Middle School Curriculum Overview

The Middle School curriculum is based on a solid academic core designed to prepare our students for the next level in a rigorous continuum that stretches from Pre-K through 12th grade. At every level we cultivate adventurous minds.

To see the curriculum for each grade in the Middle School, follow the links below.

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

Eighth Grade

In addition to the curriculum described for each grade, the following are programs that are included in all three grades of the Middle School.

Service Learning

Shipley’s mission includes a commitment to developing in each student a compassionate participation in the world. The Middle School Service Learning Program consists of a variety of projects with different organizations in Philadelphia and the suburbs. All Middle School students participate in the Middle School Service Learning Program.

One Friday each month students participate in an activity of their choice. The activities are diverse and include:

• Visiting a day care center.
• Working on environmental initiatives.
• Cleanup in Fairmount Park.
• Sorting food at Philabundance.
• Helping at a school for autistic children

In addition to Service Fridays, we often offer service activities that occur outside of the regular school day, as well as dress-down days, and various drives, including:

• Greater Philadelphia Cares Day (clean-up in Philadelphia schools).
• Walk for Hope (breast cancer research).
• Thanksgiving Can Drive (Philabundance and MANNA).
• Special Olympics.
• * Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
  Parents are encouraged to become involved with our program.

Instrumental Ensembles

The Shipley Middle School has two ensembles:

• Wind Ensemble, for all brass and woodwind instruments, can also include up to two percussionists and a keyboard player.
• String Ensemble, for any of the bowed string instruments.

Other ensembles (such as the Middle School Honors Quartet) may be formed depending upon scheduling conditions, student interest, and availability. The Ensembles meet two days per week, and have two to three main performances each year. The groups are open to all students in middle school who have played their instruments and/or studied privately for at least one full year.

The goals of the ensembles are:

• To introduce and train students in the proper methods and techniques needed to rehearse and perform concert band, string orchestra, or chamber music.
• To provide artistic experiences and performing opportunities as a means of expression.
• To enable students to experience the important dynamics of teamwork, the setting and achieving of common goals, and the creation of something larger than themselves.
• To learn about music theory, structure, history, and appreciation through performance.