Learning in the Middle School
Learning at ISS is fun, challenging yet very rewarding. The learning experiences provided allow students to develop their research, communication, thinking, social and self-management skills both in and out of the classroom.
Project-based learning is developed through the interdisciplinary units. Learning takes place in the context of local and global real life issues, and where students are able to apply their skills, knowledge and understanding of concepts learned in different subjects. Our classrooms are set up to encourage an inquiry and integrated approach to learning. It is a place where students are able to work individually or in small groups through learning centres set up around the room, and where different learning styles are accommodated. Pastoral teachers, who are also core subject teachers, plan their programs collaboratively with the Learning Support team, and the rest of the Middle School teachers, and provide differentiated instructions in the classroom using a co-teaching approach.
Camps and the community, action and service program provides students with opportunities to apply their communication, social and self- management skills to develop an understanding of voluntary work and community and service. To promote reading we run a 20 minute personal reading program DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), also known as SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). These sessions are taken by the core subject teachers, who model expectations and will also monitor and direct student reading via brief conferences with students. For more information on this program this link is provided http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/105027/chapters/Creating-Lifelong-Readers.aspx
The opportunity to provide a balanced curriculum is also provided at the end of a busy week through singing, sport, and team-building activities. This continues to be a popular progam, as it promotes student well-being and positive development.
Our student learner outcomes provide the impetus for the attainment of a balanced and holistic education.
Project-based learning is developed through the interdisciplinary units. Learning takes place in the context of local and global real life issues, and where students are able to apply their skills, knowledge and understanding of concepts learned in different subjects. Our classrooms are set up to encourage an inquiry and integrated approach to learning. It is a place where students are able to work individually or in small groups through learning centres set up around the room, and where different learning styles are accommodated. Pastoral teachers, who are also core subject teachers, plan their programs collaboratively with the Learning Support team, and the rest of the Middle School teachers, and provide differentiated instructions in the classroom using a co-teaching approach.
Camps and the community, action and service program provides students with opportunities to apply their communication, social and self- management skills to develop an understanding of voluntary work and community and service. To promote reading we run a 20 minute personal reading program DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), also known as SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). These sessions are taken by the core subject teachers, who model expectations and will also monitor and direct student reading via brief conferences with students. For more information on this program this link is provided http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/105027/chapters/Creating-Lifelong-Readers.aspx
The opportunity to provide a balanced curriculum is also provided at the end of a busy week through singing, sport, and team-building activities. This continues to be a popular progam, as it promotes student well-being and positive development.
Our student learner outcomes provide the impetus for the attainment of a balanced and holistic education.