Welcome to WCCA’s Junior High!
De p a r tme n t C h a ir p e r s o n a n d W C C A V ic e Pr in c ip a l
Mr . Mik e J o n e s
Curriculum Basics
WCCA
They will soar on wings
like Eagles ... Isaiah 40:31
Junior high students need stability in a world that seems to be falling apart at the seams!
They need grounding in “the basics” within the framework of a biblical worldview. The
Academy’s basics begin with…
BIBLE –
Our Overall Goal
Junior high students
are standing on the
brink…the
immediate future
holds uncertainty,
changes, unknowns,
and choices. They
are seeking identity,
wanting consistency
and fairness,
questioning the
values and beliefs of
adults, experiencing
physical changes,
manifesting a high
sense of justice,
seeking peer
approval, lobbying
to express
themselves, and
beginning to form
their own
convictions.
Accordingly, WCCA
strives to provide
students with
direction and a solid
foundation for
making choices and
confronting the
challenges of the
future. “All truth is
God’s truth” is more
than a statement of
fact. It provides the
biblical foundation
necessary for a
Christian education.
Irrefutably, every
school should teach
“in the shadow of
the cross.” This is
our goal!
The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, speaking to everyone and crossing
denominational lines. We clearly present the Bible’s teaching without apology. It is our
earnest prayer that each junior higher might come to know Christ as personal Savior and
begin to mature spiritually.
6th GRADE
The sixth grade text, Winning the Race, uses the theme of an athlete in competition to lead
students to see the Christian life as one of courage and inner strength. Six units provide
Bible teachings with an emphasis on character development. Drawing from studies of
various Bible characters and an overview of Revelation, students learn how the principles of
God’s Word can help them gain victory in the race of life. Two Bible projects, four Christian
biography book reports, and two service projects are due each year.
7th GRADE
In seventh grade, Route 66 is a Bible survey course giving students an overall view of the
Bible. They become acquainted with the Bible as a whole, as foundations are laid for future
studies. They discover each book’s content and its relation to other books. Students make
application of basic biblical principles that will enrich their lives as they are challeng ed to
examine their lives in light of God’s Word. They also complete four Christian fiction book
reports, two service projects, and two Bible projects during the year.
8th GRADE
Perhaps no other book in all of God’s Word deals with so many areas that relate directly to
life as the book of Proverbs. Preeminently a book of principles, it provides the basis from
which the rules of life are drawn. In the eighth-grade text, Wise-Up, teens are confronted
with origins of rules, conduct, and character. They also complete four Christian book
reports during the year and several service and Bible projects including the Apologetics book
“A Case for Faith”, where tough questions about Christianity are explored and answered.
SOCIAL STUDIES –
History classes at WCCA equip students to see God’s sovereign plan throughout all history in
all parts of the world. Our goal is for students to graduate with a deeper understanding of
God’s redemptive plan. Students in grades 6 through 8 participate in the National
Geographic Geography Bowl.
Sixth grade history is a study of ancient civilizations from Creation through the Middle Ages.
As part of their studies, students are guided to think critically about the differences
between religions of the world and Biblical truth.
Seventh grade history begins the year with a brief survey of history from Creation to the
beginning of the early church and the rise of Islam. Students then study the development of
history in the M iddle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania fro m about 1000
AD to the present.
Eighth grade students study U.S. history from the Civil War to the present during the first
semester. During the second semester, students are introduced to the U.S. government
including the foundations of government, the Constitution, and the three branches of the
Federal government. Special projects complement the course study.
