CORE

All sixth grade students will continue to take the following core classes: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

ENCORE

Each student will attend these four Encore classes throughout the year in quarter rotations (Quarter 1: Art, Quarter 2: Theatre, etc.).  The classes will last exactly nine weeks and will meet every other day to coincide with block scheduling.

ART 6

During this exploratory class, a developmental curriculum will be implemented to help students review the Elements and Principles of Design and their application to both two and three-dimensional projects. These will include but will not be limited to optical illusion designs, hard edge paintings, learning how to apply light and shade to drawings and constructing “chubby critters” from clay. Students will use a wide range of art mediums to create these projects. Art history will be integrated into each lesson.

THEATRE 6

Students will continue to explore their creative potential through pantomime, clowning, theatre games and scripted works.  Students will discover a wide range or performance styles and develop the acting skills necessary for creative dramatic performance. They will explore ways to think and act creatively while solving problems individually and collaboratively using originality, flexibility and imagination.

FACS 6

Exploring Work and Family Roles: This middle-level program in Family and Consumer Science focuses on the interaction of family and work roles and their effects on the development of the individual learner. Students will study Family Consumer topics through an interactive multi-media curriculum. Students have the opportunity to rotate through the following modules: Home Makeover, Interior Design, Fashion and Textiles, Life Skills, Families, Early Childhood, Package Design, Snack and Nutrition, Entrepreneurship: Child Care, Confident Consumer, Hotel Management, Food Science, Personal Finance, and Baking and Measurement. In addition to the module based curriculum, students will develop culinary skills in two kitchen labs.

TECH 6

Research and Design Technology:  Students first study the basic elements of all technology, including processes, energy, information, and people. They will explore systems in technology, which include construction, transportation, communication, energy and power, biotechnology and manufacturing. Students will learn to solve problems by using the Engineering Design Process. Thought will be given to resources needed, the steps to complete the process, and testing and evaluation. Finally, they relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions. Emphasis will be placed on safety, workplace readiness skills, problem solving skills, and careers in engineering.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Each student will take a foreign language during the year.  They will meet in this class every other day to coincide with block scheduling.

FRENCH 1A

French 1A focuses on communicative competence in French and introduces students to the cultures of the francophone world. In French 1A, students develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a variety of contextualized activities. Active student participation in the learning process is highly emphasized through projects, games and frequent paired and small group communicative activities.  Students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them. Students who continue with the study of French in 7th grade will receive one high school credit for the French 1A/1B sequence.  *Availability of French will be determined by course interest of students.

SPANISH 6

This 6th grade course builds on the knowledge and skills students acquired in the 5th grade.  The aim of the course is to further develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Basic vocabulary, simple conversation skills and grammar are practiced in a variety of contextualized activities.  Active student participation in the learning process is highly emphasized through projects, games and frequent paired and small group communicative activities.  Students are encouraged from the beginning of the year to master useful expressions and create simple sentences with personal meaning. 

MUSIC

Each student will take a music course during the year.  They will meet in this class every other day to coincide with block scheduling.

BAND 6

Band class is available to 6th grade students.  Enrollment in band requires a yearlong commitment.  Students will continue to learn new techniques and musical skills on their instruments.  Band students are responsible for providing their own instruments and appropriate concert attire.  Band students are required to perform for all band concerts listed in the Band Calendar.  Additional performing opportunities are available to students throughout the year.  The 6th Grade Band may take one or more field trips. There are 2 performances for which student attendance is required as described in the grading policy.  If you have further questions, please contact the MEHMS Band Director, Connie Jenkins, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call (703) 720-5741.

CHOIR 6

Chorus 6 is a year-long course open to all students that incorporates ensemble singing in 2-part and 3-part music. The fundamentals of choral singing and music reading are introduced, as well as building upon the skills introduced in Chorus 5. There are a few evening performances scheduled to showcase the talents of the chorus.

GENERAL MUSIC 6

General Music 6 is a year-long course open to all students that gives students an opportunity to explore both the academic and performance aspects of music. The fundamentals of singing, notation, and instrumental performance are introduced through an emphasis on composition and music technology. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Each student will take Physical Education during the year.  They will meet in this class every other day to coincide with block scheduling.

PE/HEALTH & FLE 6

The focus of Physical Education and Health shifts from building a foundation to utilizing prior knowledge and experience in a variety of content areas.  Skills continue to be developed and learned, but the focus is now exposing students to a broad array of content areas designed to stimulate interest in lifetime and health enhancing activities.  This broad exposure and exploration with movement and activity will hopefully foster an interest in lifetime fitness.

Examples of activities in 6th grade Physical Education include:  Proper Warm up & Cool down Techniques, Abdominal & Upper Body Strength, Monitoring Heart Rates, and Manipulating Objects Appropriately.

The Falls Church City Schools Family Life Education (FLE) Program is designed to meet the desires of the Falls Church community regarding the appropriate content and sequencing of Family Life instruction for students in grades K-10.  Parents who do not wish to have their student participate in the FLE portion of the Health education program may choose to opt their student out of all or part of FLE instruction.