Grade 6 Social Studies 2011-2012

Instructors Kristen Feren Meg Parry Tim Benford Rena ORegan Email ferenk@ismanila.org parrym@ismanila.org benfordm@ismanila.org oreganr@ismanila.org ferenk.ism-online.org parrym.ism-online.org benfordt.ism-online.org oreganr.ism-online.org

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ISM School-Wide Student Goals

At International School Manila, we expect students to work to the best of their ability to be: Effective Communicators: who can interact through a range of modes of communication and for a variety of purposes. Communicators: Knowledgeable and Skilled Learners: who continually acquire useful knowledge and skills while developing understanding(s) across a Learners: broad and balanced range of contexts. Self-directed and Balanced Individuals: who strive to achieve their personal best and understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance. Inquiring and Reflective Problem Solvers: who can think critically and creatively to make informed decisions and then take Solvers appropriate action. Responsible, Caring and Ethical Contributors: who can empathize and be tolerant of differences and are committed to make a positive Contributors: impact on their communities and environment.

Course Description
Each quarter, we will work on one coordinated multi-disciplinary unit focusing on one rich concept. This means that all core areas will focus on the same overarching understandings and essential questions, but we will be assessing subject specific standards and indicators. In grade 6, the units of study are Structures, Relationships, Cause and Effect, and Discovery. Some topics of study in Social Studies will include: Structures: A study of maps, citizenship, and structures of governance Relationships: A study of the social and environmental implications of buying certain products Cause and Effect: A study of the physical and human characteristics of a place, the movement of people both voluntary and involuntary, historical events and their impact on the present, and the ways that humans adapt to and modify their environments Discovery: A study of the varied perspectives about our hominid past and how we define ourselves as a species in the present day

Assessment and Reporting

The type of assessment, work time spent on a task, and the tasks level of challenge determine the number of points an assignment is worth. Students will demonstrate their understanding through tests and quizzes, projects, formal writing, oral presentations, class work, and homework. This work will be individual or collaborative. Quarterly grades are based on an accumulation of total points. Teachers will report on student achievement via Powerschool. Grades will be based on a combination of Social Studies Intended Learnings and Transdisciplinary Skills. Assignments will be categorized in Powerschool according to the skill being assessed. For example, an assignment assessed for completion only will fall into the category of Personal Management and Reflection, while a test assessing specific Social Studies indicators will fall into the category of Social Studies Intended Learnings. Additionally, you can expect teachers to make comments in Powerschool if an assessment earns a particularly low score. Please access Powerschool approximately every two weeks to best monitor your childs progress.

Homework Policy
As per the Middle School guidelines, students should expect to have approximately 40 minutes of Social Studies homework per week. This may include short tasks that can be completed in one evening, or longer project based tasks that are to be completed over a number of days. Some homework, depending on the assignment, may only be credited on the due date. Late long-term assignments and projects may be penalized up to 10%. These late marks will be categorized as Personal Management and Reflection. Extenuating circumstances resulting in a late submission of work must be communicated to the teacher before the assignment is due.

Communication
Communication is a vital link between student, teacher and parent to ensure productive learning. Parents should feel free to contact us should they have any questions or concerns regarding their child's progress in school. Parents have access to Powerschool and can check for regular grade updates. Students also have access to Student Resources on the ISM portal. To share concerns or to arrange a time to meet, please email us at one of the above addresses.