EXPLORE
EXPLORE
Welcome to the Robious Middle School Scheduling Page. Please review options carefully.
Sample Course Sheets
Required Courses
All students take English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Health & PE. For help deciding the most appropriate level choices for your student, please talk with your student’s current teachers and reference the Robious Course Catalog which contains helpful information on the difference on levels to consider when deciding.
CBG & gifted decisions will be shared through ParentVue under the “Documents” Tab in January. Decisions are due to the Office of Gifted Education by January 30.
Any necessary changes to course selections will be communicated in February-March.
6th graders take English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Health & PE. For help deciding the most appropriate level choices for your student, please talk with your student’s current teacher and reference the Robious Course Catalog which contains helpful information on the difference on levels to consider when deciding.
SAMPLE Course Selection Form will be distributed during RMS counselor visits – English / Spanish
In 6th grade, students choose an elective which will meet every other day in the class period on the opposite day of Health and PE. Students select either a year-long course or the Exploratory Wheel course which offers four nine-week introductory courses.
Each course provides a link to a course description and/or short video intro from our teachers.
Beginning Band
Beginning Band provides an opportunity for the student to learn to play a band instrument in a group activity. Students must provide their own instruments and equipment, with the exception of a minimal number of instruments owned by the county. Limited after school hour performances are mandatory and included as part of the grading process.
Instruments to choose from: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion.
More information may be found at www.RobiousBands.com
Beginning Chorus
Chorus 6 provides the opportunity to sing in a group and learn the fundamentals of reading music and producing good vocal tone and diction. Public performance is included in the grading process. Choreography is added to many songs. Students have the opportunity to create choreography themselves.
Beginning Orchestra
Beginning String Orchestra 6 provides group instruction in the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Most students provide their own instruments; however, several school-owned stringed instruments are available to loan for the first year. Basic music skills will be taught for students to acquire a reasonable level of ensemble performance proficiency. Public performance is included in the grading process.
Advanced Art 6
Advanced Art 6 Students build skills in art media while developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design. Artwork of the masters will be studied with an emphasis on personal vision and expression of the individual. Interdisciplinary relationships among other subject areas will be studied.
Students have required homework.
Exploratory Wheel 6
Students enrolling in Exploratory 6 will experience four (4 ) of the following classes, each for a nine-week period.
Art 6
Art 6 students build skills in art media while developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design. Artwork of the masters will be studied with an emphasis on personal vision and expression of the individual. Interdisciplinary relationships among other subject areas will be studied.
Speech & Drama
This nine-week Speech & Drama 6 course offers an introduction to basic activities in drama such as pantomime, improvisation, creating a character, role playing, and script reading. Opportunities to participate in classroom presentations improve imagination, movement, and verbal skills.
Introduction to Technology
Intro to Technology (STEM) students study technological resources through problem-solving processes and various handson activities. They relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions
Career Investigations
This course allows students to explore career options and begin investigating career opportunities. Students assess their roles in society, identify their roles as workers, analyze their personal assets, complete a basic exploration of career clusters, select career pathways or occupations for further study, and create an Academic and Career
Plan based on their academic and career interests. This course also helps students identify and demonstrate the workplace skills that employers desire in their future employees.
Honors English students will choose a) International Studies or b) Writing Exploration OR c) a high school credit world language class.
Please choose high school level classes wisely. Courses are taught at the level & pacing of the high schools. Schedule changes cannot be made after the start of the school year due to difficulty.
Successful language students are organized and have good time-management & study skills. There will be nightly homework and regular review of material.
*It is highly recommended that students continue language classes into high school, so students beginning a language in 6th grade should be taking level 4 and 5 language courses at the beginning of high school.
Writing Exploration
The Writing Exploration elective course is designed to enhance writing skills in both the writing process and traits of writing across various genres.
International Studies
International Studies introduces all of the languages offered in Chesterfield County—ASL, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Latin and Japanese— through quarter-long thematic units. Each thematic unit has a common core of vocabulary: greetings and salutations, introductions, the alphabet, basic colors numbers one through twenty, days, months, seasons and basic questions words. Each unit integrates practice with study skills through the use of interactive notebooks, language decoding strategies and graphic organizers. The use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance the student’s connection to the world.
French 1
French 1, an academic elective, focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in French. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As much as possible, the class is conducted in French. Students will increase their cultural awareness through various thematic units; i.e. school, family, pastimes and friends.
Latin 1
Latin 1, an academic elective, focuses on presentational writing and interpretive reading in Latin. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-high proficiency level on the ACTFL scale for interpretive reading and a novice-mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale for presentational writing.
