Middle Years (Grades 6 and 7, ages 11 and 12; grades 8 through 10 to be added in 2012-2014)
An Experiential Programme Modelled on the IB Middle Years Programme

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.45-3.30 pm; Wednesday 8.45-3 pm

Students change tremendously during their Middle School Years, growing physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Certain notable characteristics of this developmental period, such as the need for more active engagement, greater influence of the peer group, and an awakening sense of independence, must be incorporated into the teaching for Middle School students.

Building on a standard International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, the ISL Surrey provides a hands-on and experiential programme designed to meet the developmental needs of an adolescent growing up in the 21st Century. Highlights of the programme include:

• The Mentor Teacher. Small tutorial groups will work collaboratively and one-on-one with specialist teachers who will work alongside students to differentiate learning, supporting academic needs, challenging curious minds and transforming standard learning into relevant experiences.
• The Open World Experience. Every Wednesday afternoon, students will participate in a three-week cycle of planning, experiencing and reflecting on student-directed activities that expand topics and issues studied in the classroom. This involves students in their academic growth as well as starts them thinking about future career paths.
• Virtual Classroom. The classroom will be linked to ISL Qatar, ISL London and other mentors wherever they are. Students will be equipped with an iPad2 to enhance their learning in school, at home and during their Open World Explorations.

Modelled on the IB Middle Years Programme, the Curriculum Model consists of eight subject groups integrated through five areas of interaction that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects. Students are required to study their mother tongue, a second language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology. In the final year students also engage in a personal project, allowing them to demonstrate and celebrate the conceptual understanding and integrated skills they have learned over the course of the middle years programme.