Oakridge Middle School has many activity courses to offer students. Each student will be required to complete Health and Physical Education each year, but beyond that remaining courses may vary.

Many students choose to enroll in Band or Chorus their sixth grade year and continue throughout their middle school experience.

6th and 7th grade exploratory classes are assigned at random, and rising 8th graders individually rank their top choices for semester activity courses. The hope is that each student is able to experience as many offerings as possible throughout their time at OMS.

French Class

• Sixth Grade:
  Sixth graders learn to talk about and introduce themselves in French. They discuss  likes, dislikes and preferences. They also learn about French food, holidays, dates and different French cultural practices and traditions including building major French monuments.

• Seventh Grade:
  Seventh graders learn to introduce themselves and others and also to talk about their families and friends in French. They also spend time learning about French speaking Canadian culture and food and learning to talk about school and classes.

• Eighth Grade:
  Eighth graders will spend the semester learning to introduce themselves, discuss likes and dislikes, and expand  vocabulary to cover descriptions of themselves and others. They will learn about Paris and the castles of the Loire valley, Quebec Province in Canada and spend a unit each on French food and French colors and animals.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels: 
  An iPad, a notebook and a writing utensil, wired headphones

 Spanish Class

• Sixth Grade: 
  Sixth grade students will be able to understand and speak in short memorized phrases.  They will use vocabulary from several topics including greetings, introductions, colors, numbers, school materials, and Spanish speaking countries of the world..  Students are expected to keep notes and handouts  that they will use to complete major projects during the quarter.

• Seventh Grade:
  Seventh grade students will learn to understand and speak in short memorized phrases.  They will learn and use vocabulary from several topics including greetings, introductions, family members, descriptions of family and friends, the city, clothing, school materials, classes and telling time.  They will be able to talk about their likes and dislikes, use comparison, explain their class schedules and speak using time to describe the order of their days..  Students are expected to keep notes and handouts  that they will use to complete major projects during the quarter.

• Eighth Grade:
  Eighth grade students will learn to understand and speak in full sentences using basic verbs, adjectives and agreement correctly. Topics include greetings , introductions, formal and informal language, family, school subjects, class schedules, preferences and dislikes, the city, clothing and foods.  Students are expected to keep notes and handouts  that they will use to complete major projects during the semester.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels: 
  Notebook or a folder, a pencil, iPad, and headphones

Art Class

• Sixth Grade: 
  This nine week art course will benefit all students. A variety of art mediums, techniques, styles, and art forms will be explored. Students will build skills with observational drawing, 2D design, 3D design, digital photography, and digital art.

• Seventh Grade:
  This nine week art course will benefit all students. A variety of art mediums, techniques, styles, and art forms will be explored. Students will build skills with observational drawing, 2D design, 3D design, digital photography, and digital art.

• Eighth Grade:
  This semester art course will explore a variety of art mediums, techniques, styles, and art forms. Students will build skills with observational drawing, 2D design, 3D design, digital photography, and digital art. Students will develop their personal artistic voice through studio experiences, art media and theme choices, and a shift towards more self-directed work.

• Required Materials for All Grades:
  Wood pencil, block eraser, fine and ultra fine black Sharpies, 6x9" or 9x12" sketchbook OR pack of printer paper in a folder, iPad brought daily. Optional supplies: iPad stylus, colored pencils, glue stick, color Sharpies, markers

Project Lead the Way Class (PLTW)

• Sixth Grade: 
  Project Lead the Way is an inquiry­ based program. Energy and the Environment (EE) is a 9-week unit of study.  The focus of this unit is the growing global demand for energy, available energy sources and the impact of energy consumption on the environment.  Students complete projects aimed at measuring energy, calculating energy cost, and designing a wind turbine to produce electricity.  Students investigate STEM careers and ways in which science, technology and math are used in the engineering design process.

