List of 14 items.

• English

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  Engagement with language is at the heart of 8th Grade English, as students delve into rich and diverse literature that spurs deep thinking and leads to exploration of ideas and meaning. Enduring themes of friendship, justice, and moral courage provoke lively discussion as well as provide varied opportunities to craft written responses designed to develop students’ confidence and unique voices. Assignments range from personal narrative, to literary analysis, to the formal research paper. Specific and detailed individual feedback from the instructor fosters students’ ability to communicate with clarity. Student-driven discussion and interpretive activities lead students to think critically about their own lives and about issues in the larger world. Building vocabulary and mastering grammar concepts are also key strands of instruction. Throughout the year, students practice the critical thinking and the collaborative, reading, and writing skills that will prepare them well for high school and beyond.

• Mathematics

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  Students learn Algebra I through the use of the iPad application HMH Fuse Common Core. Throughout this course, students understand and make connections in algebra, using concrete models and abstract concepts. In addition to the algebra application, students have access to their algebra text online. The iPad allows students to take interactive quizzes (results available to teacher), access on-line resources, and video tutorials. Information is presented using realistic data and applicable scenarios. Students understand new concepts through lecture, discussion, proper note taking, homework review, and interactive iPad activities. Eighth grade students solve expressions and equations and understand and apply properties of integers. They multiply, subtract, and add polynomials and equations. Proportional reasoning is presented. Also covered are linear and quadratic functions. If time is available, exponential functions or radicals are also covered. They round out their algebraic experience by solving systems of equations and inequalities, understanding properties of exponents and roots, manipulating and solving polynomials, and factoring expressions. The goal of the class is to give the students most of the topics covered in a regular high school algebra class.

• U.S. History: Revolution to Reconstruction

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  In the eighth grade course American History students dive back in at the momentous time of the Constitutional Convention and explore the history of our nation through the Civil War and Reconstruction. In this brief century of American history, students are asked to deeply analyze the underpinnings of government and comprehend the structures that were built to create equity and unity. Students explore how we expanded across the continent, coming to terms with a nation that initially accepted the institution of slavery and dominance over the Native Americans; through the ashes of conflict in the Civil War, a better nation war born. Additionally, students continue to sharpen their research skills and academic essay writing, both expository and persuasive. Through close reading of primary sources, students continue to develop their critical thinking skills. Current events discussions provide opportunities for practicing civil discourse, and presentations hone public speaking skills. A variety of formal and informal assessments are applied, many of which require use of applications on iPads.

• Physical Science

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  The eighth grade course of study consists primarily of topics from the physical sciences. It is a dynamic course that strives to encourage and strengthen scienctific practices. Asking questions, defining problems, designing, and carrying out investigations and experiments are an integral part of this course. Students work collaboratively to produce data from which they can make inferences, draw conclusions and develop explanations. They are asked to consider sources of error to evaluate experimental data and apply discovered knowledge to make meaningful connections. In the changing landscape of the twentyfirst century, students develop skills to navigate through the enormous quantities of information available to them. They will research a variety of current topics and study the work of many important scientists. They will delve into the history and changinging models of the atom, read and interpret the Periodic Table of Elements, experiment with gases, observe their behavior and understand the states of matter. Through experimentation students will be able to develop confidence in the use of laboratory equipment, investigate physical and chemical changes, identify chemicals while burning and experimenting with them and describe properties of acids and bases.

• Religion

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  In this course students experience a holistic approach to the teachings of the Catholic Church. They study examples of people who present a life of social justice and love of God. Through a variety of activities, students grow in their understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Students study morality by learning about the decision making process and develop an informed conscience about ethical decisions. Examining personal, social, economical, and political choices, students understand what constitutes collective and social wrongful acts. Students become informed of racial, ethnic and class differences in an effort to help them make definite inclusive decisions and relationships. Through service learning, students develop an awareness of the needs of the global and local community, as well as the Mayfield community. Eighth graders develop student leadership through training and leading MJS school families and organizing the all-school reach out activities throughout the year. By the end of their eighth year, students have a greater understanding of morality, social justice, their love of God, their role as leaders, and what it means to be a Christian.

• Health and Personal Development

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  The middle school health and personal development program builds on what the students have learned in the lower school and expands their knowledge in the areas of physical, emotional and social health. Areas of focus include: interpersonal relationship and communication skills, understanding who they are as individuals as well as citizens of their community and world, learning about various aspects of health, including sexuality education, being physically fit, understanding body image and eating disorders, drug and alcohol education, learning about the impact of media and technology and how to be good digital citizens, and how to exercise effective and educated decision-making skills in all aspects of their lives. Students leave Mayfield confident in their life skills and with a deeper understanding of their personal development and physical, emotional, and social health.

