Middle School

Multilingualism is at the core of what we do. Language instruction develops written and spoken communication skills and nurtures an appreciation of world cultures through the study of literature. In addition to English and French, Middle School students choose to study either Spanish, German, or Mandarin as a third language, which further develops their understanding of the structural connections among languages and cultures. They can take Latin as an elective starting in Grade 8. There are a few new students every year who do not speak French or English. English or French as a Second Language is offered to non-proficient students in small groups. The goal is to integrate them over a period of two years, so their language skills will be on the same level as their bilingual peers.

The math program follows the mathematics guidelines from the French Ministry of Education as well as many of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. During the Middle School years, the French Education System puts an equal emphasis on geometric and algebraic topics (as compared to the American education system, which focuses more heavily on algebraic topics and much less on geometric topics). All students follow the same program throughout Middle School. Students may choose to study mathematics either in French or English and can alternate language of instruction from one year to another. Students will be encouraged to make sense of problems, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and proofs both orally and in writing. Attending to precision and rigor, using appropriate tools strategically, and using technology to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts are skills that are also developed. A strong emphasis is placed on perseverance, consistency, and autonomy. Our math curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools that will allow them to continue as mathematicians in the future.

ISB students engage in inquiry-based science and develop their understanding of the scientific method in the Middle School. Classes follow the French Ministry of Education’s Physics, Chemistry, and Earth & Life Science disciplines for Grades 6, 7, and 8. Classes focus on scientific inquiry and design, experimentation, data and analysis, and developing conclusions. All Middle School science classes include regular time in the school’s science labs where students experience hands-on activities, use their critical thinking skills and apply the concepts they are learning.

ISB students have a unique opportunity to take humanities courses in both languages (History and Geography in French and Social Studies in English), which allows them to enhance their language skills and also learn to view their world from multiple perspectives. Whether the course is taught in French or English, the aim of the humanities program is to help students appreciate human and environmental connections, to understand the interactions and interdependence of individuals and societies, to act as responsible citizens of local and global communities, and to develop inquiry skills that can lead to a deeper understanding of their world.

A multicultural arts education at ISB provides for descriptive, expressive, intellectual, and aesthetic processes, enabling students of all abilities to express ideas and make sense of them through the use of visual art, drama, music, and movement. In addition to enhancing creativity, arts education helps to create many other lifelong skills, including confidence, focus, perseverance, collaboration, and accountability, which lead to a rich, meaningful, and successful life. We encourage group interaction, active learning, and self-reflection. ISB promotes the investigation of cultural values and historical contexts through the arts in order to prepare students to respond to a changing world.

The ISB Physical Education (PE) program has several goals,: developing a sense of teamwork, developing leadership, and increasing an understanding of health and well-being. Additionally, the PE program seeks to increase students’ understanding of physical activities and sports and to have students develop a greater understanding of the body’s abilities and limits so they can improve their general physical capabilities.