Grade 7

In Grade 7 English, we focus on student choice, independence, and growth. Our program is designed to help students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a mix of structured lessons, personalized learning experiences, and a broad and balanced curriculum.

In Writing Workshop, students build their writing skills through focused genre studies, using books they are reading as examples. They receive direct instruction on important writing techniques such as developing ideas, organizing thoughts, and using strong vocabulary and voice. Grammar, punctuation, and mechanical conventions are taught both directly and through students’ own writing and editing processes. Students move through each stage of the writing process with guidance and support from their teachers.

Reading Workshop gives students the chance to read a variety of texts—both fiction and nonfiction—independently, in pairs, in small groups, and as a class. Students set personal reading goals and choose books that match their interests and challenge their reading level. As they read, they practice key skills like making predictions, drawing inferences, and analyzing themes and characters. Texts may include realistic fiction, dystopian novels, and informational pieces.

Throughout the year, students engage in thoughtful discussions about what they read. They learn how to ask meaningful questions, build on each other’s ideas, and support their thoughts with text-based evidence. Students also practice presentation skills, learning how to speak clearly and confidently in front of a group while emphasizing key points.

Our Grade 7 English program helps students become more thoughtful readers, more effective writers, and more confident communicators—all while developing their individual interests and goals.

The Grade 7 Mathematics course is based on the Common Core State Standards for mathematics, with instructional time focused on proportional reasoning. Students explore this theme in the context of numbers, similarity, algebra, measurement, and statistics. Rather than emphasizing memorization, the curriculum develops students’ problem-solving skills, embedding opportunities to make sense of contextually rich situations and apply mathematical concepts. Through interactive classroom discourse, students collaborate, share their thinking, and engage with mathematics in a wide variety of ways to support conceptual and procedural fluency, instruction is drawn from a diverse array of resources. The Connected Mathematics Project 4 serves as the core curriculum, and is supplemented by digital platforms like Geogebra, Amplify, and Buzzmath, which are used to reinforce skills and provide targeted practice. Additionally, physical manipulatives, math games, online resources, and calculators are used to enhance learning and support responsive, differentiated instruction.

Along with the rest of the Middle School, the Grade 7 Mathematics curriculum promotes a robust understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures by asking students to reflect on solution methods, compare methods, and relate methods to those used in previously encountered situations. Because emphasis is placed on students developing a deeper understanding of concepts and how they are connected, we promote writing about mathematical concepts and demonstrating mastery through constructing viable arguments.

Reporting to parents/guardians is done through conferences, access to the Teamie portal, and end-of-semester report cards. The semester proficiency level consists of unit assessments, projects, check-ups, and quizzes (individual and partnered). Students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of math standards and practices. Homework is not graded, but is an opportunity for students to practice and to be challenged. 

Teachers seek to differentiate in order to meet the needs of each student. Instruction is responsive to each individual, and teachers consistently monitor the level of enrichment and reinforcement needed to help each student succeed.

Students in Grade 7 participate in two performing arts disciplines by electing which they are most interested in pursuing—choir, orchestra, band and drama. Students participate in both ensembles for the entire year, where the block is split between each discipline. Students new to the School who have never played a band or orchestra instrument before are given a specified choice of instruments to begin in Grade 7, and receive small-group instruction appropriate to their level. Because of the limited number of spaces in each discipline, students are not always guaranteed their choices. The emphasis of the performing ensembles in Grade 7 is on developing an understanding of communication through performing arts, along with technical and collaboration skills. The ultimate goal is an enjoyment and appreciation of the ability to make art, and for students to think of themselves as performing artists.

Grade 7 Band reinforces musicianship basics, which include good posture, proper breathing, rhythmic accuracy, good intonation, ensemble balance, correct embouchure, proper fingerings, musical phrasing, and clear articulation. Students learn many types of concert music, which represent a variety of styles and moods, and they perform in both full-band and small-group settings.

