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Middle School Curriculum
The Middle School curriculum seeks to provide both breadth and balance
to the school’s educational programme, and is designed to help
students achieve their full potential. As mentioned in the school’s
mission statement, the curriculum offered does not align with any particular
national system, rather it provides a comprehensive curriculum which
reflects our diverse student body, and thus aims to meet all of our students’ needs.
The International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) is central
to the planning and implementation of the programmes designed. It is
a complete and coherent programme which provides the academic challenges
and life skills appropriate to adolescents. Because the educational philosophy
and goals of the IBMYP and IB Diploma Programme are consistent, the Middle
Years Programme serves as an excellent preparation for the more advanced
Diploma Programme and UNIS Diploma.
Each Middle School course has an approved curriculum and/or course of
study which teachers are expected to follow. An established Curriculum
Committee reviews and updates each subject taught on a five year cycle,
so that the areas taught remain current and appropriate to student needs.
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Curriculum Development and the IBMYP
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Each year several areas of the curriculum are targeted for a comprehensive
programme review. Five year development plans are established and
monitored in each subject area. While the Middle School has distinct
goals, we recognise the importance of coordinating our programmes
with those operating in the elementary and high school. The curriculum
is well articulated and available for viewing in the School Office,
and library.
In addition, the school has now adopted and implemented the International
Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Pre K - 12. The IBMYP, or Middle Years
Programme, is well supported within the UNIS Middle School and
its implementation is enhanced by our cohesive ‘team’ teaching
organisation. In short, the Middle Years Programme is a ‘child
centred’ programme which:
- emphasises the use of critical thinking skills
- is aimed at expanding students’ experiences
- concentrates upon teaching students ‘how’ to increase
their knowledge
This is done through the use of:
- Active approaches to learning, learning ‘how’ to
learn
- Community and Service, first hand experience in the local,
school setting and wider world.
- Health and Social Education, preparing for a healthy physical
and mental life
- Environment, developing an appreciation for conservation
and stewardship
- Homo Faber, appreciating the human capacity to transform,
enjoy and improve the quality of life.
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Schedule
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The Middle School programme is designed to serve the educational
and developmental needs of pupils in Grades 6 - 8, with the majority
of the teaching done in the Middle School building. The daily organisation
is based on the block-schedule concept, with common planning time
provided for staff members.
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