Grade 8 Program of Study

In Grade 8, students take the following courses:

English Language & Literature or English as an Additional Language (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
A Design Course (1Semester)
A Visual Art Course (1 Semester)
A Performing Art Course(1 Semester)*
1 Choice of a second Design, visual Art or performing Art (1 Semester)

English Courses

English 8

G8 English Language and Literature gives students the chance to analyse the choices of published writers and artists to explore the concepts of identity, truth and entertainment. Students will not only learn to explain why texts created by others are effective, but also discover how they can be successful in expressing their own point of view. Over the course of the year students will have numerous opportunities to formulate an argument, find evidence to support their ideas, write, speak and deliver creative presentations that meet the needs of a variety of audiences.

English Language Acquisition 8

The Grade 8 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 multiliteracy 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 8

This course is designed to provide students with training and tools to further expand their knowledge of the Japanese language and literature. Age-appropriate short stories and poems as well as newspapers and excerpts from modern writings will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills and effective writing skills. Discussions and essays foster content comprehension while considering writing styles and strategies, cultural implications and comparison within modern society. Students will master approximately 850 kanji.

Japanese Acquisition Foundation 7/8

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 a variety of 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 some basic kanji for reading and writing activities.

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

Japanese Acquisition Pre-Intermediate 7/8

This course focuses on developing language skills and cultural understanding through four thematic units. Each unit aims to enhance students' communicative abilities in Japanese while fostering intercultural awareness. The course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with an inquiry-driven approach to learning.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Japanese Language Acquisition Foundation course or assessment of proficiency. Students in this course are phase 2/3.

Japanese Acquisition Intermediate 7/8

This course builds on basic language skills learned in the foundation course. Students will continue to develop key language skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing. By the end of this course, students should be able to identify explicit and implicit information (facts, opinions, messages, supporting details) in a range of interpersonal and cultural contexts, including a range of unfamiliar situations. They will learn to interpret and analyze conventions and connections in multimodal texts, and to organize information effectively and coherently in an appropriate format using a wide range of simple and complex cohesive devices. Students are expected to master approximately 400 kanji by the end of the course.

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

Japanese Acquisition Advanced 7/8

This course is designed to provide students with training to further refine their Japanese language skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, speaking, and viewing. By the end of this course, students should be able to identify explicit and implicit information (facts, opinions, messages, supporting details) in a wide range of interpersonal and cultural contexts, including topics of personal, academic and global significance. They will learn to interpret and analyze conventions and connections effectively in multimodal texts and to organize information effectively and coherently in an appropriate format using a wide range of complex cohesive devices. In addition, they will learn to express personal responses to literature. Students are expected to master approximately 600 kanji by the end of the course.

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

Spanish Acquisition Foundation 7/8

The Spanish I course introduces beginners and virtual 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.

Spanish Acquisition Pre-Intermediate 7/8

This course builds on basic language skills learned in the foundation course. It focuses on the combination of knowledge, skills, independent critical and creative thought and international-mindedness. The goal is to inspire students to be life-long learners who are caring, reflective, principled, knowledgeable and confident to communicate in more than one language. Students will continue applying and developing communication skills learned in level foundation courses by using the four modalities of: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will also have an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of cultural aspects of the second language they are studying by doing readings, projects, and activities that will help them achieve cultural competence.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish Acquisition Foundation course or assessment of proficiency. Students in this course are phase 2/3.

Humanities 8

This is an MYP Year 3 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 8, 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 8

The middle school MYP science 3 program is an integrated study of life, physical and earth science. Through exploration of concepts in each of these areas, students will gain a better understanding of their world, how it works, and the manner in which it influences their daily lives. The aim of this integrated curriculum is to help students think scientifically, use scientific knowledge to make decisions about real world problems, and foster the development of creative thinking skills.

Math 8

Math is a living language that helps us to solve problems. The aim in grade 8 math is to inspire students to ask and then to find solutions to questions in unfamiliar contexts that are relevant to their lives and the world around them. Students are encouraged to talk, model, construct and write their mathematical thinking to not only find and present solutions but also to convince others of their validity. It is hoped that students develop the confidence to put their mathematical thinking into action.

Physical & Health Education 7/8

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 Circus Performance unit and learn how to build positive relationships and be an inclusive individual in our Health unit.

For Grade 7/8 Art & Design Electives please click here.