Enrichment Programs

List of 6 items.

• Arts Pillar Course Offerings (Grade 7 & 8)

  A cappella (Grade 7, 8)

  In this enrichment course, the students will be taught the basics of healthy singing. This includes singing in unison, 2,3,4 part harmony, scales, sight singing, and performing with and without musical accompaniment. Students would then apply these skills to repertoire that is both modern and classical. We intend to meet the kids where they are.  The work will culminate in a performance during the winter or spring concert as well as the talent show. 

   

  Dance (Grade 7, 8)

  Dance is designed to introduce the students to movement and creative thought through various types of dance. Movement to music is an enjoyable way for students to be creative and improve their flexibility and maneuverability. The work will culminate in a performance during the winter or spring concert.

  
  

  Comic Books & Graphic Novels (Grade 8)

  The comic book industry is thriving, with sales recently reaching an all-time high and a wide range of subject matter to choose from. In this course, students will learn about the art of graphic storytelling through reading, discussing, and creating their own comics. Students will learn how to storyboard, create characters, and practice creative writing and drawing techniques. While we will have time to read plenty of comics, emphasis will be placed on students creating their own comics, whether individually or as a collaboration. Whether you’re interested in writing, drawing, inking, or being a colorist, this course has something for you.

  
  

  Digital Music (Grade 8)

  In this course you will explore different ways of creating songs using an ipad as your main tool. You will have a chance to make whatever type of music you want to; whether that is creating beats using samples, recording live instruments to manipulate digitally, laying vocal tracks, creating remixes, or anything else that you can think of. Garageband will be the main program that we utilize, but there will be opportunities to explore other music-making programs as well. So, if you already have a passion for creating music or just want to learn how to make beats, this enrichment course will provide you with a great opportunity to be creative.
  
  

  Drawing (Grade 7)

  In this course, students will practice their drawing skills while learning about the basic elements of drawing. Students who love to draw or who are interested in learning are encouraged to sign up, all skill levels are welcome. Through the use of an individual sketchbook to observe progress, students will focus on developing personal creativity, technical skill, and the ability to draw from life.
  
  

  Photography and Yearbook (Grade 8)

  Students work with Upper School yearbook staff to design, edit, and write copy for the MS section of the Severn School Navigator Yearbook. In this enrichment course students will be photographers and learn how to be a copy writer/editor. Students who participate in this course will have the opportunity to work on the yearbook as underclassmen in the US.
  

   

  Textile Design for Fashion (Grade 7)

  Good fabrics are one of the foundations of a successful fashion line, and prints can make a brand. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating various patterns meant for fabric to bring their designs to life. Though we will look at fashion trends, this is mainly a drawing and painting course, with some digital design involved. At the end of this enrichment course students should know how to create 5-point and half-drop patterns, all-over prints, and successful colorways.
  
  

  Sixth and Seventh Grade Play (Grades 6, 7)

  The 6th/7th Grade Play Production course offers students an immersive experience in the world of theater. Students will engage in various aspects of play production, including script analysis, character development, stage design, costume creation, and performance techniques. This course is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and self-expression while providing students with the opportunity to develop essential skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking. Students are enrolled for a quarter with a performance on stage in October. 

• Humanities Pillar Course Offerings (Grades 7 & 8)

  Film Study (Grade 7)

  Everyone has a favorite film, but do we actually know why we tend to prefer some films over others? In this course, students learn about all the aspects of a film and what goes into making a masterpiece on the movie screen. Not only will we be learning about the characteristics of a good film, but also watching and discussing them. This class is designed to give students a deeper appreciation of films and the lengths producers, directors, and actors will go for our entertainment. 

  
  

  Creative Writing and Literary Magazine (Grade 7)

  In this enrichment course, we will explore many forms and aspects of creative writing, such as short stories, poetry, character creation, plot development, and more.  We will read or listen to examples from different forms, and you will create your own pieces, getting the chance to try out styles of writing. As the final product of the course, everyone will create a polished piece in their favorite creative writing form which will be published in the Admiral’s Pen Literary Magazine. We will also have an opportunity to select and edit submissions from other students for the Admiral’s Pen. By the end of the quarter, students will publish the next edition of the literary magazine and have a reveal party to celebrate their success after distributing the magazine to all contributors, and school administrators.

  
  

  Legends and Lore (Grade 7)

  Since the beginning of time, people have gathered around fires to tell stories of angry gods, harrowing journeys, horrible beasts, and mighty heroes. Mythology and folklore have provided a way for these colorful stories to spring to life for thousands of years. This course will illustrate how these famous anecdotes have helped humans make sense of the world. Beginning with an overview of mythology and different types of folklore, students will journey around the world and explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore and see how these powerful tales continue to shape society even today.  

  
  

  Debate (Grade 7)

  Students who take this course will be instructed along the guidelines of the National Speech & Debate Association. This course is a perfect opportunity to improve public speaking skills and to learn the fundamentals of challenging each other’s opinions and beliefs in an environment that is supportive and moderated. 

