7/8 Electives

7/8 Electives, also known as "Wednesday Electives," are designed to give the boys some exposure to classes that are not considered mainstream academic courses. All boys take music and art through sixth grade (See The Arts Department). In addition, students may choose from a selection of pre-designated classes. Our goal is to broaden the curriculum content and to give the students the opportunity to have a hand in their course load each semester.

For more information about how electives are integrated into the curriculum, please visit the Curriculum Overview page.

Wednesday Electives
Challenge 20/20 – Global Issues, Global Solutions
Ms. McArthur
Ms. Janiak
Mr. Lorie
Mr. Van Auken

This elective is a new, vitally important elective at Town School which provides an opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students to participate with students from other schools — public and private, elementary and secondary — to tackle a real problem. The elective class will work in conjunction with NAIS which matches U.S. Schools with International Schools to work together towards real solutions on a global issue.  First, the students will identify which issue they want to work on. They will learn more about the issue and work towards finding solutions. Students collaborate and communicate online in order to develop and initiate local solutions.  The final product will be an educational website that informs others about the issue and explains the proposed solutions. 
Creative Challenge
Ms. Smith 		In Creative Challenge students will work as a team, using ingenuity and imagination to build remarkable structures, concoct wacky objects, and dream up silly performances. Build a bridge spanning at least 12 inches? No problem. Use only 7 popsicle sticks, 5 paper clips and some string? It’s do-able. Build it strong enough to hold a brick? Three bricks? Five? Now, that’s a challenge. Envision what the hottest new toy on Mars might look like and make it? A walk in the park. Create and act out a commercial for Earthling consumers? Piece of cake. Do both in under 3 minutes? That’s a challenge.
Favorite Films
Ms. Cvar 		In this elective students view and review some classic movies and discuss why the film world has brought them continued pleasure.  The class watches and discusses their favorite movies and determine how they impact them.
Digital Video
Mr. Singleton 		Each project begins with an idea. The boys are then required to write a script and develop a storyboard. The raw footage is then shot and the editing process begins. All editing is done via the computer. The boys add special effects and music where appropriate. Finally, the movie is digitized and sent out to tape.
Digital Recording Arts
Ms. Page
Students will learn the basics of digital sound recording as we use free software, professional microphones, sound equipment, and laptop computers to record live music, build a sound effects library, produce podcasts and broadcast play-by-play action from Town sports events. Understanding how to record, edit, and broadcast in today’s digital environment is creative, easy, and fun.
Public Speaking
Mr. Ely

For one semester during either the seventh or eighth grade, each boy will take a course in Public Speaking. The purpose of the course is to teach the basic principles of speaking to groups with confidence. Students will learn to select appropriate topics, research and write speeches, and present 4 different kinds of speeches during the class.

Real Estate
Mr. Warner

This elective offers an opportunity to learn about the building and design of houses through books, computer-aided design and model building.
Secondary School Prep
Ms. Dorfler

Methods of presenting oneself in the best light with techniques of conversation, organization, and selection are the goals of the course. Confidence building, where necessary, will be emphasized.
The Stock Market
Mr. Frank

This course incorporates all the components necessary to enable the student to gain insight into the Stock Market. Hopefully, their knowledge of wise investments will insure their financial futures.

Teen Talk

This course provides an informal arena for those boys in the beginning of their teen years to discuss issues relevant to them. Reaction to Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse are a vital part of the curriculum. (Second Semester)

Yearbook
Mr. Morgan,
Mr. Wild

This elective is open to seventh and eighth grade students interested in creating a true piece of Town School history. The class is student-run, by elected editors, and facilitated with the help of two to three faculty advisors. Students are responsible for capturing the highlights of a given year through photography, both conventional and digital, and designing a visual history using multiple computer applications. Photoshop and PageMaker knowledge is not required; these skills will be developed throughout the year. Emphasis is placed on creative design and unique layout ideas which are encouraged during the course.

 
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