Grade 6

Religion Curriculum  

In Sixth Grade, students will continue to deepen their covenant with God and the Church through the study of the Old Testament.  Students focus on the prophets, proverbs, psalms, and Moses and the Ten Commandments. They will continue to study the virtues exemplified by the lives of the Saints, and explore and practice the different forms of prayer.  The Respect Life Program (Grades sixth through eighth) is also included in the religious education classes. Service to the Church and the community are continually encouraged in order to live a life full of faith and understanding.  Children will participate in monthly Mass celebrations and Eucharistic Adoration. Our curriculum follows the Diocese of Metuchen's guidelines, which are aligned with the National Benchmarks and Standards.  Religion is incorporated into every aspect of our school life.

Language Arts Curriculum

The Sixth Grade Language Arts program will continue to focus on the development of the independent reader, moving into more complex and detailed informational text. As established by the New Jersey State Education Standards, students will develop a  deeper understanding of the written word in relation to the changing world around them.  Students will develop short, as well as extensive research, for topics across the curriculum.  Language Arts will be separated into two sections: grammar and writing, and literature and vocabulary. Applying their knowledge of written and oral language, students will come to a better understanding of how language functions in different contexts and styles.

Math Curriculum 

In Sixth Grade, Math instruction will focus on three critical areas: connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations to develop understanding of statistical thinking.  Students will use a variety of activities to understand ratio concepts and solve ratio problems.  Sixth grade students will apply previous understanding of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.  Students will write expressions and equations that correspond to given situations, and use expressions and formulas to solve problems.  By building on and reinforcing their understanding of numbers, students will be develop their ability to think statistically.  They will also solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume.  

Science Curriculum 

The Sixth Grade Science program is based on the guidelines established by the New Generation Science Standards.  Students at this level will focus solely on the further study of Earth Science. The history of the Planet Earth, the Solar System, the Universe and its Stars, and the Galaxy will be explored.  Students will use a systems approach to study Earth’s materials and systems, plate tectonics and system interactions, water on the Earth’s surface, weather and climate, and land formations.  They will come to understand how natural resources, hazards, and global climate control have an impact on our planet.  

Social Studies Curriculum  

In Sixth Grade, students will learn about the emergence of empires in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  They will analyze the motivations for civilizations across the globe.  Students will acquire knowledge about how past interactions of people, cultures, and the environment affect issues across time and culture. The students will also study the geography and maps of Asia, Africa, and Europe.