data to evaluate multiple perspectives and debate key historical decisions and turning points. Instruction emphasizes historical inquiry, cause-and-effect relationships, and the long-term impact of political, economic, and social developments. Students are challenged to synthesize information, participate in structured academic discussions, and produce formal writing supported by historical evidence.

8th Grade Social Studies

In 8th grade Social Studies, students study the foundations and growth of the United States from Jamestown through the end of Reconstruction. Instruction emphasizes key events such as colonization, the American Revolution, westward expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, while exploring the political, economic, and social changes that shaped the nation. Students analyze historical documents, evaluate multiple perspectives, and make connections between early American ideals and their lasting impact on modern society.

8th Grade Advanced Social Studies

Advanced 8th Grade Social Studies provides a rigorous examination of United States history from Jamestown through Reconstruction, emphasizing depth of analysis and historical interpretation. Students analyze foundational documents, compare differing viewpoints, and evaluate the complexities of nation-building, expansion, conflict, and reform. Instruction focuses on developing skills in historical reasoning, document analysis, and argumentative writing. Students are expected to engage in independent inquiry, participate in scholarly discussions, and connect historical themes to enduring civic and constitutional principles.

Beginning Band, Grades 6, 7, and 8

Beginning band is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students with no prior band experience. Students will learn basic music theory and will explore how to play a musical instrument. Beginning classes are offered for Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion. Most instruments will need to be purchased or rented. Some school owned instruments are available. Students will be given several performance opportunities throughout the school year. There is minimal outside of school time required with the exception of daily practice and required performances.

Band, Grade 7 (Concert Band)

Concert Band is the intermediate band at Bellville Junior High School. Concert Band students will continue to develop their musical skills as well as learn more advanced techniques and musical concepts. The Concert Band will perform at all concerts, have the opportunity to audition for region band and perform at solo and ensemble contest. The Concert Band will also represent Bellville Junior High School at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation at the non-varsity level.

Band, Grade 8 (Symphonic Band)

Symphonic Band is the advanced band at Bellville Junior High School. Symphonic Band students will continue to develop their musical skills and will learn more advanced techniques and concepts. The Symphonic Band will perform at all concerts, have the opportunity to audition for region band and perform at solo and ensemble contest. The Symphonic Band will represent Bellville Junior High School at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation at the varsity level.

Beginning Art, Grades 6, 7, and 8

First year students will learn how to draw, paint, create ceramics, weaving, papier mache, and various other projects that will increase their artistic skills greatly throughout the year.

Advanced Art, Grades 7 and 8

Second and Third year art students will experience advanced drawing, painting, ceramics, and various other crafts.  Beginning Art is a prerequisite course.

Theatre Arts, Grade 6

Students learn the basic techniques of acting and theatre terminology.  Students will present a class play to an audience in the spring.

Advanced Theatre Arts, Grades 7 and 8

Students will perform a class play each semester. Students will work behind the scenes with stage design, making props, and scenery. Students will have the opportunity to audition for One Act Play.

Dance, Grades 7 and 8

Dance students develop perceptual thinking and movement abilities in daily life, promoting an understanding of themselves and others. Students develop movement principles and technical skills and explore choreographic and performance qualities. Students develop self-discipline and healthy bodies that move expressively, efficiently, and safely through space and time with a sensitive kinesthetic awareness. Students recognize dance as a vehicle for understanding historical and cultural relevance, increasing an awareness of their heritage and traditions and those of others, and enabling them to participate in a diverse society. Evaluating and analyzing dance allows students to strengthen decision-making skills, develop critical and creative thinking, and develop artistic creative processes. Students continue to explore technology and its application to dance and movement, enabling them to make informed decisions about dance.

Exploring Pathways - Engineering, Grades 7 and 8

Students will explore the Engineering Pathway through two semester long Project Lead the Way courses.  One semester students will take the Design and Modeling Course, where they will discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.  The other semester they will take Automation and Robotics, where they will learn about the history and impact of automation and robotics as they explore mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Using the VEX Robotics® platform, students apply what they know to design and program traffic lights, robotic arms, and more.  This course is very hands-on and collaborative. Students will work together through instant challenges,  design their own puzzle cube, build and program an automated toy car, and design, build, and test a cardboard boat.  Students will even venture into the world of 3D printing.  Students will have the opportunity in high school to take courses under a Program of Study from this pathway.

Exploring Pathways - Public Services, Grades 7 and 8

Students will explore the Education and Health Science Programs of Study in this course.  Students will "Explore all things  Medical" in this course, including Healthcare Careers, History of Medicine, Intro to Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to health Care skills and lots of hands-on projects. Education is designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the Education and Training Career Cluster. Students use self-knowledge as well as educational and career information to analyze various careers within the Education and Training Career Cluster.  Students will have the opportunity in high school to take courses under a Program of Study from these pathways.

Exploring Pathways - Entrepreneurship, Grades 7 and 8

Students will explore the Business and Culinary Arts Programs of Study within the Entrepreneurship Pathway in this course.  Students will learn skills to become successful entrepreneurs and business professionals with an emphasis in the Interior Design Industry. Important skills such as professionalism, personal financial literacy, relationship building and communication, project management and staying within a budget are all covered while also learning the basics of the Interior Design profession. Skills such as creating a client design board,  space planning,  reading and creating a simple floor plan, furniture and finishings selections, as well as creating a design proposal within a budget will all be covered in this class. Students will also learn various aspects of the food service industry.  Numerous areas and professions within culinary arts are explored. Time is split between classroom and lab kitchen.  Classroom time is spent learning about different aspects of the industry including but not limited to food safety,  service etiquette and table setting, kitchen tools and equipment, garnishing and plating, food preparation, following a recipe, management, weights and measures, and nutrition.  Students will be taught basic baking and cooking techniques.  Students will have the opportunity in high school to take courses under a Program of Study from these pathways.  This course is currently scheduled to be taught at the BISD Learning Center located at 2 E. Main (students will be transported using a school bus shuttle).

