Students in grade 8 are required to take one quarter of Research Writing, two quarters of Foreign Language (either German, Spanish or French), and two quarters of Physical Education. Electives include Art, Band, Chorus, Computer, Desktop Publishing, Finance, Journey of Choices, Keyboarding II, Mixed Honors Chorus, Multimedia/Internet, Musical Theatre, Advanced Painting, Drama, Broadcast, Marketing, Documentary Film, On the Bridge, Web Design, Yearbook and Newspaper.

Classes

Religion
English
Physical Science
American Nation/North Carolina History
Algebra I/High School
Pre-Algebra
Encore Classes

Note: Students who successfully complete the Algebra class will receive high school credit. *Holy Trinity will submit to the receiving high school both semester grades for the student’s transcript. It is expected that they would advance to Geometry for their freshman year of high school. Upon successful completion of Physical Science, it is expected that they would schedule Biology for their freshman year in high school. This would allow the rotation of Chemistry with Algebra II.

Religion - Celebrating Church

This is an age appropriate introduction to Church History from Pentecost to Vatican II. Students become familiar with the basic divisions, major events, and key personalities in the history of the Church while gaining an understanding of the courage and faith of our ancestors and the role played in the shaping of the Church. The Liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, Lent and Easter are accommodated within the course throughout the academic year. Duration: one academic year.

All grades will participate in grade appropriate service projects during the course of the year.
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English -

This course includes (1) the enrichment of essential grammar skills; (2) continuation of vocabulary development; (3) further, in-depth exploration of the various genres and the literary terms in literature, and (4) provides a focus in the language and skills of writing, spelling, reading, and viewing. Emphasis is on research writing.
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Science -

The focus of 8th grade is physical science. The Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School science curriculum incorporates specific content areas for each grade level. Our curriculum supports the sequence and prepares them to schedule Biology as a ninth grader. Teachers incorporate the scientific method with hands on activities including laboratory experiments.
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Social Studies -

The eighth grade curriculum is United States and North Carolina History. As with the sixth and seventh grade courses, geography, current events, global environment, and international dynamics are studied. In addition, there is special emphasis on the structure of our national government and the Constitution.

Multicultural understanding and issues of peace and justice are also stressed through-out the curriculum. Field trips and projects, both individual and group, guest speakers, and events are added elements of the curriculum.
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Mathematics -

Pre-Algebra: This course prepares students for high school algebra and geometry. Topics covered include operations with rational numbers including decimals, fractions, percents, and integers. Many algebraic ideas are explored such as simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations with one variable, solving and graphing linear equations, and adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials. Introductory and right triangle geometry are introduced and measurement concepts are reinforced. Projects are assigned throughout the year that challenge students to use logical thinking and problem solving skills to apply knowledge to statistics, deductive reasoning, finances, architecture, communication, and math related career options. Glencoe McGraw Pre-Algebra-An Integrated Transition to Algebra and Geometry is the text used.

The web site for the textbook is www.glencoe.com. There are practice problems, tests, and quizzes on the site.

Algebra I: This is a high school course offered to students meeting specific criteria. Included in the coursework is addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials, factoring, polynomials solving equations with one and two variables, graphing linear and quadratic relations and functions, using exponents and irrational numbers, and solving word problems. The textbook used is Glencoe Algebra I.
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