Class 7 students are deepening connections within their developing individuality and the outside world. Their sense of identity is broadening and a healthy process of questioning authority is developing. The students are asking for justice and equality in all that they encounter.

Class 7 Themes

The study of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance are woven into Class 7 studies through a cross-curricular approach. The students gain an understanding of the political, cultural, and physical interrelationships of the continents of Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. These studies offer many opportunities for the students to apply their artistic talents to map making and to explore the art of these cultures.

The students learn the biographies of significant historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The trials, sacrifices, and lofty human strivings of historical figures speak to Class 7 students, who are on the brink of great emotional and intellectual advancement.

Students delve into The Age of Exploration, learning about the Vikings and settlers who journeyed on ships and “discovered”new land. Biographies such as Marco Polo, Ferdinand Magellan and Jacques Cartier are learned through storytelling and studying maps. The cultures of the Indigenous people of the Americas that the European explorers encountered are researched and examined to deepen the understanding of what underlies present day conflicts.

Human Physiology is taught from the perspective of the holistic maintenance and care of one’s body. Students learn about the circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems. Sexual education is included in this study, where consent, trust and diversity are explored.

Students study the mechanical advances that took place during the time of the Renaissance. Mechanics and Physics begin in Class 7 with the study of simple machines such as levers, inclined planes, screws, wheels, and pulleys.

In Chemistry, students learn the scientific method. They observe, perform, and describe simple experiments. How does a candle burn? Why does salt form from evaporated water? Students discover the fundamental scientific laws for themselves.

Class 7 students work with Algebraic equations, along with discovering the Pythagorean Theorem. and the history of the Pythagorean Brotherhood. Geometric concepts such as area and perimeter are reviewed, along with introducing square-roots, powers and integers.

In Perspective Drawing, students learn exacting laws and techniques to create images from a variety of vantage points and perspectives. We believe the wider implications of seeing from numerous perspectives is important for students’ social development.

In Language Arts, students express their ideas through a creative writing block called “Wish, Wonder, and Surprise.” Students create original poems, essays, and stories. Students develop their individual writing style, speech (abilities) and strengthen their comprehension by reading a selection of poetry from around the world.

During the drama block, students work together to produce a class play for the school, as well as the wider Nelson community. A class 7 play reflects the historical period of the Renaissance. Shakespeare and Jonson are often highlighted during this exciting and theatrical time.

The geographies of Europe, South America and Africa ( and sometimes Asia) are taught in grades 6- 8, depending on the teacher’s curriculum focus for each particular year. The culture, ethics, history and terrain are included with emphasis on what is diverse and unique to the region.

Specialty Subjects

Visual Arts

Students in Class 7 work for the first time with perspective in their paintings and drawings. Students also work with design techniques such as composition, headings, vignettes, illustration, and cover design, which are then used in their Main Lesson books. In keeping with the theme of the Renaissance, students explore forms of expression such as frescoes and clay sculptures of the human form, as well as studying concepts of composition (and mathematics) such as the golden mean.

Handwork

In the Class 7 curriculum, students learn to sew an article of clothing by hand and to work from a pattern. Students begin by selecting patterns and fabric and then learning to pin, mark, baste, and finally hand-sew a garment. Students also learn the art of wet felting, which is an ancient technique of matting wool fibres with soap and warm water. Students often make their own felted wool slippers.

Music

In Class 7, Renaissance music, particularly instrumental pieces, support the Class 7 curriculum of the Renaissance Period. The students begin to learn about intervals and chords, and continue their study of keys and rhythms. In Class 7, accompanied singing is introduced and some pop music is added to the repertoire. Weekly home practice continues.

Drama

In Class 7 students perform a play for the rest of the school. Plays are usually associated with the curriculum as a period piece (such as Shakespeare) or as a style of theatre that developed during the historical period of study.

Games/Movement

Class 7 students play many sports and games and practice the skills and drills associated with them. Physical fitness is emphasized, which includes activities such as running fitness circuits and cardiovascular and strength training.

Class Trips

Students begin and end their year with a class trip. The first trip of the year is a several day low ropes course. The class seven students will also participate in day trips including, biking, snowshoeing, and hiking. The year end trip can vary, and has features a week long “Discovery Trip” of local surroundings on foot and by boat, canoeing Slocan Lake, or rock-climbing at Skaha Bluffs near Penticton.