The International Middle School at GAIS follows the academically rigorous, inquiry-based, interdisciplinary program developed by the International Baccalaureate and known as the IB: Middle Years Program (IB MYP).

The IB MYP consists of eight subject groups integrated through five areas of interaction that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects. Students are required to study their native language (German or English at GAIS), a second language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology.

Students are also required to perform 30 hours of community service work during their Middle School tenure. The curriculum is specifically designed by the Middle School to support the GAIS mission and to provide a seamless transition from elementary school as well as a strong preparation for high school, matching or surpassing the preparation offered at other schools.

It is based on the relevant standards from the International Baccalaureate Organization, the State of California, and German-speaking countries.

Philosophy

Our International Middle School provides a place for a vibrant and diverse community of learners with multiple cultural backgrounds. We strive to foster the development of the whole person, including the understanding of concepts, the mastery of skills, and the development of positive attitudes. Through inquiry-based learning, we expose students to worldwide perspectives while ensuring their full academic development within a solid core curriculum. It is our belief that by learning how to learn in an international context, students discover an intercultural understanding, a vital requirements for world citizens living in a fast-changing and global culture.

Teachers

The teachers at GAIS are highly qualified, and are recruited from around the world. They hold advanced degrees relevant to the subjects that they teach. IB training is an important component of our teachers’ professional development.

Curriculum

The curriculum is specifically designed by the school to support the GAIS mission statement, and provide a seamless transition from the elementary school and strong preparation for high school. It is based on an international curriculum that includes the relevant standards from the International Baccalaureate Organization, the State of California, and German-speaking countries.

In Grade 5 students must take six compulsory courses plus four electives. The electives are based on language options and designed to accommodate the needs of both native German and English speakers.

In Grades 6-8 students must take four compulsory courses plus five electives. The electives are based on language options and designed to accommodate the needs of both native German and English speakers.

Math

The math program prepares students exceptionally well: most GAIS graduates have placed into high school Algebra I Advanced or Algebra II. GAIS students' average score in the SAT-10 was in the 95th percentile. As with other subjects in the Middle School, the GAIS math curriculum is developed by the school to conform to IB, local, and European standards.

Languages

German - German is taught as a native language to students entering the Middle School from the GAIS Elementary School, and as a foreign language for students new to GAIS. The subject is taught for seven periods a week for students in grade 5 and for six periodes for students in grades 6-8. Students who are fluent in German can also choose to take their Math and Humanities classes in German, increasing their German instruction to up to sixteen periods per week for grade 5 and fifteen periods for grades 6-8.

To date, all of our German students have passed the AP German exam in eighth grade. Every year we have students who have pieces chosen for publication by the German ZfA writing competition (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen). In addition, all of our students get certified in German based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages through the German government. This supports the students' ability to study abroad.

English - The English department is academically rigorous and equips students with linguistic, analytic and communication skills that can also be used in an interdisciplinary manner. Students take seven periods of English per week in grade 5 and six periods in grades 6-8. We have an integrated reading and writing emphasis and develop excellent communication skills of both native and non-native English speakers. GAIS students take the SAT-10 in English. There is additional support for ESL (English as a second language) students.

Spanish and French - Students take four periods of either Spanish or French per week (two periods in grade 5) and become proficient in one of these languages in addition to graduating fluent in both English and German (if they were enrolled in the GAIS Elementary School).

Science

The Middle School teaches an integrated science curriculum in 5th and 6th grade, biology and physics in 7th grade, and physics and chemistry in 8th grade. We have a new science lab and a dedicated, experienced science teacher. Experiments and other hands-on projects are an important part of the program. In addition, robotics and programming classes are offered as extracurricular classes.

Visual & Performing Arts

The instrument program creates musical awareness and literacy. Visual, digital media, and performing arts are taught at the Middle School. Dance is available as an extracurricular class.

Health and Social Education

At GAIS, the staff and teachers know each student on an individual basis. They help each one to grow socially and emotionally in the critical middle school years. Through health and social education, students can identify and develop skills that will enable them to function as effective members of society.

Students also learn about how they are changing and how they can make informed decisions related to their own well-being. The IB MYP program encourages an integrated approach to teaching nutrition, health and human biology. These subjects are taught in the science curriculum, in PE, and addressed in other subjects, as appropriate.

Physical Education

On campus, our students take two hours of physical education per week. The PE program‘s primary goals are to encourage lively participation in sports and to encourage an understanding of the importance of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

GAIS hosts an annual SportFest competition at the Stanford Track for all Elementary and Middle School students.

GAIS Middle School students are members of many local teams, including soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming, volleyball, ice-hockey, fencing, track and field and dancing; the school can make referrals as appropriate.

GAIS is a member of the Small School Intermediate League (SSIL) and by 2012 intends to field three sports teams.

Technology

Middle School students are fluent in the use of technology. We require students to have a laptop and provide parents with a recommended configuration. Students present their school work to the class and their teachers in multiple formats, including using computer technology.

Digital media content creation (Podcast, Movies, Broadcasting, e-Learning) is included in the art program and is also integrated in the core subjects.

Digital media and robotics classes are offered in the after-school program. The school has projectors and smart boards.

In addition, in keeping with the IB program, the curriculum raises students' awareness of the impact of the technology-related decisions they make.

Community Service

Community service is integrated into the IB MYP program, with students learning and practicing empathy, as well as taking community action both with school guidance and on their own. GAIS encourages responsible citizenship as it seeks to deepen students' knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

As part of the program, students volunteer for class, school, local and international community service projects. They are required to do 30 hours of community service per tenure in the Middle School. GAIS also organizes a social work week for students.

Teaching Methodology

GAIS’ small class sizes and nurturing environment ensure that the teachers and staff can give students individual attention. Differentiated teaching is practiced in the Middle School, and individual learning plans can be developed where necessary with parents and students to accelerate learning. Both the individual attention and the IB allow for students to progress more quickly.  The teaching methodologies that are used in the Middle School are designed to:

·         Involve students actively in their own learning

·         Pursue open-ended inquiry and real-life investigation

·         Build on what the student already knows

·         Use a range and balance of best strategies and teaching practices from around the world

·         Give students the skills necessary for the 21^st century

Home Work

Homework is in line with other local and international schools with similar curricula. The time commitment students should expect is approximately two hours per night. Students often receive long-term homework projects and they must organize their time to complete these in addition to shorter assignments.

Middle School is a time for students to perfect time management skills before entering high school. Teachers will help students make the transition to a greater homework load.

Social Environment

The Forum, an outdoor classroom and social center, provides a location for students to congregate. We also build cohesion with several trips and activities such as a ski week with the entire Middle School, a science camp for the sixth graders, a outdoor and history camp for the seventh graders and a trip to Germany or Washington DC for the eighth graders.

In addition, there are several field trips integrated with classroom topics.