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The Middle School Experience

An inquiry-based MYP curriculum that sparks intellectual growth, builds resilience, and fosters collaboration.

Learning that connects

Middle School is a time of incredible growth, and our curriculum is designed to provide students with a multitude of new experiences and opportunities. We encourage them to try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and discover what they are passionate about. We follow the framework of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), providing a holistic and supportive approach to learning. The curriculum is inquiry-based, encouraging students to ask big questions, while its concept-based structure helps them build deep, transferable understanding that connects to the world around them.

To ensure a well-rounded education, all students enjoy a broad range of subjects. This learning is brought to life through exciting interdisciplinary projects, where our teachers coordinate to create opportunities for students to use skills from multiple classes to tackle a single real-world problem. Throughout this journey, the development of character is just as important as academic progress. The values of the IB Learner Profile are woven into daily school life, encouraging students to become caring and open-minded thinkers who are confident enough to be risk-takers.

Our curriculum

All students study a broad curriculum each year including…

Mathematics
Language & Literature
Language Acquisition
Integrated Science
Individuals & Societies
Arts
Design
Physical & Health Education

Mathematics

In Mathematics, students develop their logical and critical thinking skills by exploring patterns and relationships. Through project-based work, they see how mathematical concepts apply to real-world situations, bringing the subject to life. This approach encourages them to solve complex problems and communicate their reasoning clearly, building a strong foundation in both numerical and abstract thinking. 

Language & Literature

This course develops a deep appreciation for language and the power of storytelling. Students analyse a wide range of texts, learning to think critically about authorial choices and different perspectives. They also refine their own communication skills, becoming confident and articulate writers and speakers.

Language Acquisition

Learning a new language opens a window to another culture. In Language Acquisition, students build the practical skills to communicate effectively in French or Spanish. This process enhances their intercultural understanding and develops their ability to think flexibly and creatively about how language works. By focusing on one foreign language throughout their time at ISA students become confident and effective users of either French or Spanish.

Integrated Science

Through hands-on experiments and inquiry, students explore the core concepts of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Integrated Science develops crucial analytical and observational skills, encouraging students to ask questions, test hypotheses, and understand the scientific principles that shape the world around them.

Individuals & Societies

This subject group combines History, Geography, Religion and Modern Studies to explore the human experience. Students develop critical thinking and textual analysis skills by investigating real-world issues, evaluating evidence from different sources, and understanding the complex connections between people, places, and events throughout time.

Arts

The Arts provide a powerful outlet for creative expression and personal identity. Students at ISA study both Music and Visual Arts where they develop their technical skills, think creatively to solve problems, and learn to analyse and interpret the work of others. Through this, they grow as reflective thinkers and powerful communicators, able to express their unique ideas with confidence.

Design

In Design, students learn to solve practical problems by blending creativity with logic. This single subject group explores two distinct areas: students create physical products in Product Design and build digital solutions through coding in Computer Science. In both fields, they use a structured design cycle to identify a need, develop ideas, create a solution, and evaluate its success. This process builds crucial thinking skills in planning and innovation, preparing students to be creative problem-solvers in a technology-driven world.

Physical & Health Education

This course focuses on the importance of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Students develop their physical skills through a wide variety of inclusive sports and activities—from team games like volleyball, basketball, and ultimate frisbee to individual pursuits like swimming, tennis, and even circus skills. This approach fosters teamwork, resilience, and the self-management skills needed for lifelong physical and mental health.

Global Citizenship

Fostering a strong sense of community and global awareness is at the heart of our Middle School experience. All students take a dedicated Global Citizenship class, which provides a space to explore important real-world issues, understand different cultural perspectives, and reflect on their role and responsibilities as members of a global society. This is complemented by our regular Community Time, which brings entire grade levels or the whole Middle School together for assemblies, collaborative activities, and celebrations, building the shared spirit and supportive relationships that make our school so unique.

Travelling with Purpose

Students have opportunities to travel locally and internationally for learning, sports, music and global citizenship opportunities

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A balanced life

Alongside the curriculum it’s important to develop other interests and skills at Encore! Sports, clubs and activities

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A week in the life

Here is a sample timetable to show how the week looks for High School students

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Moving on from Middle School

Find out about the next stage of learning in our four year high school journey

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A place for your child to thrive?

If you’re looking for a curriculum that builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and nurtures a strong sense of self, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our admissions team today to arrange a visit and see it all for yourself.

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