Middle School overview
Dover Campus
Dover Middle School offers a robust and challenging programme for students in Grades 6 to 8 (aged 11–14 years), connecting academic subjects with a deliberate focus on social and self development and opportunities for leadership.
Our learning programme in the Middle School is structured to meet the varied intellectual and developmental needs of students as they transition from Primary School and prepare for the High School years. The five elements of our programme include a rigorous Academic curriculum, a Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme addressing the needs of adolescents, challenging expeditions through our Outdoor Education programme and involvement in wider life of the College and Singapore community through extensive opportunities to be involved in our Activities and Service programmes.
Students are encouraged to apply themselves fully in all that they do and we offer them guidance and support in a positive and caring environment. Our teachers also act as role models, providing instruction in the lunchtime and after-school activities programme, supporting service initiatives and travelling on the outdoor education trips with their students.
The Middle School is committed to providing an education that promotes international understanding, while making education relevant to the global needs of our time. We celebrate the variety of cultures at UWCSEA and encourage our students to explore and understand the traditions and backgrounds of others.
Our goal is to develop students who have the ability to lead effectively when the need arises but who can also adapt to various roles within a team to promote the successful completion of a project, activity or service task. The learning programme provides structured opportunities for students to develop these skills in a wide variety of settings. At all levels of the school, we provide exceptional opportunities for students to develop independence and leadership skills, and the Middle School is no exception. At the heart of our educational philosophy is the belief that we prepare students not just for university, but for life, and it is the skills and qualities students develop, as much as the knowledge and understanding they gain, that will define the quality of the life they live. For this reason, Middle School students are encouraged to extend themselves so that they experience failure as well as success, to understand that leadership can take many forms, to develop their critical thinking and communication skills and to grow in the belief that they can play a positive role in society.
Middle School capacity
* Students must be born on or between 1 September and 31 August. Refer to the age-grade boundary chart on our website for the planned year of entry for guidance, or contact Admissions.
Available places may be offered up to the start of Term 2 (January) of the school year.
About the UWCSEA curriculum
Developed from our Mission, our concept-based curriculum ensures that UWCSEA’s education is rigorous, future-focused and relevant to our entire student community, regardless of their educational background or at what age they join (or leave) the College. Our students are challenged through the all five elements of our holistic learning programme—Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal and Social Education and Service.
We have a written curriculum in four of the five elements of our learning programme: Academics, Outdoor Education, Personal and Social Education, and Service. In designing our curriculum to equip our students as agents of positive change in their lives beyond school, we started by identifying what we understood students should know, or be able to do, at the end of their schooling so as to take the next steps in life. For each of the elements, and each of the disciplines within that element, our senior educators drew from, and continue to incorporate, best practice and research from across the world to design and deliver a programme that supports students as they journey from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
We started by identifying the key concepts (which we call ‘Standards’) in the four learning elements and in each academic discipline. These are sometimes broken into Strands and sub-strands so as to better manage the learning pathways through complex disciplines. Using the Standard identified in Grade 12, we then worked backwards, identifying how students might build their Conceptual Understanding of each Standard (or Strand or sub-strand) as they progress through each stage of learning from K1.
Each Standard has age-appropriate Conceptual Understandings attached to it, and these are used by teachers to develop units of learning in each grade and for each classroom. By connecting each lesson to a larger understanding of a key concept (a Standard, Strand or sub-strand) within a discipline, our teachers create opportunities for students to demonstrate evidence of understanding (we call these Benchmarks) in age-appropriate ways.
This curriculum model takes into account the reality of our international school community. Students who will spend only a few years of their overall schooling at the College are equipped for a smooth transition from one school system to another by our focus on transferable concepts rather than specific content. In High School, the Standards, Conceptual Understandings and Benchmarks take into account the requirements of the external examining bodies that set the (I)GCSE and IB Diploma examinations.
How the model works: English (First Language) curriculum example
In this example, all students work towards a Standard in writing for an audience. The Conceptual Understandings in each grade then outline what students should understand at each stage—by Middle School the complexity of the Conceptual Understanding has developed and students are asked to create pleasure and coherent meaning through their choice of words. This in turn is further refined in the High School as students in the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) are asked to influence the reader through selective word choice.
K1–Grade 12
Standard: Writing expresses selfhood, creativity and intellect in a medium shaped by audience and purpose.
Grade 7
Conceptual Understanding: All parts of a text work together to shape meaning.
Benchmark: Write narratives, using time and plot deliberately in order to influence mood and focus attention on the important moments in a story.
Grade 11 and 12 (IBDP)
Conceptual Understanding: Writers manipulate structure to convey meaning effectively.
Benchmark: Sequence and sustain structure to strengthen and develop the logic and persuasive impact of a claim.
