Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Learning

Principal's Welcome

Welcome to the International School of Belgrade Middle School!

As the only fully authorised International Baccalaureate World School in Belgrade, with a rich history of over 75 years, we are proud to offer a strong, holistic educational program for our diverse learners. Our Secondary School serves middle and high school students aged 11 to 18 years old, starting with the Middle Years Programme and culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and/or High School Diploma Programme.

What is the MYP Programme?
Characterised by rapid changes in emotions, interests, abilities, and social relationships, grades 6 to 10 represent a unique and transformative period. At ISB, we recognise the challenges faced by young people, especially those who are international, during this time. We emphasize the importance of holistic support to aid in their healthy development. Therefore, we strive to nurture learners to act with empathy, integrity, respect, and responsibility toward themselves, and those around them. Through the comprehensive IB curriculum, students explore their passions, discover new knowledge, and understand their learning styles. The programme encourages students to ask questions, take risks, learn from mistakes, and develop a deeper understanding of the world, ultimately fostering outstanding learners.

Supporting our Learners
Our student support team, including homeroom teachers, welfare coordinators, student support and EAL teams, social-emotional and university guidance counsellors, and our school psychologist, works alongside our staff and students to provide support throughout the learning process.

Beyond the Classroom
ISB offers a wide range of co-curricular activities after school. As members of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) and the International School Theatre Association, and through partnerships with other schools and organizations, our students have the opportunity to participate in international events and competitions throughout the year.

If you would like more information about our programmes, please contact our MYP Coordinator, Valerie Veillon, (vveillon@isb.rs).

Erik Lutley
Secondary Principal

Middle School Philosophy Statements

  • Developmentally responsive education for Middle Schoolers
    Adapting education to the developmental needs of middle schoolers. The IB Middle year programme tailors teaching and curriculum to support the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of each learner, creating an environment conducive to exploration and academic success during this pivotal transitional phase.
  • Discovering life-long learning skills through real-world engagement
    Middle schoolers are encouraged to acquire skills that support continuous learning by engaging with real-life scenarios and experiences.
  • Learning through inquiry
    Students develop understanding and knowledge by actively investigating and asking questions about topics that interest them.
  • Belonging and inclusivity in an international community
    The programme fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance within a diverse international community, embracing different cultures and backgrounds.
  • Reflecting and celebrating contributions of all Middle Schoolers and their diversity
    The programme values and acknowledges the unique contributions and diverse perspectives of every middle school student, promoting reflection and celebration of their individuality within the community.

Middle School Learning Stories

Middle School Learning Stories
A Transformative Middle School Experience at ISB

"At ISB, learning goes beyond the classroom. Every day is an adventure where I get to explore my interests, tackle real-world problems, and grow as a person. I feel supported to be myself and inspired to make a difference in the world." – Student, Grade 8

Imagine a middle school that transcends textbooks and traditional learning. At ISB, middle schoolers embark on a transformative journey towards lifelong learning, guided by dedicated teachers who encourage them to explore and engage with the world around them.

Our dynamic Middle School Programme, aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, empowers students to discover their unique learning styles, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Here’s what makes ISB Middle School truly unique:

Engaging Curriculum: Students tackle real-world issues with creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, encouraging students to think deeply and act thoughtfully.

Global Citizenship: The programme fosters empathy, resilience, and responsibility for the world around them. We prepare students to become active, informed global citizens who are committed to making a positive impact.

Individualised Learning: At ISB, we celebrate unique learning styles, empowering students to discover their strengths and passions. Our approach ensures that each student feels valued and supported on their individual learning journey.

ISB Middle School isn’t just about acquiring knowledge – it’s about building the foundation for students to become lifelong learners who will make a positive global impact. Join us at ISB, where education is a transformative journey and every student’s potential is nurtured and celebrated.

Middle School Learning Stories
Grade 6 Inquiry in Action: Cultivating Growth and Skills in Our Community Garden

Working in the garden is so much fun! I love watching the plants grow and knowing that I'm helping them. It feels great to be part of something that makes our school more beautiful and helps the environment." – Grade 6 student

At the International School of Belgrade, Grade 6 students engage in hands-on learning through the Grade 6 Community Garden project. This initiative is part of an enhanced curriculum extending beyond the IB's MYP program, offering students unique opportunities to develop essential skills.

