Learning Overview - Cayman International School

Application Process | Learning | Middle School

Learning in Middle School

All learning at CIS is guided by our Learning Principles. First, no matter the class or content, we share a clear, common language for learning, starting with the CIS definition of learning. This allows us to communicate with children and parents in a way that creates cohesion and clarity. Next, we work hard to engage students in learning that matters. By placing the content of our courses in rich, relevant contexts, we make sure that students understand the why of their learning.

When this becomes the norm, the likelihood that students take ownership of their learning and choices increases. Helping our students to become self-regulated learners is paramount to their success not only at CIS, but in all walks of life. Finally, because we know that learning is not simply an intellectual endeavor, we place equal emphasis on the social and emotional development of each child. This occurs not only through integrating character learning into our units of study, but also by providing built-in, comprehensive support structures for children to seek help, receive encouragement, set goals, and take risks.

Program of Learning

English Language Arts

Middle School ELA learning is designed to develop deep conceptual understandings, competencies, and important dispositions that can be transferred in rich, relevant literary contexts all the way to IB Language and Literature. Each unit is designed with an overarching compelling question that drives the inquiry. Content is chosen and framed as an appropriate vehicle to illustrate the concepts of each unit; in this sense, it (content) is largely negotiable (but only when under review). The competencies articulated in each unit are those centered around the conventions of clear, coherent communication and analysis necessary for being highly literate in a number of contexts. The learning is vertically aligned and currently uses the Common Core State Standards along with CIS conceptual learning goals to articulate the learning program.

Science

Middle School Science learning is designed to develop deep conceptual understandings, competencies, and important dispositions that can be transferred in rich, relevant scientific contexts all the way to IB Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Systems. Each unit is designed with an overarching compelling question that drives the inquiry and is conceptually designed. Content is chosen and framed as an appropriate vehicle to illustrate the concepts of each unit; in this sense, it (content) is largely negotiable (but only when under review). The competencies articulated in each unit are synthesized from the NGSS Engineering and Science Practices and are linked directly to the concepts that are taught.

Social Studies

Middle School Social Studies learning is designed to develop deep conceptual understandings, competencies, and important dispositions that can be transferred in rich, relevant social studies contexts all the way to IB. Each course and unit is designed with a large overarching concept and question that drives the inquiry. Content is chosen and framed as an appropriate vehicle to illustrate the concept; in this sense, it (content) is largely negotiable (but only when under review). Each unit is approached from all the social studies disciplinary lenses (history, geography, economics). As such, the competencies articulated in each unit are those used by the historian, geographer, and economist, and they vertically align. Conceptual understandings and Competencies are articulated directly from C3 framework and standards.

Math

Real math is a science of ideas, patterns and relationships that help us to make sense of what we see around us. It involves asking questions, making conjectures, and sharing our thinking with others. Middle School Math learning at CIS is designed to develop deep conceptual understandings, competencies, and important dispositions that can be transferred in rich, relevant mathematical contexts all the way to IB HL Math.

Physical Education

Middle School Physical Education learning is designed to develop deep conceptual understandings, competencies, dispositions that can be transferred in rich, relevant real world contexts for the rest of students’ lives. The MS PE courses will develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthy physical activity. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of individual, team, movement, and personal fitness activities over the course of the year.

Spanish

Middle School Spanish is designed to develop students into lifelong second language learners. Becoming a fluent second language learner requires the development of a number of speaking, listening, and communicating competencies; it is supported by deep conceptual understandings about the cultural contexts from which different languages are used; and finally, being a second language learner requires risk taking and a growth mindset. As such, the MS Spanish course sequence will challenge students to open their minds to new cultures, while building on a new sense of confidence. While learning mainly through immersion, students will be introduced to the IB themes of identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. Each unit is designed with an overarching theme that drives the inquiry and creates opportunities for real world dialogue.

Electives

Middle School electives are an essential part of our learning experience. The basic idea is to give students experience and exposure to learning contexts that both align with existing interests and passions as well as inspire students to discover new interests and passions. Risk taking and working outside our typical comfort zones are key features of our MS Electives program. These courses all allow students to demonstrate their learning in authentic ways and are one of our school’s best vehicles for opening up the space to be creative, collaborative, and reflective.

At each grade level, students take four (4) to six (6) elective courses per year. Art, Design Technology, and Health are offered to all students at eight (8) to nine (9) week intervals, four days per week. In addition, performing arts classes are offered at varying levels from grade 6 to 8.