SOCIAL STUDIES TEXTS: 6th grade – Heritage Studies 6, B.J.U. Press
7th grade – World Studies, 3rd Edition, B.J.U. Press
8th grade – The American Republic, 3rd Edition, B.J.U. Press
WCCA Junior High Curriculum Basics Continued…
MATHEMATICS –
It is our general goal to graduate students who are proficient in mathematic operations and prepared to meet the world’s day to-day mathematical challenges. In addition to grade-level math, WCCA offers an acc elerated math program (6th), Pre-Algebra
(7th), and Algebra (8th) to students who qualify for advanced math. New or reviewed concepts in junior high math include the
following:
6th GRADE:
Patterns and Variables
Number Theory and Fractions
Data and Graphs
Ratios, Proportions, and Percents
Integers
Using a Compass and Protractor
Probability
Exponents
Equations and Inequalities
Estimation
Consumer M ath
M easurement
Pre-Algebra (7-B):
Algebraic Expressions and Integers
Decimals and Equations
Operations with Fractions
Solving Equations and Inequalities
Solving One-Step Equations and Inequalities
Factors, Fractions, and Exponents
Ratios, Proportions, and Percents
Pre-Algebra (8-B):
Spatial Thinking
Area and Volume
Data Analysis and Probability
ALGEBRA (8-A):
Expressions, Equations, and Functions
Factoring and Quadratic Equations
Linear equations
Linear Functions and Relations
Linear Inequalities
Polynomials
Linear Functions and Graphing
Right Triangles in Algebra
Nonlinear Functions and Polynomials
Quadratic and Exponential Functions
Radical Functions and Geometry
Rational Functions and Equations
Statistics and Probability
Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
TEXTS:
Grade 6 - Prentice Hall Mathematics Course 1 by Pearson/Prentice Hall
Pre-Algebra 7-B – Prentice Hall Mathematics – Pre-Algebra by Charles, Davison, Landau, M cCracken, & Thompson
Pre-Algebra 8-B – Prentice Hall Mathematics – Pre-Algebra by Charles, Davison, Landau, M cCracken, & Thompson
Pre-Algebra 7-A – Prentice Hall Mathematics – Pre-Algebra by Charles, Davison, Landau, M cCracken, & Thompson
Algebra I 8-A - Algebra I by Glencoe M cGraw-Hill
WCCA Junior High Curriculum Basics Continued…
WCCA Schedule
Junior
High
Schedule
Our general science philosophy isWCCA
to expandSample
the students’
understanding
of scientific
concepts through higher -order thinking and
SCIENCE –
hands-on activities. Our foundational belief that we desire to instill in students is that God designed, created, and maintains the
universe, both physical and biological. Included in our science courses are experiments, demonstrations, graph making, mo dels,
reports, internet research, PowerPoint presentations, collections, and student created videos.
6th GRADE:
Defining Science, The Scientific M ethod
Chemistry: Atoms and M olecules
Physics: Electricity and M agnetism, M otion and M achines
Geology: Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Weathering and Erosion, Natural Resources
Astronomy: Stars, The Solar System
Ecology: The Ecosystem, Relationships Between Organisms
Human Physiology: The Nervous System, The Immune System
Sample projects include building a compound machine that incorporates the six simple machines; writing and illustrating a
children’s book about the solar system; and writing a report (including graphs, diagrams, and a model) about an energy source.
7th GRADE:
Life Science:
Life and Scienc e, Classification, Cell Structure and Function
M itosis and Genes, Heredity
Biblical Creationism, Biological Evolution
M icroscopic Organisms
Plant Structure, Activities, and Reproduction
Vertebrate and Invertebrate Animals
Support and M ovement, Internal Balance, Energy, and Control of the Body
Sample projects include dissecting a frog; constructing models of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; producing a cell brochure ;
building an imaginary animal based on dominant, recessive, and incompletely dominant traits ; and producing a visual display of a
specific animal’s classification, ecology, origin, and relationships.
8th GRADE:
Earth Science:
Introduction: Earth science; matter, forces, and energy; maps and mapping
The Restless Earth: Earth’s structure and resources; tectonics; earthquakes; mountains and hills; volcanoes
and volcanism
Earth’s Rocky M aterials: minerals and ores; rocks; fossils; weathering, erosion, and soils
The Water World: oceans and seas; ocean motions; ocean exploration; surface wat ers; groundwater
Atmosphere: structure; weather; storms and weather prediction; climate and climate change
The Heavens: sun, moon, and earth systems; solar system; stars, galaxies, and the universe; space
exploration
Some of the eighth-grade projects include: constellation diagrams, famous astronomer PowerPoint; sundial and astrolabe
construction; North Star/moon altitude graphs, PowerPoint presentations covering safety procedures for thunderstorms,
hurricanes, and tornadoes; Bay Area water supply study with emphasis on EBM UD; topographical map construction and
interpretation, annual Bay Area rainfall graph; solar cooker construction; a T.V. game show video production on planets,
asteroids, comets and meteors; Power Point presentation in conjunction with an English research paper covering the topics of
erosion, mass wasting, glaciers, and ground water systems; and internet research.
TEXTS:
6th grade – Science 6 for Christian Schools by Bob Jones University Press
7th grade – Life Science for Christian Schools by Bob Jones University Press
8th grade – Earth Science by Bob Jones University Press
WCCA Junior High Curriculum Basics Continued…
ENGLISH Fundamental to success in both the academic and career world is the development of proficient skills in language arts,
including written and oral expression, reading comprehension, and vocabulary mastery.
Building on the foundation of previous grades, junior high students explore the narrative, expository, persuasive, and
descriptive modes of writing. In addition, specific instruction in writing research repor ts and test writing to a prompt
assist students now and in high school. Instruction and assessment are rubric -based, so students know what is expected
and how they will be evaluated. Writing is taught as a process which is modeled, practiced, and then applied to the
student's own work.
