Curriculum » Upper School

Philosophy

Hampstead Academy strives to create a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and dynamic. Our Upper School features an integrated curriculum that goes beyond the National Standards in an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Students are challenged to engage in the world around them, and become active participants in their communities.

Grades 6-8

Mathematics The Mathematics curriculum in the Upper School helps students develop the ability to solve problems and reason logically. Our core texts, published by Prentice Hall (Course 1, 2, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I) are designed to expand student knowledge of numbers, computation, estimation, measurement, geometry, statistics, probability, patterns, functions, problem solving and algebraic concepts. Real world problems, hands on exercises, and technology are at the core of this curriculum. Classroom activities provide students with opportunities to work individually and in groups. The program is supplemented with challenges, skills reinforcement, Math-a-thon, brainteasers, MathCounts and Math League competitions, games, math videos and challenges, math magazines, and Smartboard activities.

Language Arts The Language Arts program is a synthesis of reading and writing that provides our students with exposure to a variety of literary styles. In studying both classical and contemporary authors, students discuss the timeless aspects of characters, language, and story telling. Our students are encouraged to think freely and to write exploratory. Creative pieces of work often reflect the styles of literature being studied. Through the process of peer editing, and with teacher feedback, our students review the mechanics and content of their written work. Students are introduced to extensive vocabulary lists, mostly from literature being read, which reinforce both spelling and comprehension. Grammar is integrated into all elements of the program. There are many cross-curricular links in the LA program. For example, we often use literature that reflects Social Studies topics and themes.

Science Science at the Middle and Junior level is divided into three main content domains, Earth Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. The program integrates the basic science process skills together to gradually develop a student’s abilities as they progress through grades 5-8 for each content area of science covered.

Students in 5th and 6th grade receive introductory science courses which investigate: Solar system, Color and Light, Magnetism, Simple Machines, Flight and Rocketry, Weather Instruments and Weather Forecasting, Oceans, Classification, Fungi, Pond Life, Pollution and Erosion, and Body Organization and Structure. Students in 7th and 8th grade receive advanced courses which investigate: Chemistry, Electricity, Physics, Famous Scientists, Astronomy, Earth Processes, Anatomy and Physiology, Reproductive Genetics, Botany, Classification, Environmental Problems and Solutions. Classes are composed of a combination of discussion, lecture, class activities, demonstrations and laboratory work. The science program emphasizes hands-on exploration and direct experience with the natural world.

Social Studies The Social Studies program for the Upper School combines a chronological sequence of World and United States history with a strong emphasis on regional geography. Students are challenged to discover the cause and effect relationships of history and physical or economic geography. Current events are connected to the study of history and geography. The curriculum encourages students to be collaborative, experiential and interactive. Student work is project-oriented with bazaars, debates, trade fairs, role-playing, interactive biographies and construction of board games. Once a week, students have “Newsreel” class in which they create videos and computer presentations of current and historical events.

Personal Development The Personal Development program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to support and communicate school wide philosophies and personal living skills. The curriculum addresses four primary areas of instruction: Character Development, Health Literacy, Educational and Life Skills, and Consumer Education. Strategies are developed to promote lifetime health, directing students to respect themselves and others, to avoid behaviors, which pose a health or safety threat, and to enable them to gain insight toward positive healthy decisions and practices. We also work on improving organization and study skills, offering help with ongoing assignments and test preparation.

Spanish Students are introduced to Spanish at the Nursery level, and continue yearly, building their mastery of this language. In the Primary grades, students are exposed to Spanish through singing, role-playing, games, stories, coloring, and simple writing activities. Basic topics are repeated yearly to ensure mastery. By third grade, students are introduced to the geography of the Spanish speaking world. In fourth grade, we begin a more formal study of Spanish, using a textbook. We continue progressively, learning grammar concepts and communication skills. This same method continues through the Upper School and prepares students to qualify for Spanish II programming in High School.

