Middle School (6th-8th)

Released in 2011, “Bringing Good News” is the Archdiocese of Baltimore Religion Curriculum for Elementary Schools. This standards-based curriculum serves as a guide, a road map for both teachers and students as they embark on a journey, which will provide them with the knowledge and understanding of the faith as witnessed in the teachings and the traditions of the Catholic Church. The curriculum is built on the Six Tasks of Catechesis: Promoting Knowledge of the Faith; Liturgical Education; Moral Formation; Teaching to Pray; Education for Community Life; and Missionary Initiation and is aligned with the Assessment of Catholic Religious Education (IFG:ACRE).

By the completion of sixth grade, students will master a variety of skills including:

• Explain that at the end of time, Christ will return and we will be held accountable for how we responded to the gift of faith and helped to build the Kingdom of God.
• Trace the unfolding of God’s revelation through the history of the Chosen People ‐ the Jews.
• Describe each of the seven sacraments as entrusted to the Church.
• Indicate how the Decalogue relates to current moral issues and leads to greater understanding of the Gospel through the Great Commandment.
• Discuss evangelization as central to the mission of the Church in which we all have a role.

By the completion of seventh grade, students will master a variety of skills including:

• Recognize that the Bible has both divine and human authorship initiated by God to reveal the truths God intends.
• Investigate the fruits of the Sacrament of Baptism to include forgiveness of all sins, birth into a new life, and a share in Christ’s three‐fold mission as priest, prophet, and king.
• Explain how a well‐formed conscience is developed through the knowledge of Scripture and Church doctrine as well as the witness of Church leaders and faithful role models, past and present.
• Explain the importance of Christians taking an active part in public life and promoting the common good.
• Discuss the call to religious life in the Church which is identified in two forms: active and contemplative.

By the completion of eighth grade, students will master a variety of skills including:

• Understand that Jesus’ paschal mystery, that is his life, passion, death, resurrection and ascension, are central to Jesus’ mission on earth and the fulfillment of revelation.
• Explain that the context of moral decision‐making within the Catholic Christian tradition reflects the values of human dignity, God’s grace, the virtues, the Holy Spirit, and the teaching of the church.
• Understand that our beliefs are sound and rooted in Apostolic Tradition and Sacred Scripture, as entrusted to the teaching office (Magisterium) of the Church.
• Describe the progress and continuation of the Church’s mission through ecumenical councils, including, but not limited to: the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon, Vatican I, Vatican II, Fourth Lateran, Trent, Constantinople, and Ephesus.
• Communicate that our respect of other Christians means that we can both recognize what we share in common but that we also need to be honest about how we differ.

enVisionmath2.0 is a comprehensive mathematics curriculum for Grades 6–8. It builds on the proven effectiveness of the enVision series, supporting coherent, focused, and rigorous mathematics. enVisionmath2.0 for middle school emphasizes conceptual understanding and procedural skills through problem-solving, interactive experiences, and visual learning. Personalized math practice, built-in interventions, and customizable content deepen understanding and improve achievement.

English/Language Arts instruction is a double block each day for our middle school students. Students are introduced to Shakespeare, read poetry, and other genres in a small group setting. Language of Literature by Holt McDougal is used as a resource for our students.  Vocabulary Workshop is used teach a variety of strategies to help students acquire new vocabulary and understand figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.  Students write research papers. Grammar and language mechanics are taught through creative writing.

Prentice Hall Science Explorer is the series St. John School uses to teach the Archdiocese of Baltimore curriculum for Science.  It weaves together content with hands on science inquiry.  Students are actively engaged in scientific discovery  as they learn about life, physical, and earth science  Students in grades 7 and 8 demonstrate knowledge they have gained in our school Science Fair.

Students learn about ancient civilizations, geography skills, and world cultures.  Modern American and World History are also part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore Curriculum. Current events related to local, state, national and world news are included in daily lessons. Student research projects, field trips, and hands on activities help to bring the content alive to the students.

The following subject areas are currently under revision across the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and if you would like more information regarding these standards and essential skills please contact the school directly.

• Science
• Instructional Technology
• Social Studies
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Physical Education/Health
• World Languages