Grade 7 Orchestra supports the development of technical skills, such as proper playing position, rhythmic accuracy, listening and intonation, stylistic use of the bow, and musical phrasing and literacy. Students play and perform a wide variety of music reflecting different styles and periods.

Students in Grade 7 Choir learn rehearsal skills, proper tone production, sight-singing, and performance techniques. Students practice sight-singing using the solfège system, and complete occasional written work. Grade 7 Choir emphasizes the development of musical understanding in a fun and collaborative setting.

Grade 7 Drama students explore the dramatic arts as a form that is not only ever-changing and evolving, and helps students to explore the art form in their everyday lives, as well as to consider how stories can shape our relationships, society, and the spectacle of life. Students have the opportunity to develop their collaboration, imagination, and public speaking skills, and experience the professional process of being an actor, director, and designer. 

Students focus on the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with an emphasis on the cross-cutting concepts of systems and system models, energy and matter, and stability and change. Throughout the year, students have multiple opportunities to develop their science and engineering practices with a focus on: developing and using models, analyzing and interpreting data, and evaluating information and constructing explanations. Units are driven by interesting scientific phenomena, and students mirror the work of scientists and engineers through investigation, developing an understanding of these scientific concepts.

Units for the year in Grade 7 Science are:

• Chemical reactions and matter: How can we make something new that wasn’t there before? Students begin by observing a bath bomb in water and, through exploring this phenomenon, develop an understanding of the properties of matter, chemical reactions and the conservation of mass. They use evidence collected in investigations to write scientific arguments and develop models to compare physical and chemical changes. 
• Chemical reactions and energy: How can we use chemical reactions to design a solution to a problem? Students further their understanding of chemical reactions by testing processes that both release and absorb energy. They are then challenged to apply their understanding to a design problem, creating a portable incubator for sea turtle eggs that uses a chemical reaction to produce heat.
• Metabolic reactions: How does our body work to make us feel the way we do? Students are presented with a medical mystery involving a middle school girl and, as they investigate her illness, they extend their understanding of chemical reactions to those that occur in the human body. They develop models of what happens to food in the body, consider the interconnectedness of body systems, and ultimately use the evidence gathered in their investigations to diagnose the sick girl.
• Matter cycling and photosynthesis: How do plants survive in a closed terrarium? Students begin by building terrariums and exploring how their plants use light energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into food through photosynthesis. They then investigate the flow of energy from one organism to another through food chains and use models to understand that the cycling of matter is key to a plant surviving in a closed system. 
• Ecosystem dynamics: How does changing an ecosystem affect what lives there? Students start the unit by considering how buying candy bars can have a ripple effect on orangutan populations thousands of miles away. They use simulations to investigate the role of resource availability and competition on orangutan populations, model the interconnectedness of rainforest ecosystems, and consider the importance of biodiversity in maintaining resilience. Students further develop their understanding of the impact of disruptions caused by both human activity and natural events by analyzing population data from a variety of ecosystems. 

The Grade 7 Social Studies curriculum explores the themes of empire, migration, and revolution through a range of historical case studies, including the Mexica (Aztec) Empire, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, post-war migration to Britain, and the Irish War of Independence, among others. Through inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate evidence, and develop a deeper understanding of the historical forces that have shaped the modern world.

Students engage with a wide variety of sources, including primary source documents, videos, handouts, podcasts, databases, book extracts, and educational websites. These materials support students in examining key concepts and developing informed perspectives about the past.

Throughout the year, students focus on building core social studies skills. As they explore different places, events, and themes, they develop their ability to construct arguments in both discussions and written work. Reading comprehension, note-taking, and research skills are explicitly taught and practiced. Students also strengthen their historical thinking by analyzing sources, corroborating evidence, and considering multiple perspectives, while exploring ideas such as historical significance, continuity, and change.

Learning is further enriched by making use of London as an extended classroom. Students take part in field trips to the British Museum and to Portobello Road and the Notting Hill area, where they further explore themes studied in the course.

The middle school world languages program offers two levels of courses in Mandarin, French, and Spanish for students in Grade 7: levels A and B.

