Middle School (6-8)
Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings, who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility - these three forces are the very nerve of education.
~ Rudolf Steiner
Grade 6
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The sixth grader is beginning adolescence and experiencing change in their own body, which is a perfect time to introduce the study of the physical body of the Earth (geology). They will study geological ages, minerals, rocks, rivers, and mountains. Their scientific study circles the globe, exploring oceans, continents, mountain ranges, and climate, and then expands to the solar system through the study of astronomy. History covers Ancient Rome and Medieval Europe, while Geography & Culture studies focus on Latin & South America.
Writing focuses on diagramming sentences, creative writing, outlining and exposition, and continued vocabulary and spelling tests. The sixth grader is introduced to Physics in the form of magnetism, heat, sound, and light. Mathematics delve into ratios, proportion, percentages, business math (interest, discounts, profit/loss), estimation, Geometry, and an introduction to Algebra.
Grade 7
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The seventh grader is heading toward adulthood, with the onset of puberty. Here, the curriculum nurtures their spirit of inquiry and creativity with a focus on discovery. Science plays heavily in the Middle School curriculum, with continued studies in Physics, Inorganic Chemistry, Human Physiology, and Nutrition. The Waldorf science curriculum includes hands-on experimentation, followed by discussion and scientific reporting. The seventh grader “discovers” combustion, mechanics, and electricity through teacher-led experimentation.
Discovery is also a theme in the subject of history, with the history of the African continent, tales of adventurers such as the Vikings, and biographies of historical figures such as Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla, Galileo, and Michelangelo. Grade seven mathematics enter into Algebra, roots and powers, graphing, and continued Geometry. Writing assignments become lengthier with research-based essays.
Grade 8
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The Waldorf journey culminates in eighth grade with a well-rounded understanding of human life on Earth and of our place in the universe. Modern history is covered, including political and industrial revolutions. Shakespeare and world folklore are brought in the form of reading assignments and plays. The eighth grader rounds out their knowledge of world cultures by studying Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. Writing turns to newspaper reporting, skits, and plays.
Science makes up half of the curriculum in the eighth grade, with a continuation of physics (hydraulics & aerodynamics), meteorology, human anatomy, and chemistry - all brought first in the form of hands-on experimentation. Mathematics delves deeper into Algebra, three-dimensional geometry, and the practical applications of these processes.
The eighth grade year culminates with two events: a year-long project presentation and a class trip. The 8th grade project at Swallowtail involves a deep study of a chosen skill with an expert, or mentor, in the field. Past skills include falconry, film-making, choreography, and making an Italian suit. These projects are presented to the student body and to the parents in the spring.
The 8th grade trip at the end of the year presents challenges and joyful opportunities for one last bonding experience before the students go to their next educational and developmental stage in high school.
The middle school years at Swallowtail offer a host of new and engaging opportunities for the emerging adolescent. An experiential curriculum expands the imagination, builds philosophical depth, develops astute observation, and creates artistic vision. Throughout middle school, Waldorf education prepares students for the broader world, gently guiding them towards social and environmental responsibility.
Middle school academics include a heavy focus on the sciences, including chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, geology, and human physiology. With the foundation of mathematics learned in the Lower School years, middle school math includes Geometry and Algebra. Art, music, Spanish, and handwork all build upon previous lessons, presenting more challenging projects to the students. Our Farm campus remains a constant for our middle school students, with regular visits and familiar work throughout the school year.
Detailed Curriculum
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Outdoor Education
Our middle school students still spend plenty of time outside every day. They play games of tag, basketball, and soccer during their two daily recesses. In class they might design and construct a new chicken coop, bake bread in the cob oven, or canoe across the flooded farm in mid-winter.
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Main Lesson Books
Our students create their own books, recording and illustrating in beautiful detail the lessons learned through their hands-on exploration or the stories shared by their teachers. Recent studies have shown the power of handwriting and drawing ideas when it comes to deepening understanding and improving retention.
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Humanities
Middle school students continue to learn through stories and artistic representation, but now the stories tell true histories, complete with important dates and figures. Theater, painting, charcoal, and clay work complement research papers, short essays, creative writing, and poetry.
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Math
Middle schoolers have a math specialty class three days per week, in addition to daily practice. This ensures a continuity of instruction, and allows for differentiated instruction. Students cover geometry, algebraic equations, graphing, business math, roots and powers, and practical applications.
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Handwork
Middle school handwork allows a greater scope for creativity as students design their own work. They make their own pattern to sew a stuffed animal, hand sew dolls & their clothes, and use a sewing machine to make their own pajamas and a class quilt. Woodworking and soap stone carving are often included as well.
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The Sciences
The sciences are taught through experimentation and observation. Students are guided through the scientific method, with time to wonder, observe, discuss their observations, and discover their own conclusions. Through this process, rigorous independent thinking and sound judgment are developed.
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Music
In middle school students learn to work together in harmonies and parts. This skill is honed in recorder music, with tenor, alto, base, and soprano recorders and in the middle school choir. Students are encouraged to compose their own work self-direct small ensembles.
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Spanish
Artistic expression remains a key element of the Spanish program in the middle school, but there is an increasing focus on grammar, written expression, and reading texts in Spanish. Spoken language is practiced both through impromptu conversations and planned presentations of work.
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Eurythmy
Eurythmy is a form of artistic expression unique to Waldorf education. It consists of choreographed movement accompanied by speech or music. At Swallowtail, students participate in Eurythmy blocks during the winter months, when farm days are paused.