Academics
Students have a broad and balanced range of subjects, including the core subjects of English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science. In addition, courses in the Arts, Languages, Physical Education (PE) and other exploratory subjects in areas such as Design and Technology ensure that students are able to develop across a range of subjects.
Students spend much of their day in the Middle School building, moving to specialist facilities and class rooms for subjects such as Visual Arts, Drama, Design and Technology, Music and PE. Classes remain together for the majority of lessons, except
and Languages, and PE in Grades 7 and 8 where students are taught in single gender sets based on skill level.
Middle School programme (refer to the curriculum guide on our website for detailed information)
other than English or Extra
or
*In Grade 6, English is integrated with Humanities and the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are woven into the study of Geography and History, in addition to the study of literature texts in their own right.
Languages other than English/English as an Additional Language
Most students elect one Language other than English (LOTE) as part of their timetabled lessons based on their level of attainment, selecting from a range of Beginner, Continuation (Foreign) and First Language programmes. A small number of students who require additional support in English or Study Skills have these classes instead of a Language other than English class.
Some First Language classes are taught after school, in which case students may select another LOTE. The Home Languages Programme, offered via the Activities programme, is for those whose language is not offered in the academic timetable. See our EAL and Languages factsheets for more information or contact Admissions.
Activities
Our comprehensive Activities programme presents students with opportunities to try new things, discover new talents and further develop their passions, as well as make new friends through the sharing of common interests.
The wide variety of options includes many competitive and recreational sports, music, art in many forms, drama, dance, service and curriculum-based or enrichment activities. The programme is offered in four ‘seasons’, allowing students to try a number of new activities throughout the school year. Students who take the bus home are provided with an ‘activity bus’ after activities have concluded at no additional cost.
Phoenix Sports, Health, Fitness and Wellness
The strong sports programme includes representative opportunities in badminton, basketball, climbing, cross country, football, golf, gymnastics (girls), hockey, netball (girls), rugby (boys), sailing, softball, swimming, tennis, touch football and volleyball. A number of other sports, such as fencing and ultimate (Frisbee), are offered on a recreational basis in addition to activities such as fitness, yoga, dance and meditation.
Drama, Dance, Music and Instrumental Teaching
Student musicians have the opportunity to participate in a number of music ensembles and perform in several concerts per year, including the annual OPUS at the Esplanade Theatre. The instrumental teaching programme offers access to music lessons on a number of instruments to students in the Middle School. Instrument hire is also available.
Performance opportunities begin with the annual United Nations Evening in Term 1 and continue as students are invited to audition for a number of drama and dance productions throughout the year. Students do not need to be on stage, as there are opportunities for costume and set design.
Art, Design and Technology
This diverse group of activities meets a wide range of students’ creative, inventive, problem solving, and artistic aspirations. Activities are offered across the fields of technology, fine art, craft, writing, creative art, design technology, food science, construction, robotics and engineering.
Language, Culture and Global Affairs
These activities are designed to appeal to students with talents and interests in leadership, culture and global issues, including several inter-school debating competitions, mathematics competitions and special interests such as lion dance, creative writing and journalism, short film-making, photography and more.
There are opportunities to participate in activities such as Model United Nations and an array of Middle School leadership groups. In addition, the Home Language Programme and subject-based ‘clinics’ are available for students who want to further focus on some curricular areas via the activities programme.
Outdoor Education
Our challenging and fun outdoor education programme provides invaluable learning experiences, and elements from the programme are drawn into the classroom across the academic curriculum. The programme is planned, managed and led by our experienced Outdoor Education staff, and all students participate.
An important component of every grade activity and expedition is the idea of ‘team challenge’ activities, in which students are given challenges to overcome as a group. Developing a sense of the individual’s own responsibility to this group effort is a very important aim of the Outdoor Education programme.
While overseas and overnight stays have not been possible during the pandemic period, our Outdoor Education specialists have designed bespoke programmes for each grade-level, using the campuses and existing facilities in Singapore to create learning opportunities in each of our four Outdoor Education curriculum Standards. Because of our written curriculum and well resourced programme, student learning in Outdoor Education has continued, with students guided through a range of age-appropriate activities. The Singapore-based programme has been successful in giving students the opportunity to experience their campus and Singapore in new ways, while engaging in meaningful learning. The activities and venues are thoroughly checked and annually reviewed to ensure safety of all participants. When possible, UWCSEA will recommence overseas travel and trips, operating in accordance with the College’s robust health and safety guidelines, and a new sustainable trips framework.
