Recently in Middle School
Grade 7 On Thursday, April 4, the girls participated in a walking tour of the University of Toronto campus as part of their study of ecology and the environment. The girls will explore the campus and its historic buildings from a sustainable perspective to discover how Canada’s biggest university campus is going green.
Grade 8 On Wednesday, April 3, Deborah Ellis, best-selling author of one of our English texts, My Name is Parvana, visited the School to discuss children’s rights in Afghanistan and around the world. She discussed her work as an author concerned with educating young people about human rights and led the girls in a creative writing workshop designed to help them to think deeply about these issues.
Distinctly Middle School
We’ve all been there. Those tender years around 12 and 13, the ‘tweens’, where you just don’t quite know where you belong. One foot is still in the Junior School where there is comfort and familiarity, and the other is in the Senior School, which can feel pretty intimidating. The learning needs of girls at these ages are quite distinct, not to mention their emotional needs, the support of which is essential to their ability to focus intellectually and develop confidence. That’s why BSS has created a home specifically for our Middle School students. After a great deal of research and ongoing reflection, we’ve designed a distinct academic, social, and physical approach offering a nurturing and age-appropriate environment while still empowering these students to integrate within the larger school.
BSS Middle School Highlights
- Girls have an opportunity to explore and experience all disciplines: science, design technology, music, visual art, drama, dance, French, literature, outdoor education, athletics, robotics, history and geography.
- An accelerated Mathematics program provides girls with the opportunity to achieve Ontario’s Grade 9 Mathematics credit at the end of Grade 8.
- Extra time is scheduled allowing students to investigate, research and consider issues relevant to them and work toward deeper understanding.
- A part of nurturing the Whole Girl, physical activity is integrated into the curriculum to enhance well-being and academic performance.
- A dedicated team of teachers skilled in the learning and social needs of this age group work exclusively within the Grade 7 and 8 program to ensure that each girl is supported academically, emotionally and spiritually during these pivotal years of development.