Grade 6 Program of Study

In Grade 6, students take the following courses:

English Language & Literature or English Language Acquisition (EAL)
World Language Courses - Japanese Language & Literature, Japanese Acquisition or Spanish Acquisition

(students new to CA should make sure they consult with their Counselor on their language pathway)

Individuals and Societies (Humanities)
Science
Mathematics
Physical and Health Education
Design (1Semester)
Visual Art (1 Semester)
Theater (1 Semester)
Music (1 Semester)

English Courses

English 6

The Grade 6 MYP English Language and Literature course is designed to develop students' language and communication skills while fostering an appreciation for a wide range of literary works. Through an exploration of various texts, both literary and non-literary, students will engage in critical thinking, creative expression, and effective communication. This course aims to deepen students' understanding of language as a tool for self-expression, interpretation, and connection to the world around them.

English Language Acquisition 6

The Grade 6 MYP English Language Acquisition course is designed to develop students' language proficiency in English and enhance communication skills for various contexts, including further language learning and practical applications. In this course, students foster multi-literacy skills through diverse learning tools and media, promote appreciation for various literary and non-literary English texts while developing critical and creative comprehension techniques, and recognize English as a means for thought, reflection, self-expression, and enhancing literacy across subjects.

World Language Courses

Japanese Language & Literature 6

This course is designed to strengthen academic Japanese skills to communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately in speaking and writing, and to enhance cultural awareness. Through the study of Japanese literature as well as social and cultural aspects of Japan, students will learn to summarize information, to compare and contrast features within and between texts, to analyze main ideas and supporting details in various contexts, and logically justify opinions and ideas in discussions and essays. They will master approximately 500 kanji.

Prerequisites: assessment of proficiency

Japanese Acquisition: Foundation 6

This course is designed for students with very little or no background in the formal study of Japanese.* By the end of this course, students should be able to identify explicit and implicit information (facts, opinions, messages, supporting details) in a limited range of interpersonal and cultural contexts related to themselves, others and their immediate environment. They will learn essential grammar and vocabulary through multimodal texts, and develop communicative skills for everyday situations. In addition, they will develop a basic understanding of segments of the Japanese culture. Students are expected to learn Hiragana and Katakana as well as basic kanji (approximately 200) for reading and writing activities.

No prerequisites are required. Students in this course are phase 1/2.

Japanese Acquisition: Intermediate 6

In this course, students will continue to develop key language skills. By the end of this course, students should be able to identify explicit and implicit information in a range of interpersonal and cultural contexts, including a range of unfamiliar situations. They will learn to interpret and analyze conventions and connections, and to organize information effectively and coherently in an appropriate format using a wide range of simple and complex cohesive devices.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Japanese Language Acquisition Foundation course or assessment of proficiency. Students in this course are phase 3/4.

Japanese Acquisition Advanced 6

This course helps students refine their Japanese skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. By the end, they should be able to identify explicit and implicit information in diverse interpersonal and cultural contexts, including personal, academic, and global topics. Students will learn to analyze conventions in multimodal texts, organize information coherently with complex cohesive devices, and express personal responses to literature. Mastery of about 400 kanji is expected by course completion.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Japanese Language Intermediate course or assessment of proficiency. Students in this course are phase 4/5.

Spanish Acquisition Foundation 6

This course introduces beginners to basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By using a communicative approach and studying grammar in context, the emphasis is placed on what students can do with their language skills. Students use simple words, expressions, and structures to communicate in common everyday situations. Students also use simple texts to reinforce their reading and writing skills.

No prerequisites are required. Students in this course are phase 1.

Humanities 6

This is an MYP Year 1 course called "Individuals and Societies", commonly referred to as Humanities. Humanities is a course that explores aspects of human society and culture, usually influenced by historical factors. Overarching areas of study in humanities include history, culture, religions, government, economics, and geography. In every unit, students will develop their language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing) through the classroom learning activities and tasks. In grade 6, there will be a particular focus on developing the following skill areas to an age-appropriate level: organization, collaboration, communication, research and critical thinking.

Science 6

In MYP 1 Science, students will explore the basics of chemistry, biology, and physics while learning to design and conduct their own investigations. They will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor with both strengths and limitations, and gain the skills to evaluate evidence and draw conclusions. Key concepts like Change, Relationships, and Systems will guide their learning, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking as they begin their IB science journey.

Math 6

Grade 6 Mathematics is an MYP1 course that introduces students to the rubrics, concepts, and language that will be used throughout their IB experience. Many of the topics are more in-depth study of previously introduced material. The focus is on developing confidence and competence in their skills, and furthering critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

Physical & Health Education 6

Physical and Health Education focuses on helping students find a passion to be active and live a healthy lifestyle. With a conceptually based program, all students can find success in all sports and activities. A focus on transferable skills, concepts, strategies and tactics will be used in a variety of different sports and activities during each unit to help students grasp the Key Concepts and apply them effectively in any situation. Students will also build their confidence, resilience, interpersonal skills and develop their wellness and wellbeing. Students will learn how to take care of themselves physically in our Sports Science unit, control their movements in a Gymnastics unit and learn how to make healthy relationship choices in our Health unit.

Design 6 (semester course)

The MYP design course is a semester-long and aims to provide the means and the context to help students become skillful problem solvers, who can appreciate the role of tools and technology in everyday life and society so they are able to respond critically and resourcefully to real‑life challenges. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital literacy, design thinking, and graphic design. Students will learn essential computer skills, including file management and productivity tools. They will also explore the design cycle and apply it to solve real-world problems. Through hands-on projects, students will develop their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. The course emphasizes digital citizenship and online safety, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world responsibly. Key topics include design thinking, digital literacy, product sketching, graphic design basics, and Adobe Illustrator. The culminating project involves designing and creating personalized acrylic laser-cut logos, integrating the skills learned throughout the course.

Visual Art 6 (semester course)

In this semester's course, students gain basic techniques of creating art and art terminology while creating small projects, such as a Zen Tangle design. They research artists and their artwork to analyze features and make journal pages about them in a sketchbook. They create studio work using various lines, shapes, values, colors, textures, spaces, and forms. In the second unit, students learn the correct proportions of the human body to create figurative art.

Theater 6 (semester course)

During the course students will have an introduction to Drama. They will collaborate with their peers to create, perform and understand beginning theatrical skills. This will happen through two units, one that is designed to teach the students about how to stage a production and one that gives the students freedom to use their skills more independently. There will be opportunities for students to share their learning with a variety of audiences and parents will be encouraged to attend performances.

Music 6 (semester course)

This exploratory one semester music course introduces Year 1 MYP students to the fundamental language of music through four contexts: Band, Orchestra, Digital Music, and Choir. Students will develop essential musical skills, including reading notation, understanding rhythm and melody, and engaging in creative expression. They will explore instrumental techniques in Band and Orchestra, develop vocal abilities in Choir, and experiment with music production in Digital Music. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, active listening, and cultural awareness, allowing students to experience music as both performers and creators.