Logic School

7th & 8th Grade

Logic School Overview

Video Series: Why Logic?

The Logic / Dialectic School at The Cambridge School consists of grades 7 to 8. This stage of the Trivium can be described in terms of its pedagogy (teaching methods), curriculum, and culture.


Watch all 7 videos in the Logic Video Series

Logic School Pedagogy

During the Logic School years, the teaching method shifts from singing and chants to discussion, debate, and argument. Students continue to make use of the “tool” of singing and chanting, but the over-riding emphasis becomes argument and debate. Students are taught socratically, with a good bit of give and take (dialectic) between teacher and students. Logic is introduced as a central or “paradigm” subject, which is integrated into almost every other class students take. Special emphasis is given to the study and detection of logical fallacies.


Logic School Curriculum


Logic has a central place in the curriculum in that it is a subject and skill that is applied and used in virtually every other class. For example, students in history, literature or science classes will be required to think logically about the content they study and to expose any fallacies they detect in texts, presentations and classmates (respectfully of course). Their writing in these classes will be assessed for their logical sharpness, and examinations will also presuppose and exercise logical skill.

Students study the various types of logic including informal logic, categorical and symbolic logic. While these designations sound intimidating, they are learned well by adolescent students generally inclined to…argue. In addition to logic, students in the Logic School also study traditional subjects like science, history, math, literature and foreign language. Music and art are also part of the Logic curriculum.

Logic School Culture

Like the Grammar School, the culture of the Logic School is one of order, peace, courtesy, and enthusiasm. Students in the Logic School, however, are encouraged to debate and challenge one another in a socratic, energetic, yet respectful manner. In these classes, in the midst of discussion and debate, students do not always raise their hands to speak, but learn to wait their turn and inject their comments and questions in an appropriate fashion. Debate and discussion guidelines are given, monitored, and enforced by our Logic teachers.


The Stages of Christian Classical Education


Upper School Preview


This is a great opportunity to see the fruits of the Grammar School and the slow, intentional cultivation of wisdom, virtue, and excellence.

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