Art
In Middle School art, children express their individuality as they explore many different art processes. Through experimentation and play, students are encouraged to discover the possibilities of materials in order to develop imaginative and creative solutions to structured artistic challenges. Planning, revising, and craftsmanship are an integral part of the artistic standards. To inspire students with ideas for the possibilities of how materials work, visual examples and artist videos are regularly used to give exposure to many different styles and approaches to art making by both living and past artists from around the world.
Through discussion and critique, art appreciation is integrated with art activities. This also helps students to develop an artistic vocabulary. Collaborative work is an important part of the art experience, helping to build social bonding and promote a sense of community in the classroom. To make connections across different subject areas, art is sometimes combined with other special subject areas and classroom studies. While lessons are structured to build skills, they must also be set up to develop a student’s ability to make decisions, and solve their own creative problems.
The curriculum includes the following:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Collage
- Printmaking
- Digital Photography
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Masks
- Architecture and Environmental Design
- Earth Art Commercial
- Art Design Thinking
- Stop Motion Animation
Art
Through experimentation and play, students are encouraged to discover the possibilities of materials in order to develop imaginative and creative solutions to structured artistic challenges.
Health and Guidance
The Middle School Health/Guidance program is designed to heighten the awareness and understanding of children's physical, social and emotional changes.
Language Arts
Students build respect for the use of language and an appreciation for good literature. These help students hone their writing, reading, listening, and effective speaking skills
Library
The library brings in professional authors on a regular basis who share their personal stories with our students and encourage students to try writing on their own.
Mathematics
Potomac uses Math in Focus (MIF), a program based on Singapore Math model. The program focuses on an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving.
Music
The Middle School General Music program is based on the Orff-Schulwerk approach to teaching and learning, which strives to build musicianship in every learner through the integration of singing, instrumental music, movement, speech, and drama.
Physical Education
The purpose of the physical education program in Middle School is to provide an environment in which each student can develop confidence in his or her physical self.
Science
The Middle School science program is designed to expose students to basic concepts and to foster an appreciation of science in their lives through hands-on activities.
Social Studies
Students explore early humans, first and ancient civilizations, and the origins and basic beliefs of major world religions.
Technology
In the Middle School, the integration of technology and curriculum is highly valued; technology instruction is embedded into every subject area.
World Languages
The Middle School Spanish Language program, while working to develop language proficiency in Spanish, is primarily designed to capture the unique cognitive benefits of second language acquisition for children of this age.