Choice Classes

Coding 1 (semester)     Can only be taken once in 7th OR 8th grade
In this introductory course, students will explore coding through a variety of challenges including, but not limited to, programming video games, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Students will be exposed to scripted coding languages and will begin developing foundational computer science skills. This course is offered to seventh and eighth graders and may only be taken once.

Coding 2 (semester) Prerequisite: Coding 1     Can only be taken once in 7th OR 8th grade
Do you want to design, code and play your own mobile apps? This class will investigate activities in a more in-depth manner to problem solve, explore current social trends and career awareness. Activites will include mobile app development, soldering, and artificial intelligence that merge creativity and technology. This course will prepare students for high school and beyond who want to advance their computer science skills. This class is being offered in partnership with Project Lead the Way. The course is open to seventh and eighth graders and may only be taken once. Coding 1 is a prerequiste for this class. 

Engineering: Automation & Robotics (semester)     Can only be taken once in 7th OR 8th grade
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

Digital Storytelling (semester)     Can only be taken once in 7th OR 8th grade
Digital storytelling is an innovative way to share your stories with the world using a combination of photos, videos, and words. In this class, you will learn how to create digital stories that are engaging and captivating, using the right words and visuals to convey your message.

You will be introduced to photography and videography, learning to capture moments that tell a story and evoke emotions. 

Basic FACS (semester)     Can only be taken once in 7th OR 8th grade
This class is an exploratory instructional program designed to teach basic skills in food preparation, babysitting skills and safety, hand sewing and machine sewing. Laboratory experiences, hands-on activities, and the use of technology in each area of study will emphasize the application of life skills. Individual sewing projects made by hand and by machine will be completed. Students working in small groups will learn food preparation, safety and how to follow a recipe. This class is designed for 7th and 8th grade students. This course is offered to seventh and eighth graders and may only be taken once. For a video overview, click here

8th Grade Band (full year) Prerequisite: 1 year instrumental experience required
Symphonic Band is made up of eighth grade students with at least one year of woodwind, brass, or percussion instrumental experience or director approval. Members will refine earlier developed skills through a variety of rehearsal techniques designed to encourage the students' growth. 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.

8th Grade Orchestra (full year) Prerequisite: 2 years instrumental experience required
8th Grade Orchestra is made up of string players with at least two years of experience or director approval that 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 that presents several concerts and participates in music festivals and clinics each year.

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)     Can be taken in BOTH 7th &  8th grade
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. All Concert Choir students will audition for the WMS Chamber Choir in January for the following school year. Students in Concert Choir will have the opportunity to participate in Day of Choirs (our elementary school tour) in the fall and a music festival (overnight trip) in the spring. For a video overview, click here. For a direct link to our Choir department webpage, click here. 

Drama (semester)     Can be taken in BOTH 7th &  8th grade
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

Intro to Technical Theatre (semester)     Can be taken in BOTH 7th &  8th grade
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

Intro to Speech & Debate (semester)     Can be taken in BOTH 7th &  8th grade
This course is designed for those students interested in building effective communications skills. Work will include mechanics of effective speaking, argumentation, effective questioning techniques, multimedia presentations, persuasion, and exploration of the impact of instant communication. In addition, issues such as self-concept and biased perceptions in our society will be studied, along with their impact on successful communication. For a video overview, click here

Visual Arts 8 (semester)
Building on 7th visual art, students will develop fundamental and advanced art-making skills in drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, and clay media. This class encourages students to recognize and appreciate the diversity of artistic expressions that exist in the world while exploring diverse themes including ones that help us understand the multiple purposes art serves in our lives.. If time allows, students will take a field trip to engage with art in a gallery/museum setting or through a visiting artist. Student voice and choice is encouraged and valued in this course; students have a lot of choice in the ideas they choose to express as we follow a choice-based art teaching model. Students completing this course will grow a passion for art and be prepared to tackle more advanced art in later schooling. 

Fiber Art (semester)     Can be taken in BOTH 7th &  8th grade
This is the ultimate “hands on” class! Depending on which cycle of the course, fiber artists will learn to work with various techniques and media such as: embroidery, tie-dye, soft sculpture building techniques, needle felting, fabric collage, batik, paper-mache, weaving, crochet, printmaking, photo transfers, and more. Student voice and choice is encouraged and valued; students have a lot of choice in the ideas they choose to express in their art as we follow a choice-based art teaching model. This course cultivates an appreciation for artists and cultures from all over the world. Students learn how artists have taken this medium to express important ideas about identity, society, and culture and how they can do the same within their own artwork. Fiber Art is available to 7th and 8th grade students. Each year will be a different set of projects so students can take the class two years in a row and have a different experience. 

Literacy Lab: Reading & Writing Workshop (semester)     Can be taken in each grade
Literacy Lab is a workshop based class where students will set individual literacy goals AND have time to read and or write around topics/genres/authors of their choice while growing as a reader and writer.

That’s right! You can have a chance to read and write about topics of your choice in a variety of genres, like graphic novels, vlogs, songs, as well as more traditional genres such as mysteries, realistic fiction and memoir. Whether you LOVE to read and write or would LIKE to learn how to enjoy it more, Literacy Lab can provide that opportunity!

Students in this class should be able to work at some level of independence. As both readers and writers, you'll serve as a ""lit leader"" at WMS. 

French 8 (full year) Prerequisite: French 7 at Wydown or placement test and teacher approval.
This course is a continuation of 6th and 7th grade, building on foundational language skills while diving deeper into practical and cultural topics. Students will explore themes such as holidays and celebrations, shopping at French markets and stores, following basic French recipes and discussing daily routines and childhood memories. Through these themes, students will expand their vocabulary and conversational abilities in real-life contexts. Grammar study includes key verb tenses such as the past tense (passé composé) and the imperfect (imparfait), as well as reflexive verbs. These grammatical concepts will help students express themselves more fluently in French, enabling them to talk about events in the past and describe ongoing actions or habits. 8th grade French emphasizes writing, speaking, listening, and reading comprehension, preparing students to communicate in French on familiar topics. 6th and 7th grade French, or an entry exam with teacher approval is a prerequisite for this class.  

Spanish 8 (full year) Prerequisite: Spanish 7 at Wydown or placement test and teacher approval.
The Spanish 8 curriculum is a continuation of the Spanish 7 program.
Successful completion combined with teacher recommendation would make a student eligible for Honors 8th Grade Spanish at Clayton High School. Spanish 8 students will continue to strengthen their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Most of the class will be conducted in Spanish. Students will perform skits and complete projects throughout the course. Topics of study will include travel, talking about past vacations, The World Cup, daily routines and making plans, clothes and shopping, at the market, legends and stories, preparing and describing food, and ordering meals in a restaurant. Cultural units focus on Costa Rica, Argentina, Puerto Rico, ancient and modern Mexico, and Spain. We will read one novel in Spanish each semester as a class.

Chinese 8 (full year) Prerequisite: Chinese 7 at Wydown or placement test and teacher approval.
The Chinese 8 curriculum is a continuation of the Chinese 7 program.
In this course, students expand their language skills beyond talking about their families and school life. They will learn how to talk about things they use in daily life (school supplies, sports equipment, etc.), how to talk about recreational activities and describe the places where they live. Cultural components will include Chinese poems, proverbs and idioms, music and movies, recreational activities, provinces and major cities. Students will be expected to comprehend most of the essential aspects of modern Chinese grammar and to communicate in real life situations related to the above topics.  Successful completion combined with teacher recommendation would make a student eligible for Level II Chinese at Clayton High School.