Grades 5-8 Core Curriculum

Students with exceptional experience or ability in mathematics or foreign language are  placed in the course(s) which best match their level of achievement, regardless of grade level. 

The Grades 5-8 English program develops students’ skills in instruction in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking and listening through a cohesive, student-centered curriculum. Students engage with a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, exploring a range of cultures, perspectives, and genres. Emphasis is placed on strengthening reading comprehension, literary analysis, and critical thinking, with core texts and class discussions providing opportunities for collaboration, curiosity, and deeper interpretation. 

Writing instruction is grounded in the writing process, with students planning, drafting, revising, and editing across a range of writing tasks. Over time, they build increasing clarity and control in sentence structure, paragraph and essay development, research skills, and both creative and analytical writing, as well as the accurate use of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Students learn to express ideas clearly and confidently through both written and oral communication, including speeches, discussions, and dramatic or performance-based activities. 

Library skills are integrated throughout the year in collaboration with the librarian, who supports students in developing research strategies, evaluating sources, and navigating both print and digital resources.  

The  Language Arts course strengthens English reading and writing skills through focused work on comprehension, composition, grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Students also develop skills such as organizational strategies, time management, and task completion to support their academic success and preparation for additional language studies. Language Arts is taken in addition to English and takes the place of a modern language. Selection of this course is made in consultation with parents and teachers. 

The Mathematics program develops students’ numerical fluency, problem-solving abilities, and conceptual understanding as they progress from foundational math to algebraic and geometric thinking. Students are placed in appropriately challenging courses based on placement assessments, previous performance, and teacher recommendations, ensuring each learner receives the right level of support and challenge. Students strengthen core skills in whole number operations, fractions, decimals, ratios, percent, measurement, and geometry, while gradually expanding into expressions, equations, functions, and introductory algebraic concepts. Problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and real-world applications are emphasized at every level, with word problems and mental-math strategies used to build confidence and flexible thinking. Some students may be accelerated into Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, or Geometry, based on readiness, allowing them to earn high school credit and progress at their own pace in Mathematics. At the end of the school year, students have the opportunity to prepare for placement tests for the next sequential mathematics course. Successful completion of the placement test may lead to students advancing by one additional grade level for the following school year. 

The TASIS Science program in Grades 5-8 follows an integrated science model and draws many of its resources from the Amplify Science program. Each year-long course includes multiple instructional units, integrating earth and space science, life science, physical science, and/or engineering within each curriculum unit. The course is a blend of hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities,  and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers.  Each science course also supports the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts through the application of standards for nonfiction reading, writing, and presentation skills. 

The History & Social Studies program develops students’ understanding of past and present societies through active learning, inquiry, and project‑based exploration. Students study a range of world civilizations and historical eras, using both chronological and thematic approaches to build a broad, global perspective. Current issues and geography are woven throughout the curriculum to help students connect historical ideas to the modern world. Students strengthen key historical thinking skills, including analyzing primary and secondary sources, recognizing cause and effect, identifying continuity and change, and constructing evidence‑based arguments. Research, note‑taking, debate, and clear written and oral expression are emphasized as students learn to interpret history and communicate their understanding with confidence. 

The Modern Languages program fosters cultural understanding, as well as language acquisition. In class, primarily using the direct method approach (sole use of the target language), the emphasis is placed on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Cross-cultural understanding also takes center stage in order to help our students to better understand diversity and become more principled and open-minded while being part of a global community. Throughout the year, students learn vocabulary and grammar associated with different units of study. School, family, environment, pastimes, traveling, social/political issues, and advertising are some of the many examples explored in the classes. 

The Grades 5-8 modern languages program offers instruction in French or Spanish, each in four ability levels.  Each student is placed according to ability level and prior experience in the study of the target language. Students continuing at TASIS England follow the natural progression of courses upon the successful completion of each course. Students new to TASIS England will take a placement test if necessary. Some students may take English as an Additional Language or Language Arts instead of a language if reinforcement of English skills is needed.