Students in Grade Eight receive instruction in religion, english language arts and reading, math, Science and social studies. The following are the summaries of the curriculum covered in each of these subject areas.
Religion
Confirmation Text – Chosen. Ascension Press, 2016.
The highlight of the curriculum will be the preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation. In addition, in the first trimester the history of the Church that was willed, founded and built by Christ will be studied. The goal of this course will be to help the students appreciate the ways in which the Holy Spirit has guided and sustained the Church through good and bad times in fidelity to the message and mission of Jesus Christ. The curriculum also will include the study of morality. Students will explore the formation of conscience and moral decision making as followers of Christ, and learn to recognize the Church as the authentic teacher of the manner in which all are to live in the world. The students will be presented with Jesus and the saints as heroes and models for living a life that is happy, free and fully human. An in depth study of the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the virtues, and the Precepts of the Church will be included.
English Language Arts
Text – Vocabulary Workshop Level D. Sadlier 2012.
Text – Language and Literacy. Prentice Hall, 2010.
Text – Voyages in English. Loyola Press, 2011.
The course of study continues and expands on the Seventh Grade curriculum. The development of effective communication skills in both speaking and writing will b e emphasized. In addition to reading two to three novels, student will be encouraged to read non-fiction pieces. A variety of writing pieces, some of which will require research and/or a technological component will be required. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect on writing pieces which will be compiled in a portfolio.
Vocabulary enrichment based on Common Core Standards as well as standardized test taking tips will be emphasized in the first trimester.
Math
Text – Algebra 1. Prentice Hall Mathematics, 2007.
The curriculum will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulation and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Science
Text – Earth Science. Glencoe McGraw Hill, 2008.
The course of study will be Earth Science. Students will cover astronomy, geology, oceanography, and energy.
Social Studies
Text — The American Journey. Glencoe McGraw Hill, 2002.
American History will be the course of study. Beginning with the Civil War and Reconstruction, all aspects of our nation’s development up to modern day America will be examined. Students will focus on political and social events, as well as the geographical and cultural dimensions of our country.
Additional Information
Students in Grade Eight also attend classes in art, technology, library, music, Spanish and physical education. For a program description in these subjects, please click on the corresponding menu item at the top of the page.
For a description of the Curriculum Guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit the website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education .