Enrichment Class Descriptions
Fine arts
Beginning Band (2021)- Beginning Band is a 6th grade year-long class aligned to DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA (National Core Art Standards, NCAS). This course includes four artistic processes of creating, performing, responding and connecting and introduces students to the following: basic instrumental music techniques such as tone production, articulation, breath control, pitch discrimination; melodic and rhythmic concepts and patterns; sound practice skills and habits; solo, ensemble, and full group rehearsals; a variety of instrumental repertoire; experiences in performing; basic techniques for composition; basic understanding of repertoire selection; basic improvisation skills; simple ways to respond to music.
This class will include instruction on the following instruments - Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, Percussion, and Bass Guitar. Students who are willing to engage in private lessons or who already have prior experience with following instruments may join the class as well - Oboe, Bassoon, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano.
Intermediate Band (2021)-Intermediate Band is a 7th grade year-long class aligned to DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA, (National Core Art Standards, NCAS). Intermediate Band M requires permission of the Band director, which might include audition. The course is designed for students with intermediate to advanced instrumental music skills and includes, but will not be limited to, the following content: intermediate to advanced level sight-reading skills; discrimination of achieving the essentials of unity, balance, and contrast in performing instrumental music; the study of all major and minor scales; the opportunity of performing a variety of good musical repertoire; and listening skills development.
This class will include instruction on the following instruments - Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, Percussion, and Bass Guitar. Students who are willing to engage in private lessons or who already have prior experience with following instruments may join the class as well - Oboe, Bassoon, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano.
Advanced Band is an 8th grade year-long class aligned to DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA (National Core Art Standards, NCAS). Enrollment in the Advanced Band M course requires permission of the Band Director, and may require an audition. The course is designed to acquaint students with advanced instrumental music skills. The content includes four artistic processes of creating, performing, connecting and responding and is not limited to, but includes the following: the interpretation and analysis of musical scores; the application of musical nuances in playing from a score; independent performance of all major and minor scales; advanced rhythm patterns; performance as a soloist and in small and large group ensembles; a variety of music repertoire including style, periods, forms, electronic music; intermediate to advanced level sight-reading exercises; and introduction to computer/synthesizer musical composition.
This class will include instruction on the following instruments - Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, Percussion, and Bass Guitar. Students who are willing to engage in private lessons or who already have prior experience with following instruments may join the class as well - Oboe, Bassoon, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano.
Beginning Chorus 8th grade (year-long) is aligned to the DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA (National Core Art Standards, NCAS) is designed to provide students with experiences in the four artistic processes of creating, performing, connecting and responding to chorus. The students are introduced to the following vocal fundamentals of sight-reading vocal music, distinguishing and singing two and three-part music, singing with ensembles and chorus, studying intonation, singing a cappella, experiencing a wide variety of choral repertoire including secular and no secular music, singing with keyboard and other instrumental accompaniment, and singing in public performances and musical productions.
General music may be offered at each grade level as a semester course. This course is designed to introduce students to the four artistic processes of: creating, performing, responding and connecting. The content is aligned to the DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA (National Core Art Standards, NCAS).
Art is offered at each grade level as a semester course. This is a visual arts course which fundamentals of art will be experienced. The visual arts program is aligned to DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA (National Core Art Standards, NCAS) and provides opportunities for a variety of experiences such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media that can be used throughout life for communication, expression, and enjoyment. Students will build on art concepts introduced in elementary school, as the DoDEA visual arts standards are vertically aligned.
Intermediate Art: 3-Dimensional Art is a semester course offered to 7th grade students. This course offers middle school students the opportunity to create three-dimensional works of art based on the DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA (National Core Art Standards, NCAS). Students will acquire a broad knowledge of basic sculpting techniques using the additive, subtractive, modeling, and molding methods while applying the elements and principles of design to 3-D works of art. This course will develop students' understanding of organic and geometric forms, as well as the functional and expressive qualities of creating 3-D artwork using various materials, tools, and equipment. The attributes of three-dimensional pieces located in both architectural surroundings and natural outdoor spaces will be explored. Students must have completed the prerequisite of Fundamentals of Art or have teacher permission to enroll in this course.
Commercial Art: This semester course is open to students grades 8 who have completed the Beginning Art: Fundamentals of Art PREREQUISITE course. It is aligned to DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards Arts, CCRSA, (National Core Art Standards, NCAS). This course explores commercial art principals and techniques and incorporates the elements and principals of art. Students must have completed the prerequisite Beginning Art: Fundamentals of Art or have teacher permission to enroll in this course.
Physical education (PE)
PE is offered at each grade level as a semester long course. All students except for those with extenuating circumstances or involved in two other yearlong electives should take PE for at least one semester. Students may request two semesters of PE.
Physical Education grade 8 (semester) course is designed to fully enable eighth grade students to progress in the skill competencies and conceptual knowledge related to the movement and physical activity and personal and social needs of adolescents. Developmentally appropriate concepts of physical fitness, motor skill and personal and social development are included in this course. Students apply appropriate physical activity and fitness concepts to the development of a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. They apply basic biomechanical principles, tactical skills and strategies in modified sports and activities and demonstrate competency in critical elements of movement, dance and specialized sports. They understand the importance of rules and safety procedures and can define the FITT Principle as it relates to physical fitness development. Students design performance sequences and plan and monitor physical activities to improve performance.
