Electives

Choral Arts
(Focused Elective: four class meetings per schedule rotation)
The Choral Arts program focuses on developing vocal skills, providing opportunities for individual, small group, and large ensemble singing techniques. Students' skills will be developed through various types of music, and their abilities and expectations will increase each year. As a performing arts course, all students are required to participate in music performances.

Instrumental Music
(Focused Elective: four class meetings per schedule rotation)
The Instrumental Music program develops skills utilizing concert band instruments in individual, small group, and large group ensemble playing. Instrumental techniques are then enhanced through various types of music and increase in ability and expectation each year. As a performing arts course, all students are required to participate in music performances. Families are expected to provide band instruments (rental or purchase options are available) except for low woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Theater Arts
(Focused Elective: four class meetings per schedule rotation)
The Theater Arts program is designed to give students a comprehensive view and an authentic opportunity to immerse themselves in the exploration and discovery of theater from page to stage. Students explore acting techniques through observation, memory development, improvisation, pantomime, vocal work, and movement; theater history, elements of production, and art appreciation; movement, choreography, and dance; and all of the necessary tools for character development. As a performing arts course, all students are required to participate in performances.

Music Foundations
(Exposure Elective: two class meetings per schedule rotation per semester)
The Music Foundations curriculum is non-performance based and designed to give students knowledge of the world of music through the study of musicology, including music history, genres, diverse styles, cultures, global perspectives, technology, theory, and overall musicianship. Students will learn fundamentals to open their understanding of music as an important part of life.
 

Visual Art Focus
(Focused Elective: four class meetings per schedule rotation) 
The Visual Arts program offers Ensworth Middle School students a concentrated experience in the world of visual art. Through a holistic approach, students will better understand the relationship between artist and artwork. Students will dive deeper into the intricacies of the creative process as they learn to conceptualize ideas, experiment with different techniques and media, and refine their work through reflection and iteration. This year-long course will emphasize technical proficiency and creative exploration, offering an inspiring and supportive environment for students to refine their artistic voices. Each student will intentionally create a cumulative portfolio, which they will proudly present at the end of the school year. 

Visual Art Foundations
(Exposure Elective: two class meetings per schedule rotation per semester)
The Visual Arts Foundations curriculum is designed to give Ensworth Middle School students a broad and basic knowledge of visual art through short creative experiences. Students will learn fundamental processes and explore varied media as a way to appreciate art as a vital ingredient of a rich and well-rounded life. 
 

Robotics & Technology in Action
(Focused Elective: four class meetings per schedule rotation)
The Robotics and Technology in Action program embarks on a thrilling exploration of technology by diving headfirst into the detailed realms of Coding, Making, Robotics, and Actionable Tech. This class will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, offer hands-on experience in robotics and coding, surface opportunities to harness technology for positive change, and prepare students for the near future by mastering essential digital skills. Students in this class will enjoy deep dives into each topic with long-term projects to further their understanding and technology skills. Students will incorporate AI through classroom practice and discussions around ethics, bias, and privacy when appropriate. 

Technology Foundations
(Exposure Elective: two class meetings per schedule rotation per semester)
The Technology Foundations curriculum focuses on the practical application of digital tools in an educational setting. Students will learn how to effectively use tools for academic organization (TigerNet, Google Drive), productivity (Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets), and creativity (Google Drawings, 3D printing). The class will also include a survey of coding, robotics, and using our Makerspace materials.

Life
(Core Elective: two class meetings per schedule rotation per semester)
Life class provides students the tools for positive and productive social and emotional growth. Topics include transition to Middle School, managing expectations, mindfulness strategies, responsibility, peer mediation and conflict resolution, grit, gratitude, personal safety and setting boundaries, understanding and celebrating differences, appropriate use of technology and social media, facts and effects of substance use, human sexuality, and effective strategies for recognizing and coping with stress.

Writing, Research, and Public Speaking
(Core Elective: two class meetings per schedule rotation per semester)
Writing, Research, and Public Speaking will cultivate essential writing, research, and public speaking skills. Through interactive lessons and collaborative projects, students will master foundational writing techniques, conduct thorough research utilizing credible sources, and develop confident public speaking abilities. Emphasis will be placed on crafting compelling narratives, persuasive arguments, and informative essays alongside learning research methodologies such as library research and online databases. Students will also refine their presentation skills and learn to deliver engaging speeches. By the course's end, students will emerge as proficient communicators capable of articulating ideas effectively in both written and spoken forms, equipped with the tools necessary for success in various academic and real-world contexts.