Our Curriculum
Breakthrough Manchester provides an academically rigorous, multi-year curriculum aimed at supplementing and enriching the learning students do in their schools. Courses and programs offered throughout middle school challenge students to develop strong study skills that lay the foundation for challenging high school classes.
Summer Curriculum Overview
During the six-week summer session, students are required to take courses in English, math, science, and social studies. Each of these core classes meets daily for 50 minutes and requires 20 to 25 minutes of nightly homework. Additionally, all students take courses in visual and performing arts and athletics that teach basic skills that prepare them for participation in high school, and potentially collegiate extracurricular activities.
English – We are seeking three sixth grade and three seventh grade English teachers this summer. Both grades spend an equal amount of time on reading and writing. In sixth grade, the core text is Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, which incorporates themes of mythology. Seventh graders read Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Both grade levels use a writing curriculum called Step Up To Writing, which is geared to help students understand the key ingredients of strong writing.
Math – The primary goal for our three sixth and three seventh grade math teachers is to get their students on track to be eligible for Algebra I in eighth grade. Algebra is widely recognized as the “gatekeeper” course that determines a child’s chances of going on to higher education. We use a structured curriculum designed by a Breakthrough teacher alumna and professional math teacher.
Sciences – We offer seven different science classes each summer; while the precise courses are based on the expertise of our teachers, typically our core list includes: anatomy, biology, chemistry, environmental science, forensics, genetics, and physics. All sciences are lab-based and we have strong standards that our students understand lab safety, the scientific method, and how to write a comprehensive lab report.
Social Studies – The seven social studies classes we offer in the summer are designed to cultivate students’ critical thinking skills through the development of thesis-driven arguments. These courses vary from summer to summer based on teacher expertise, but have included: architecture, civil rights, geography, international relations, mythology, and the Salem witch trials.
Extracurricular Classes & Math Coaching – All Breakthrough teachers will be required to lead or co-lead an Extracurricular class (athletics or visual/performing arts). A select handful of teachers will lead math coaching classes for our students most in need of assistance in math instead of teaching an extracurricular.
Independent Book Report Assignment – Students are also required to complete an independent book report project that is supported by their advisors. The expectation is that they will choose a book that will challenge them without overwhelming them, given the amount of work they have for the summer. This assignment teaches students important skills such as time management and planning for long-term independent projects. Students often choose creative ways of expressing what they learned from the books they read; all final projects are displayed at Celebration.
School Year Curriculum Overview
Breakthrough offers a series of after school and weekend programming designed to enrich student understanding as well as to build essential skills that will be applicable to students’ middle school course load. Programs include a range of formats from structured workshops to enriching field trips to one-on-one tutoring as needed. All are supported by a core of high school age teachers and tutors, and professional educators.
