PWCS uses an exploratory model for elective courses in middle school that features a variety of content designed to build upon career awareness and provide career exploration learning experiences. Schools schedule students into nine-week rotations of elective courses in sixth and seventh grade. Eighth grade students participate in 18-week, or semester, courses.
CTE program areas at the middle school level include Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Technology and Engineering Education. Additionally, all students are required to complete the Career Investigations course in seventh grade.
Pursuant to 8VAC20-131-90, each PWCS middle school provides a nine-week course in career investigation to all seventh grade students to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills for developing their academic and career plan. Learn more about the Career Investigations course.
Business and Information Technology courses at the middle school level introduce students to how technology and business connect in today’s world. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students build foundational skills in digital tools, problem-solving, creativity, and computer science while exploring how technology is used to communicate ideas, solve problems, and support businesses. These courses are designed to spark curiosity, develop confidence, and help students begin exploring future career pathways in business, technology, and computer science.
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) courses at the middle school level help students build practical life skills for success at home, in school, and in their future careers. Through hands-on, project-based learning experiences, students explore topics such as nutrition and wellness, personal finance, resource management, leadership, and responsible decision-making. These courses focus on helping students develop confidence, responsibility, and strong problem-solving skills while learning how to balance personal, family, and community roles in a complex and changing world.
The Technology and Engineering Education courses at the middle school level introduce students to how ideas become real-world solutions. Students explore how technology impacts daily life while using the engineering design process to solve problems, build prototypes, and test their ideas. Students apply science and math concepts in creative ways as they learn about systems, tools, materials, energy, and innovation. These courses encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and curiosity while helping students discover interests and explore future career pathways in engineering, manufacturing, construction, robotics, and other technology-driven fields.