Middle School Pathways

What are Pathways?

Pathways are monthly clubs that meet during the school day. Pathways are designed to encourage middle school students to explore STEAM-related careers. Students choose their pathways at the beginning of each school year and spend the year exploring their chosen subject. This year's pathway line-up includes many fun, informative, and inspiring choices.

Dance - During the dance pathway, students will experience multiple styles of dance - each pathway meeting will showcase a different type of dance: Hip Hop, Musical Theater/Broadway, Jazz, Ballet, Bollywood, Contemporary, line-dancing are some of the styles we will explore. We will have choreographers from local dance companies. We will learn the difference in styles, and rehearse simple group routines based on each style.

Mechanical Engineering - In this pathway, students will explore what mechanical engineering is through hands-on projects. Students will use  the engineering design process to design and create their own race-car and track.

Exercise Science - Do you love to work out or stay fit? Are you active and interested in learning more about how to increase athletic performance? Working out truly is a science. Enjoy time with your friends learning how to be the best, most active version of yourself.  Exercise Science will meet in the gym. Students will compete to increase their overall performance levels and endurance. Students will learn about the science of coaching and physical fitness.

Brain Science - Did you know…that you can add 17 points to your IQ in your teen years? That when the brain is awake it produces enough electricity to power a small light bulb? That it’s a myth that you only use 10 percent of your brain. You actually use all of it. (Yes, even when you are sleeping.) Learn about brain structure and how to make the most of  your brain through Brain Science.

Speech and Debate - The Debate pathway will provide students with an opportunity to understand real world situations, develop educated opinions and have an open mind.  In debate, students will learn how to follow a structured format to practice arguing over set topics and discussing trending issues.  Debate is fun, respectful and competitive.  This pathway could be an ideal choice for students who are considering a career in law or politics.  Debate can improve communication skills, critical thinking, and confident expression.  Students will visit the Federal Courthouse in Charlotte and meet real world public speaking professionals.

Digital Photography - In this pathway, you will learn about the settings on your camera and about how to use those settings, along with the rules of photography composition to create amazing photographs. Then, you will use your skills in practical ways that help Rea Farms, such as submitting your work for yearbooks, the school website, and newsletters.

Fashion Merchandising - In the fashion merchandising pathway, students will explore behind the scenes of the fashion industry and discover how products successfully end up in the hands of buyers. Through hands-on projects, guest speakers, and a fashion/art-related field trip, we will learn about the creative and business side of fashion.

Jazz Band - Ya like Jazz? In the Jazz Band Pathway, students will explore different types of jazz music, from Swing to Latin to Bebop and more!  We will learn about the different genres and choose what music we would like to perform. We will work with local jazz artists to learn more about the music we are playing and what it is like to be a professional jazz musician! We will take a field trip to watch a live concert as well as collaborate with the Dance Pathway to create our own performance. Students will require prior knowledge of their instrument to join. All 7th and 8th grade band and chorus students are welcome. 6th grade band and chorus students or students taking private lessons should see Mr. Comella before signing up. Guitarists who can read tab or lead sheets are also welcome!

Tech Theater - Interested in what goes on behind the scenes? Join the tech theater pathway where you will learn the art of set design, lighting, sound, costuming, and stage management.

Broadcast Journalism - Investigate an exciting career in broadcast journalism. Learn the workings of a news crew, set up and run the Rea Farms school news, create stories that are exciting and will keep the school informed about what all is going on at Rea Farms and the world!

Mathematicians (Math Olympiad) - If math is your favorite subject, then Math Olympiad is for you. Math Olympiad is a math-based competition group that works to teach out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving to tackle mathematical problems.