Middle School

Middle School (MS) classes at ISP build on learners’ curiosity through questions, investigations and authentic challenges. Students develop key knowledge, skills and understandings in Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. Students also develop their competencies in the areas of Music, Drama, Physical Education, Health, Visual Arts, Modern Languages (English, Czech, German, Spanish or Mandarin) and an additional Elective of their choice each semester. 

The MS follows a 10-day rotation schedule, with four blocks a day, plus advisory or elective. The school day starts at 8:45 and ends at 15:30. In addition, there are six stretch days a year where students are off timetable, using the time to go on field trips, engage in their electives or other extension projects.

The ISP mathematics program aims to: 

• Inspire learners through engaging and relevant tasks; 
• Inquire through mathematics and into mathematics; 
• Develop fluency with a variety of mathematical tools and strategies; and 
• Develop critical, creative, logical, and computational thinking. 

ISP Math Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Understand and use mathematical concepts; 
2. Conduct mathematical inquiry; and 
3. Communicate mathematical ideas accurately and clearly. 

Grade 6-8 Mathematics

Learners engage with relevant and rich investigations, developing critical, creative, logical, and computational thinking. Learners also further their fluency in a variety of operations, tools, and strategies. 

Units of study

Grade 6	Intro to Problem Solving Fractions, Decimals & Percents 3D Nets & Measurement Algebraic Reasoning & Integers Chance
Grade 7	Ratios & Percents  Algebra  Statistics  Volume, Area & Surface Area
Grade 8	Algebra and Linear Relationships: Linear Equations Laws of Exponent and Radicals Algebraic Expansion Solving Equations Algebraic Factorization and Quadratic Equations

The ISP Science program aims to: 

• Nurture curiosity and perseverance; 
• Develop critical, creative and design thinking; 
• Be grounded in challenging, authentic contexts; and 
• Engage learners in personal scientific inquiries. 

ISP Science Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Conduct scientific inquiry; 
2. Draw evidence-based conclusions; and
3. Apply scientific knowledge and concepts.

Middle School science learners explore and deepen their understanding of the natural world in order to contribute to a sustainable future. Learners use the scientific method to investigate questions relating to chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science. Students conduct experiments, draw conclusions, as well as create and evaluate solutions to problems.

Units of study

Grade 6	Structures of Life  Properties of Matter  Energy Forms & Sources Genius Hour
Grade 7	Motion & Forces  Engineering & Design  Food Chemistry  Healthy Ecosystems
Grade 8	Chemistry  Electricity & Magnetism  Astrobiology  Science in Action

The Language Arts program at ISP aims to: 

• Engage thoughtfully with a wide variety of literary and informational media; 
• Use language in authentic contexts for a variety of purposes and audiences; 
• Use a variety of literacy skills and strategies to make meaning, ask questions, and express ideas; and 
• Use literacy in different contexts to make connections, enlarge experience, and broaden worldview. 

ISP English Language Arts Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Make meaning while listening, reading, and viewing; and 
2. Communicate through speaking, writing, and representing

Grade 6-8 Language Arts 

Learners read and interpret a wide variety of fiction texts with increasing depth and complexity and evaluate informational texts. Grade 6-8 learners continually expand their ability to communicate ideas for varied audiences and purposes. 

Units of study

	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
Reading	Reading Workshop  Character Study  Nonfiction Research & Reading  Historical Fiction  Social Issues Book Club	Nonfiction: Reading Strategies Short Stories Migration Book Clubs Conflict in Literature Book clubs: Mysteries and Thrillers	Reading Workshop: Interpreting Literature Characterisation Realistic Fiction Genre Study: Dystopian Fiction
Writing	Intro to Narrative Writing Argument Informational Text Historical Fiction Narrative	Informational: Newscast Narrative: Building Scenes 4.1 Miles Poetry Literary Essay Creative Writing	Personal Narratives  Position Papers  Writing about Theme  Analytical Essays  Speech Writing

The Social Studies program at ISP aims to: 

• Examine personal, community and global issues; 
• Develop essential competencies to evaluate and adapt to our changing world; 
• Engage learners in authentic experiences; and 
• Develop conceptual understandings that transfer across contexts. 

ISP Social Studies Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Investigate personal, local, and global issues; and 
2. Draw sound evidence-based conclusions.

Units of study

	Social Studies
Grade 6	Společné století  Society  Globalization
Grade 7	Our World Today  The Great Global Convergence  Migration  Urbanisation (Megacities)
Grade 8	Taking Informed Action (TIA): Civil Rights and Social Justice  Curator Challenge  TIA: Politics and Revolution  TIA: The Digital Revolution

At ISP, we believe that visual arts are integral to learning. The purpose of our program is to engage and challenge learners to creatively express and interpret ideas through the visual arts. 

