6th Grade Elective Courses

HMS Art is a combination of graphic and visual art techniques. Students will experience hands-on projects and (visual) art-making through illustration and animation (graphic). This course is designed to help improve students’ basic art skills, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, designing artwork using various media and techniques, developing students’ creativity and self-expression, and recognizing and using art elements and design principles.

6th Grade Computer Science is an introductory elective that gives students a hands-on foundation in coding, computational thinking, and problem-solving. Aligned with Tennessee state standards, the course includes interactive projects that help students explore how computing systems work and how computer science connects to the world around them. Students will also learn how to use technology safely and responsibly. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

No previous music experience is required. This is an exploratory band class where students will learn the introductory fundamentals of a select few instruments. This course may progress to the 7th Grade Band. Students will experience the following instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. They will learn basic music reading skills, each instrument's basic skills, and how to perform at-home performances. This course has no concerts or after-school events.

This elective course will introduce students to the history of Memphis and Shelby County. Some of the topics covered will include the geography of the area, the founding of Memphis, its role during the Civil War, the Yellow Fever Epidemic, and the civil rights movement. In addition, we will examine the contributions of Memphians in the areas of business, history, medicine, music, politics, and sports. Course-related field trips are planned each semester for this class.

HMS Success is an elective course that will cultivate and develop skills and habits necessary to adjust to middle school successfully. The course will focus on organization, time management, healthy habits, studying, teamwork, self-advocacy, critical thinking, research, presentation skills, and appropriate communication. These skills and habits will promote the successful navigation of middle school expectations and help prepare students for their academic careers.

Step into the spotlight with 6th Grade Intro to Performing Arts! This exciting class introduces students to the world of singing, theatre, and recording. From acting games and vocal exercises to hands-on experience with sound and stage production, students will develop confidence and creativity. Whether you love to perform or want to learn what happens behind the scenes, this class is the perfect place to start!

This course is intended to increase students’ finger dexterity, skill, and proficiencies necessary for quick and accurate information processing on any keyboard. This course provides the keyboarding basics necessary for future academic requirements in middle school/high school. It is geared towards students who are: 1) new to keying or do not key efficiently; 2) looking to increase keying speed and accuracy; or 3) interested in learning a basic overview of Microsoft/Google document processing.

Got something to say? Say it with confidence! In Mic Drop, you’ll learn how to speak up, stand out, and wow a crowd—all while having fun! Through research, practice, creative speeches, and team challenges, you’ll build confidence, tackle stage fright, and learn to express yourself like a pro. Whether you’re giving a class presentation or just want to speak clearly without the ums and uhs, this class will help you shine. Grab the mic, find your voice, and get ready to drop some knowledge—mic drop style!

Unlock your creativity with our photography class! Whether you're a beginner or have some experience behind the lens, this class will teach you the basics of capturing stunning images. Learn how to frame your shots, experiment with light, and discover the power of perspective. You'll also get hands-on experience with cameras and editing techniques, turning your photos into works of art. Perfect for young photographers looking to explore the world through their camera and express themselves visually. Join us and start snapping!

Students will come away from this course with an understanding of how the STEM disciplines work together to investigate the world, define problems, and create optimal solutions to benefit society. For context, students will relate most of their coursework to robotics. Students will gain an understanding of robots as programmable machines with interconnected parts and systems. As students use the engineering design process to experiment and build, they will gain an understanding of the necessary inputs to achieve a desired output.

Students will be exposed to lifelong fitness activities that benefit their health and wellbeing. During this semester's course, students will have the opportunity to participate in team sports, recreational activities, cardiovascular endurance training, strength development, and flexibility exercises.

Survey of World Languages: a multilingual course designed to give students an understanding of a language that they might want to study in the future. Students will learn the basics by combining listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills as well as reflecting on cultural topics such as history and literature.

No previous music experience is required. This is a beginning band class where students will learn the fundamentals of playing their instrument. This course is a prerequisite course to be able to join the 7th Grade Band class. Instruments include flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion; percussion students will learn drums, mallets, and accessories. They will learn how to read music accurately, develop performance skills on their instrument, and learn how to perform in an ensemble setting. Students in this course will perform in four concerts a year.

The advanced art course is offered to 6th graders interested in studying art methods in more detail in a year-long class. Students will be exposed to more art materials than in the standard semester course. Advanced art class allows more freedom in the creative art-making process than the semester-long course. This course also sets students up for success to continue their art studies in the 7th-grade advanced art course. Students interested in this course must get approval from their current elementary art teacher.

Welcome to 6th Grade Choir! 🎶 No prior experience needed! Get ready for an exciting journey through music, from learning vocal techniques to mastering diverse songs. Students will have mandatory concerts throughout the year and are responsible for purchasing a uniform. 6th-grade choir students will also be able to audition for the AllState Treble Choir and sign up for the spring trip. Join us for a year filled with unforgettable performances and the joy of making music together!

No previous music experience is required. Students can choose to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students will play in an ensemble to create performances within the school and outside venues. Students will have opportunities to compete for spots in regional orchestras. In addition to playing their instruments, students will explore music theory to enable them to read, interpret, and write music. Students will also learn to critique performances and recordings and develop a knowledge of music history that connects them to the rest of the world. This course also teaches skills such as punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership that extend into the professional world.

Students will be exposed to lifelong fitness activities that benefit their health and well-being. During this year-long course, students will have the opportunity to participate in team sports, recreational activities, cardiovascular endurance training, strength development, and flexibility exercises.