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Art 8
This is an advanced art course with an exploration of different materials, both 2-D and 3-D. There is a focus on drawing, painting, collage, digital manipulation and mixed media. Experimentation and extended-length assignments are emphasized. Projects and exercises are intended to serve as outlets for creative self-expression. Historical and cultural aspects, as well as the relevance of other disciplines are explored through connections made in the MYP program. Students take part in constructive critiques. They also reflect upon their creative experiences in brief writing assignments. All work is challenging yet fun. Every student has the opportunity to succeed!
Band or Orchestra 8
The Instrumental Music Program at West Hills Middle School is a sequential program designed to teach the student to play a band or orchestral instrument through the intermediate level. Students are given instruction in the areas of performance, music literacy, listening, analysis, and music history. During this process, students will learn to make connections between music of different cultures, and other disciplines.
Each instrument is demonstrated to students. Instruction is given in the history and technology of the instrument, the care of the instrument, and the fundamentals of playing the instrument. Students learn to read and identify notes and perform them on their instrument. The aim is for students to play with a characteristic tone using correct articulations, phrasing, and dynamics. Instruction is given in rhythmic reading with attention given to understanding of time signatures. Instruction is given for students to understand musical terminology, key signature, scales, and ensemble skills. Students perform as soloists, and as an ensemble, and in both settings experience the necessary steps to achieve excellence. They will leave West Hills ready for their high school experience, as the skills to enable them to be life-long learners and lovers of music.
Ceramics & Sculpture
This course focuses on creating 3-D works of art. There is an emphasis on ceramics, but projects may also include sculpture, jewelry/metals, model building and mosaic as time permits. Students have an opportunity to learn about all three clay hand-building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab construction. Students learn about related careers. Projects and exercises are intended to serve as outlets for creative self-expression. Historical and cultural aspects, as well as the relevance of other disciplines are explored through connections made in the MYP program. Students take part in constructive critiques. They also reflect upon their creative experiences in brief writing assignments. All work is challenging yet fun. Every student has the opportunity to succeed!
Choir 8
Everyone can sing! Each choir student has the opportunity to explore and develop his or her abilities. Building on the foundation of the elementary music curriculum, emphasis is on fundamental music skills, basic theory, notation, and sight singing, singing on pitch, and singing in parts. Vocal skills and choral ensemble skills are high priorities. Students will develop an appreciation for the arts, gain and refine musical skills, and contribute positively to the musical team.
Drama 8
Students gain confidence with the exposure of performing in class. Their skills in front of an audience expand in acting, pantomime, movement, and memorization. Script writing and directing are explored. Students learn stage terminology and stage directions. They memorize and perform roles. Students may be able to earn the opportunity to perform in a play.
Drawing & Painting
This course focuses on drawing, painting and mixed media. Extended-length assignments are emphasized. Projects and exercises are intended to serve as outlets for creative self-expression. Historical and cultural aspects, as well as the relevance of other disciplines are explored through connections made in the MYP program. Students take part in constructive critiques. They reflect upon their creative experiences in brief writing assignments. All work is challenging yet fun. Every student has the opportunity to succeed!
French 8
This course is a continuation of French 7 and meets every day. Students will expand their thematic vocabulary, and practice their listening and speaking skills. They will build upon their basic grammatical concepts, such as adjective agreement and the conjugation of irregular verbs. Assessments include written tests, dialogues, and projects. MYP units explore the Areas of Interaction with a focus on cultural influences. Students read and perform a short play during a final unit of study.
In order to qualify for an MYP certificate at the end of grade 10, students must take the same Language B class (French or Spanish) in grades 6 - 10.
Multimedia
This course focuses mainly on creating works of art digitally. There is an emphasis on digital photography and photo manipulation using computer software, as well as mixed media as time permits. This course focuses heavily on careers in the commercial arts. Projects and exercises are intended to serve as outlets for creative self-expression. Historical and cultural aspects, as well as the relevance of other disciplines are explored through connections made in the MYP program. Students take part in constructive critiques. They reflect upon their creative experiences in brief writing assignments. All work is challenging yet fun. Every student has the opportunity to succeed!
Music Theatre
This workshop type course explores the art form of the American Musical. Students study how the Musical reflects the culture of America. They make historical connections between the time period of the musical and the performance on stage. They also make production decisions based on the their study of characters and storyline. Students use the vehicle of the musical production to build relationships and learn to respect others. As the semester progresses, each student is involved in singing, acting and dancing as a part of the final production. This is a fantastic class for the 8 th graders before they move on to high school.
Spanish 8
Spanish at the eighth grade level reinforces all the necessary tools for effective communication. Students learn more advanced language learning skills. They become increasingly more aware of how language is created and how languages affect each other. Students add to their knowledge of Hispanic culture, customs and traditions using the text Exprésate and its supplementary materials. They learn how the contributions of famous Hispanics have helped to shape our society, through art, music, politics, education and sports. One highlight of this year’s Spanish study is a luncheon at a Spanish restaurant, including a salsa and flamenco lesson.
In order to qualify for an MYP certificate at the end of grade 10, students must take the same Language B class (French or Spanish) in grades 6 - 10.
Intro Architectural Drafting
Students learn basic drafting processes and techniques in this course. They learn to use drafting instruments and equipment to make mechanical and basic architectural drawings on paper. Learning to draw is an important aspect of this course. Students create precision drawings, and learn about practical applications in the areas of construction and residential building. All projects are challenging, enjoyable, and all students have the ability to excel.
Design Technology
In this course students expand their creativity and work more independently, using the technology skills they develop in the introductory courses. They learn to choose appropriate tools and materials for their work. Students make choices through independent research on a topic. Students learn to recognize different methods of making the same product and how to apply the appropriate materials and techniques. Students develop proficiency in machine use, shop practices and safety. By the end of the course, students gain confidence and work safely using a variety of tools. They work in groups, problem solve, participate in group assessments as well as self-assessments. All work is detailed and enjoyable. This course allows all students to succeed.
Woodworking
Students expand their creativity, work independently and use the technology and woodworking skills they acquired from the introductory courses. They learn to choose appropriate tools and materials for their work. Students make choices regarding independent projects, including planning and layout. They learn to recognize different methods of making the same product and how to select the appropriate techniques including finishing methods. By the end of the course, students gain confidence and work safely using a variety of tools. They work in groups, problem solve, participate in group assessments as well as self-assessments. All work is detailed, yet enjoyable. This course allows all students to succeed.
Nutrition and Foods
Nutrition and Foods promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of students. Students work on many interdisciplinary units linking practical learning skills to the world around them. Units include safety/sanitation, foreign foods, cake decorating, nutrition and food evaluations and hands-on practical lab experiences. The final project consists of a breakfast planned by students for their parents. Students investigate, plan, and evaluate a community service project. All students make lifelong learning connections and participate in various career exploration experiences.
Contemporary Clothing
Emphasis is on selection, purchase, use, and care through clothing construction that meets individual needs and interests. Students develop practical skills through the creation of various projects. The course encourages awareness of the impact of technology on society and the environment. Fashion design and career development are incorporated.
Physical Education 8
All sixth, seventh and eighth grade students participate in the Physical Education Program. Students participate in a variety of team and individual sports experiences. Emphasis is on teamwork, physical development, and social growth. Students learn to respect competition while gaining knowledge and skills of lifelong activities. Students are assessed through national fitness norms, daily participation, effort, and written reflections. Units of Study include Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Cross Country Running, Basketball, Pickle ball, Volleyball, Floor Hockey, Team Handball, Badminton, Wall Climbing, Presidential Physical Fitness, Writing Reflections, Kickball, and Flag Football
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