Middle School
Welcome to the WAB Middle School!
Middle School is designed to meet the development needs of young adolescents and to bridge the transition from Elementary School to High School. Students in this age group are in a particularly critical phase of personal and intellectual development. At WAB Middle School, we are committed to caring for students, listening to their voices, respecting their concerns, and engaging them in meaningful educational experiences that will prepare them for promising futures.
The Middle School program focuses on the process of learning - helping students to learn how to learn - while maintaining the integrity of the unique subject areas. Through the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), students explore eight subject areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Health & Physical Education, Humanities, Technology, Music, Art, Drama, Dance (MADD) and at least one additional language. The Personal and Social Education (PSE) classes are an essential time for students and teachers to build positive relationships so that students are fully supported by teachers who really know them as individual students and people.
Middle School students tend to be very conscious of society and their place within it, and are keen for opportunities to influence their environment. Community service within the school and in the wider Beijing community is an important part of the Middle School program. At the same time, connections to Beijing and China are created both within the curriculum and through extra-curricular activities, and Middle School students take residential field trips to various parts of China early in the school year. As well as providing opportunities for study of China and Chinese culture, these field trips give students leadership opportunities and, crucially, provide valuable time for students to build relationships with one another and their teachers. Peer relationships, though important at all ages, are particularly vital for these young people as they transition from childhood to young adulthood.
Our Middle School Student Council provides leadership opportunities for all students in a variety of areas. The Student Council focuses on student initiated activities and ideas and on giving students a meaningful voice that will allow them to make a contribution at WAB. Student Council also aims to contribute to China and to develop further respect among students for China and Chinese culture. The Council also coordinates class fundraising efforts and organizes events that support various charity events and educational activities at WAB.
The WAB Middle School is a special place in the school. Engaging students academically and socially at this stage of their development is vital if they are to be successful at High School and later in life. Our Middle School students are valued and celebrated for the unique contribution they make to our school.
WAB has prepared me not just academically but socially too. It had taught me that anyone can make a difference in this world. It's also taught me communication skills that will be able to be applied in the future and how I should do my best to help others that live in the same community as myself.
- Joie, Grade 8WAB has helped me to be more confident in presentations, helped me with my research skills, and also helped me expand my comfort zone.
- Victor, Grade 6There are so many charity events at WAB, you also learn about the international community and China, which educates us about the world. There are also many off-site and extra events that teach us a lot about the world and how to do things in the world.
-Robert, Grade 7
