transitioning to middle school at the british international school of boston
TRANSCRIPT
Years 7, 8 and 9 at BISB
How do Years 7 - 9 fit in?
KS2 Years 3 – 6Transition from class based to subject based learning
KS3 Years 7 – 9IGCSE Years 10 - 11
IB Diploma Years 12 – 13
Graduation – Class of 2022College/University
• Art• English• Geography• History• Computing• IMYC time for study and organization skills• Maths• Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish, or
Heritage)• Music• Performing Arts • Physical Education• Science
What is the IMYC?
• International Middle Years Curriculum• Integrated curriculum• ‘Big idea’ is studied across many subjects e.g.
Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions.
• Skills based• Entry and exit points brings all subjects together
The 5 Big Ideas in Year 71. Formal arrangements and relationships (structures)
underpin or give organization to complex issues.2. Things are more stable when different elements
are in the correct or best possible proportions.3. Finding out new things is a human driver and
affects things for better and worse.4. Progress involves exposing ourselves to, and
considering the impact of, forms of danger, harm, uncertainty or opportunity.
5. Innovation happens when existing ideas are brought together or expressed in a new way.
Photos of Entry and Exit Points:
Example timetable:
Organization of learning:• Students will be in their mixed ability classes for
most of their subjects, although they will be in sets for MFL and Maths. In Science the students are organized according to learning styles.
• They will remain with their class during mentor time so that their mentor can keep track of the work set for the class as well as any other issues that might arise
• The classes are named London and New Orleans. These will be confirmed during the summer.
Equipment:
• Please pick up a Stationery List listing the requirements for students in Year 7
• We will print school Communication Journals and sell them through the school office
• These will reinforce our school values and behavior policy.
BYOD:• Will operate on an optional basis between
September and December, and become a requirement that students have their own device in school, fully charged, in every lesson, every day from January 2016.
• We would like to emphasize the fact that we will never expect laptops to be used for every lesson; our goal is to blend traditional teaching methods with new and exciting technological developments which benefit learning for all.
Uniform:Winter Uniform Summer Uniform
White Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt White Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt
Navy Sweater (optional) Navy/Red Stripe Tie
Navy/Red Stripe Tie Navy Blazer
Navy Blazer Khaki Chinos or skirt
Khaki Chinos or skirt Black Belt
Black Belt Navy Socks
Navy Socks Black Dress Shoes
Black Dress Shoes
Please note:• Merrells do not count as dress shoes• Please purchase uniform from Lands End.
Trips:
• Day trips for IMYC Entry Points• Student Council and Committee trips (e.g.
service based trips)• Community Service Day• Model UN events (usually on Saturdays)• Ski trip (Martin Luther King weekend)• Washington DC trip (Monday – Friday in June)
Clubs:
• Middle School Athletics - soccer, cross country, swimming, basketball, curling, rowing
• Other clubs - Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh (for Year 9 only), debating, production, choir, cheerleading.
Who to contact?Issue First port of
callSecond Third
Absence, lateness, change to club or pick up
arrangements
Mentor and main office
Head of Middle School
Deputy Head
Homework or organization as a big picture issue
Mentor Head of Middle School
Deputy Head
Homework, marking, assessment or school trip in
a particular subject
Subject teacher Head of Middle School
Deputy Head
Concern about a big picture learning issue
Additional Learning Needs Coordinator
Head of Middle School
Deputy Head
Social issue or other concern
Head of Middle School
Deputy Head Headmaster
PTCs• Parent Teacher Conferences are organized
differently from Year 7 up because they involve meeting with so many teachers; often compared with speed dating!
• The website is used for signing up and you then have the option to book separate appointments with each teacher for five or ten minute slots.
• PTCs are usually held in the Rainbow Hall with each teacher sitting at a separate desk.
Friendships
How will we help students transition?• Ongoing monitoring and tracking of progress• Year 7 mentor group with specialist Middle School
mentors• Planner, behavior policy and organization• Lockers• Homework timetable• IMYC timetabled slot for organization and SEAL (social
and emotional aspects of learning)• PTCs• Socials• Curriculum – IMYC (including entry and exit points)
Questions?
• Please feel free to contact me or any of the teachers before the end of term or during the summer holidays with any questions.