ART
Continuing to build on a great foundation, students will master composition through fine-tuning observational drawing skills with emphasis on form and value through an exploration of various mediums. Students will also sharpen clay building by combining slab, pinch, and coil techniques while making pottery. They will also hone carving skills in linoleum block relief printmaking methods, chart new territory with multi-mediums to discover and engage with the surrounding community and the world. All assignments are inspired from the work of both classic and current artists, graded with rubrics, and involve written critiques of student assessed learning goals.
BAND/ORCHESTRA
Seventh and eighth graders will meet together three days a week to form the 7/8 band and 7/8 orchestra. Both of these are year long commitments, and students will not be allowed to drop either band or orchestra once the year has begun. Members may have small groups, individual practice, try-outs, or challenges held before or after school.
BIBLE
In our study of the Bible, we deepen our understanding of Christ’s life and work and the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles, including Paul, in the early church. We also see how God’s story as recorded in the Bible is also our story studying church history. Through reading and memorizing the Bible as well as class discussions and projects, our hope is that students will discover, love and live the Word.
- Spiritual Portfolio – At the end of eighth grade students use their K-7 testimonies to write a final testimony on what they have learned though their Christ-centered education at home, at church and at school. They also take time to reflect on how what they have learned could impact them in the future.
- Capstone Project – The eighth grade capstone project is called “The Journey Project” and includes the students choosing a life verse, creating a three-dimensional visual representative of their life journey and making spiritual connections from their education, extra-curricular activities, family and church. When the project is finished the students share their projects with their classmates, teachers and families. It is a blessing to hear the students describe how the Lord has worked in their lives during their time at Hudsonville Christian School.
CHOIR
Choir students will learn to use their vocal instrument to create a correct and pleasing singing sound. In addition to learning proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills. Choir also offers opportunities for students to develop team building and leadership skills. This is a performance-based class. Participation in concert performances outside of regular class hours is required.
HEALTH
Health class, which meets for one semester, focuses on God’s creative hand in forming and maintaining our amazing bodies. Lessons dig into data, social influences, dialogue and personal responsibility related to nutrition and eating disorders, as well as very relevant teen issues such as depression/anxiety, vaping, and marijuana. We recognize that our bodies are God’s temples and that He has made us for full and vibrant life.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In eighth grade language arts, we work to understand our part in God’s world through writing, reading, listening and speaking. Our curriculum includes the following: multi-genre independent reading; narrative, persuasive and expository essays; structural elements of literature; research paper; in-class explorations of historical fiction, science fiction, short story, drama and poetry; grammar; and informational presentations.
ALGEBRA
This class is a vigorous math class that covers all nine of the basics of algebra in one year. Students who successfully complete this class should be able to test out of algebra at the high school level. Because of the difficulty of this class, students are placed in algebra by invitation only.
MATH
This class is the third and final course in the three year Connected Math Program. Students will be exposed to a variety of concepts and will continue practicing the basics of mathematics. Upon successful completion of this course students will be ready for high school algebra.
MUSIC
Eighth grade music class is called Movies and Music. In the first semester of this class, students learn how music is used in film. In the second semester, students also learn the basics of film-making and create multiple short films.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students have P.E. classes two times a week for the entire year. The program stresses participation, fitness, skills, knowledge, and proper attitudes. These are developed in the framework of taking care of the body and developing God-given abilities.
SCIENCE
Eighth grade Science concepts start with a study on physical and chemical changes in matter. Students then learn about the periodic table of elements and explore some of these elements. Eighth graders are tasked with learning about water movement, specifically in Ocean climates. In the final unit, students learn about genetics and explore how God has designed each one of us unique in His image.
FUTURE PLAN
In this class students take online inventories, consider experiences and interests and learn about types of work fields as they explore potential careers to which God may be calling them. They also focus on character qualities that all employers look for no matter the job (collaboration, enthusiasm, attitude, communication). This class culminates with a mock job interview with an employer from the community.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Eighth grade History is a survey of our country’s history from 1763 through 1877. We will learn that we owe a great debt to many interesting men and women whose vision and efforts laid a solid foundation for our freedom. We will also focus on the formation and the functioning of our national government.
SPANISH
In middle school Spanish classes students will acquire proper communication in real-life situations through the development of the four language areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Middle school Spanish is designed to be exposure to the language and culture as taught in a high school Spanish level one class. Vocabulary and grammar from Realidades 1 is taught through hands-on, in-class experiences. Upon completion of the 3 years of Middle School Spanish at HCMS, students who are academically successful in Spanish will have the opportunity to test out of High School Spanish 1.