Level A is aimed at true beginners and students who have had minimal academic exposure to the target language. This course aims to develop students’ ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students who successfully complete the level A course continue on to the level B course in Grade 8.

Level B is for students who have successfully completed a minimum of one full year of an academic program in their chosen language. Building upon the skills acquired in the level A course, students continue to use simple sentence structures and vocabulary to discuss a wider selection of familiar topics. Through a variety of communicative activities, students continue to develop four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

A student who successfully completes the level B course continues on to a level C course in Grade 8.

Our robust electives program allows students some choice in their schedules, and exposes them to different subject areas and disciplines. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to deepen their passion in a particular area, or to explore something entirely new! No middle school elective course is a prerequisite for a high school course.

Creative Coding: Ever wonder how the technology around you actually works? In this hands-on elective, students learn Python programming through Harvard’s CS50 course while bringing real electronic devices to life. Projects include building a Useless Box, assembling and programming an Eye Mech robot, and creatively customizing a CogLet. Along the way, students practice reading and editing real code to accomplish tangible change. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to tinker!

Dance: Dance provides an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their physical and mental well-being while building confidence, resilience, creativity, and teamwork. This  elective is split into three strands: developing technique, creating choreography, and performing. The first strand focuses on developing technical skills in contemporary jazz and hip-hop. The second strand explores choreography and the process of making work  in the dance style of students’ choice, either as a solo, duet, or trio. The third strand requires students to perform a group piece and their independent piece in an end-of-semester showcase in front of an audience. All levels of experience are welcome.

Design: In this course, students learn the product design process and are introduced to two- and three-dimensional modeling programs as well as sophisticated laser machining and 3D printing technology. They go on to use these methods to conceptualize and construct their own innovative designs using the ASL MILL’s state-of-the-art tools. No prior technology knowledge is required—just a good imagination!

Digital Art and Design: In this elective, students learn to create artworks on a digital canvas and transform their drawings into physical realities by exploring a professional digital workflow. The course balances skill-building with critical inquiry and student voice through artmaking, applying elements and principles of art and design such as line, value, color, texture, perspective, and composition to digital media. Using industry-standard software on iPads with Apple Pencils, students explore digital artwork creation and non-destructive editing to precisely refine their creative vision. Transitioning from artists to designers, they learn to adapt their 2D artworks into realistic 3D product mock-ups, such as apparel and packaging, while also analyzing and interpreting the messages within the works of other artists. Ultimately, students engage in digital curation by “activating” their own pieces with subtle animations and preparing their final works for a showcase in a virtual gallery.

Explore London: The city is our extended classroom in this elective as we connect students’ interests with London’s past and present. We examine how politics, immigration, culture, and the arts have shaped, and continue to shape, our city. Those who choose this elective are encouraged to think outside the box and get outside the building. Students research and propose local excursions based on themes they care about, and help plan and lead these trips. Most classes are spent off-campus exploring this amazing city by public transport and walking, combining the class block with recess/lunch whenever they overlap. “The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner?”—Virginia Woolf

Games for Leadership Development: This course explores the themes of creativity, competition, and collaboration through board games, card games, class scavenger hunts, improvisation games, and unique physical activities. Students develop their communication skills and learn to demonstrate personal responsibility and positive social behaviors by practicing inclusion and effective listening while engaging in teacher-led activities. Students also facilitate small- and large-group activities of their own to develop their leadership, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills. This course takes place on and off campus, depending on the activity and the weather. Join us as we use active, engaging learning to develop the skills to be a leader who supports, motivates, and inspires others!

