Electives

Table of Contents

PERFORMING ARTS

Required concert attire for music ensembles: 

Uniform concert dress is required for all ensemble performances. Concert dress consists of solid white shirts with long sleeves and man-tailored collars (no ties) and black slacks or long skirts (legs must be covered). Shirts/blouses are to be tucked in. Dark dress shoes should be worn. 

662 BAND 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

YEAR COURSE 

Band is offered for sixth grade students who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Membership is limited to these instruments. In order to be eligible for Band 6, students must have studied their instrument for at least one year prior to joining. The Band's repertoire is drawn from contemporary band literature and transcriptions from the classical repertoire. Band students can look forward to several public performances each year.  Private instrumental lessons are strongly recommended for all Middle School band members. Attendance and participation at performances are a required part of this course. Continuous membership is strongly recommended for those planning to play in High School band ensembles.

660 CHORUS 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

YEAR COURSE 

The choral experience at the sixth grade level is designed to meet the needs of the young, developing singer. Elements of ensemble performance technique are taught through unison, rounds, and two-part singing. Repertoire is drawn from folk, classical, and contemporary literature designed to teach beginning skills in tone production, breath support, phrasing, blend, music reading, and rhythmic accuracy.  The chorus performs at regularly scheduled school concerts throughout the year; attendance and participation at concerts is required. Continuous membership is strongly recommended for those wanting to sing in High School vocal ensembles. 

664 ORCHESTRA 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

YEAR COURSE 

Students who play the violin, viola, cello, and string bass participate in Orchestra that is designed specifically to meet the needs of string players in grade 6. Membership is limited exclusively to these instruments. In order to be eligible for Orchestra 6, students must have studied their instrument for at least one year prior to joining.

Repertoire for the Orchestra is primarily drawn from the Baroque and Classical periods, but music from later stylistic periods is also performed. The Orchestra performs at regularly scheduled school concerts throughout the year; attendance and participation at concerts is required. Students may also participate in a concert off campus. Private lessons are strongly recommended.

666 DRAMA 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

SEMESTER COURSE 

In Grade 6 Drama, students are exposed to the elements of theatre and overall theatre appreciation. Students learn stage terminology as well as how to properly use their given instruments of Voice, Body and Emotion.  Through a variety of fun and engaging group-based lessons, students will discover that theatre is accessible for all in terms of building confidence and working collaboratively.  Storytelling and story structure are also important elements of the 6th grade Drama program. 

CLASSICAL AND MODERN LANGUAGES

028 AROUND THE WORLD 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

SEMESTER COURSE 

In an interactive, hands-on setting, students will explore and experience various features of world cultures spanning the globe. Exposure will involve reading, listening, dancing, art, individual research and cuisine, among other activities. The class aims to guide students toward respectful consideration of the world around them, both near and far.

SUPPORT CLASSES

READING / WRITING

074/077 READING 6

THREE/SIX BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

The Grade 6 Reading course targets word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension skills and strategies for students with needs in those areas. Students have opportunities to build fluency through reading appropriately leveled texts. Placement in the Reading course is a result of recommendations from literacy specialists in consultation with school counselors. Grouping in Reading is a dynamic process. The composition of groups may change periodically to accommodate student needs.

MATHEMATICS

020A MATH WORKSHOP 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

YEAR COURSE 

The Grade 6 Math Workshop provides extra support to students who are enrolled in a regular mathematics course.  It targets computational skills and foundational concepts in math for students with significant needs in those areas.  Students have opportunities to build skills proficiency and strong conceptual understanding of fundamental mathematical ideas through a variety of classroom and computer-based activities.  The workshop teacher may also provide some support for the students' regular mathematics work, as time permits. Placement in this course is by the recommendation of the classroom teacher in consultation with specialists, the school counselor, and parents.

ENGLISH LEARNERS

197 ENGLISH LEARNERS (EL) 6

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE 

YEAR COURSE 

The English Language Development course is designed to provide support services to our English Language Learners.  The course targets essential academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills needed for academic success.  Students have the opportunity to practice and develop language-based academic skills so they can participate meaningfully in their content area classrooms.  Participation is determined by an English language proficiency assessment.

METCO

009 METCO WORKSHOP

THREE BLOCKS PER CYCLE

It is necessary that each student in the METCO Program sign up for a semester of METCO Workshop.

Please be aware that in order for a student to take this course, he/she must take it during an elective block for one semester.  This means it must be included in the grid of electives on the course selection sheet. (There is an exception for Band or Orchestra. Students may drop an elective or special.)

The METCO Workshop Class is an affinity class for all sixth grade Boston students. Boston students have a unique experience that only they share. Having this class in the sixth grade is intentional. We have found that one of the most challenging times happen as students enter the middle school. Some of the challenges are around academic skills, racial identity, self-esteem, stereotypes and relationship building.

In this class students will build academic skills, be empowered to advocate for themselves, build relationships, and gain a sense of security. Being a successful METCO Student requires both dedication and hard work. This course helps them to understand and maintain this demanding commitment to their education.