Intermediate Classrooms

Moving into the middle school years, students in Grades 6-8 learn, grow and develop into unique individuals. They naturally are drawn to their areas of expertise, whether academic, physical, or social; through it all, the integration of their spiritual growth remains the focus.  The middle school years are very social years. Relationships with peers and staff, as well as their social standing, are not only important, but play a significant role in their daily learning and attitudes. The goal of staff then becomes one of leading students through these relationships and providing the opportunities to make God-honouring decisions.  

Each grade has a main teacher; that teacher is with them for the majority of the day. This teacher often guides learning for a longer block each day. Students' interests have broadened significantly from the early elementary grades. Interdisciplinary topics relevant to their lives maintain their interest. These units capitalize on the students' increased awareness of what is happening in society and on their need to take on additional responsibilities.  

Preparation for high school becomes a larger focus throughout these years. At the intermediate level, more specialization occurs. A rotary schedule is used in which teachers with areas of specialty may teach in other classrooms. As teachers share their passion for a specific subject area, students' learning is increased.  

Homework continues on a nightly basis, now also including practicing their band instrument.  Students may be involved with projects, experiments, book reports and/or assignments at any time.  Students continue to use agendas and learn essential time management skills. If a parent has concerns about their child?s amount of homework, they are welcome to speak with the classroom teacher.  

Class meetings are a weekly occurrence in the intermediate grades. Class meetings are a time to share information with students, to make classroom decisions together or to solve problems within the class.  Class meetings provide students with the opportunity to participate in a group exchange of ideas in a respectful, caring atmosphere. During these years, they are even more important as they improve and enhance the classroom atmosphere.  

Teachers and parents continue to work together, communicating regularly and supporting each other's decisions. Now though, as students move through the middle school years, students play a much more active role in their education. Together, parents, students and teachers work as a team, all for the goal of a positive learning experience.  

The task during these years, as in the primary and junior years, is to help students uncover God's truth that already exists in creation. It is not just integrating our faith with our learning; it is uncovering His truth for our lives. Students are guided to understand the Master Story, the Big Story of God's "I Love You Plan", delivered through His son Jesus Christ, and how we are to understand truth in creation. We pray and work toward our student's growth in faith through the learning process.