The Visual Arts program at ISP aims to: 

1. Be relevant, engaging, and challenging; 
2. Develop creative, observational, and interpretive competencies; 
3. Develop transferable skills and techniques; 
4. Connect with culture and history; and 
5. Cultivate a metacognitive mindset. 

ISP Visual Arts Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Design and produce visual creations; and
2. Interpret visual creations.

Below is an overview of the visual arts units of studying Grade 6 – 8. While Grades 6, 7, and 8 are semester courses, students can elect to join a year long Art extension course in Grade 8.

Units of study

Grade 6	Printmaking Introductions & Collagraph Printmaking  Monotype Printmaking  Line, Rhythm & Texture  Reductive Linoleum Printmaking
Grade 7	Observing, Drawing, Shading  Ink Drawing, Cross Hatching  Painting  Sculpture
Grade 8	Observational Drawing Across Media
Grade 8 Extended	Six of a Kind Project / Skills Inventory  Observational Portrait Drawing Across Media  Stencil Making Basics & Design  Fold Out Book of Faces  Zooming In / Interpretive Project  Independent Personal Project

The purpose of ISP’s Drama program is to engage and challenge learners, maximizing their performance and presentation skills while engendering enjoyment of theatre through accessible and significant experiences. 

The Drama program at ISP aims for learners to: 

• Nurture the joy of creating, presenting, and viewing dramatic works; 
• Nurture imagination, empathy, confidence, and perseverance; 
• Develop collaborative and creative skills; 
• Explore dramatic works across time, place, and cultures; and 
• Aspire to excellence in process and products. 

ISP Drama Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Create a range of dramatic products; 
2. Present devised and scripted drama; and 
3. Appreciate meaning and function of drama and theatre.

Our dedicated drama courses begin with semester courses in Grade 6, 7 and 8 with the option of a full year Grade 8 extension course. Below is an overview of the visual arts units of study  in Grade 6 – 8.

Units of study

Grade 6	Introduction; Body (Mime)  Voice & Storytelling  Oral Interpretation
Grade 7	Character Traits  Creating Character  Presenting Character
Grade 8	Ancient Greek Theatre  Farce  Shakespeare

At ISP, we believe that music is a basic expression of humanity and therefore, integral to a holistic education. The purpose of our ISP Music program is to engage and challenge learners to maximize their musical abilities and enjoyment. 

The Music program at ISP aims to: 

• Inspire the joy of creating, performing and responding to music; 
• Develop musicianship; 
• Develop self-awareness and self-confidence through music; 
• Make cultural connections and learn about the world through music; and
• Unite the school community through music;

ISP Music Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Perform music independently and with others; 
2. Create music with purpose and imagination; and 
3. Listen to music with understanding and appreciation.

Grade 6 – 8

Building on Elementary School general music, movement, and rhythmic instruments program:

• Grade 6 students can choose one of two music learning options: Band or Choir.
• Grade 7 students have an expanded choice in music learning: Band, Choir or Music.
• Grade 8 students have an expanded choice in music learning: Band, Choir or Semester of Music. 

Band: Students are placed into three possible bands based on their experience and progress with a given instrument. Throughout our instrumental program, students advance on a continuum of musical concepts and related skills aligned to our standards: 

• Performing: Note range, rhythm, tone, musicality, ensemble skills. 
• Creating: Improvisation – Note selection, rhythmic development and musicality. 
• Listening: Appreciation and aural skills. 

Instrument specific performance outcomes allow students to understand and monitor their progress on the expected skill progression specific to their instrument. 

Choir: We have a Grade 6 choir and a Grade 7/8 mixed choir. Throughout our choral program, students move through levels on a continuum in the following musical concepts and related skills aligned to our standards: vocal technique and solfege, music literacy, harmony instrument, listening and creating.

Grade 7

The learning in this course is organized along two pathways: whole class ensemble and individual instrument time. 

• Individual Instrument Time: students choose to learn to play piano, ukulele, guitar, and/or percussion. Once a learner demonstrates basic competency with one of these instruments, the student can choose songs to arrange and perform a solo, duet or as a larger ensemble. 
• Whole class ensemble: students develop their rhythm skills through drum circle activities, in addition to developing fluency with reading basic notation on the treble clef. Units on harmony and melody follow throughout the year, and students will engage in both teacher-led and student-chosen music ensemble projects and performances.

Grade 8

• Music (one semester): Students who select full year Visual Arts or Drama Extension courses, will follow a semester-long Grade 8 music course, which is divided into two parts: Music Composition and Individual Instrument Time.
• Individual Instrument Time: students choose to learn to play piano, ukulele, guitar, and/or percussion. Once a learner demonstrates basic competency with one of these instruments, the student can choose songs to arrange and perform a solo, duet or larger ensemble. 
• Music Composition: students learn composing techniques for rhythm, harmony and melody. Learners investigate both their own musical choices and teacher-chosen songs that use these composition techniques. Students begin their compositions with a study of popular music song forms, beginning with the blues and continuing to modern day pop music. Students use the GarageBand software to produce their own original songs.

