Middle School

 

All courses continue to be taught in English in Middle School, but now according to the Cambridge International Curriculum. This guides them toward the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) which BMS students can receive in grade10. Classes also proceed according to the Berlin State Curriculum, which prepares them for the MSA (Mittlerer Schulabscluss) later in grade 10. Both degrees prepare students for further academic studies or a profession.

 

Subjects are taught as individual classes in these grades, as opposed to the integrated concept of our Primary School. Students learn mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics), English, German, a third language (French or Spanish), history, geography, ethics, physical education, drama, music and art. Furthermore, English, German and mathematics are broken down into levels to suit student needs. 

 

Our Middle School is designed to nurture the development of students during their transition from childhood to adolescence. In these crucial years of rapid intellectual, physical and emotional growth, students need a different type of guidance than in their primary education.  

 

These are the years when students develop internal motivation, rather than rely on external motivation to learn.

 

The Middle School staff fosters students’ independence by teaching them to make decisions and explore their own interests. As they are more influenced by peers and skeptical of adults at this stage, we also provide direction, limits and structure. We believe that every student is a unique individual, but should learn how to be a contributing member of a group. And that students need to understand their immediate surroundings, but also to think and act globally.