Grade 8 Social Studies 2011-2012
Instructors
Eric Hamlin Room 2041
Cory Willey Room 2036
E-mail
hamline@ismanila.org
willeyc@ismanila.org
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.
Knowledgeable and Skilled Learners: who continually acquire useful knowledge and skills while developing
understanding(s) across a 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 appropriate action.
Responsible, Caring and Ethical Contributors: who can empathize and be tolerant of differences and are committed to
make a positive impact on their communities and environment.
Course Description
Each quarter, we will work on one coordinated multi-disciplinary unit focusing on one rich concept in all of the core subject
areas. All core areas will focus on the same overarching understandings and essential questions, but will be assessing subject
specific standards and indicators. In grade 8, the units of study are Systems, Transformation, Power, and Connections. Some
topics of study in social studies will include:
Systems: A study of how international systems work and how decisions get made at a global level. Primarily a study of the
history and functioning of the United Nations and its role in the world in modern times.
Transformations: A regional study focusing on the Middle East and the historical and current transformations of the region.
Power: An historical study and evaluation of the Philippine People Power Revolution and a modern-day examination of the
power exerted by transnational corporations.
Connections: A study of global issues culminating in a student attempt to persuade a panel of adults to alter their worldview.
Assessment and Reporting
The type of content assessment, work time spent on a task, and its level of challenge to a student 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 Specific Intended Learnings. Additionally, you can expect teachers to make comments
in Powerschool if an assessment earns a particularly low score. Please refer to it approximately every two weeks to best
monitor your child’s progress.
Homework Policy
As per the Middle School guidelines, daily homework will only be credited on the due date. Late long-term assignments and
projects will be penalized. 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 any questions or concerns regarding your child's progress in school arise. To share concerns or to arrange a time
to meet, please email us at one of the above addresses.