Global Issues and Community Action: Do you want to make our school, our city, and our world a more fair, kind, and just place? In this class, students become  changemakers—people who speak up, think deeply, and take action to help fix what’s not working in the world around us. Together, we’ll explore big questions and real issues, both close to home and far beyond. Students select topics they care about, team up with others, and connect with ASL’s community partner organizations around London to learn from their work—and to assist them in creating real, positive change.Global Issues and Community Action students dive into powerful topics such as:

• AI and the future of democracy
• The root causes of local theft
• Why our school has a backpack policy—and who it helps or harms
• Sea pollution and how it’s hurting marine life
• Gender and sexuality at the Qatar World Cup
• Small habits that fuel climate change
• Hijab bans and racism
• Racial profiling as a systemic issue 
• Soup vs. Van Gogh: Protest or vandalism?
• Period poverty
• Jina Mahsa Amini and women’s rights
• The fight for abortion access and reproductive rights 

In this class, we practice both dialogue and debate. We explore how power works, what rights we have, and what justice really means in different places and for different people.
And this isn’t just about learning—it’s about doing. Students design projects, reflect on their impact, and make things happen. Whether researching, writing, creating, or campaigning, students are sharpening their critical thinking skills while taking action that matters. The classroom is a space of shared leadership, where students’ voices and ideas help shape what we do. You are encouraged to bring your whole self, be inclusive of others, and try to leave every space—at ASL and beyond—better than you found it. Curious? Fired up? Ready to make waves? This is your space to step up.

London Through the Years: London is a city rich in history and culture. So many important historical events have happened on the streets that we walk down every day. Think about these questions: What was London like hundreds of years ago? What was it like to live in London during both world wars? How destructive was a night during the Blitz? What is the significance of St. Paul’s Cathedral to London? Which recent events have shaped life in our city? This course focuses on examining the events, people, and places that have shaped London’s history. Most of our classes involve using London as our classroom and visiting historical sites around the city, so get your walking shoes on and get ready to explore!

Robotics and Automation: The world is evolving, and, as technology advances, tasks traditionally performed by humans are increasingly being completed by robots. In this course, using a combination of REV Robotics kits and student-designed robots, students build and program robots to complete tasks of increasing complexity. Students use basic mechanical principles and learn essential programming, digital manufacturing, and collaborative problem-solving skills. This course is hands-on and project-based. No prior robotics or programming experience is required.

Video Journalism:  Everyone has a story to tell, and a good reporter seeks out and publishes those stories that might not always be obvious. In this elective, students learn to use video and audio to tell non-fiction stories. Students learn interviewing, videography, and editing techniques to create videos on a variety of topics. Students have the opportunity to share their work with the student body and a wider audience via the Scroll’s website as part of the Eagle News Network. While there are no formal homework assignments as part of this elective, students will need to conduct some video interviews outside of class time.

Visual Arts Electives

Digital Photography: “What makes a photo worth sharing?” In this class, we will explore a variety of topics and techniques to answer this question, from composition and exposure to photo manipulation and ethics. We will study a range of photography genres, including photojournalism, portraiture, sports action, photo illustration, and more. Students will work with digital cameras, learn basic editing skills in Adobe Lightroom, and develop a digital portfolio to highlight their work and learning throughout the semester. Students are assessed using the ASL visual arts standards: creating, connecting, responding, and presenting.

Mixed Media Art: This visual arts elective is designed to engage students in thinking about the future and their social world. Students gain experience in drawing, sculptural architecture, and printmaking. They develop predictive skills such as scenario planning, systems thinking, and the exploration of current trends. Students gain knowledge of contemporary design practices to help inspire and inform their work. The printmaking unit engages students in global issues that are personally meaningful. They learn about a range of printmaking processes, from monoprinting, to lino printing, to drypoint etching. 

Sculpture: This visual arts elective is designed to engage students in thinking critically about the future and their social world. Through experiences in drawing, sculptural architecture, and printmaking, students explore how artists and designers respond to contemporary issues and imagine new possibilities. They develop predictive thinking skills through scenario planning, systems thinking, and the analysis of current trends, while gaining insight into contemporary design practices that inspire and inform their work. The printmaking unit encourages students to investigate global issues that are personally meaningful and to communicate their ideas through a variety of printmaking techniques, including monoprinting, linocut printing, and drypoint etching.