6th Grade Electives

Sixth grade students are given the opportunity to enroll in one elective course per semester. Some of our electives are full-year courses and others are semester-long courses. Students who enroll in a full-year elective are committed to that elective for the duration of the year.

 

Art I

Students will learn the fundamentals of art and design while studying artists from around the world. Students will expand their knowledge of visual arts while making meaningful connections between the arts and their own experiences. The class will focus on drawing with a variety of mediums, color theory, and perspective. (6/7/8)

Computer Graphics 

It's art on the computer! 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will learn to paint, draw, and create using software that digital artists and professional graphic designers use. Students will use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create their own works of art, make art mashups, and edit photographs. Graphic design principles while creating interesting and personalized works of art! This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (6/7/8)

Drama I

This class is a highly-charged “human laboratory” in which you learn the basic elements of drama and how to use a range of acting tools, including voice, face and body expression, movement, and use of space. You will build confidence and stage presence with drama games, structured improvisation, and pantomime. You will study the art of theatrical combat and produce your own exciting scene using the techniques you learn. We will then put our acting and directing skills to use in scripted scenes that we perform in class. The course culminates in performance of student monologues. Course goals are to maximize creativity, develop confidence, and foster an appreciation of the dramatic arts.  (6/7/8)

Sculpture

Students will explore clay techniques and art expression through a series of introductory clay hand-building projects.  The class also includes drawing and painting and may delve into other alternative art making techniques and materials. Students may repeat this course and will receive new, advanced projects. (6/7/8)

Makerspace

This hands-on, student-directed learning class fosters innovative thinking by allowing students to use their creativity to design and build projects through experimentation and problem solving. Students will have access to various shop tools, machines, and high tech equipment like Arduino/Raspberry Pi microprocessors and sensors, 3D printers, a CNC router, and a laser cutter/burner. Students will also have access to a myriad of materials in developing their projects, such as epoxy resin, plastics, textiles, clays, metals, glass, soapstone, and wood. Students also engage in Maker Challenge competitions that focus on problem solving and teamwork. Students may repeat this course to pursue new and more advanced projects. (6/7/8)

Musical Theater 

The Musical Theater elective is designed for students who enjoy singing, acting, and dancing. Performers will practice audition skills for solo singing and monologues, along with ensemble choreography and choral singing. Class will also include instruction on the History of Musical Theater. (6/7/8)

Woodworking

Students will learn basic principles of woodworking including the proper use and care of hand and power tools. Students will also learn basic shop safety, measuring, common wood joints, fasteners, and the reading and drawing of project plans. This student-directed learning class allows students to design and build projects that are of interest to them. Students may repeat this course to pursue new and more advanced projects. (6/7/8)

Video Production I

Welcome to the wonderful world of TV and Film!  Fun and learning combine to help beginning video students explore the changing media scene with an emphasis on hands-on work. Students will learn the “language of TV and film” as well as the basics of photography, videography and editing techniques.  This includes an introduction to the professional editing platform, Adobe Premiere Pro.  Students will also work alone and in groups to learn the fundamentals of storyboarding, script writing, performance, and criticism.  Projects include everything from PSAs and news stories to stop-motion and live action movies. Students will be exposed to the elements of visual storytelling, nonfiction writing, public speaking, news gathering, and the tenants of good journalism. (6/7/8)

 

 

Bulldog Band

The OIS Bulldog Band is open to students in Grade 6. This course is best suited for students who have at least one year of musical experience on their instrument and are able to read music. Instruction includes the fundamentals of ensemble playing, i.e., technique and tone quality. Students will perform a wide variety of music at assemblies and school concerts.

Beginning Chorus 

Do you love to sing, making friends and being a part of something special? Come join the Orinda Intermediate Choir. OIS choir is an award winning chorus where students will improve singing in harmony, solo singing and reading music. Choristers will perform a variety of concerts including a Winter Concert, Pop Concert, tours to Elementary Schools, performing at Six Flags and  CMEA choral festivals. The class will sing a variety of styles such as Pop, Broadway, Folk, Spirituals, and Concert Selections No prior experience is necessary for a student to participate in Chorus. 

French 1A 
This introductory course in foreign language is the first half of French 1 and  provides students, who have no prior training in the language, an opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. In addition to functional language skills, students are provided an introduction to the culture of the countries whose language they are studying. This course aligns with the high school curriculum. Please note: This is an academically rigorous course that is recommended for 7th graders. 

Spanish 1A
This introductory course in foreign language is the first half of Spanish 1 and  provides students, who have no prior training in the language, an opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. In addition to functional language skills, students are provided an introduction to the culture of the countries whose language they are studying. This course aligns with the high school curriculum. Please note: This is an academically rigorous course that is recommended for 7th graders. 

 

Strings 

The String Orchestra is open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students in Grades 6/7/8. This course is best suited for students who have at least one year of study experience and can read music. This performance-oriented ensemble performs a wide variety of music at assemblies, concerts, and community events. (6/7/8)