• Seventh Grade:
  Project Lead the Way is an inquiry­ based program. Design and Modeling (DM) is a 9 week course.  7th graders apply the design process to creatively solve problems.  Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches and solid models.  Isometric and mulit-view sketching are practiced as well as measurement skills. Students participate in projects that help them to learn how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations.

• Eighth Grade:
  PLTW is an inquiry based program.  In the 8th grade course, Automation and Robotics,  students learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems.  Students use the Vex Robotics platform to design, build and program solutions to unique problems.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels:
  Two pocket folder, pencil, charged iPad, composition notebook

Theater Class

• Introduction to Theatre – 6th Grade

  Welcome to the world of theatre! In this hands-on, project-driven class, students will explore the building blocks of performance and collaboration. Through games, activities, and group projects, students will develop ensemble skills, learn stage directions and blocking, and practice pantomime, tableau, and body language. We’ll build confidence through improvisation and dive into the basics of derived theatre and scene work. No prior experience required—just imagination and teamwork!

• Theatre Lab – 7th Grade

  This class builds on foundational theatre skills, encouraging deeper character development and creative risk-taking. Students will expand their ensemble and body language skills, learning how to “read the room” and use space to show relationships and status. Through improvisation, character creation, derived theatre, and scene work, students will gain tools to become expressive, confident performers and collaborators. All learning is project-based and performance-driven.

• Play Production – 8th Grade

  In this project-based course, students will take on all aspects of producing a play—from concept to curtain call. Through acting boot camp, marketing, technical theatre, student direction, and devised theatre, students will collaborate to create a fully staged production. This is a team-centered, immersive experience that empowers students to take ownership of the creative process. The final project is a public performance, and all students will contribute to its success both onstage and behind the scenes.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels:
  iPad, folder, pencil/pen and a great attitude

Physical Education and Health Class

• Grades 6-8:
  The goal of our physical education program is to have maximum participation everyday.  This will ensure each student will have the opportunity to acquire a variety of skills that will enable each student to develop lifetime fitness activities and meet state standard expectations.  The Health Education program in grades 6-8 encourages the development of physical, mental, social, and emotional health, which will be carried over in the high school program. The emphasis in the 6th-8th grade Health Education program is to develop personal health goals and general understanding of the skills needed to live a healthy lifestyle. Every decision is a health decision in some way.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels:
  iPad (Health class), Tennis Shoes (PE)

Agriculture Class

• Sixth Grade: 
  Exploring Agriculture is designed to expose students to the different aspects of the agricultural industry and convey the importance of it. Upon completion of this course, students will know the significance of the agricultural industry, how it affects their daily lives and a general awareness of various career opportunities within it.

  • Required Materials for Sixth Grade: 1 three prong folder (orange if possible)

• Seventh Grade:
  Exploring Plant and Animal Science analyzes two major categories of the agricultural industry; plants and animals. This course is designed to give students a general understanding of the importance of the agricultural industry as a whole as well as a base understanding of these two areas within it. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze different aspects of the agricultural industry and how it affects their daily lives.

  • Required Materials for Seventh Grade: 1 three prong folder (green if possible)

• Eighth Grade:
  Exploring Agricultural Mechanics analyzes one major category of the agricultural industry and how it relates to the entire industry. This course is designed to give students a general understanding of the importance of the agricultural industry as a whole as well as a base understanding of this area within it. Upon completion of this course, students will have a basic understanding of careers in agricultural mechanics, foundational skills in woodworking and turf grass management.

  • Required Materials for Eighth Grade: 1 three prong folder (purple if possible)

Computer Class

• Sixth Grade: 
  Sixth grade computer students will focus a lot on keyboarding throughout the quarter to demonstrate their keyboarding ability. During the second half of the quarter, students will get into microsoft word processing, and internet and cyber safety.

• Seventh Grade:
  Seventh grade computer students focus on computer business applications. Students will work on creating professional presentations through keynote, powerpoint, and google slides. Students will also demonstrate their keyboarding ability throughout the course using a keyboarding program. Lastly, students will go over the importance of internet and cyber safety.

