Middle School
Grades 7–9
Exploring personal interests and approaches to learning
At CIS, students in the middle years are supported in creating positive relationships, participating in purposeful, hands-on learning, and being actively involved in the school community. They are guided by specialist Middle School teachers who understand the complex and unique learning needs of this age group.
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
CIS follows the Grade 7, Grade 8, and Grade 9 curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education of the province of Alberta, Canada. Middle School teachers specialize in core subject areas, including English Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Health and Life Skills. Complementary courses in Art, Career & Technology Foundations, Drama, Music, Khmer, Mandarin, and French offer students an opportunity to explore their interests.
At CIS, we believe in a well-rounded education where students can pursue their passions and develop competencies inside and outside the classroom. Alberta Education provides an enriching framework for courses under its Career & Technology Foundations (CTF) curriculum. Through our CTF program, CIS students plan, create, appraise, and communicate as they explore their interests and learn about various career possibilities and occupations. Connecting classroom learning to real-world applications gives students practical experience and keeps learning engaging.
In Grades 7–9, students receive four complementary courses a year. These courses play an integral role in developing well-rounded global citizens, giving students opportunities to pursue their passions and interests through a diverse range of offerings within our Fine Arts and Design & Innovation specializations.
In Middle School, we start handing over the keys – but we don't leave students without a map. Homerooms play an important role in teaching study skills and time management while developing essential skills, such as self-management, communication, and critical thinking. Our homeroom program is centered around integrating the approaches to learning and the Alberta Career Education and Financial Literacy curriculum, equipping students with effective money management and career planning skills.
If a concept doesn't click in class, students are not left on their own. CIS teachers are available to answer questions, and we have structured study hall opportunities after school for students to get the support they need.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS
CIS has a dedicated social-emotional and academic counsellor to support our Middle School students. They provide guidance in areas such as emotional regulation, social skills development, academic planning, and personal challenges, fostering a holistic approach to student well-being and success.
Middle School students attend a daily homeroom class. Homeroom teachers play an important role as a mentor and source of support. In homeroom class, students build relationships, check in regarding academic responsibilities, receive important school information, and explore personal and learning skills.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Student life and off-campus adventures are very important in Middle School. Experience Week supports Middle School students in growing and engaging with the world around them. Intercultural celebrations, opportunities to explore the fine arts, and a wide variety of after-school activities, including clubs and sports, are also available.
Learning comes to life in our facilities at Koh Pich Campus. Middle school students regularly visit the library, sports complex, science laboratories, art studio, pottery studio, orchestra room, music practice rooms, makerspace, cafeteria, and outdoor green spaces.
LEARNING SKILLS
Integral to fostering a holistic educational environment, CIS Middle School students build skills through group projects, service-learning, inquiry-based learning, and self-reflection. Examples include leadership initiatives, personal projects, and interdisciplinary units. Playing an important role in their children’s growth at home, parents collaborate with the school to support students in developing strong academic and self-management skills as they prepare to enter High School.
MESSAGE FROM OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Welcome to Middle School at CIS, an exciting time for students to learn and flourish. In Middle School, learning is designed to provide increasingly specific explorations of individual subjects. Students begin to take greater leadership in their own learning and have many opportunities to develop independence as active and engaged citizens of our school community. Middle School timetables offer a diverse selection of optional courses that support students in enjoying experiences that ignite new passions and open up possible career pathways.
Middle School students are supported by staff as they navigate a more complex learning environment, changing classes and organizing lockers. CIS staff help students meet their academic goals by explicitly teaching self-management, critical thinking, communication, and social skills. Through curriculum links and cocurricular connections, teachers encourage students to build their capacity to become empowered global citizens. It is a joy to walk beside CIS students and staff to make this middle school magic happen!
Ms. Joanne Wynn
Middle School and High School Principal