8th Grade

The Child

As eighth graders actively begin to challenge the world around them, they study cultural and social revolutions, drawing upon themes of freedom versus equality, loyalty versus honesty – themes that often closely mirror the eight grader’s own inner growth. Another common thread throughout all instruction this year is helping students to learn to observe, to see for themselves and to draw their own conclusions. Observation involves becoming aware of our assumptions and learning to let them go. Only then are we truly thinking for ourselves. This fosters, in Berkeley Rose students, a sense of responsibility, as well as a confidence in their own powers of perception, thinking and decision-making.

The Class

Students in the eighth grade, at Berkeley Rose, immerse themselves in revolutions throughout history; from the American revolution, industrial revolution, India independence movement up through the Civil Rights movement in the United States. Our students dive deeply into the works of Shakespeare, which culminates in a class production. The scope of research, in all subjects, intensifies in preparation for entry into high school. Waldorf educated students move confidently into the years ahead with a drive and desire to ask compelling questions that will continue to fuel their love of learning in high school, college and life.

    • Pre-Algebra & Algebra

    • Geometry, Platonic Solids

    • Graphs & Grids

    • Order of Operation

    • Novels

    • Drama

    • Note Taking

    • Proofreading & Editing

    • Research Project

    • US History (1600-Present)

    • World Geography

    • Spanish

    • Chemistry

    • Physics

    • Anatomy

    • Meteorology

    • Orchestra

    • Recorder

    • Choral Singing

    • Watercolor/Oil/Mixed Media Painting

    • Mixed Media/Pen & Pencil Drawing

    • Clay Modeling/Sculpture

    • Set Design

    • Machine Sewing

    • Woodworking

  • Eurythmy, developed by Rudolf Steiner, is an art of human movement set to music, poetry, or speech. It is intended to be a complement to intellectual learning. By studying eurythmy, students learn dexterity of movement, grace, poise, balance, and concentration. They also develop a sense for sound and space and a feeling for social harmony.

    • Group Games

    • Core Strengthening

    • Team-building Skills