Although grammar, mechanics, and usage skills are integrated into the writing curriculum, the A Beka textbooks provide
detailed, direct instruction in these important fundamentals. In addition, various opportunities are provid ed to develop
oral expression in all subjects.
Reading, interpreting, and analyzing quality literature is also an integral part of English classes. Students are taught to
evaluate a variety of literature genres through a biblical worldview as they explore such components as setting, plot
development, theme, vocabulary, the author's purpose, and literary devices.
Complementary to our language arts program are the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Creative Writing
Festival, Speech Meet, and Spelling Bee, in which our students regularly excel.
Research papers are written in conjunction with either the science or geography classes.
ENGLISH TEXTS:
6th grade – God’s Gift of Language C by A Beka
7th grade – Grammar and Composition I by A Beka
8th grade – Grammar and Composition II by A Beka
PEACEMAKERS is a school-wide program designed to equip students with the social and biblical skills to
appropriately handle conflict.
MINI CLASSES: SPELLING and STUDY SKILLS
Each grade studies spelling every other quarter, and selected students participate in the ACSI Regional Spelling Bee. On
alternate quarters, students learn Study Skills curriculum.
ELECTIVES –
Students also select an elective for three days a week from among the following: Art; Office, Teacher, or Library Aide;
Computers; Spanish; Student Council; Yearbook; Drama; M oney M anagement; and Choir/Guitar.
HEALTH Junior high health is taught during seventh period physical education class. Health is taught in one - to three-week sessions
on a rotating basis along with other physical education activities. The class is divided by grade, and each grade level
receives nine weeks of health instruction per school year. The Christian text used for the three-year course is Health in
Christian Perspective (A Beka Books). In sixth grade a supplement from the California Dairy Council, Exercise Your
Options, is also used.
Sixth Grade Topics: Developing a Healthy Body, Exercise Your Options (nutrition/exercise), and M aintaining Personal
health.
Seventh Grade Topics: Keeping a Sound Mind, Practicing Personal Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and First Aide
Procedures.
Eighth Grade Topics: Preventing Diseases, Avoiding Drug Abuse, and Pursuing Right Relationships.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION –
As Christians, our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. These temples are a blessing from God, and we have a
responsibility to be good stewards. The department seeks to encourage students to first accept themselves as special
creations of God and then to see that God’s will for them is to use their “temples” for His honor and glory. Through
rotating physical education units, intramurals, and interscholastic sports, students learn about their bodies and physical
activities, develop psychomotor skills, enjoy fitness and recreational activities, and develop social skills (character trait s)
through friendly competition.
WCCA is also a member of the Bay Area Christian Schools Athletic League, which is made up of twenty two schools among
four divisions. Cross country, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field are league sports with teams for both
boys and girls. Girls’ softball and boys’ flag football are also league sports. In general, practices are held immediately
after school, with games on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 3:30 p.m. Those chosen as team members must
maintain a minimum 70% grade average with no failing grades. There is a team fee for each sport played. Parents must
be aware that participation in the league sports program requires that the student’s family accident and dental insurance
cover team participation. Also, it is strongly recommended that the stud ent have a complete physical and be certified by
the doctor that he/she is physically fit to participate in the sports program.
Final Thoughts from WCCA’s Junior High
SPECIAL ACTIVITES –
In the fall, sixth graders travel to M ission Springs Christian Camp and Conference Center in Scotts Valley (near Santa Cruz) for
our required Outdoor Education Week. All activities, from classes to campfires, are designed to foster spiritual growth. Th e
camp’s naturalists are trained to intentionally weave spiritual lessons throughout the natural science lessons of the day. At
night, this integration of faith with the real world continues when the naturalists share during campfires and evening
programs.
Every other year, seventh and eighth graders may opt to join a weeklong fall tour of Washington, D.C. This hands-on history
lesson is the highlight for many and provides a once -in-a-lifetime opportunity to study American history in the very places
where it was made.
Junior high has several field trips throughout the year, including at least one to a performing arts venue. They also enjoy
participating in CARE groups that help foster relationships as they meet to share prayer requests and praises. And finally,
every junior higher eagerly anticipates the special “End-of-Quarter” activities to celebrate the culmination of another grading
period!
Junior high offers an optional enrichment class, called SOAR, that is in place of the spelling and study skills classes that are
typically offered during third period every other Monday and every Friday. This class is open to sixth, seventh, and eighth
grade students who are on the Eagles Nest Honor Roll. This will provide them with the opportunity to explore topics covered
in school to a greater depth, create projects that can be shared with other students, practice higher level thinking skills,
explore hands-on real life applications, game making, etc. The content of the class and the teachers change each quarter.
Quotes from Parents…
“We feel that the larger projects the 6th and 7th graders are
given really have great value and provide a learning and
growing experience for the children (for example Science and
Bible). The goal of these projects is not just the end product,
but having the children learn how to think through something,
how to organize, how to read and follow directions, obtain
supplies and materials and then actually assemble or create the
project. I really like that parents are encouraged to work with
their children so it can be an even better experience.
