The grade six health education program is a skills-based health education program. During 6th grade, students will be learning the skills of Decision-Making, Goal Setting, and Analyzing Influences. These skills are taught through the following content areas: nutrition, fitness, social emotional wellness, the effects of alcohol, drugs, vaping and tobacco use, and adolescent growth and development. Classes are designed to challenge students’ knowledge, stimulate creative thinking skills and enhance the understanding of social responsibilities. Students’ progress is noted through class discussions, class presentations, formative assessments, and end of unit assignments.
The seventh grade health education program is a skills-based curriculum, building upon the foundation of skills students have demonstrated in their previous health classes. Lessons foster skill development in Self-Management, Effective Communication, Accessing Information, and Advocacy. Each unit is created to help students build self-discipline and self-confidence, and each skill is taught through the context of health education content. Students in grade seven will study substance use prevention, adolescent growth and human reproduction, teasing and bullying prevention, social media use, cheating, and respectful relationships. Student progress is noted through group assessments of role-plays, research presentations, creative writing assignments, small and large group discussions, pre and post tests, class participation and self-assessments.
The eighth grade health education program builds on the concepts explored and skills developed in sixth and seventh grade. The curriculum is designed for students to further develop their skills of Self-Management, Accessing Valid Information about Health, Products and Services, Decision-Making to Enhance Health, and Advocacy for Personal, Family and Community Health. These skills are developed through the study of overall wellness, substance use prevention, mental illness, eating disorders, healthy relationships, nutrition, the reproductive system, sexually transmitted diseases and building a safe school community. Student assessment is achieved through self-assessments, reflective writing, pre and post-tests, group presentations and projects, class participation, written scenarios and class discussions.
*Information taken from the 2021-2022 'Blake Middle School Program of Studies'