Exploring Pathways - Industry, Grades 7 and 8

Students will explore the Construction Program of Study and the Agriculture Pathway in this course.  This class will introduce students to basic construction shop safety and tools used in the construction industry.   Students will learn in the classroom as well as build items in the shop using the hands-on knowledge they gain from class time.  Student will also discover the importance of agriculture and natural resources to provide the opportunity to learn fundamental concepts in agriculture and to serve as a foundation for future agriculture science courses and learn information about the industry that is so vital to society and to their future.   Major units of instruction include an introduction to the agricultural industry, animal science, plant and soil science, agribusiness, environmental science, agricultural mechanics, food science, and leadership, career, and  personal development.  Students will have the opportunity in high school to take courses under a Program of Study from these pathways.

Exploring Pathways - Digital Design &  Communication, Grades 7 and 8

Students will explore the Digital Design & Communication Programs of Study in this course.  Students will progress from consumers of technology to creators of technology as they strengthen their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will study and create vector graphics, edit and create photo images, as well as basic animations using a variety of web-based programs. Through additional platforms students will learn about different programming languages and algorithms to further creativity, collaboration, and communication. Students will utilize coding languages to create animations, drawings, and games. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of multiple technology pathways. Students will have the opportunity in high school to take courses under a Program of Study from this pathway.  This course is currently scheduled to be taught at the BISD Learning Center located at 2 E. Main (students will be transported using a school bus shuttle).

Technology, Grade 6

In this course, students will explore all apps in the Google suite and learn keyboarding.  Correct posture and finger placement will be used to teach keyboarding and will be practiced each class to improve typing speed.  Students will learn in Google Docs to change font type, color and size, insert pictures, create tables and lists and use these skills in projects to create pamphlets and research areas of interest.  Students will also be able to create forms and submit them.  This course will discuss how to efficiently check and respond to email, how to attach assignments and submit in Google classroom and share documents to fellow contributors.  Students will also learn to use Google sheets to create and use formulas, make tables with borders and create graphs to represent data.  Google Slides will also be explored as students learn to create presentations with appropriate font size, color and use transitions.  Students will be able to create projects to demonstrate their knowledge and learn skills that they can apply to assignments in core courses, as well. 

Physical Education, Grade 6

Physical Education, Grade 7 and 8

Athletics, Grade 7; Athletics, Grade 8; Athletics - Personal Health & Wellness, Grade 7 and 8

Prerequisite:  Junior High Coordinator approval.  Students will try out for individual sports to be placed on teams.

Description:  Girl's and Boy's athletic programs involve extra-curricular team competition.  Extra practices before and/or after school is mandated by the BJHS coaching staff.  Athletes interested in football, volleyball, basketball, and track may be required to be scheduled into the athletic period.

STEM, Grade 6

Students will learn through purposeful and challenging work in two semester long Project Lead the Way courses.  One semester, the exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space unit. Students become engineers as they design, prototype, and test models to learn about the science of flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars.  The other semester, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. This course is very hands-on and collaborative. Students will work together to complete instant challenges, design and test paper airplanes and rockets, and use drones to explore the basic principles of flight. Students will also dissect a sheep brain to gain a deeper understanding of how the human brain functions. This class is only offered to 6th grade students, however other Project Lead the Way courses are offered for 7th and 8th grade students through the Exploring Pathways - Engineering class.

Outdoor Adventures, Grades 6,  7, and 8

Outdoor Education Adventures focuses on hands-on learning and building knowledge of valuable outdoor skills. Skills include knot tying, fire building, weather assessment, and many more basic survival skills. This class will go outside daily. If you enjoy the outdoors, fresh air, and a bit of exercise this is a good class for you. 

Library Aide, Grade 8

A Library Aide will fill their time with organizing a sections of books, creating displays to attract readers, maintaining our technology, but most importantly they will be here to assist students. If you are friendly, helpful, and enjoy working with people you will love working in the library . No former library experience is required.   Application with the Librarian is a required prerequisite.

Office Aide, Grade 8

Office Aides are tasked with delivery of information to classrooms, assisting the receptionist with daily tasks, organizing, and being a helping hand for the front office. If you are reliable and friendly you may enjoy this opportunity! Application with the Counselor is a required prerequisite.

PE Aide, Grade 8

Application with a PE coach is a required prerequisite.

Applied Music, Grade 7 and 8

Mathematics Lab, Grade 7 and 8

The Mathematics Lab course is designed for students who want or need additional support and practice in mathematics. The course covers topics from different grade levels or courses, depending on the students’ needs and goals. The course uses various instructional materials and online resources to provide personalized and interactive learning. This course can be taken in conjunction with the student's current math class to deepen their understanding of math concepts and establish a strong foundation in math fluency.  

ELAR Lab, Grade 6, 7, and 8

ELAR Lab for grades 6–8 provides targeted support to strengthen reading, writing, grammar, and comprehension skills. Students receive focused instruction and practice designed to build confidence, close skill gaps, and support success in their core ELAR classes.