Physical Education grade 7 (semester) course is designed to fully enable seventh grade students to progress in the skill competencies and conceptual knowledge related to the movement and physical activity and personal and social needs of adolescents. Developmentally appropriate concepts of physical fitness, motor skill and personal and social development are included in this course. Students apply appropriate physical activity and fitness concepts to the development of a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. They apply basic biomechanical principles, tactical skills and strategies in modified sports and activities and demonstrate competency in critical elements of serving, bumping, dribbling, scoring, fielding, batting, and forehand and backhand striking. They understand the importance of rules and safety procedures and can define the FITT Principle as it relates to physical fitness development. Students plan ways to do physical activity as part of their daily routine.
Physical Education grade 6 (semester) course is designed to fully enable sixth grade students to progress in their skill competencies and conceptual knowledge and understanding, related to the movement and physical activity and personal and social needs of adolescents. Developmentally appropriate concepts of physical fitness, motor skill and personal and social development are included in this course. Students apply appropriate physical activity and fitness concepts to the development of a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. They apply basic biomechanical principles, tactical skills and strategies in modified sports and activities and demonstrate competency in applying throwing, striking and hand-and-foot dribbling specialized skills. They understand the importance of rules and safety procedures and can define the FITT Principle as it relates to physical fitness development. Students plan ways to do physical activity as part of their daily routine.
Career Technical Education (CTE) CTE is an education pathway that provides students with the academic, technical, and real-world knowledge, skills and experience they need to be prepared for a variety of career options.
Video Production is a semester course offered at 7th and 8th grade level and is designed to provide middle school students with exploratory and investigative activities dealing with camera functions, filming techniques, composition, non-linear/linear editing, and computer animation/graphics.
Yearbook is a semester class offered at 7th and 8th grade. In this course students will gain skills in page design, advanced publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, and photography while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events.
DoDEA World Language and Culture Program
Students at Mahaffey in grade 8 may take a yearlong class of Spanish for high school credit. Students in grade 6 and 7 may take a semester of Spanish to prepare them for a high school World Language Class and allow them to explore the culture.
Spanish I (year-long) course is designed to teach students in grade 8 the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational which require development of the four basic language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on communication, the development of proficiency, and the integration of culture. The World Language Program is aligned to the National Standards in Foreign Language Education published by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language.
Spanish for 6th and 7th grade (semester)This course is designed to introduce students the four basic skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on proficiency, communication and culture. The World Language Program is aligned to the National Standards in Foreign Language Education published by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Course Note: This course is not for high school credit.
Additional electives offered
AVID is offered for 7th and 8th grade students. Students are selected for this class. Interested students may request additional information.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) M (year-long) is an academic elective course that prepares students for college readiness and success. The rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by the AVID Center includes tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities and academic success skills. Students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading to support their academic growth. Students use analog and digital binders and planners to organize materials and activities. Focused notetaking, goal setting and problem solving are weekly requirements. Students learn about the requirements to be college ready and explore their academic interests and options. Students must meet AVID participation requirements, apply to participate and be accepted into the AVID College Readiness
Creative writing is a semester which may be offered to 6th students. This course is aligned to College and Career Ready Learning Standards and designed to aid students in their creative expression through writing and its delivery. Through the reading of and discussion around articles on the craft of writing and anchor pieces, students will evaluate the effectiveness of various forms of writing and be exposed to the creative process and structure required to write effectively. Students will apply the writing process to create publishable pieces. Student will apply conventions, grammar, and usage of the English language will be applied appropriately.
Environmental Studies is a semester course which may be offered for our 6th grade students. This class allows student to explore how naturally occurring and man-made processes contribute to environmental change. The course provides students a holistic understanding of environmental issues of local, national and global significance. Students focus on observational skills, environmental analysis, population dynamics, and interactions in communities and ecosystems. They will use science skills to gain an understanding of earth's history and how humans play a role in the health and well-being of our planet's life forms, habitats and natural resources.
Research is a semester course offered for our 6th grade students. This course allows students to determine credible sources and provides opportunities to explore topics of interest. Students learn how to develop a thesis statement and gather evidence to support their viewpoint. Multimedia aspects will also be incorporated.
Creative thinking may be offered as a special semester elective to our 6th grade students where the focus is on the development of innovative ideas and solving problems in areas of interest. This course is standard in 7th and 8th grade.
Reading Lab is offered at each grade level and is aligned with College and Career Ready Learning Standards and designed for students in need of the strategic intervention necessary to experience accelerated improvement towards college and career readiness. Students will receive instruction designed to build fluency, vocabulary, and decoding skills. Students will transfer these skills to reading in the content areas (informational text) and literature. Assignments will require students to answer literal and inferential questions to increase comprehension. Writing will include tasks and assignments designed to improve students' ability to write coherent constructed responses that demonstrate reading comprehension. This course is offered to those students whose academic performance shows the need for participation. Please request additional information regarding this course.
Math Support is offered at each grade level and is aligned with College and Career Ready Learning Standards and designed for students in need of the strategic intervention necessary to experience accelerated improvement towards college and career readiness. Students will receive instruction designed to build proficiency with ratios and proportions, number systems, geometry, expressions and equations, statistics and probability. This course is offered to those students whose academic performance shows the need for participation. Please request additional information regarding this course
English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) ESOL is offered at each grade level. The DoDEA community encompasses a diverse population; therefore, a program has been designed to increase English language proficiency for students who have a second language influence. Please request additional information regarding this class.