Students have a broad and balanced range of subjects, including the core subjects of English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science. In addition, courses in the Arts, Languages, Physical Education and other exploratory subjects in areas such as Design and Technology ensure that students are able to develop across a range of subjects. 

The Middle School programme intentionally refines core interdisciplinary skills initiated in many inquiry-based Primary School curricula. Students have subject specialist teachers—who specialise in teaching Middle School age students—guiding them in fundamental subject-specific skills required for higher studies. 

Middle School programme

Our comprehensive activities programme presents our students with opportunities to try new things, discover new talents and further develop their passions, as well as make new friends through the sharing of common interests.

The diverse variety of activities includes competitive and recreational sports, music, art in many forms, dance, drama, leadership and curriculum-based or enrichment activities. The programme is offered in four ‘seasons’ each year, allowing students to try a number of new activities throughout the school year. Students who take the bus home are provided with an ‘activity bus’ after activities have concluded at no additional cost.

Our challenging and fun outdoor education programme provides invaluable learning experiences for all our students. A series of activities and expeditions are planned, managed and led by our experienced Outdoor Education staff. 

An important component of the programme is the idea of ‘team challenge’ activities, in which students are given challenges to overcome as a group. Developing a sense of the individual’s own responsibility to this group effort is a very important aim of the Outdoor Education programme. 

Teaching staff and mentors accompany the students on their grade-level expeditions, together with our Outdoor Education trip leaders. The Middle School expeditions are as follows:

• Grade 6 go on a five-day multi-activity expedition to Pulau Tioman in Malaysia 
• Grade 7 complete a one-star kayak training certificate in Singapore before travelling to Pulau Sibu in Malaysia for a five-day kayaking trip
• Grade 8 students spend two weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand; one week undertaking adventure activities such as white-water rafting and hiking, and the other completing curriculum-based field activities

All students are expected to participate in these activities and expeditions, which are at an additional cost.

For Middle School students, this is a time of significant change in their intellectual, social and emotional development. It is a time of transition as students seek increased levels of independence and responsibility. Our dedicated personal and social education (PSE) programme provides a supportive, safe and nurturing environment that recognises the unique developmental needs of Middle School students and addresses them through a programme that is relevant, challenging, integrative and exploratory.

Our Middle School PSE team is led by the Vice Principal of Pastoral Care and Heads of Grade. The Head of Grade for each year level works with mentors, who are responsible for the overall welfare of their students with an overview of both academic progress and social and emotional needs. The Heads of Grade rotate through each grade with their cohort to optimise support and provide continuity for students (and parents).

All students are placed in a mentor group at the start of each academic year. Mentors meet with their mentor group for three 20-minute and two 40-minute sessions per week. This includes a weekly grade-level assembly where topics current in the PSE programme are further explored. All students also participate in a bi-weekly Life Skills class to further explore self-awareness, relationships, community and financial literacy. Other ways in which students are supported by the PSE programme include guest speakers, special presentations and focus weeks around particular topics and themes.

Our PSE programme provides students with strategies for effective learning such as organisation, self-management and reflection skills. The mentor assists students in developing routines and healthy habits. Grade 8 mentors also support students as they prepare for High School, particularly with guidance in the subject selection process. 
Professional guidance from the Middle School counsellor is also available for students and families through our Wellness Centre.

Students access learning in Service and Sustainable Development through different avenues within the five elements of our school programme. In Middle School, this includes the UWCSEA-designed SEED (Social, Environmental, Entrepreneurship Development) course, as well as through the Personal and Social Education programme, through the qualities and skills developed as part of our Outdoor Education experiences as well as through extended opportunities to deepen their understanding through active participation in one of the many service learning groups convened by their peers in the MidIdle and High School. 

Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a lens to focus their thinking, students are challenged to deepen their understanding of local and global problems within different contexts. To do this, we introduce systems thinking tools that help students to unpack ideas and issues, and to consider action-based alternatives as they evaluate possible solutions. Students are encouraged to develop as changemakers so as to take action towards shaping a better world.

Students have the choice of joining a Local or Environmental Initiative service group for 2 seasons (half the year) or to commit to a Global Concern/Focus group for the full year.

Middle School students interested in joining a leadership group must apply and take part in a selection process.

Service groups vary widely such as:

• Rainforest Restoration Project
• Paired reading with children from neighbouring Singapore Primary Schools 
• Gili Eco Trust Global Concern group
• LEAP Leadership (Leaders in Environment and Protection)