Choice Classes

Coding 1 (semester)
Are you ready to jump into the world of coding and creativity? In this introductory course, you’ll tackle fun challenges like designing your own video games, creating virtual reality experiences, and trying out artificial intelligence tools. You’ll also get hands-on with scripted coding languages as you start building the core skills of computer science. This course is open to 7th and 8th graders and can only be taken once, so don’t miss your chance to explore, experiment, and create amazing digital projects!

Engineering: Automation & Robotics (semester)
Design, Build, and Program a Robot! Students use tools such as the engineering design process, an engineering notebook, and VEX Robotics® programming software to invent and innovate. Learn how creative thinking and problem solving can change your world! Automation and Robotics (AR) allows students to trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. This course is being offered in partnership with Project Lead the Way. This class may only be taken one time in 7th or 8th grade. For a video overview, click here

Intro to Band (fall semester only)
No prior experience necessary. Intro to Band is made up of seventh grade students who have not yet had instrumental playing experience or students who would benefit having added instruction before moving to 7th Grade Band. The pace of the curriculum moves quickly in order to allow students to graduate to 7th grade band at semester, so ample practice time is required outside of school. The student will learn the proper assembly and care for their instrument, as well as how to play with proper technique and sound on one of these listed instruments only: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba. When the student has mastered the required competencies and receives the approval of the instructor, they will immediately be placed into the 7th Grade Band as a full member. Students who do not meet the performance criteria by the end of the semester will be required to schedule another elective for the second semester. For a video overview, click here

7th Grade Band (full year) Prerequisite: 1 year instrumental experience required
7th Grade Band is made up of seventh grade students with at least one year of woodwind, brass, or percussion instrumental experience. Members of this ensemble are exposed to the elements needed for the production of a quality band sound as well as advanced technical skills. Students will perform as a full ensemble as well as have the opportunity to develop solo and small ensemble skills and participate in festivals and clinics. For a video overview, click here

7th Grade Orchestra (full year) Prerequisite: 1 year instrumental experience required
7th Grade Orchestra is made up of string players with at least one year of experience who wish to study music through performance, increase their individual performance skills, and participate in a large performing group. Musical skills learned in previous years are refined and new skills are introduced. Orchestra is a performance class which presents several concerts and participates in music festivals and clinics. 

Chamber Orchestra (full year)  Prerequisite: by audition
Chamber Orchestra is an advanced orchestra for students in 7th and 8th grade who have demonstrated great musical skill and ability by successfully passing an entrance audition for the class.  The audition process will take place during spring semester for the following school year.  Chamber Orchestra is a performance class that presents several concerts and participates in music festivals and clinics each year. 

Concert Choir (full year)
Concert Choir is an intermediate vocal music ensemble for students who have a passion for singing and a desire to improve their skills. Members of the Concert Choir will increase their existing knowledge of music theory, sight-singing, and choral performance skills. Students will perform a wide variety of music in at least two evening concerts during the year. For a video overview, click here. For a direct link to our Choir department webpage, click here. 

Drama 7/8 (semester)
This course is designed for students who are interested in theatre and may or may not have previous theatrical experience. This class is appropriate for students who thrive in a class with a quick pace and large variety of activities. Topics include an introduction to the stage itself, basic stage voice, movement, and character creation and more.  During this course, students will be introduced to the art of acting in order to develop an appreciation of the art and an understanding of how various acting techniques may be used to heighten one's awareness and as a tool for self-realization. For a video overview, click here

Musical Theatre 7/8 (semester)
Musical Theatre is designed to build upon the acting, singing, movement, and technical skills introduced in the 6th Grade Musical Theatre classes. 7th and 8th grade students will work in a collaborative setting toward the presentation and performance of a musical. Four phases of the theatrical process will be taught (Company skills, Auditions, Rehearsal, and Performance).  All class members will be in the cast of the show. For a video overview, click here

The class culminates in a required public performance at the end of the semester.  All class members will be in the cast of the show. The title of the 2026 - 2027 production will be Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. 

Intro to Technical Theatre (semester)
This semester-long course is designed for students interested in exploring the technical side of theatre production. The curriculum focuses on the key design elements that bring a production to life, including concept development, scenic design, lighting, costumes, makeup, and more. Introduction to Technical Theatre is a hands-on course that encourages students to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative. Students will gain practical experience through various projects, with the opportunity to apply their skills to productions from the Wydown Theatre Company, whenever possible. This course is ideal for those who thrive in a creative, team-oriented environment and wish to learn the intricacies of theatrical design and production. For a video overview, click here

Visual Art 7 (semester)
Ready to level up your creativity? In 7th Grade Art, students start the year with Art Recharge—a fast-paced creative warm-up where we revisit key materials and techniques while exploring new challenges in design, texture, and expression. Whether you’re new to art or coming back for round two, you’ll experiment, collaborate, and rediscover your artistic spark through short projects and skill challenges that get the ideas flowing. After your creative recharge, we’ll dive into exciting 2D and 3D projects that explore how artists use the Principles of Design to communicate ideas and emotions. You’ll study contemporary artists, experiment across multiple materials (collage, ink, digital, clay, and more), and complete a series of artworks that showcase your personal style and growing skill set. Weekly sketchbook warm-ups and a digital portfolio help you track progress and share your best work. Get ready to take your creativity—and confidence—to the next level!

French 7 (full year) Prerequisite: French 6 at Wydown or placement test and teacher approval.
In this continuation of 6th-grade French, students build on the basics from the previous year, expanding their ability to communicate in everyday situations. Throughout the course, students will learn to navigate key cultural and practical topics such as ordering food at a French restaurant, shopping, and discussing household chores and rooms in the house. They'll also examine how to travel around town, identify important locations, and book a hotel—all while developing essential conversational skills. Grammar concepts such as regular and irregular verbs in the present and past tense, will be reinforced through speaking, listening, and writing exercises. In addition to language learning, students will explore French culture by studying a specific region of France throughout the year. Through research, projects, and presentations, they will discover the unique traditions, cuisine, landmarks, and history of their chosen region, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of French culture.

Spanish 7 (full year) Prerequisite: Spanish 6 at Wydown or placement test and teacher approval.
The Spanish 7 curriculum is a continuation of the sixth grade Spanish program. Students may continue their study of Spanish in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. 

The focus will continue to be on common conversational topics as well as cultural concepts. In class, students will perform skits, complete projects and participate in other hands-on activities. An increasing emphasis will be placed on grammatical structures through conversation and writing. Topics of study will include a review unit, house and party planning, sports and health, and amusement parks, and planning and taking a vacation. Cultural components are taught throughout the year, focusing on Hispanics in the US, as well as the varying Spanish-speaking countries. We will read at least one novel in 7th grade Spanish.

Chinese 7 (full year)
The Chinese curriculum at Wydown is designed as a two-year sequence beginning in the seventh grade and continuing through eighth grade. Successful completion combined with teacher recommendation would make a student eligible for Level II Chinese at Clayton High School.

Chinese 7 will introduce the students to the basic components of Mandarin Chinese through theme-based content and hands-on activities. Pinyin Romanization, simplified forms of Chinese characters, basic grammar patterns as well as functional everyday expressions will be taught within the living context of Chinese culture. Topics will start from self-introduction and develop to students' immediate surroundings such as school, family and daily life. Cultural components will be taught through movies, video clips, songs, crafts, festival celebrations and geographic context. The ultimate goal is to motivate students to become interested in and committed to the learning of Chinese language and culture.