2007 - 2008 Westchester Academy for International Studies

Sixth Grade Course Overview

        Note- All our academic classes are Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Pre-International Baccalaureate (Pre- IB).

Integrated Social Studies and Language Arts (Pre-AP/ Pre- IB):

          This sixth grade course integrates reading and writing skills with the social studies curriculum, Contemporary World Cultures. Writer’s Workshop, Book Clubs, and “History Alive” are instructional approaches the students participate in during classes. It is one class session per school day. (At your home campus there would be separate classes for Language Arts and Social Studies.) Click here for information about our current Social Studies textbook.

Mathematics (Pre-AP/ Pre- IB):

          Our students use the SBISD Pre- AP Curriculum. It is a complete mathematics curriculum that helps develop understanding and ways of thinking and reasoning in numbers, geometry, measurement, algebra, probability, and statistics. Some key features are that it is problem-centered, provides skill practice, and is research based. It develops an awareness and appreciation of the rich connections among mathematical strands and between mathematics and other disciplines. Click here for more information about our new Math Textbook.

Science (Pre-AP/ Pre- IB):

          Using the SBISD criteria for Pre-AP, our sixth graders explore many areas of science - chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, energy, ecology/ecosystems and earth science. Some content, TEKS,  from seventh and eighth grade are taught in our sixth grade program. For Scope and Sequence information, click here. Our study of science includes conducting field and laboratory investigations to better understand interactions and patterns. Students participate in projects and presentations using investigations, methods, models and observations to constantly develop scientific processes and skills. Click here for information on our science syllabi.

Integrated Projects:

          Projects reflect an integration of academic classes and our international focus.  The projects incorporate research, cooperative learning strategies, and fine arts.