Middle School
Grades 6–9
At CIS, students in the middle years are supported in creating positive relationships, participating in purposeful, hands-on learning, and being actively involved in the school community. They are guided by specialist middle school teachers who understand the complex and unique learning needs of this age group.
CIS follows the Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8 and Grade 9 curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education of the province of Alberta, Canada. Middle school teachers specialize in core subject areas including English Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health and Life Skills. Optional subjects such as Art, Career & Technology Foundations, Drama, Music, Khmer, Mandarin and French give students an opportunity to explore their interests.
In middle school, students are provided opportunities to develop thinking, social, research, self-management and communication skills. These skills are integral to fostering a holistic educational environment. Students build skills through group projects and service learning, inquiry-based learning and self-reflection. Parents play an important role in supporting the development of these skills at home. It is very important that middle school students have well-developed self-management and academic skills when they enter high school.
CIS has a dedicated social-emotional and academic counsellor to support our middle school students. They provide guidance in areas such as emotional regulation, social skills development, academic planning, and personal challenges, fostering a holistic approach to student well-being and success.
Middle school students attend a daily homeroom class. Homeroom teachers play an important role as a mentor and source of support. In homeroom class, students build relationships, check in regarding academic responsibilities, receive important school information and explore personal and learning skills.
Learning comes to life in our facilities at Koh Pich Campus. Middle school students regularly visit the library, sports complex, science laboratories, art studio, pottery studio, orchestra room and music practice rooms, makerspace, cafeteria and outdoor green spaces.
Student life and off-campus adventures are very important in middle school. Experience Week, intercultural celebrations, performing arts opportunities, and a wide variety of after-school activities, including clubs and sports, are available. Experience Week, in particular, supports opportunities for middle school students to grow and engage with the world around them.
MESSAGE FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Welcome to Middle School at CIS an exciting time for students to learn and flourish. In Middle School, learning is designed to provide increasingly specific explorations of individual subjects. Students begin to take greater leadership in their own learning and have many opportunities to develop independence as active and engaged citizens of our school community. Middle School timetables offer a diverse selection of optional courses that support students in enjoying experiences that ignite new passions and open up possible career pathways.
Middle School students are supported by staff as they navigate a more complex learning environment, changing classes and organizing lockers. CIS staff help students meet their academic goals by explicitly teaching self-management, critical thinking, communication and social skills. Through curriculum links and cocurricular connections, teachers encourage students to build their capacity to become empowered global citizens. It is a joy to walk beside CIS students and staff to make this Middle School magic happen!
-Joanne Wynn, Middle School and High School Principal