Middle School Academics
Wornick's Middle School program challenges and stimulates all the aspects of adolescent students. Our dedicated Middle School teachers, specialized in their subjects, delight in sparking the imagination of young adults. Beyond academics, our program creates articulate, service-oriented leaders. And our graduates stand out - even among the best Independent and public high schools
Wornick graduates stand-out in their genuine interest and discipline towards learning in comparison to other schools’ graduates. - Lillian Howard, Head of School, Kehillah Jewish High School
Mathematics
Middle School students are given the full range of high-school math preparation including pre-algebra and algebra. The curriculum is infused with enriching activities and supplemented by activities that encourage and promote higher order thinking and critical problem solving. Students are prepared for high school because they have analyzed math functions and developed higher level problem solving through real life applications. Math concepts are reinforced in certain science and social studies projects.
Science
At Wornick, scientific inquiry and research-based process provide a strong foundation in science. Earth/space science, life science, and physical science are integrated at each grade level including multi-dimensional teaching methodology and real-life lab skills. Critical thinking skills are strengthened through discovery and analysis. Studies are largely lab-based, emphasizing the scientific processes of investigation and experimentation. Some of our favorite projects include the Bridge Project and the school-wide Invention Convention. Science focuses on the 5Es and uses FOSS science.
- Engaged- students begin their exploration with a prompting question
- Explore—students explore the materials and information
- Explain—students explain in their own words to make sure understand
- Elaborate: students move to next stage—higher cognitive questions to stretch.
- Evaluate: students ask: what did we learn? The assessment for learning is through the lab activity. More critical thinking!!!
Language Arts
Wornick students benefit from literary analysis focused on the classics and modern texts. Through the Middle School years, students develop strong essay, critical and creative writing skills by engaging in expository, descriptive, argumentative and persuasive writing. Students organize and develop papers and presentations that span all fields of study from Science to Judaic studies to Tzedakah. The results are skills like interviewing and transcript writing, oral presentation skills, research and investigative techniques. Given the refinement of debate and presentation skills in public forums, students go to high school with an innate confidence in their ability to develop and present ideas.
Social Studies
Through the study of Ancient, Renaissance, European and Asian history, students develop an understanding of the diversity of our world while gaining a historical perspective. Students also explore the History of the United States and current events and gain insights into the US government as well as the structure and process of a democratic nation. At Wornick, our students utilize historical research and use of primary sources to create an appreciation for events, objects and people with historical significance.
Hebrew
The NETA Hebrew language program leads to conversational fluency as well as facility in reading and writing in Hebrew. The program supports the acquisition of modern Israeli Hebrew; materials allow students to learn about contemporary Israel through stories, poetry and articles, through popular songs and video clips of Israeli peers. Our twinning program creates strong relationships with students at The Reali School, our sister school in Haifa, and embraces the modern culture of Israel. Through a wide variety of activities, student strengthen their personal connections and identity and build a sense of Jewish peoplehood. Culminating in the 8th grade trip to Israel, students experience the Jewish homeland first hand, deepening their attachment to the State of Israel and its people, as well as a sense of responsibility for their welfare.
Jewish Studies
Our Middle School students form Jewish and community values by living up to the moral and ethical standards that are so critical to developing a community spirit. A thematic analysis of heroes and heroines in the Biblical Hebrew text builds an understanding of leadership, character, and how to respond to challenges in our lives. Students also learn diverse Jewish customs and traditions and a survey of Jewish history as well as continue our education about Israel. A program that Middle School students will always remember is the year long seventh grade Tzedakah project, which works with the faculty team across the curriculum. Learning how philanthropists select causes and organizations, students choose their own philanthropy and then interview and research it throughout the year. Raising funds as a class, students then form their own non-profit board and allocate funds. At the end of the year, in a moving and emotional assembly filled with parents and extended family, students present their checks to representatives of various organizations. This community effort continues as eighth graders dedicate time in service learning projects to community organizations, writing and reporting on this experiential part of their curriculum.
Technology
Technology is incorporated throughout the curriculum across all academic disciplines. In fact, the Laptop Program includes laptops for each student loaded with the latest software and graphics applications. The students access the internet from any location in the school and can refine their research skills through this ongoing learning process. By 8th grade, students are responsible for maintaining web pages and have the challenging opportunity to create their own 8th grade move.
The Arts
Wornick offers art electives and supplementary program as well as Dramatic Arts including Shakespeare. Expression through visual arts, drama and music are integral to the project based focus of the Wornick Middle School philosophy. Our Artist in Residence Program provides students with a spectrum of the arts. These may include an Expressive Artist, Choral Music, Painting, Drama, Photography or Dance.
Service Learning / Leadership
Community service is a critical component to the Wornick curriculum. In sixth grade, the focus is on contributing to the school community including service projects with seniors and environmental projects. Seventh grade students are immersed in a grade-wide philanthropy project. Each student selects a charitable organization to research and evangelize. This includes interviewing staff, creating a visual presentation, and presenting an oral report to their classmates. At the conclusion of the project, the entire class will collectively allocate funds for charitable giving to their respective organizations. In eighth grade, students' focus on community service hours by volunteering in various capacities throughout the community including visiting hospitals, making food for the needy and volunteering their time to various non-profit organizations.
Physical Education
Wornick embraces the SPARK curriculum. Also the school is a member of the SSIL and participates in various sports throughout the year, including volleyball, cross country, flag football, golf, basketball, tennis and soccer. Students learn how to build a healthy life and what it means to take personal responsibility as well as how to respect their own health and others. Students develop an understanding of human growth and development as well as basic knowledge of communicable and chronic diseases, environmental health, nutrition, injury prevention and safety and the damaging effects of substance abuse.
