MIDDLE SCHOOL AT POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL
Course description
POLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE IN GRADES 7^th THROUGH 9^th
Education in those grades bases on the textbook – To lubię!, edited by Maria Jędrychowska. This textbook and program has been chosen due to the fact that it proposes some very new and non-trivial teaching methods.
The students are introduced to literature of various epochs by reading and discussing selected works representing the Polish as well as biblical and classical (ancient Greek and Roman mythology) traditions, e.g. extracts from Treny by J. Kochanowski, Pan Tadeusz by A. Mickiewicz, Quo vadis? by H. Sienkiewicz, Faraon by B. Prus, Romeo i Julia, Hamlet by Szekspir, Antygona by Sofokles, Śluby panieńskie by Fredro, Balladyna by Słowacki, Goethe and Molier, poems of Cz. Miłosz and W. Szymborska.
The chosen texts are aimed to illustrate existential problems, issues such as passion, politics, desire of power, crime, and also the views of various artists on the role of art in society. Other goals of this educational program are:
· understanding relations between the literature and particular historical periods,
· developing practical skills in writing and in verbal communication, understanding advanced vocabulary, including some abstract terms,
· understanding advanced forms of verbal and written communications: e.g. monologue, dialogue, interview, diary/memoirs, review, interpretation of a poem or a picture.
HISTORY IN GRADES 7^th THROUGH 9^th
History courses focus on ancient world civilizations, contemporary world cultures and Poland history. Poland’s unique history is featured at all levels. Students are learning about the beginnings of Poland, the Age of Poland Greatness, class divisions and foreign conflicts, three successive partitions (1772, 1793, 1795) resulting in the disappearance (1795) of Poland from the map of Europe, the restoration of the Polish nation and world wars in the twentieth century. Through the homework assignments students are studying the specific historical events from world and Poland history and are preparing oral presentation on these topics. The main aim of these courses is to make students understand basic facts about history of Poland and the world.
LIVING IN THE SOCIETY IN 8^th GRADE
Education in social science in the 8^th grade is concentrated on three realms: the problems of family life, the structures and functions of modern state, and on the basic notions of market economy.
Preparation for family life includes elements of sexual education, especially issues connected with psycho-physical development. The role of healthy interpersonal relationships, as well as of intimate relationships is also emphasized.
The students learn about the evolution and functioning of such social structures as nations and states. Naturally, teaching about nations concentrates on explaining all those factors that allowed Poles to survive as a nation a period of over a century without an independent Polish state. The teachers try to develop an attitude of respect towards our national symbols, the accomplishments of our culture, as well as towards those of national and cultural minorities that helped to shape the long and rich history of Poland.
The students learn about differences between democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian states; about the rule of law and other fundamental principles and structures of modern states. They also learn about the structures of Polish state, its governing institutions, and its constitution.
The students learn about basic principles of market economy, such as the law of supply and demand, the functioning of banks and of the stock market, etc., so as to be capable of preparing themselves to manage their money, and of understanding economic news carried by the media
GEOGRAPHY IN 7^th GRADE
Geography class of this grade covers again geography of Poland. This time, however, the process of learning includes much more detailed information. It comprises the geological origin of the land, mineral resources, climate features, hydrological objects and soil and vegetation covers.
Next, demographic issues are discussed, that is the study of Polish population with reference to size and density, distribution, and vital statistics and including population growth, migrations and urbanization.
Economy of Poland is a next big subject to learn by students in this grade. They are becoming familiar with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The development of economy of Poland and its current state is discussed with regard to environmental issues and environmental protection.
The last part of the teaching program includes characterization of selected regions of Poland based on gained so far knowledge about environmental and economic features of the country. Locations of National Parks and necessity of ecological awareness are broadly discussed here.
GEOGRAPHY IN 9^th GRADE
Geography class at this level of Middle School is aimed at learning the geography of Europe. First, the environment of Europe is learned. It includes the geological origin of the continent throughout the geological eras and periods, distribution of mineral resources, features of the European climate, hydrological objects, soil and vegetation covers. Main mountain ranges, uplands, lowlands, depressions, water bodies, peninsulas, islands and other geographical features are learned on the map of Europe. Students have to learn the location of European countries and their capitals.
Next, individual European countries or groups of them are the discussed. Students are getting acquainted with France, United Kingdom, and Italy. Scandinavian, Balkan, and Benelux groups of countries are discussed. Social problems, economic issues and political situation of these nations are studied. The next group of countries discussed during the classes are the neighbors of Poland. Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia do not only share their borders with Poland but also have many historic, social and economic relations. Special attention is paid to current political relations between Poland and the neighboring nations.
The last subjects discussed are international organizations, of which Poland is a member. Visehrad Group, European Union and NATO are studied. The students' attention is drawn to both responsibilities and benefits that are coming from the membership in these organizations.
MATHEMATICS IN GRADES 7^th THROUGH 9^th
Mathematics courses includes Pre-Algebra and integrated Algebra and Geometry. In all grades, the program is designed to refine computational skills within the real number system, while extending their application into probability, graphing, data analysis, and statistics; to expand understanding of variables and their uses; and to study the geometry of two and three dimensions. Calculator fluency and problem solving are stressed throughout the program. Frequent use of hands-on activities and projects connect mathematical strands and connect mathematics to other disciplines.