Humanities
In 6th-8th grades, students have a humanities class that addresses English and cultural studies together, often in longer classes. Goals include strengthening reading comprehension and analysis skills, creative and expository writing for different purposes and audiences, and increasing word knowledge through explicit vocabulary work. Throughout the year students read texts from multiple genres including poetry, short story, historical and realistic fiction, and auto/biography. Students continue development of their writing, including organized, detailed paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays, using the six traits of writing as a framework.
6th Grade
The 6th grade humanities classes focus on the evolution of humankind, from hominids, to hunter-gatherers, to the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, and Israel. Our yearlong throughlines–“What is culture?” “How does the past affect the present?” “How are modern cultures and ancient cultures different? How are they similar?” “How can I become a more active and thoughtful reader?” and “How do I communicate ideas effectively in writing and speech?”– serve as a frame for our learning throughout the year.
7th Grade
The 7th grade humanities classes encompass several themes, with guiding questions like “How is Middle School a Hero’s Journey?” “How does culture influence perspective, and perspective influence culture?” “What are the advantages and disadvantages of civilization?” “What are the causes of revolution?” “What makes a revolution successful?” and “What is social justice?” Students conduct a research project that includes written and oral presentations to the community.
8th Grade
Eighth grade Humanities focuses on US History. Students read primary and secondary sources to distinguish differences in purpose and audience among historians and to understand the value and points of view of different historical documents. Throughlines include, “How do we tell the story of the United States?” “What makes good writing?” “How does the past affect the present in the United States?” and “What does it mean to read well?”
The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.
Our Mission
Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World
K - 8 Campus
1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Early Childhood Campus
2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340
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The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.
Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World
K - 8 Campus
1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Early Childhood Campus
2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340