Arts Electives

Intro to Drama (Semester) Grades 7-8

An introduction to theatre as a performing art. Students learn improvisational skills, explore comedy and drama through movement and vocal techniques for the stage. They will begin basic script analysis, scene work, and even get to write and direct drama. In this class, students are up on their feet exploring and engaging with their peers in a safe and fun environment!

Advanced Drama (Semester) Prerequisite - Intro to Drama

Continue to enhance skills provided in Intro to Drama. Students move towards developing scene work in different styles and periods of theatre. Students will perform an array of theatre disciplines ranging from Shakespeare to modern improv comedy! 

Studio Art (Semester - Levels 1,2,3)

Studio art is a tier instruction-based elective that allows for students at every level to join the class and learn. Students will explore the elements of art. Some of the class units include drawing, collage, painting, and sculpture. As students complete projects throughout each semester, they will be exposed to more complex concepts that will allow them to deepen their understanding of artistic techniques and dive into the principles of design. Each semester students will have the opportunity to explore and use conventional objects in nonconventional ways and learn core curriculum concepts in an artistic way.

Sports Leadership (Application Only)

Students will learn and develop their leadership skills through sport. This will involve designing, planning and delivering lessons to classmates, elementary school students and students from the Hogar. Students will also organize and facilitate various sports tournaments for Middle School students to participate in. 

Bloodiest Century

We will study World Wars I and II, the Cold War, the struggles for human rights, economic depressions, poverty, the drug trade, genocide and international law, surreal art and skyscraper architecture, the Moon landings, mock trials, the fall of empires, pop culture dance, music and movies, existential philosophy, and terrorism.  And maybe even...take a trip at the end of the year to Washington, D.C.! Note that enrolment priority is given to Grade 8 students.  Together we will discover what you want to know about the bloodiest century in the history of humanity - the 20th century.  Let’s have fun exploring momentous stories about epic times.  

JMUN

Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) is a way to connect to global situations around the world that include past, present and possible future events. This course will help students learn the skills necessary to speak in public, gain confidence in their opinion and create a sense of community service. Based on research, students will be able to have the passion of being able to find the best agreement between parties, committees or countries to solve world wide, or national issues. Using English and Spanish at the same time to develop bilingual skills will also aid in the educational growth for a better future.

Creative Writing

Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised to grow. In this creative writing course, students will flex their creativity as they use the writing process to explore a variety of genres that include poetry, short stories, screenplays, and journaling. Creative writing students will: 

• Brainstorm, plan, draft, revise, edit and publish a short story

• Give and receive feedback in a writers circle

• Provide input to help guide the direction of the course based on student interest

• With help from the teacher, execute an independent creative writing project

Escritura Creativa (Instructed in Spanish)

Escribir narrativa corta, seguir la estructura de los textos escritos en español y temáticas contemporáneas. 

Middle School Public Relations (MSPR)

Students work collaboratively to brainstorm, plan, rehearse, and present middle school assemblies, a weekly update video (the WAU!), MS hallways bulletin boards, and other information-sharing and morale-boosting initiatives as needed. 

Overview of Colombian History

 An overview of Colombian History for Spanish Language Learners.

Overview of United States History

A broad overview of United States History.

Journalism

Students in this course will work to keep track of the amazing events of CNG and the Middle School and publish monthly news for the middle school.  Are you interested in writing articles, taking photos, and putting information out for the student body to enjoy? Join the Journalism class for an exciting time!

World Religions (Instructed in Spanish)

This course explores the great masters and select readings of the world's major religions. Ancient religious traditions and their influence on history, art, culture, and society will be studied. The focus will be on seeking commonalities and how beliefs develop creativity, health, spirituality, and a sense of purpose. Note: This class will be taught in Spanish.