Spanish 1
Spanish 1, an academic elective, focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in Spanish. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These goals will be accomplished through individual and paired activities, listening and speaking activities, small- and large-group instruction, class discussions, individual projects, the Internet when appropriate, and teacher-created activities.
Important Dates & Deadlines:
January 26-30: MS classroom counselor visits
February 4: Course Request sheets due to counseling office
March 23: Deadline to change requests
August 25: First day of school for 7th & 8th graders
In 7th & 8th grade, students choose elective(s) to fill one block. This may be one year-long course or two semester courses.
Scroll down and click on each Elective Course to read course descriptions and videos.
7th and 8th graders will take English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Health & PE.
For help deciding the most appropriate level choices for your student, please talk with your student’s current teachers and reference the Robious Course Catalog which contains helpful information on the difference on levels to consider when deciding.
Advanced Art 7
Advanced Art 7 students build deeper sets of skills in media; painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture while focusing on the elements of design. Developing craft, observational skills, envisioning, reflection and creating meaning will be emphasized, as will understanding art worlds, artists, cultures and how they relate to the student’s life. Students have required homework.
Advanced Art 8
Students will develop technical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, various sculptural/craft media and new media. Students will create works expressing personal meaning. Students have required homework.
Prerequisite: Art teacher recommendation.
Theater Arts 8
The year-long course is designed to give students intense work in pantomime, improvisation, stage geography, character development, and vocal projections and expressiveness. Students will be involved in a stage production and various public speaking activities.
Intermediate Band 7
Intermediate Band 7 course completes Level 2 as specified in the band curriculum to help students appreciate the relationships among music, other arts, and society. Performances are mandatory and are a part of the overall grade in this class. Students must provide their own instrument, method book, and special attire may be required for performances. (Prerequisite: Beginning Band 6 and or band teacher recommendation)
Advanced Band 8
The Advanced Band 8 class completes Level 3 as specified in the band curriculum and helps students appreciate the relationships among music, other arts, and society. Performances are mandatory and are a part of the overall grade in this class. Students must provide their own instruments, method book and special attire may be required for performances.
Prerequisites: Intermediate Band 7 and/or Band teacher recommendation.
Intermediate Chorus 7
The Intermediate Chorus 7 course completes Level 2 of the vocal curriculum by teaching music production that helps students become better singers and appreciate the relationships among music, other arts, and society. Performances are mandatory and are a part of the overall grade in this class, and special attire may be required for performances.
Advanced Chorus 8
The Advanced Chorus 8 course completes Level 3 of the vocal curriculum by teaching music production that helps students become better singers and appreciate the relationships among music, other arts, and society. Performances are mandatory and are a part of the overall grade in this class. Special attire may be required for performances.
Intermediate Orchestra 7
The primary focus of this Intermediate Orchestra 7 class is the further development and expansion of basic skills learned in sixth-grade orchestra. Students will study bowing technique, music reading and notation, scales and ensemble playing. Students enrolled in this course are expected to attend mandatory rehearsals/performances, provide their own instrument, and special clothing may be required for performances. (Prerequisite: Orchestra teacher recommendation)
Concert Orchestra 8
The Concert Orchestra 8 course is an advanced performing ensemble for students playing stringed instruments. Students will continue to refine their technical skills and expand their knowledge of music expression. Students enrolled in this course are expected to attend mandatory rehearsals/performances, provide their own instrument, and special clothing may be required for performances.
Prerequisite: Orchestra teacher recommendation
Guitar
Students will learn and develop techniques and skills to play in ensembles and individually. Students enrolled in this course are expected to attend mandatory rehearsals/performances, provide their own instrument, and special clothing may be required for performances,
Intermediate Guitar 8
Students in the Intermediate Guitar will build on the techniques learned in beginning guitar by exploring movable scales in more difficult keys, I-IV-V7 chord progressions in a number of keys, and barre chords. Students will also learn all power chords in all positions as well as vibratos, slurs, and string-bending. Students will study an exciting & diverse repertoire to apply these techniques in public performances throughout the year.
Art 7
Art 7 students build skills in media; painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture while focusing on the elements of design. Developing craft, observational skills, envisioning, reflection and creating meaning will be emphasized, as will understanding art worlds, artists, cultures and how they relate to the student’s life
Art 8
Art 8 students build deeper sets of skills in media; painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture while focusing on the elements of design. Developing craft, observational skills, envisioning, reflection and creating meaning will be emphasized, as will understanding art worlds, artists, cultures and how they relate to the student’s life.
