ISB’s Middle School learning environment is designed to develop the whole student by way of a transdisciplinary, concept-based, and project-oriented curriculum that motivates an interest in world issues and encourages resourcefulness in inventing solutions. From 6th to 8th Grade, our students grow as adept learners in multiple contexts as they acquire the superlative critical thinking, communicative, and collaborative skills that will carry throughout their lives.
ISB’s Middle School Program values language as essential to our students’ development as global citizens and inspires both their intercultural understanding and responsible participation in their communities. Our emphasis on language learning, with an academic program that allows for study in two to three languages, combines with the International Baccalaureate curriculum to create a learning environment that allows students to see the world through a global lens. Middle Schoolers engage with a broad spectrum of ideas and perspectives as they grow into more skillful students, open-minded critical thinkers, creative innovators, and thoughtful advocates.
A positive attitude toward learning in and out of the classroom
The ability to make connections between classroom subjects and real world issues
Highly developed communication skills in multiple languages and the ability to inquire, innovate, and express themselves across a broad range of disciplines
A comprehensive awareness of their unique intellectual, emotional, physical, and ethical development
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a challenging, interdisciplinary framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the world around them. Participation in more than one language is an integral part of the program, and a variety of formal and informal assessments are used to inform teaching and learning. MYP learning experiences use global points of view to promote awareness and understanding of other cultures, the human condition, and the shared human experience.
The curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents. Students take the core courses of Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Sciences, Physical and Health Education, Language Acquisition, Arts, and Design. Students also complete the Community Project, the 8th Grade culminating project that is related to a service they are providing in their community. Six global contexts, identities and relationships; orientation in space and time; personal and cultural expression; scientific and technical innovation; globalization and sustainability; and fairness and development, provide the framework for students’ construction of knowledge. These global contexts, in combination with subject-specific related concepts , provide a structure for students to understand new ideas, acquire essential skills, develop attitudes, and take action in a socially responsible way.
The Language and Literature curriculum encourages students to think critically and creatively when interacting with language. Each year, students develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills by examining a variety of texts and composing a wide range of written pieces. Ultimately, this course is designed to empower students to view language as an invaluable and joyful vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis, and social interaction.
Science focuses on an inquiry-based approach that fosters students’ conceptual understanding of the world around them. They will be exposed to all disciplines of science in each academic year, gaining experience in physical, life, and environmental science. Students will engage in hands-on learning and develop critical thinking skills that enable them to gather information and use it effectively. By the end of the Middle Years Programme, students will be able to use their skills and understandings to become successful advocates and changemakers in their community and beyond.
This interdisciplinary course, focused on world history, US history, and geography, aims to expose students to the fundamental concepts of time and space, cause and consequence, continuity and change, and similarity and difference. In Individuals and Societies, students develop the skills necessary for the effective study of history and geography. They discover an interest and enjoyment in learning about Ancient Civilizations, Middle Age, the Age of Discovery, and Modern US history while making connections with present day concepts and events. They are also made aware that there are many different interpretations of the past as they develop critical thinking skills and international-mindedness.
| Mathematics in the MYP at ISB is designed to engage our students in the use of creative and critical thinking to analyze the world around them in and out of the school. With the use of mathematics, ISB students will be able to identify and describe natural and social patterns and predict possible outcomes of different events. Through the use of mathematics, ISB students will better understand the present by analyzing the past and understand important mishaps that have led to incredible new discoveries. As a multilingual school, this course will help our students to use mathematical language in an increasingly complex manner by providing opportunities to discuss and collaborate with their peers. |
In Performing Arts, through exploration and performance in concerts and productions, students have the opportunity to investigate disciplines and styles, develop musical and theatrical skills, create a variety of performances, and reflect on their role in the arts.
Physical and health education aims to empower students to understand and appreciate the value of physical activity while developing the motivation to make healthy, informed life choices. Students explore a variety of concepts that foster an awareness of physical development and health perspectives, as well as positive social interaction. The MYP physical and health education enables students to explore physical and health education concepts, understand the value of physical activity, and participate effectively in a variety of group contexts. As they reflect on their learning experiences, students realize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, collaboration and communication, building positive relationships, and demonstrating social responsibility.