Grade-level expeditions
The Middle School Outdoor Education expedition programme is as follows:
• Grade 6 go on a five-day multi-activity expedition to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia
• Grade 7 visit Pulau Sibu in Malaysia for a five-day kayaking trip after completing a one-star kayak training certificate in Singapore
• Grade 8 students spend 10 days in Chiang Mai, Thailand undertaking adventure activities such as white-water rafting and caving, and completing curriculum-based field activities. Teaching staff and advisors accompany the students on their grade-level expeditions, together with our Outdoor Education trip leaders. All students are expected to participate in the grade-level expeditions, which are at an additional cost.
During the year, each class group also spends time tackling the College’s high ropes course, orienteering and rock climbing under the guidance of qualified Outdoor Education staff. This enhances the students’ support for each other and encourages them to develop the Qualities and Skills in the UWCSEA Profile in a unique environment.
Optional trips
Students have the opportunity to participate in optional trips during school holidays that support a number of different areas in the learning programme. These trips are grouped under the categories of:
• curriculum/enrichment , such as cultural and language trips to China and Spain for students of these languages
• adventure trips to destinations such as New Zealand and Southern Africa
• service trips, including a Grade 7 Vietnam trip and the Grade 8 History Housebuilding trip to build houses and learn about development issues in Cambodia
There are also opportunities through Round Square for students to attend conferences in the region and to participate in student exchanges.
Personal and Social Education
The Middle School years are a time of significant change in the intellectual, social and emotional development of students. It is a time of transition as they seek increased levels of independence and responsibility. Our dedicated Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme provides a supportive, safe and nurturing environment as our students move towards the increased demands and expectations of their High School years. Our PSE curriculum recognises the unique developmental needs of Middle School students and addresses them via a relevant, challenging, integrative and exploratory programme. Our Middle School PSE team is led by the Principal and Vice Principal (Pastoral). There are two Heads of Grade per year level who work with class advisors (mentor or homeroom teacher). The advisor is responsible for the overall welfare of their students with a responsibility to maintain an overview of both academic progress and social and emotional needs.
The advisor meets with their advisory class for four, 25-minute sessions per week, and students also attend a weekly grade-level assembly where current topics are explored. Topics mirror the developmental needs of the students as they make their way through the Middle School programme. Other ways in which students are supported by the PSE programme include guest speakers, special presentations, focus weeks and a weekly Life Skills lesson.
Our PSE programme also includes strategies for effective learning such as organisation, self-management and reflection—all skills that are important for student success throughout their schooling. The advisor assists students in their transition to Middle School routines and expectations, and also, as they prepare for High School, provides guidance with the subject selection process.
The Middle School Counsellor also supports the PSE programme where appropriate, and can provide professional individual guidance to students and families in the Counselling and Wellness Centre if needed.
Technology
Appropriate use of technology is integrated into each classroom as a tool to facilitate learning. All students are required to have an Apple laptop which is then equipped with College-supplied software, and have access to an on-campus helpdesk and AppleCare support centre. Teachers are supported by digital literacy coaches and a network of technology mentors in implementing effective uses of technology in their teaching. Students are supported in the responsible use of technology through our extensive digital citizenship programme, which provides them with the skills and knowledge to become responsible, independent and organised digital citizens. A series of information evenings and workshops for parents ensure that good habits around technology are reinforced at home and parents are equipped to help students navigate the online world.
Service
Service is an essential component of our learning programme and is at the heart of the UWC ethos. Our service programme provides opportunities for students to develop compassion and put their ideals into action, by giving them opportunities to take practical steps to help create a more caring society and conserve the environment.
Service requires whole-hearted commitment and we expect our students to approach every service activity and commitment with energy, a willingness to try new things, to reflect on successes and failures and to always focus on the larger goal of shaping a better world.
College and Local Service
All students are required to participate in College or Local Singapore Service during their Middle School years. These services vary widely but include:
• paired reading with children from local Primary Schools
• chat and games with the elderly
• simple ball games with intellectually-disabled adults
• overseeing lunchtime play in our own Primary School
• gardening projects to enhance the environment on campus
Some services are shared with the High School, whose students act as mentors for their Middle School peers.
Global Concerns
All Middle School students become involved in global service (which we call Global Concerns or GC) through their curriculum e.g., a development unit in Grade 6 English/Humanities and Humanities units in Grades 7 and 8 focusing on Vietnam and Cambodia, and through awareness-raising activities involving their grade-level projects, which are linked with NGOs outside Singapore:
• Grade 6 – Waterford Kamhlaba Service Support (Eswatini)
• Grade 7 – Blue Dragons Children’s Foundation (Vietnam)
• Grade 8 – Tabitha (Cambodia)
In order to participate on a number of the optional trips available to our students, students need to have committed for at least six months to the GC linked with that particular trip.
In addition, students are encouraged to join one of several GC groups that have links with grassroots NGO’s in the region. These groups meet weekly, usually at lunchtimes, and give students an opportunity to both learn and to take action to support their chosen GC.
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www.uwcsea.edu.sg/admissions