What is Middle Years Education?
Story appeared in the 2013 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY LEANNE SCHULTZ, OPERATIONS & HR MANAGER
Much attention has been given to the term “Middle Years Education” in recent years, but without context, this is an empty academic phrase for most parents.
Alexandra Johnston shows off her Egyptian Night presentation to Head of School Wilma Jamieson
In truth, education practices focused specifically on students aged 10-15 is a critical part of a successful whole schooling experience. Why?
As many parents of young adolescents can tell you, these children are at a critical stage of learning; they are about to embark on a growth and development phase that will set the stage for adulthood. It is imperative that these students are given a learning environment that is safe, inviting, and challenging. Queen Margaret’s School is committed to providing the best middle years’ experience possible, with a dedicated building (the new TLC) and a team of teachers who truly believe in the potential of these students.
L-R: Alexandra Johnston, Sierra Pelkey, Hannah Gibbs, and Diara James-Jim meet Frances the chicken
With a shared vision focused on the nature and needs of middle years students, QMS teachers take pride in getting to know and develop strong relationships with students. By taking an interest in each student as an individual and by ensuring that consistent communication takes place with parents, students feel encouraged and supported. Working together, teachers strive to create a supportive and safe environment where students are willing to ask questions and explore options in their learning.
Santiago Probert at the QMS talent show
Of course, an academically stimulating environment is also key and a variety of instructional strategies and cross-curricular approaches also play an important role in middle years education. Projects that allow students to collaborate, to make decisions, and integrate their knowledge from a variety of subject areas make learning engaging and relevant.
For example, a group of Grade 7 QMS students might be asked to create a scale model of an ancient Egyptian town. Working both independently and in small groups, the students will use their knowledge of social studies and technology tools by researching ancient civilizations. They will use language arts to read and record their research findings. Math skills will be important as they learn to use ratios to create the scale model, and visual arts are necessary to create a lifelike replica using various media. In addition, students might be asked to present their model to an audience to develop confidence in public speaking. By weaving all of these skills into a larger project, students are provided with opportunities to learn through challenging and stimulating experiences. In this case, the whole learning experience for students is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
A hallmark of Queen Margaret’s School is small class sizes; each student receives individualized attention and support in their learning. This, combined with teachers who specialize in educating young adolescents, equals a superior middle years experience at QMS that will lay the foundation for later success.
With a shared vision focused on the nature and needs of middle years students, QMS teachers take pride in getting to know and develop strong relationships with students. By taking an interest in each student as an individual and by ensuring that consistent communication takes place with parents, students feel encouraged and supported. Working together, teachers strive to create a supportive and safe environment where students are willing to ask questions and explore options in their learning.
Of course, an academically stimulating environment is also key and a variety of instructional strategies and cross-curricular approaches also play an important role in middle years education. Projects that allow students to collaborate, to make decisions, and integrate their knowledge from a variety of subject areas make learning engaging and relevant.
For example, a group of Grade 7 QMS students might be asked to create a scale model of an ancient Egyptian town. Working both independently and in small groups, the students will use their knowledge of social studies and technology tools by researching ancient civilizations. They will use language arts to read and record their research findings. Math skills will be important as they learn to use ratios to create the scale model, and visual arts are necessary to create a lifelike replica using various media. In addition, students might be asked to present their model to an audience to develop confidence in public speaking. By weaving all of these skills into a larger project, students are provided with opportunities to learn through challenging and stimulating experiences. In this case, the whole learning experience for students is truly greater than the sum of its parts.
A hallmark of Queen Margaret’s School is small class sizes; each student receives individualized attention and support in their learning. This, combined with teachers who specialize in educating young adolescents, equals a superior middle years experience at QMS that will lay the foundation for later success.