• Eighth Grade:
  Eighth grade computer students will have the course for a full semester. Throughout the semester students will learn how to conduct research, how to cite sources from internet publications, and go over internet and cyber safety. Students will also work on various projects using google slides and iMovie. Students will also demonstrate their keyboarding ability using a keyboarding program . Lastly, students will go over the importance of internet and cyber safety.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels:
  All materials are provided.

Band Class

• Sixth Grade: 
  Sixth Grade Beginner Band at Oakridge is composed of students in their first year of playing an instrument. This band is divided into two introductory classes, Woodwinds and Brass/Percussion. The Beginning Band performs at the Winter and Spring concerts, as well as the 5th grade showcase.

• Seventh Grade:
  The Concert Band is composed of all eligible seventh grade band students.  The Concert Band performs at the Winter and Spring concerts, with a culminating performance at the Carowinds Festival of Music.  Members are also eligible to participate in the South Carolina Region and All-State Band auditions/clinics, along with other notable honor bands and Solo/Ensemble performances.

• Eighth Grade:
  The Symphonic Band is Oakridge's premier instrumental ensemble and is composed of eighth grade students who consistently display dedication and excellence throughout their time in middle school. Many Symphonic Band members participate in the CSD Honor Band and the South Carolina Region and All-State Bands. The Symphonic Band performs at the Winter and Spring concerts, as well as numerous school functions throughout the school year. Annually this ensemble proudly represents Oakridge Middle School at the South Carolina Band Director’s Concert Performance Assessment.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels: 
  A detailed list of required materials for all 3 ensembles can be found in the OMS Band Handbook.

Chorus Class

• Grades 6-8:
  Chorus is a year-long class in which students practice rehearsal techniques, sight singing practice with solfege, and singing a variety of music repertoire. Students learn characteristics of the human voice as well as healthy vocal habits. Students will perform one concert per semester.  Entry into chorus during seventh and eighth grade may require an audition.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels:
  Folder with pockets

Dance/Movement Class

• Sixth Grade: 
  This nine week course will be spent cultivating an appreciation for the art of dance, practicing creative movement together, and studying dances from different parts of the world. No prior dance knowledge is required. 

• Seventh Grade:
  This nine week course will be spent cultivating an appreciation for the art of dance, learning about choreographic principles including the elements of dance, and studying the basic technique and history of Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap dance. No prior dance knowledge is required.

• Eighth Grade:
  This semester-long course will be spent cultivating an appreciation for the art of dance, learning about choreographic principles including the elements of dance, studying the basic technique and history of Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap dance, and preparing for a formal performance that will take place near the end of the semester. No prior dance knowledge is required.

• Required Materials for All Grade Levels:
  Labeled Location for class in backpack (binder section/seperate folder/shared folder with another course, etc.), iPad, paper, pen/pencil. You will also need clothes that you can move and stretch in daily.  No special shoes or clothing is required.

 Business Class

• Sixth Grade:  Career Cluster

  Students are introduced to career possibilities in the sixteen national career clusters. Students will have an opportunity to explore job tasks and career opportunities in each cluster while identifying pathways from high school to post-secondary education and the workplace. Students will learn skills needed for success in college and careers with relevance to academic standards.

• Seventh Grade: Google Basics

  Students are introduced to basic G Suite tools and applications. Students will focus on collaboration, communication, and productivity through the completion of real world, problem-based activities, and projects. In addition, students will apply key critical thinking skills, and practice ethical and appropriate behavior for the responsible use of technology.

• Eighth Grade: Multimedia Basics

  Students are introduced to the multimedia industry’s concepts, processes, and applications which utilize text, graphics, animation, audio, and video. Students will design, develop, and create various multimedia projects incorporating collaboration, communication, and productivity.

•  Required Materials for All Grades: iPad, headphones, 2 pocket folder, pen/pencil