The ISP Physical Education (PE) and Health program engages students physically, socially, and emotionally through physical activity and wellness units.  Our PE program challenges students to reach their full potential and guides them in their pursuit of a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.

The Physical Education and Health program at ISP aims to: 

• Develop teamwork with effective communication and collaboration skills;
• Promote daily physical activity; 
• Provide challenging and personalised activities; 
• Nurture risk-taking, perseverance, and confidence; and 
• Promote fair play and inclusivity.

ISP PE and Health Standards frame the key competencies to: 

1. Demonstrate motor skills and movement patterns; 
2. Apply and evaluate concepts and strategies related to movement and performance;
3. Evaluate and improve personal level of physical activity and fitness; and 
4. Demonstrate personal and social skills during physical activities. 

Grade 6 – 8 learners develop confidence, perseverance, teamwork and locomotor skills through challenging and inclusive physical activity. They delve into health units to grapple with socio-emotional issues surrounding growing up.

Units of Study

	Physical Education	Health
Grade 6	Team Building & Fitness: Orientation, Biking, Fitness, Track & Field, DMS  Invasion Games: Football  Net & Ball Games: Volleyball/Netball, Badminton, Tennis  Gymnastics & Dance: Dance  Striking & Fielding Games: Softball	Introduction to Health  Identify Who I am  Yoga  Communication  Nutrition  Puberty
Grade 7	Team Building & Fitness: Orientation, Fitness, Outdoor Education, Biking  Invasion Games: Soccer/Football, Touch Rugby, Basketball  Net & Ball Games: Badminton, Tennis  Gymnastics & Dance: Dance  Striking & Fielding Games: Softball	Health & Wellness, Sleep  Tobacco / Drugs  Nutrition  Sexuality  Yoga
Grade 8	Team Building & Fitness: Orientation, Biking, Fitness & DMS, Problem Solving, Track & Field  Invasion Games: Football, Basketball and Floorball, Touch Rugby and Ultimate Frisbee  Net & Ball Games: Badminton, Volleyball, Tennis  Striking & Fielding Games: Softball	Health, Values & Decision Making  Yoga  Diet, Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyle  Sexuality & Relationships  Substance Abuse

We recognize that the acquisition of a new language is best accomplished through continuous learning and practice in all four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) within an appropriate cultural context. Our curriculum is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

The Modern Languages program at ISP aims to: 

• Encourage both independent and collaborative learning; 
• Empower students to take responsibility for their own learning; and 
• Empower the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding an awareness of the world and fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity. 

ISP Modern Languages Standards focus on all four basic skills: 

1. Writing: Communicate ideas in writing; 
2. Reading: Comprehend written texts; 
3. Listening: Comprehend spoken language; and 
4. Speaking: Communicate ideas orally. 

The ISP Modern Language flow chart depicts the possible learning journeys at ISP based on entry point. All Middle School students in Mandarin, French, German and Spanish will be studying the following topics:

Units of Study

A1	My Identity  My World at Home: Family and Friends  My Life at School  My Eating Habits  My Body & Health
A2	My Body & Health  Responsible Travel  Culture & Celebration  Climate Change  Sustainability
A2 / A2+	Well-Being  Our World Today  Media & Consumerism  Third Culture & Migration  Design

The purpose of Middle School Electives is to give students a voice and choice in their own learning and let them explore areas of interest. Rather than the Elective options simply coming from topics which teachers know about and are comfortable with, data on what classes to open is gathered directly from the students. Throughout the course, students then take on the lead roles, while teachers play a facilitating and mentoring role. Electives take place four times every two-week cycle, as well as on Stretch Days.

Elective options include for example: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Cardboard Art, Claymation, Creative Writing, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Fantasy Geopolitics, Introduction to Sign Language, ISP TV, Mythbusters, Stress Less, A World with Zero Waste and Yearbook. Alternatively, students can choose Personal Exploration, where they follow their own interests individually. 

The Middle School Advisory Program is designed to promote healthy social and emotional development and support academic success, as well as provide a safe and friendly space for students to be heard, take risks and practice important life skills. All students participate in the advisory program throughout their tenure in the Middle School. Advisories are small groups of around 10-12 students and one teacher that meet 4 times for 30 minutes in a 10 day cycle. They engage in small group activities and discussions, whole grade activities and annual field trips, such as Outward Bound or Ski Week. 

The topics covered in Advisories are based on the Second Step program. The topics spiral through each grade and include: Mindset and Goals, Values and Friendships, Thoughts, Emotions & Decisions, and Serious Peer Conflicts.