Following an exploration of robotics and drones, students dedicate Flex time to nurturing the newly established Grade 6 Community Garden. This project provides a dynamic environment for students to gain a deeper understanding of biology and ecology by learning about plants, soil, and the growth process. Each student takes responsibility for a plot in one of the raised gardens, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility.

Under the expert guidance of school gardener Mr. Mili, students plant a variety of crops, including strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Some students bring seeds and flowers from home, adding a personal touch and increasing the garden's diversity.

This gardening initiative exemplifies the learning philosophy at the International School of Belgrade. By integrating environmental awareness with hands-on experience, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The Grade 6 Community Garden represents more than just a gardening project; it offers a holistic educational experience that cultivates a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to sustainability.

Middle School Learning areas

MYP Languages & Literature (Grades 6-8)

  • Strong foundation: Builds a solid base in language and storytelling skills.
  • Global exploration: Discovers myths from a variety of cultures, broadening knowledge.
  • Critical thinking: Analyses classic literature (e.g., "The Phantom Tollbooth") to develop critical thinking.
  • Real-world issues: Engages with non-fiction to understand real-world issues and foster informed citizens.
  • Essential skills: Develops reading comprehension, communication, and collaboration through engaging activities and interactive learning.
  • Lifelong appreciation: Nurtures a lifelong love for language and literature.
MYP Language Acquisition (Grades 6-8)

  • Multilingual & intercultural: Develop Spanish B or French B proficiency while appreciating cultural heritage.
  • Communication & literacy: Emphasises communication, literacy, and cultural appreciation through diverse texts and perspectives.
  • Lifelong passion: Nurtures a lifelong love for language learning.
  • Personalised learning: Offers flexibility to customise the language learning experience.
MYP Individuals and Societies (Years 6-8)

  • Global exploration: Develops understanding of global perspectives and societal functions.
  • Engaging subjects: Uses history, geography, and economics to build knowledge.
  • Critical thinking: Sharpens analytical skills to tackle complex real-world issues.
  • Inquiry-based learning: Fosters curiosity and independent exploration.
  • Global citizenship: Equips students to interact with diverse cultures and contribute meaningfully.
MYP Science (Years 6-8)

  • Inquiry-based learning: Explore science through hands-on activities and questions.
  • Key skill development: Focuses on building curiosity, problem-solving, and scientific communication.
  • Real-world connections: Shows how science relates to everyday life and global issues.
  • Aligned with MYP Sciences: Follows a recognized science curriculum framework.
MYP Math (Years 6-8)

  • Enjoys maths & critical thinking: Develops a positive attitude towards maths & critical thinking skills.
  • Real-world application: Emphasises problem-solving in practical contexts.
  • Ethics in maths: Explores the ethical considerations in mathematical work.
  • Global & diverse: Highlights the international nature of maths and its contributions to various fields.
MYP Arts (Grades 6-8)

  • Creative exploration: Develops creativity and personal expression through Visual Arts and Performing Arts (Music & Drama).
  • Identity & skills: Explores self-identity and builds skills specific to each art discipline.
  • Art & the world: Deepens understanding of the world and connections to art contexts.
  • MYP 4 and 5 Specialisation (Grades 9 and 10): Option to specialise in Music, Drama, or Visual Arts, preparing for further study and fostering collaboration through integrated projects.
MYP Design (Grades 6-8)

  • Transformative Design: Explore the power of design and technology in our MYP Design programme. Through the design cycle, students innovate solutions with real-world impact, considering user needs and societal concerns.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Blend technology seamlessly into design processes for a holistic learning experience. Through interdisciplinary projects, develop problem-solving skills and respect for diverse perspectives.
  • Innovation and Respect: Learn to understand how design shapes our world. Cultivate empathy and ethical awareness as you explore the connection between design and society.
Physical Health Education (Grades 6-8)

  • Promoting Balanced Lifestyles: Embrace balanced living through our Physical Health Education programme. Learn about nutrition, mental well-being, and physical activity for lifelong health.
  • Learning Through Activity: Engage in various physical activities and sports to develop essential skills like collaboration and communication. Foster positive relationships on and off the field.
  • Inquiry and Participation: Discover the value of physical activity through inquiry-based learning and active participation. Reflect on experiences to take charge of personal health and well-being.

Expeditions in the Middle School

Programmes that Enhance our Middle Years Programme

ISB Middle School Expeditions

At ISB, our Expeditions for grades 6-8 offer unique outdoor experiences that challenge students to grow beyond their comfort zones. Research shows that these adventures foster academic, emotional, and social well-being, complementing our in-school programmes focused on self-efficacy and resilience. Students explore Serbia’s natural environments on immersive trips. Our goal is to create authentic learning opportunities that merge the familiar with the unfamiliar.

