MS Curriculum

Our Middle School science curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that integrate laboratory skills, knowledge of concepts, and applications to the real world. NGSS provide opportunities to develop content understanding through the Disciplinary Core Ideas as well as practical skills through the Science and Engineering Practices. Topics are spiraled through the three years of Middle School, covering three core aspects of Science: Physical Science, Life Science and Earth Science.

We celebrate the diversity of our learning community. The Department of Student Services (English as an Additional Language, Learning Support and Counseling) works collaboratively with classroom teachers to promote the success of all students. Our education specialists work to ensure students acquire the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to access the curriculum in a safe learning environment through a multitiered system that includes differentiated instruction and assessment practices, small group instructions, individual interventions, and fosters emotional and social wellbeing.

El programa de español de ISP en Middle School, tiene dos componentes: el programa de Meduca y el del IB.  Nuestras clases están enfocadas en lectura, escritura, análisis literario y pensamiento crítico. Nuestro objetivo principal es que los estudiantes disfruten el aprendizaje del idioma español, adquiriendo un desempeño riguroso en el mismo.  

Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL)
SAL focuses on the authenticity of learning a language and empowers our students to become linguistically and culturally proficient. SAL’s focal point is on interpretive skills, interpersonal skills, and presentational skills at the novice, intermediate, and advanced level. The communicative and Task Based Learning approaches are used to support language acquisition.

A major focus of the ISP Middle School Math program is developing a mindset where all students can learn and grow as mathematicians. Teachers ask students to persist, take risks, and communicate purposefully as they work through challenges together. Students work collaboratively on authentic tasks that encourage critical thinking and mathematical modeling. Teachers ensure that all students consistently engage in the Standards of Mathematical Practice (US Common Core), including persevering in solving problems, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, constructing viable arguments and analyzing  the reasoning of others, as well as looking for and making use of structure.  In the Math Department at ISP Middle School, we use a concept-based approach aligned to the common core standards that allow for inquiry and investigation. Each course is a rigorous investigation of core mathematical concepts and skills necessary for success as problem solvers in the 21st century.

In Physical Education, we work to provide students with developmentally appropriate learning opportunities with meaningful content and instruction. Our curriculum is based on the Shape America Standards which will help our students learn efficient movement skills, acquire knowledge and strategy of a wide variety of sports/games, and learn positive nutritional and exercise habits. Students will have the opportunity in PE to acquire the ability to make positive choices for behavior while developing respect for others, self-control, cooperation, tolerance, honesty, sportsmanship, and leadership. Students are given the opportunity to develop skills for improved levels of personal fitness as well as developing a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of physical activity.

At ISP, the Visual and Performing Arts are recognized and celebrated as a means of expressing the self in relation to society. ISP has cutting edge Arts facilities, including a world class Performing Arts Centre, where students collaborate on all aspects of production and performance. The Visual Arts program invites students to explore media from the traditional to the digital. Music instruction encompasses theory and skills, with opportunities to study band, strings, guitar and voice.

The Middle School STEM program at ISP emphasizes the inquiry process, critical thinking, and creativity through hands-on learning and design-thinking. Students develop 21st century skills in problem solving, communication, collaboration, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The MS STEM lab is equipped with an array of materials, electronics, hand tools, 3D printers that allow students to bring their creations and innovative solutions to life.

Our goals are to develop our students’ identities as readers and writers. We also want to instill a lifelong passion for reading and writing in our students. 

We will achieve our goals by following the Reading and Writing Workshop curriculum, which is aligned to the US Common Core standards. As readers, students will grow in their independent reading practices and have opportunities to participate in reading partnerships and book clubs for both fiction and nonfiction texts. As writers, students will learn and work through the steps of the writing process, practicing narrative, informational, and argumentative writing. Learning and assessments will be authentic in nature and focused on the following areas: Reading, Writing, Speaking/ Listening, and Language Usage.

The Middle School Social Studies program is to build upon curiosity and enthusiasm and to provide experiences that will promote their ability to think critically and creatively. We practice and develop skills needed to excel in society so that they may become effective global citizens in an interdependent world. Social Studies takes our students around the world to learn about the geography, history, government and economics of different countries and cultures. 

Following the AERO Framework, each grade level integrates writing, evaluates primary and secondary sources of information, incorporates multimedia presentations, interprets graphs, utilizes map skills and differentiates learning for the individual student.