Design is a very fluid subject in the MYP and allows students to develop design-thinking and a technical skill set through a variety of projects linked to different subjects, knowledge systems, and student experiences and interests Based on the four steps of the design cycle, this course combines digital and product designs through projects that connect students to real world challenges, fostering problem solving and critical thinking in both local and greater contexts.
The study of language acquisition aims to encourage respect and understanding of other languages and cultures, and provide a skill-set to facilitate further language learning. Proficiency in a third language gives students access to a broader range of input, experiences, and perspectives, and fosters the enjoyment of communicating in a language other than the dominant or native tongue. Learning another language greatly contributes to the holistic development of students and is believed to raise achievement in other subject areas. At the end of the 8th Grade year, the Language Acquisition course culminates in a week-long field trip abroad, where students are immersed in their language of study.
Becoming a confident, thoughtful, and articulate communicator is a core element of the ISB Middle School experience. Students are encouraged to add their unique voices to conversations as they hone their speaking skills and practice empathetic listening.
The ability to speak more than one language and communicate in a variety of ways is fundamental to a globally-minded education. In Middle School, individualized schedules are designed for students to use their unique language skills across disciplines to explore concepts, themes, and ideas.
Families have multiple options when it comes to their child’s language learning and academic program at ISB.
Course content delivered in English: 57%
Course content delivered in French and Spanish: 43%
Students who enter our Middle School with a high level of French or Spanish receive a majority of their academic content in English. Their MYP courses, such as Individuals and Societies (Humanities) and Visual Arts, are conducted in French or Spanish, with the goal of broadening their worldview and improving their fluency in those languages. As their academic skills progress, students are able to understand and synthesize the main ideas of complex texts and respond to subject matter both orally and in writing. In 6th Grade, students in the Multilingual program also begin to study a third language other than English, either French or Spanish, in a Language Acquisition class.
Course content delivered in English: 85%
Course content delivered in French and Spanish: 15%
Students who join ISB in 6th Grade with limited second language experience take beginner to intermediate level French or Spanish Acquisition classes. These students who are new to language learning benefit from ISB’s immersive environment, which provides them with limitless opportunities to practice their language with other students, faculty and staff, and families.
International Baccalaureate MYP assessment metrics focus on evaluating broad skills, and the assessment process is used as a tool to help students better understand how they learn, through the repetition of successful strategies and the modification of those which need improvement. Students use ongoing feedback as well as reflection to set goals for upcoming units. Across subjects, students are evaluated on tangible skills, such as setting challenging and realistic goals, giving and accepting meaningful feedback, clearly organizing their ideas, and demonstrating their learning. MYP assessments emphasize individual achievement, encourage reflection, and promote a deep understanding of subjects as teachers continue to support students in their inquiries and motivate them toward a higher level of achievement. Each subject is assessed using four rigorous and authentic assessment criteria which allow students to receive targeted and specific feedback about their skills within and between subject areas.
Various extracurricular opportunities for Middle School students create a dynamic and vibrant learning environment. From musical and theatrical performances to basketball, soccer, and track teams, students have an abundance of opportunities to express themselves, to try out new activities, and strengthen their skills. Student Council gives Middle Schoolers a forum to use the communication and leadership skills they hone in their classes for the betterment of their community. In affinity groups, students can find support in their identity development, while in ally groups, students can learn how to effectively advocate for social groups outside their own. Additionally, students can choose to participate in a wide-range of Middle School Clubs and even volunteer as Student Helpers in classrooms and administrative offices around the school.
The Middle School years are full of changes for our students, both physical and emotional. In order to best support our students during these critical stages of their academic and personal growth, faculty advisors guide students during the Middle School years. Students meet with their advisors on a daily basis and discuss academic, social, and emotional development, as well as any issues the students wish to share. Our Middle School Counselor also works to support the students’ development of social emotional skills by collaborating with teachers and administrators in their development of Health classes, weekly assemblies, and grade-specific Skills classes.
ISB recognizes the critical role of high school placement support and provides a variety of resources to help our Middle School students and families navigate this process.
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