|
The Middle School has a 25 period week, with five one-hour periods per day. For mainstream classes, this time is divided up as follows:
| Subject area |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
Mathematics |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Language A (English) |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Language B |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Humanities |
4 |
4 |
3 |
Science |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Physical Education |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Technology |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Art & Design |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Drama |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Music |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Totals |
25 |
25 |
25 |
ASSESSMENT
Students work is assessed following the MYP criteria, which vary from subject to subject. Students get an overall grade out of 7 for each subject at the end of each quarter and semester. An examination assessing the semester's work occurs at the end of each semester in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Language B.
COMPUTER RESOURCES
The middle school has a laboratory of 24 20" Intel iMacs, a library pod of 8 20" Intel iMacs, two iMacs in each classroom, and 5 mobile trolleys containing 24 iBooks operating off a wireless network.
On enrolment, every student receives server storage space, their own e-mail address, a personal web site, on-line access to homework, attendance, assessment marks, library catalogue, library books on issue, teacher e-mails and on-line discussion forums.
Parents have password protected access to their child’s homework, attendance, assessment results, library status, web site, class teacher e-mail and photograph, and personal and address information.
HOMEWORK
At grade 6, homework is generally about 50 minutes a night. At grade 7, homework is generally about 1 hour 15 min a night and 1 hour 30 min at grade 8.
Parent are able to view online their child's teachers' feedback on homework.
If students are unable to finish the assigned homework, then parents can send in a note to this effect. If parents would like additional homework for their child, then they can contact the Homebase or subject teacher.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
There are two formal Parent – Teacher conference days, in October and April. Written progress reports are posted out at the end of the first and third quarters and more comprehensive reports are issued at the end of the second and fourth quarters (first and second semester).
STUDENT CARE
Each student is placed in a Homebase group under the care of a specific teacher, whose responsibility is to build the relationship with the students. We believe this will give the students a sense of belonging in the Middle School. The group has regular Health and Social Education sessions that cover issues such as team building, self-esteem, time management, decision making, goal setting, conflict resolution and dealing with peer pressure. The Homebase teacher is the first point of call for parents to enquire about the progress of their child.
ESOL STUDY PREPARATION PROGRAMME (SPP)
Students whose primary home language is not English are assessed to ascertain their level of English proficiency. If students need special ESOL services they join a Study Preparation Programme that offers a full range of special preparation classes – English, Extra English, Science, Mathematics, Humanities, and Physical Education. SPP is in 3 levels: level 1 (beginner), level 2 (intermediate) and level 3 (advanced). Level 3 SPP students join mainstream classes for Mathematics. SPP students stay in the Study Preparation Programme until they have reached a level of English where they can function in the mainstream classes.
OFS values language highly as students learn in and through language. Our belief is that every subject teacher is also a language teacher. OFS strives to provide an optimal language learning environment so that our linguistically diverse range of students may develop their full potential in English (the language of instruction), a foreign language and their mother tongue. Click here to view OFS Language Policy
| 
