5324 Murray Lane
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615)472-4250
Brentwood Middle School
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8th Grade Fifth Academic Choices (2008-2009)
Eighth grade students have the opportunity to choose one fifth academic class as part of their course of study. Fifth academic classes are not the same as Related Arts classes. They are year-long classes and are treated as academic classes with many of them giving semester and final exams. Students may also elect to attend a language class at Brentwood High School. However, students who request these classes must qualify for the class and have a good disciplinary record. Seats for these classes are often limited and many students who request these classes may not have their request met.
HIGH SCHOOL FOREIGN LANGUAGE: (THESE ARE OFFERED AT BHS)
Latin: This course is an introduction to the language that forms the basis for many modern languages. It includes vocabulary and syntax studies as well as the study of the culture and civilization of Rome. Students should be enrolled in honors English classes with a B average.
German: This course is an introduction to the German language and the culture of German-speaking countries. Students learn the basic vocabulary encountered in everyday interactions in a German-speaking country. Topics include greetings and introductions, hobbies, family members, school, food, shopping, and entertainment. The four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are emphasized, and students are encouraged to speak German daily in class. An e-mail pen pal exchange with our partner class allows students to interact with German peers.
French: This course emphasizes the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as learning essential grammar and expressions needed to communicate. Cultural topics covered include greetings, high school life, home and family, health, and leisure time. Tapes and videos are used to enhance instruction.
ADDITIONAL FIFTH ACADEMIC CHOICES: (THESE ARE OFFERED AT BMS)
High School Spanish: In this class, students will develop the four basic skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Spanish. They will study cultural topics and present information that will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied and demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own. These students can earn high school credit upon completion of this class.
Middle School Spanish: Students will cover many of the same topics as those studied in the high school Spanish course; however, the pace will be not be as demanding. This class is designed to prepare students for Spanish I at the high school level.
Chorus: Students learn to exercise proper singing techniques including posture, breathing, sound production, vowel formation, and vocal health. They build note-reading skills through the use of solfege (do-re-mi) as well as note names. They apply these skills to learn pieces of choral music incorporating all kinds of musical notation. Students study and perform choral music from a variety of styles, time periods, and cultures. They are encouraged not only to become musicians, singing and interpreting music on their own, but also to work together as a team, balancing and blending the sound for a unified performance. Performance opportunities include a mass chorus event, honors choir, choral festivals, and local concerts.
Jazz Band: This class is open to all students currently enrolled in the 8th grade band. (Special permission may be granted to those students not in the 8th grade band who play piano, rhythm guitar, and bass guitar.) This class will concentrate on the basic articulations and scales necessary in playing jazz. Special attention will also be given in the areas of jazz improvisation. This ensemble will perform at all regular band performances (4) and one “Jazz and Java” Concert in May. There will be a minimum of two extra-curricular afternoon rehearsals in preparation for the “Jazz and Java” Concert.
Art: Studio 8 Art is an intensive, year-long studio experience which begins with drawing, using Betty Edward’s Drawing On the Right Side of the Brain. Students then experience creative expression while strengthening observational skills using a variety of media, including painting, sculpting, printmaking, and graphic design.
Study Hall: Improving study skills will be a main priority for those students who choose study hall. Students enrolled in study hall will be required to use their time wisely to complete assignments. They will also be graded based on their cooperation and their willingness to follow study hall guidelines.