We also appreciate the importance that WCCA puts on world
history and particularly geography. It provides the children a
better concept of the world for learning and understanding.”
Rolando and Sandra Paredes
We welcome your
visit to our campus
and classrooms!
Please call the school
office at
(925) 935-1587 to
schedule an
appointment. And
for even more
information about
WCCA, please visit
our website at
wccaeagles.org.
“We are thoroughly pleased with the education provided to our
children by Walnut Creek Christian Academy. The students are
exposed to what can be termed a “whole person” educational
philosophy. That is to say that not only does WCCA provide an
excellent Academic Program equaled by none, but there is also
an emphasis upon the Physical, Relational, and we believe
more importantly, the Spiritual aspects of growth and maturity
necessary to developing children soon to be young adults. The
care and love that the staff here at WCCA provides to our
children allows them to use the gifts, which they have been
given, in order that they may become all that God would desire
in their lives. There is no other school in the San Francisco Bay
Area, and dare we say all of California, that can remotely
approach the quality of education found here at Walnut Creek
Christian Academy.”
Daniel and Charlotte Diaz
WCCA Junior High Sample Schedule
PERIOD ROOM
1
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
C-24
SCIENCE 6
SCIENCE 6
SCIENCE 6
SCIENCE 6
SCIENCE 6
C-25
BIBLE 7
BIBLE 7
BIBLE 7
BIBLE 7
BIBLE 7
A-13
BIBLE 8
BIBLE 8
BIBLE 8
BIBLE 8
BIBLE 8
C-28
HISTORY 6
HISTORY 6
HISTORY 6
HISTORY 6
HISTORY 6
A-12
GEOGRAPHY 7
GEOGRAPHY 7
GEOGRAPHY 7
GEOGRAPHY 7
GEOGRAPHY 7
A-13
ALGEBRA 8-A
ALGEBRA 8-A
ALGEBRA 8-A
ALGEBRA 8-A
ALGEBRA 8-A
C-24
PRE-ALGEBRA 8-B
PRE-ALGEBRA 8-B PRE-ALGEBRA 8-B PRE-ALGEBRA 8-B PRE-ALGEBRA 8-B
8:30 TO
9:22
2
9:25 TO
10:08
10:08 TO
10:21
BREAK
3
BREAK
BREAK
BREAK
CHAPEL EVERY OTHER MONDAY
STUDY SKILLS / SPELLING/ SOAR
(EVERY OTHER MON. & EVERY
FRI.)
ELECTIVES EVERY TUES., WED.,
THURS.)
10:25 TO
11:08
4
BREAK
C-25
BIBLE 6
BIBLE 6
C-24
PRE-ALGEBRA 7-B
PRE-ALGEBRA 7-B PRE-ALGEBRA 7-B PRE-ALGEBRA 7-B PRE-ALGEBRA 7-B
A-13
PRE-ALGEBRA 7-A
PRE-ALGEBRA 7-A PRE-ALGEBRA 7-A PRE-ALGEBRA 7-A PRE-ALGEBRA 7-A
ENGLISH 8
ENGLISH 8
11:11 TO C-28
BIBLE 6
ENGLISH 8
BIBLE 6
ENGLISH 8
BIBLE 6
ENGLISH 8
11:54
11:54 TO
LUNCH AND
LUNCH AND
LUNCH AND
LUNCH AND
LUNCH AND
12:27
LUNCH RECESS
LUNCH RECESS
LUNCH RECESS
LUNCH RECESS
LUNCH RECESS
A-13
MATH 6-A
MATH 6-A
MATH 6-A
MATH 6-A
MATH 6-A
C-25
MATH 6-B
MATH 6-B
MATH 6-B
MATH 6-B
MATH 6-B
C-24
SCIENCE 7
SCIENCE 7
SCIENCE 7
SCIENCE 7
SCIENCE 7
12:31 TO A-12
HISTORY 8
HISTORY 8
HISTORY 8
HISTORY 8
HISTORY 8
C-25
ENGLISH 6
ENGLISH 6
ENGLISH 6
ENGLISH 6
ENGLISH 6
A-12
ENGLISH 7
ENGLISH 7
ENGLISH 7
ENGLISH 7
ENGLISH 7
C-24
SCIENCE 8
SCIENCE 8
SCIENCE 8
SCIENCE 8
SCIENCE 8
P.E. / HEALTH
P.E. / HEALTH
P.E. / HEALTH
P.E. / HEALTH
P.E. / HEALTH
5
1:14
6
1:17 TO
2:00
7
2:00 TO
2:50
GYM
Rev. 12/11/13