  
  

  Foreign Language Learning Lab (Grade 7, 8)

  Each week in the Foreign Language Learning Lab class, students will have the ability to explore, practice, and teach others a new language they are passionate about.  At the end of the quarter, students will create a final product of their choice demonstrating everything they have learned that others in the Severn community can use to learn this new language too.
  
  

  Model United Nations (Grade 8)

  Acting as a member of a delegation from another country, students in the Model United Nations course learn to research different countries and issues, make short speeches, and compromise with others while discussing topics including climate change, international security, health, and cyber-crime. Practice simulations help students learn to negotiate effectively, and, in the second quarter, we may be able to compete in a Model UN conference off campus with students from other schools.

  
  

  Journalism and Media Production (Grade 8)

  In this hands-on course, students will learn the best practices of video and audio storytelling, adding new skills every week. Students will learn how to research and develop their concepts, create compelling and engaging scripts then use everyday tools such as iMovie and other digital recording and editing software to produce and publish their content for the Severn Middle School student body.

  
  

  Exploring History (Grade 8)

   In this class, with the guidance of their teacher, students go on a self-directed journey through history to research the historical moments, communities, and figures that they are interested in.  Students will be shown how to properly gather information from reputable resources while creating easily digestible and engaging content to demonstrate their learning. 

  
  

  Current World Events (Grade 8)

  An awareness of current international events is a requirement for world citizenship. This class will engage in the discussion and exploration of major issues facing the peoples of various countries and regions, including the United States. By focusing on the lived experiences of the people whose lives are affected, the class will maintain a balanced treatment of sometimes controversial realities. As a culminating project, students will focus on a proactive, positive response to a particular challenge. 

• Science, Design & Engineering Pillar Course Offerings (Grade 7 & 8)

  Cryptology, Logic and Games (Grade 7)

  Through the study of cryptology, students will analyze clues to solve complex problems and look at how these tools were, and are still, used by spies, militaries, and governments. In addition, this course will also feature puzzles, riddles, and perspective-changing challenges, like cube solving and brain teasers.

  
  

  Environmental Studies (Grade 7)

  In Environmental Studies, students will explore the natural environment around them, and learn and promote strategies for protecting it. The topics of sustainability and conservation will be discussed, and students will be asked to develop ideas and projects that positively impact the community.

  
  

  Forensics (Grade 7)

  This course introduces students to the science field of forensics. Students will take on the role of crime scene investigators in order to solve fictional crimes using fingerprints, blood tracing, DNA typing, fibers, tracks and remains, entomology (insects) as well as other skills. Students will also be introduced to a variety of forensic science careers. 

  
  

  Intro to Computer Coding/Programming (Grade 7, 8)  
  In this course, students will learn the basics of computer coding using javascript and/or Python. They'll learn how to solve given problems by first making a plan, writing a list of specific instructions (code), and then testing out that code to see if it works. 

  
  

  Robotics and Engineering (Grade 7, 8)

  In this hands-on course, students will create and troubleshoot within the world of robotics and artificial intelligence. Projects will focus on constructing a robot- that is, an incredibly intricate and capable mobile robot that is also user-friendly.  After building units, robots will be put to the test with challenges and  competitions like "Robot Soccer" and "Robot Capture-the-Flag."  
  
  

  Principles and Tactics of Chess (Grade 8)

  Chess fosters the development of patience, self-discipline, logical thinking skills, and respect for accepted rules of competition. Students of all experience levels will review basic principles of the game to accommodate beginners. Instruction and game play will receive equal time, and students are expected to earnestly participate in both. 

  
  

  Entrepreneurship (Grade 8) 

  In this elective, students will learn about what it takes to start and run a business. They will learn about pricing, production, marketing, research and development. They will even try their hand at developing an idea for a product and planning how to turn it into a profitable business. 

  
  

  Innovative Design Challenges (Grade 8)

  In this class, students will be presented with various design challenges that allow them to engage in hands-on activities such as building towers for strength and height, “Robo-roach” mazes, bridges, and much more.  Students will work as engineers to apply their creativity and knowledge to solve problems in the "real world” and compete with one another to produce the most effective designs.

• Health and Wellness - Grade 7, 8 Requirement

  This required course for all seventh and eighth graders consists of a series of interactive seminars taught by the middle school counselor. It is designed to equip students with knowledge, information, and attitudes for healthy decision-making. Topics include mental health awareness and advocacy, healthy and unhealthy relationships, intent vs. impact of actions and behaviors, science of sleep, and teasing vs. bullying. 

• Speech - Grade 7 Requirement

  Seventh Grade Speech is a program that enriches the public speaking work the students will be working on in their English classes. It is a time to refine their presence in front of an audience to make giving their speeches more effective. They will work on practicing their tone, pacing, gestures, and facial expressions. They will also workshop their speech presentations and receive feedback from the enrichment advisor and their peers. 

• Wordsmith Workshop - Grade 8 Requirement

  In this required enrichment, eighth-grade students will work on honing their skills in grammar, vocabulary, and writing.  Participation in this class will help students solidify their skills for success during the year in English class as well as the transition into high school coursework.