Middle School – Grades 6-8 (Ages 12 to 14)
At this stage, the child is in the first years of adolescence and is capable of and interested in higher levels of work. The children have a greater interest in the world around them and this interest is nurtured and given a proper direction through the curriculum. In addition to the Class Teacher who may have been with them since first grade, Special Subject teachers take over certain subjects – such as Sciences and Math – in the students curriculum.
They begin their study of formal history, as they move from Greek to Roman History in Grade 6 as well as Ancient Indian History. The mighty law abiding Romans attract and fire their interest at this time. In Grade 7, they focus on Europe from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration. They simultaneously study the medieval Indian history upto the Mughals. In the Eighth Grade, they turn to the study of the Revolutions around the world – from the Indian Freedom Movement to the Russian, French and American Revolutions – as well as Industrial Revolution.
The study of Geography also increases in radius, covering Asia in Grade 6, and reaching out to all the continents of the world in Grade 7. Their understanding of Geography is supplemented by the study of Mineralogy and Astronomy in Grades 6 and 7 and weather phenomena (Climatology) in Grade 8.
Formal Sciences are introduced in the middle school – often by Specialist teachers. The study of Physics begins in Grade 6, and Biology and Chemistry in Grade 7. These are continued until the end of the school years. In Physics, from the study of basic phenomena such as Sound, Light, Heat and Magnetism, more complex phenomena such as optics and mechanical principles are explored through experiments. In biology, students move from the observation of plant life to the study of the human being. Through the main lesson block in nutrition, for example, students discover what sustains and balances them. This study of the human being culminates in their attention to anatomy and physiology. Students work with the chemistry of acids and bases in the laboratory and move to organic chemistry in Grade 8.
Through observation of phenomena around them, our students discover scientific laws and their relation to mathematics. In math, as they move from fractions and decimals to business math, geometry and algebra, practical applications help students see wide-ranging connections with other subjects, which offers avenues for the exploration and understanding of geometric forms.
The Literature and Language curriculum also becomes more complex and permeates all subjects. Writing, research, classroom presentations, science observations, reports and the creation of main lesson notebooks increasingly demand initiative and higher-level intellectual skills. Block and Term exams conducted from the Middle School years help them to evaluate their own understanding and prepare them for the school leaving (Board) exams.
Co-curricular activities in Middle School: The new capabilities of the Middle School years are supported with new challenges in co-curricular activities. Children choose one of 5 musical instruments – Tabla, Indian violin, Indian Flute, Guitar and Keyboard – to specialise in over the next 5 years. They continue working on their Painting, Craft and Woodwork projects throughout the year. In Grades 5 and 6, they also explore a new medium – Clay. In Grades 7 and 8, children also begin Cooking – learning to make healthy and delicious meals to supplement their Biology and Chemistry blocks. In Games, they begin to play team games and strategy based games.