• Art

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  In the Eighth Grade, the art class is divided into one third of the school year. Hence, there is just one art project. Students create a “Mask Sculpture”, a tradition at Mayfield. The form is constructed/molded on the students’ faces using plaster cloth. After the masks are prepped, students decorate/create their sculpture masks with paints, markers, or any materials that enhance their creative ideas. Students are encouraged to approach the project from many perspectives: humor, “art for art’s sake,” personal message, historical character, political statement, etc. The masks are a highlight of the Art Show.

• Drama: It's Showtime

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  By eighth grade, Mayfield students have a solid foundation in theatre arts and are able to put their skills to use in the production of a full-scale musical. They experience the audition process, going through a series of acting, singing, dancing, and callback auditions in front of a panel of teachers. After the show is cast, the ensemble works with professional directors, choreographers, and designers to bring the show to life. Through this process, the students learn the importance of teamwork, individual responsibility, and self-confidence. The 8th grade play is a great culmination of their hard work throughout their years here at Mayfield Junior School.

• Music

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  By eighth grade, students use detailed criteria for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of musical performances and compositions and apply the criteria to personal listening and performing. For example, eighth grade students use their iPads to record and evaluate their quality of vocal work for the 8th Grade Musical. Students can describe how music is composed and adapted for use in film, video, radio, and television and learn how to describe the skills necessary for composing and adapting music for use in film, video, radio, and television.

• World Languages: Spanish

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  Students engage in a more in-depth study of Spanish as they apply and expand upon previous vocabulary and grammar. They interview a native speaker from a Spanish speaking country and make a film around that person. The skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are all presented within the context of communicative situations and story-telling. Eighth graders are expected to engage fully in the TPRS experience, and use their advancing knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary in all aspects of the class experience. Students expand their grammar by further practice of writing in the past tense (preterite and imperfect). They also grow more knowledgeable regarding cultural nuances within various Spanish-speaking countries. Eighth graders enter high school confident in their ability to communicate with fluent Spanish speakers.

• World Languages: French

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  Students in eighth grade use the textbook Discovering French: Nouveau Bleu 1B, which also includes an onlinecomponent. The goal for students this year is the continued expansion of their ability in all areas. There is an increased focus on conversation; descriptions and comparisons; narration, including the present, past, imperfect, future, near future, conditional and imperative verb tenses, as well as direct/indirect object pronouns. Students are tested on their proficiencies in the following areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students apply their knowledge of French in projects that include writing and performing skits or writing reports on French culture, history, and historical figures in French. Students apply much of what they have learned in French through communicative and interactive media arts assignments and projects. By the end of their eighth grade year, students should have learned the basic vocabulary and grammar components needed to communicate in French.

• World Languages: Latin

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  Who says Latin is a dead language? It lives at Mayfield Junior School. While the structure of the three year Latin program (grades 6-8) centers on learning Latin, the side benefits include developing "word attack" skills which aid reading comprehension through recognizing Latin root words, exposure to classical epics and myths, and understanding and using English grammar better. Students start their exploration of Latin using the Oxford Latin Course text and continue through the series on a pace fitting each class. Each unit has an enriching cultural element that develops students' appreciation for the classical world and its legacy in our modern times. Additionally, students are invited to attend Southern California Junior Classical League co-curricular activities with other Latin students across the southland.

• Computer Science and Technology

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  The focus of this 12-week Computer Science and Technology rotation is a deep dive into coding fundamentals. Using Apple Swift Playgrounds, 8th graders will solve challenges that will teach them the mindset for computer programming and app design. Using these skills, students will solve design challenges using Sphero SPK Robots and Air Parrot Drones.

  
  8th graders will expand and practice productivity and creativity skills on the iPad in their subject area disciplines.

• Physical Education

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  Seventh and eighth grade students engage in the physical education experience together. Students have the opportunity to join athletic teams and compete against other schools in the Prep League. Students are able to try out for competitive teams, or join the development teams, where the focus is on learning the game and developing skills. Skills instruction is offered in major team sports and individual sporting events, such as flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, baseball, swimming, tennis and golf. Students also participate in non-traditional games that encourage cooperative play. These classes enhance student development of character by teaching fairness, cooperation, and sportsmanship.