Middle School

The School Day: School runs each day from 9:00 to 3:30pm. The day is comprised of blocks of approximately one hour each that facilitate real inquiry work through extensive projects. To further promote trans-disciplinary work, math and science are scheduled back to back as are English and Humanities. Each day, students also experience elective subjects such as Music, Art, Drama, and Physical Education, as well as technology.

MYP Curriculum : ZIS will offer the Middle Years Program (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The MYP is a trans-disciplinary program for students in Year 7 through Year 10 (11- 16 years old).

The main subjects are
Language A -one's native or best language in which students will develop speaking, reading , writing, listening and analytical/interpretive skills chiefly through study of literature. At ZIS, all students must be sufficiently capable in English to complete the entire course of study in English. Later all IB exams and external assessments will be in English, except for the Language B exam.

Language B - one's chosen additional modern language for extensive study. While the focus here is more on first attaining language competency in the four key areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, this program too, if followed through to high school culminates in the study of literature and the exploration of themes, ideas, and techniques of the literature of a foreign language. Languages B offered will be Chinese, as well as French, Spanish and German, according to demand.

Humanities - the study of the history and geography, and to some extent the economics and sociology, of various cultures at various times in history. Students are immersed not only in bodies of knowledge, but in ways of finding information and reaching conclusions. Humanities has a strong interdisciplinary tie with Language A studies.

Science- in grades 6-8 students are introduced not only to the fundamentals of physical, earth, life and environmental sciences, but also to the methods of scientific inquiry, by DOING science. An important part of science study will be hands on work including study of surrounding fields and rivers as well as trips to points of scientific interest in Zhuhai and beyond. Students will display their work in the annual science exhibition.

Mathematics - study of maths follows an integrated approach, which includes the five branches of mathematics: number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics. Students are motivated to develop problem solving and reasoning as well as mathematical intuition.

Arts - Throughout the MYP students will be able to take courses in drama, music, and the visual arts. One of the key ways to understand other cultures is through study of their artistic creations.

Physical education - Physical education doesn't just teach sports. It fosters physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development. Students are encouraged to develop a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Technology - Technological literacy is developed not just in a computer class, but through use of technology as a tool throughout the curriculum. Laptops will be distributed throughout classrooms.

After School Program - Two days per week we will offer after school sports, arts and cultural activities for students in primary and middle school.