Middle School (age 10-14)
Download curriculum and
handbook
Welcome from Middle School Principal, Kevin Larkin
Our aim
is to provide a balanced educational programme within a positive,
stimulating environment, so that each child can learn and grow to
his/her fullest potential. We recognise and address the broad range
of needs of young adolescent learners, while encouraging them to
appreciate cultural diversity.
We assist students in the transition from home to school, promote
positive social interactions, and provide opportunities for
students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary
for lifelong learning. We believe that parental involvement is an
essential ingredient in providing a quality education for our
students. Through developmentally appropriate experiences, we
expect our pupils to model the IB Learner Profile for ACS
Hillingdon.
When educating Middle School students in 5th to 8th Grades, we pay
particular attention to supporting the emotional, social, physical,
and academic needs of all our developmental adolescents. Our
qualified staff are caring, experienced, and well trained to
encourage the best from this special age group.
Each semester, students receive instruction in their eight IBMYP courses in Language
A-English, Humanities, Technology (Design, Music and Information),
Mathematics, Sciences, Arts (Music, Drama, Choir and Art), Physical
Education and Language B-Spanish or French.
Students who require learning support are offered study skills
classes, and English as an
Additional Language (EAL). Class sizes are small, which
guarantees all our students plenty of individual attention. Our
models offer both pull-out and in-class support.
We understand the value of experiential learning in this age
group, and take full advantage of our location by
incorporating important sites and venues in our community into our
curriculum wherever possible.
In addition to the
music classes, students are
also offered the chance to participate in the music tuition
programme, which encompasses lessons in all the major instruments
of the band, orchestra, and also piano and voice. They may qualify
to join the String Ensemble when an appropriate skill level on the
instrument is reached.
There is no shortage of diversity and creativity in the Middle
School, with a wide and varied selection of extracurricular activities. Each
year, for example, there is an opportunity to act in a major school
drama production. The after-school sports and clubs programme
is also very popular, attracting participation from a large part of
the student body. In order to facilitate inclusion in these
after-school activities, children have a busing service provided
for late transportation home.
Our parent community is actively encouraged to work closely with
the school staff in order to support our young learners. We look
forward to being partners with you and your child's Middle School
education at ACS Hillingdon.
Our curriculum provides:
- Strong core academics in maths, humanities, English, science
and modern languages
- Breadth, diversity and exposure to art, music, drama, health
and physical education
- Challenging coursework which is collaborative, meaningful and
active
- A focus on socialisation and peer relationships, issues of
identity and making good decisions
- Standardised testing of reading and maths which gives
diagnostic information on student progress and an ongoing
evaluation of the school's academic programme.