Inquiry & Action

Our Inquiry & Action programme, in Grades 6–10, nurtures fundamental IB Approaches to Learning skills, fostering critical thinking, research, communication, social awareness, and self-management. These skills are essential for success beyond secondary school. Our framework is grounded in the values of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), emphasising transdisciplinary learning across subjects. By integrating the MYP principles, we empower learners to thrive and grow, guided by the aspirational qualities of the IB learner profile. As IB learners, students are empowered to nurture their curiosity, develop skills for inquiry and research, and strive to be internationally-minded, curious, and responsible global citizens.

Student Support Services

Our Student Support Services department includes a dedicated and well-resourced team of Learning Support Teachers, English as Additional Language Teachers, School Counsellors, as well as a Health Office. The student support services department also helps students navigate the complexities of the early teenage years by focusing on students’ self-awareness and self-regulation skills, as well as embracing mistakes as an inherent part of their growth journey.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme

In middle school, our English as an Additional Language (EAL) team focuses on enhancing the basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) while also working on students' cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP).

Learning Support

The learning support team offers in-class support and small group interventions, recommends classroom accommodations as well as develops positive behaviour and academic support plans where needed.

Counselling Programme

Through a team-based approach, the middle school counselling program supports the Middle Years Programme (MYP) objectives by helping students become respectful and enthusiastic lifelong learners and promoting students’ decision-making skills toward success. The counsellor also helps students navigate the complexities of the early teenage years by focusing on students’ self-awareness and self-regulation skills, as well as embracing mistakes as an inherent part of their growth journey.

Homeroom Programme

  • ISB's Homeroom Programme, prioritises the full and holistic development of your child. Through our internationally recognized Second Step SEL programme, students in Middle School (6 to 8) benefit from personalised support to become outstanding learners. With a 1 to 12 ratio of dedicated homeroom teachers to students, we ensure individualised attention and support, backed by our Welfare Coordinators, Curriculum Coordinators, and Student Support Services team, all focused on nurturing happy, healthy, and positive members of our community.
  • Our homeroom programme is backed by a social and emotional learning curriculum, designed to promote the overall development of our students through the nurturing of emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, resilience, empathy, and decision-making. This curriculum guides students in exploring age-appropriate topics including bullying, emotional regulation, goal setting, and interpersonal relationships.
Technology in the Middle School

  • At ISB, we integrate technology purposefully into our curriculum for grades 6-8, fostering digital literacy and lifelong learning skills. With a 1 to 1 iPad programme in grade 6 and 1 to 1 Google Chrome Books for grades 7 and 8, students showcase their learning and reflect on achievements. Our commitment to innovation extends to equipping classrooms with digital projectors and Apple TVs, introducing technologies like 3D printing, and providing professional development in Google Educational Suite for teachers.
  • ISB is a proud Google Workspace school, providing access to the full suite of Google Applications for all staff and students. This further empowers our community to collaborate, learn, and innovate in a digital environment.
Middle School Service Learning

  • Our middle school's MYP Service as Action programme emphasises community engagement at local and global levels. Students develop empathy, drive behavioural changes, and undertake projects independently and collaboratively. They participate in various service activities, from poverty relief to environmental conservation, and are encouraged to initiate their own projects. All students in grades 6-10 must engage in at least one Service as Action activity, fostering proactive community involvement and impactful contributions.
MAP Testing in our Middle School

What is MAP Testing?

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing is an adaptive assessment designed to gauge your understanding and skills in various subjects such as math and reading. Unlike standard tests, MAP adapts to your answers to give a precise measure of where you are in your learning journey.

Purpose of MAP Testing:

  • Personalized Learning Insights: The primary purpose of MAP tests is to provide you and your teachers with detailed information about your current knowledge level. This data helps in creating personalized learning plans that cater to your unique strengths and areas for growth.
  • Tracking Progress: MAP tests are administered multiple times throughout the year to monitor your academic progress. This allows teachers and you to see how much you have grown in your learning, which can be motivating and insightful.
  • Informed Instruction: By understanding what each student knows, teachers can tailor their instruction to better meet your needs, ensuring you are challenged and supported appropriately.

Remember, MAP testing is not about passing or failing but about helping you and your teachers understand how best to support your learning journey!

Universities that students attend from ISB.

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