Years 7, 8 and 9 at BISB

How do Years 7 - 9 fit in?

KS2 Years 3 – 6Transition from class based to subject based learning

KS3 Years 7 – 9IGCSE Years 10 - 11

IB Diploma Years 12 – 13

Graduation – Class of 2022College/University

• Art• English• Geography• History• Computing• IMYC time for study and organization skills• Maths• Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish, or

Heritage)• Music• Performing Arts • Physical Education• Science

What is the IMYC?

• International Middle Years Curriculum• Integrated curriculum• ‘Big idea’ is studied across many subjects e.g.

Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions.

• Skills based• Entry and exit points brings all subjects together

The 5 Big Ideas in Year 71. Formal arrangements and relationships (structures)

underpin or give organization to complex issues.2. Things are more stable when different elements

are in the correct or best possible proportions.3. Finding out new things is a human driver and

affects things for better and worse.4. Progress involves exposing ourselves to, and

considering the impact of, forms of danger, harm, uncertainty or opportunity.

5. Innovation happens when existing ideas are brought together or expressed in a new way.

Photos of Entry and Exit Points:

Example timetable:

Organization of learning:• Students will be in their mixed ability classes for

most of their subjects, although they will be in sets for MFL and Maths. In Science the students are organized according to learning styles.

• They will remain with their class during mentor time so that their mentor can keep track of the work set for the class as well as any other issues that might arise

• The classes are named London and New Orleans. These will be confirmed during the summer.

Equipment:

• Please pick up a Stationery List listing the requirements for students in Year 7

• We will print school Communication Journals and sell them through the school office

• These will reinforce our school values and behavior policy.

BYOD:• Will operate on an optional basis between

September and December, and become a requirement that students have their own device in school, fully charged, in every lesson, every day from January 2016.

• We would like to emphasize the fact that we will never expect laptops to be used for every lesson; our goal is to blend traditional teaching methods with new and exciting technological developments which benefit learning for all.

Uniform:Winter Uniform Summer Uniform

White Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt White Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt

Navy Sweater (optional) Navy/Red Stripe Tie

Navy/Red Stripe Tie Navy Blazer

Navy Blazer Khaki Chinos or skirt

Khaki Chinos or skirt Black Belt

Black Belt Navy Socks

Navy Socks Black Dress Shoes

Black Dress Shoes

Please note:• Merrells do not count as dress shoes• Please purchase uniform from Lands End.

Trips:

• Day trips for IMYC Entry Points• Student Council and Committee trips (e.g.

service based trips)• Community Service Day• Model UN events (usually on Saturdays)• Ski trip (Martin Luther King weekend)• Washington DC trip (Monday – Friday in June)

Clubs:

• Middle School Athletics - soccer, cross country, swimming, basketball, curling, rowing

• Other clubs - Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh (for Year 9 only), debating, production, choir, cheerleading.

Who to contact?Issue First port of

callSecond Third

Absence, lateness, change to club or pick up

arrangements

Mentor and main office

Head of Middle School

Deputy Head

Homework or organization as a big picture issue

Mentor Head of Middle School

Deputy Head

Homework, marking, assessment or school trip in

a particular subject

Subject teacher Head of Middle School

Deputy Head

Concern about a big picture learning issue

Additional Learning Needs Coordinator

Head of Middle School

Deputy Head

Social issue or other concern

Head of Middle School

Deputy Head Headmaster

PTCs• Parent Teacher Conferences are organized

differently from Year 7 up because they involve meeting with so many teachers; often compared with speed dating!

• The website is used for signing up and you then have the option to book separate appointments with each teacher for five or ten minute slots.

• PTCs are usually held in the Rainbow Hall with each teacher sitting at a separate desk.

Friendships

How will we help students transition?• Ongoing monitoring and tracking of progress• Year 7 mentor group with specialist Middle School

mentors• Planner, behavior policy and organization• Lockers• Homework timetable• IMYC timetabled slot for organization and SEAL (social

and emotional aspects of learning)• PTCs• Socials• Curriculum – IMYC (including entry and exit points)

Questions?

• Please feel free to contact me or any of the teachers before the end of term or during the summer holidays with any questions.