Middle School

The Middle School at the International School of Dakar is comprised of grades six, seven, and eight. The children are approximately 11 to 13 years old. Due to the relatively small classes, the teachers are able to give the students in the Middle School the attention they need as they make a transition from Elementary School to High School. We recognize these groups as a special group needing programs tailored to the emerging teen years. Teachers work to help the students achieve a greater degree of independence and responsibility for learning through teaching the children the skills of learning and helping them to establish the “Habits of Mind” for good organization.

The curriculum for the Middle School reflects an age-appropriate physical, intellectual and social experience that is suited to this age group. The students study English, Math, Science, and Social Studies as their core subjects. They are also experiencing French at a level compatible with their development of the language. In addition to the core subjects, ISD feels that a balanced education is very important and therefore, the children enjoy the experiences of art, music, physical education, computer technology, and library skills classes. The teachers use current educational research that reflects an internationally rich cultural setting.

We would expect Middle School Students to:

• Acquire a foundation of skills necessary for success.
• Grow through a rich variety of educational, social experiences that satisfy their own needs.
• Be good communicators.
• Be good problem-solvers.
• Understand the relationship of what they are learning to real world experiences.
• Experience and feel success.
• See technology as a tool for future communications and learning.
• Understand and appreciate the rich culture in which they live and contribute to a community experience.
• Be personally involved in his or her own education including being a responsible citizen.
• Develop an environmental and global awareness.

The Middle School students are actively involved during the school day in various activities. They have project periods every week that help to foster individual and group inquiry as well as using good study techniques. In their “Community Circle” the students do group activities which help them to acquire effective skills for working in groups as well as insights into their own learning styles. The Community Circles also act as an advisory group for the students.