Chinese/Latin Introduction to Chinese and Introduction to Latin are offered to the seventh grade as 1/2 year courses. One 7th grade group will begin with Chinese and the other group with Latin. The groups will switch half-way through the year. Each group meets once a week. In Grade 8, students choose either Latin or Chinese and meet twice a week.

The Mandarin Chinese class builds student's listening and speaking and writing skills by offering students an introductory of Hanyu Pinyin (Mandarin Chinese Phonetic system), tones, practical dialogue in Chinese (based on typical everyday situations), Chinese culture (including festivals and social customs), and essential features of Chinese grammar.

The Latin class uses Jenney's First Year Latin text and focuses on beginning Latin grammar and translations and also on expanding English vocabulary through familiarity with Latin roots.

Art The Upper School Fine Arts program strives to develop students who are confident in observation and technical skills in a variety of mediums. Individuals are supported in their strivings for aesthetic and expressive growth. The studio environment provides the opportunity for both group instruction and individual consultations on high quality independent pieces. The program promotes the understanding and use of basic art concepts, terminology, and tools. The students render still-life, landscape, figure, portrait, and wildlife studies in both two and three dimensional mediums. We build cooperation among students through partnership and team projects.

Drama The eight year Drama curriculum addresses the whole child's journey to explore his/her creativity and imagination, from the rudiments of basic stage movement techniques through voice and diction and on to character development. Classes create a fully realized stage production with which they demonstrate mastery of theatre knowledge for their particular developmental group. Both process and performance are valued, with most thorough emphasis on the discipline and collaboration of the rehearsal periods. Production titles are chosen in consideration of class sizes and gender breakdowns, so that each student be given an equal chance to experience the magic of Drama. Grade 6: Focus on the art of storytelling and comedy. Grade 7: A full scale musical (past titles include Fiddler on the Roof, Once on This Island and Honk!) Grade 8: Performance of Shakespeare or classic American playwright.

Music The Music Educator’s National Standards and the NH Curriculum Framework for the Arts provide the basis for our Music curriculum. In music classes, we offer a balanced sequential study of the art form. Topics explored include: musical history and culture, literacy, sight reading, sight singing, improvisation, solo, choral and instrumental performance, movement and dance. Students prepare, perform and assess their work in musicals, choruses and instrumental productions. We believe that the skills, knowledge and dispositions acquired from the study of music form necessary foundations for cross-curricular academic achievement.

Physical Education Hampstead Academy follows the standards set by the National Association for Sports and Physical Education. Physical Education units and Intramural offerings are rotated each year, and include the following: soccer, football, lacrosse, field hockey, orienteering, cross country running, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, indoor soccer, team ball, fencing, track and field, softball, baseball, golf, floor hockey, dance, yoga, fitness, cooperative games and problem solving. Fitness testing is done in the fall and spring of each year. Students learn to value maintaining fitness and health. We strive to instill in students a quest for a lifetime of involvement in activity and sport.

Computers The computer program focuses on computer skills and strives to integrate computers with our classroom curriculum. Appropriate Internet sites are used for research and enhancement of topics. Beginning in fifth grade, students have formalized computer instruction to meet the NH standards for computer literacy. These standards include: keyboarding, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, programming in BASIC, Internet use and safety and history of computers.

Activity Period The Upper School participates in Activity Period once a week. Each session lasts 8-9 weeks where students choose activities of interest. Teachers, parents and students offer a wide variety of choices which have included: Intramural sports practice, arts and crafts, model building, FIRST Lego League, protocol and etiquette, HAM radio, SSAT preparation, sewing, improvisation, study hall and helping in classes in the Lower School and Early Childhood Center.

Enrichment Students in the Upper School participate in Student Council. They engage in community service projects both within the school and in projects to benefit programs and residents of surrounding towns. School sports teams include Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball and Basketball as well as Intramural sports. Swim, ski and golf are offered off-site. Other after school programs available are FIRST Lego League, Destination Imagination, Math League, Orchestra, Drama Club, Yearbook and private instrumental lessons.