Grade 6: Foundations of Discovery

English 6

Have you ever wondered how a single story can shift how we see ourselves—or the world? Through short stories, novels, and poetry from around the globe, students explore how literature reflects identity, struggle, and imagination. As they learn to think like writers and readers, students develop essential communication, critical-thinking, annotation, vocabulary, and collaborative discussion skills.

History 6

Did you know that ancient port cities along the Indian Ocean were already global hubs centuries ago? Students explore ancient and modern urban centers, examining how trade, migration, and geography shape societies over time. They build research skills, develop historical empathy, use primary and secondary sources, and collaborate on inquiry-based projects.

Mathematics 6

How do engineers decide how to build a bridge, or plan a city’s layout? In Math 6, students explore foundational concepts in algebra and geometry by solving problems based on real-world design, navigation, and environmental questions. Skills include number fluency, pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, logical problem-solving, and introductory data interpretation.

Science 6

Did you know that, due to the formation of carbonic acid from CO₂ in the air, “pure” rainwater is slightly acidic, with a pH around 5.5? Current efforts to control acid rain—such as smokestack scrubbers and clean-fuel initiatives—are expensive and debated. Do you think enough is being done?

Understanding such questions requires a solid foundation in earth and environmental science. Students explore ecosystems, climate systems, plate tectonics, and human impact on the environment. Skills developed include lab safety, experimental design, observation, data collection and graphing, and drawing conclusions from evidence.

Language Study 6

Why do some languages place verbs at the end of the sentence—and how does that affect the way people think? Students explore one of four world languages: Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish. The course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language, and builds cross-cultural awareness through dialogue, role-play, and storytelling.

Physical Education 6

Did you know that aerobic activity improves memory and focus? Through sport, mindfulness, and physical challenges, students learn how movement shapes wellbeing. They set personal goals, develop self-awareness, build coordination and flexibility, and explore the connection between physical and emotional health.

Arts 6

Can a painting speak louder than words? In this course, students explore music, drama, and visual arts to examine how artists tell stories, influence culture, and make change. Students develop technical skills in different artistic media, learn to collaborate in ensembles, and begin to articulate and critique their creative choices.

Grade 7: Expanding Perspectives

English 7

Can a novel change someone’s life? How do authors make us feel empathy for people we’ve never met? Students read and write across genres and cultures, focusing on voice, justice, and identity. They strengthen their use of textual evidence, argument structure, literary analysis, and tone control, while engaging in meaningful discussion and debate.

History 7

What makes a good government—and who gets to decide? Students compare political systems, explore how people express dissent or build consensus, and simulate decisions as diplomats, lawmakers, or activists. They develop skills in persuasive writing, primary source analysis, mapping political systems, and evaluating bias in media.

Mathematics 7

How can we use data to understand the world—and influence decisions? Students learn algebraic modeling and statistical analysis using real data from topics like energy use, income gaps, or environmental change. They advance in proportional reasoning, equations and inequalities, graph interpretation, and critical quantitative analysis.

Science 7

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes carry certain diseases in some regions but not others? Or why access to clean water remains a challenge in so many parts of the world? This course focuses on biology, health, and human-environment interaction. Students study body systems, microbes, and the science of wellness while refining lab techniques, systems thinking, and cause-effect reasoning.

Language Study 7

Why do gestures, tone, and formality vary so much between cultures? Students continue their language of study, developing conversational fluency and deeper cultural knowledge through projects and presentations. They gain confidence in verb conjugation, descriptive language, question formation, and everyday dialogue.

Physical Education 7

Can sports teach leadership? Students explore personal fitness while learning teamwork and goal-setting. Mindfulness and reflection are integrated into competitive and cooperative physical challenges. Skills include endurance training, group strategy, personal goal tracking, and peer feedback.

Arts 7

How do artists respond to the world around them? This year, students use creative mediums to explore themes like identity, equity, and belonging. They refine skills in choreography, drawing, music composition, or set design while practicing self-expression, critique, and collaborative creation.

Grade 8: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact

English 8

Whose voices shape the news, the stories, and the history we learn? In English 8, students explore literature, memoirs, and media to understand how narrative builds power. They write across genres, engaging with ideas that matter. Skills include argument development, literary theory, digital media literacy, and advanced revision strategies.

History 8

What can ancient cities teach us about resilience today? From the Roman Republic to the Srivijaya Empire, students explore how early civilizations governed, innovated, and collapsed—and what we can learn from them now. Students hone skills in comparative analysis, historiography, evidence-based writing, and connecting past to present.

Mathematics 8+

How can math help predict climate change or analyze public health data? Students use Algebra I—and optional Python coding—to model real-world challenges, including resource use, population growth, and logistics planning. They master functions, systems of equations, data modeling, and algorithmic thinking.

Science 8

Can chemistry help us create a cleaner future? Students explore matter, energy, and chemical reactions through topics like renewable power, pollution control, and sustainable design. Through labs and simulations, they learn stoichiometry, experimental design, thermal energy concepts, and basic chemistry lab skills.

Language Study 8

What does it mean to be truly fluent? In their third year of language study, students speak, read, and write in their target language with growing confidence. They explore global and historical texts and complete a final project on a cultural or social topic. Grammar, idiomatic expressions, oral presentations, and reading comprehension are emphasized.

Physical Education 8

What does it mean to take ownership of your health? Students track their own fitness goals, lead group warm-ups or challenges, and learn how to build routines for physical and mental wellness. They also learn principles of sports psychology, recovery, and strength training.

Arts 8

Can one project sum up everything you believe? In this final year of middle school arts, students complete a personal or collaborative capstone in visual art, music, or performance—showcasing who they are and what they’ve learned. They apply design principles, technical mastery, and storytelling to communicate complex ideas.

RDAS Middle School

Our Curriculum

Building Excellence Through Discovery and Innovation

Grade 6: Foundations of Discovery

Grade 7: Expanding Perspectives

Grade 8: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact

Growing Confident Learners Ready to Go Anywhere