Computer Art 1 (7th or 8th grade)
Computer Art is an introductory course that allows students to build deeper sets of skills in the use of the computer as an artistic and creative tool. Students will explore software applications that promote creativity, meaning making and visual literacy. Elements and principles of design will be emphasized in the creation of digital images.
Computer Art 2 (8th grade only)
Computer Art 2 students build on the technical skills necessary for artistic problem-solving using applied visual solutions. Emphasis will focus on approaching the computer as a creative and practical tool. Graphic design in the commercial / practical and fine art fields and developing the design process and positive studio habits in the creation of works of art. (Prerequisite: Computer Art 1)
Computer Solutions (7th or 8th grade)
Computer Solutions students are introduced to the world of business using the computer as a problem-solving tool. Emphasis is placed on using basic touch keyboarding skills to complete a variety of projects incorporating word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software. Basic Internet safety and computer maintenance issues are important components of this course.
Digital Photography 1 (7th or 8th grade)
The Digital Photography course is designed to introduce students to digital photography as an art form and to basic digital media programs. Students will use various techniques and methods to create digital images and explore photography as a creative process.
Digital Photography 2 (8th grade only)
In this Digital Photography 2 course, students will continue to explore digital photography as an art form and to basic digital media programs. Students will use various techniques and methods to create digital images and explore photography as a creative process. (Prerequisite: Digital Photography 1)
Drama 7
This Drama 7 course focuses on communication skills learned through pantomime, dialogue writing, memorization of written material, speech making, and oral reading. Improvisation and role-playing emphasize concentration and other skills that help students gain self-confidence.
Exploring Engineering (7th grade) or Engineering Systems (8th grade)
Exploring Engineering 7 students study technological resources through problem-solving processes and various handson activities. They relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions.
World Languages & Honors English Electives
World Language Courses can either be taken as a general elective or as an Honors English elective.
Honors English students will choose a) International Studies or b) Writing Exploration OR c) a high school credit world language class.
Please choose high school level classes wisely. Courses are taught at the level & pacing of the high schools. Schedule changes cannot be made after the start of the school year due to difficulty.
Successful language students are organized and have good time-management & study skills. There will be nightly homework and regular review of material.
*It is highly recommended that students continue language classes into high school, so students should expect to continue their language courses into high school.
French 1
French 1, an academic elective, focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in French. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As much as possible, the class is conducted in French. Students will increase their cultural awareness through various thematic units; i.e. school, family, pastimes and friends.
French 2 – Honors
This academic elective focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in French. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-high proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As much as possible, the class is conducted in French. Students will increase their cultural awareness through various thematic units. (Prerequisite: French 1)
French 3 – Honors
This academic elective focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in French. Successful students will exit the course with an intermediate-low proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will increase their cultural awareness through various thematic units. The speaker can generally be understood by a sympathetic audience.
(Prerequisite: French 2)
Spanish 1
This academic elective focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in Spanish. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These goals will be accomplished through individual and paired activities, listening and speaking activities, small- and large-group instruction, class discussions, individual projects, the Internet when appropriate, and teacher-created activities.
Spanish 2 – Honors
This academic elective focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in Spanish. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-high proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These goals will be accomplished through individual and paired activities, listening and speaking activities, small- and large-group instruction, class discussions, individual projects, the Internet when appropriate, and teacher-created activities. (Prerequisite: Spanish 1)
Spanish 3 – Honors
This academic elective focuses on interpersonal speaking and writing, interpretive reading and listening, and presentational speaking and writing in Spanish. Intermediate-low proficiency level on the ACTFL scale in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Goals will be accomplished through individual and paired activities, listening and speaking activities, small and large-group instruction, class discussions, individual projects, the Internet when appropriate, and teacher-created activities. Students will increase their cultural awareness through various thematic units.
(Prerequisite: Spanish 2)
Latin 1
This academic elective focuses on presentational writing and interpretive reading in Latin. Successful students will exit the course with a novice-high proficiency level on the ACTFL scale for interpretive reading and a novice-mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale for presentational writing.
Latin 2 – Honors
The second level of Latin offers a continuing study and review of grammar previously introduced. Most of the formal grammar necessary for the reading of Latin literature will be presented. Readings continue to focus on daily life. Successful students will exit the course with an intermediate-low proficiency level on the ACTFL scale for interpretive reading and a novice-high proficiency level on the ACTFL scale for presentational writing.
(Prerequisite: Latin 1)
Latin 3 – Honors
The third level reviews and completes the study of grammar. Additional vocabulary is introduced through the readings. Latin prose reading selections, featuring the Republic and the Empire, include such authors as Cicero, Caesar, Eutropius, Augustus, and Petronius.
(Prerequisite: Latin 2)