Middle School Program
	Guided by a distinctive middle school philosophy, we provide a carefully structured, well-balanced curricular and co-curricular program that supports the development of the whole-child. In line with recognized US educational standards, our middle school program focuses on meeting the educational and social needs of the young adolescent.   Our program successfully balances appropriate content knowledge in all subject areas and strengthens the development of essential learning skills through a holistic approach to education.

	All middle school teachers are sensitive to transition issues; firstly as students enter middle school from the elementary school environment and then latterly the transition into high school. Our program is designed to cater for the unique educational needs during these years of significant social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Teachers work as members of a grade level team where the same teacher will teach English and Social Studies, and another will teach Mathematics and Science. This not only provides students with continuity and consistency, it also supports effective pastoral care and promotes a positive school climate. At AIS we continuously strive to move instruction beyond traditional texts, embracing cross-curricular projects, student collaboration and the integration of technology into all areas of the curriculum. Enriched by a school-wide commitment to a vibrant Visual and Performing Arts program, middle school students systematically build skills in Music, Art and Drama, culminating in our annual Middle School Production. Our classrooms reflect a dynamic and active approach to teaching and learning with extensive IT support including digital projectors, computers and interactive whiteboards in every room. Specialist teachers in Mandarin, Physical Education, and Information Technology provide students with further opportunities to extend their learning, assisting us in the pursuit of nurturing well-rounded students. All middle school students and teachers are required to participate in our Outdoor Education and Leadership Program. Every November a series of residential camping and outdoor educational activities is organized for each grade level to strengthen student self-esteem, foster teamwork and cultivate leadership potential. Accompanied by their grade-level teachers, all middle school students will spend a week away from school taking part in a variety of outdoor activities that can include hiking, camping, rock-climbing and kayaking. All camps are organized, staffed and supervised by proven professional providers. Throughout the school year we schedule additional outdoor education days to continue the development of these important life-skills. AIS Middle School benefits from a highly professional, committed and devoted faculty. We seek to hire teachers ideally experienced in the middle years. We look for teachers who are dedicated to the middle school philosophy and have the qualifications; experience and professional attitude we feel will contribute to a fulfilling educational experience for every student in middle school.

	Report Card Grading System For Middle School
	AIS use a Grade Point Average (GPA) grading system - a way to report student achievement as compared to percentage or letter grades. The GPA is based on a 4.0 scale; with a 4.0 being the highest value and equivalent to an ‘A’ or 94% or higher. By definition, it is a mathematical formula that represents the total grade points earned divided by the credit/hours for the class. Click here to view the conversion chart.   Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor Roll are academic awards given at the end of each semester to recognize outstanding academic performance. Honor Roll is given to students who achieve an overall cumulative average of a B through B+, while Principal’s Honor Roll is awarded for students who achieve an overall cumulative average of a B+ through A.