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 The program of the Middle School of the International School of Prague has been especially designed to meet the needs, talents and interests of the young adolescent. At ISP, we believe that the middle school years can be the most productive and exciting years despite the challenges of physical change and the uncertainties of identity formation associated with the age group. Thus, we work with the energy, enthusiasm and natural curiosity of emerging adolescents while, at the same time, providing the guidance and structure they need to make a successful transition to upper school.
CURRICULUM
The program includes:
an academic core consisting of the humanities (literature/language arts/social studies), math, science, ESL or a modern language;
experiences in the creative arts through courses in music, fine arts, and drama, as well as co-curricular plays, art displays, and other creative arts activities;
opportunities for physical activity through regularly scheduled P.E. classes, and intramural/interscholastic sports;
opportunities to explore areas of endeavor which are not ordinarily available in the regular curriculum through elective, exploratory mini-courses; and
close personal contact with an adult advisor/advocate and an organized program of personal, social and organizational skills development.
FACULTY
The International School of Prague is on a state of the art, purpose-built campus that opened in the winter of 1997. The Middle School enjoys modern facilities in its classrooms, computer labs, science labs, and physical education areas.
SCHOOL DAY STRUCTURE
The ISP Middle School employs a rotating block schedule, offering the students four blocks of 75 minutes on a daily basis. There are strategically placed breaks throughout the day, ensuring that transition time can be used in a user-friendly, efficient way.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The ISP Middle School features a full-time counselor, a team of English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers and a full-time Learning Support (LS) teacher. Counseling services are coordinated with the work of the Middle School advisory program, and work hand in hand with Learning and Language Support in ensuring that all children in the Middle School are offered the individualized attention that they require.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Under the direction of the Middle School Principal and the SCA (parent association), morning coffee meetings are planned for the purpose of communication and information sharing. A daily informational bulletin from the Middle School is available for parents on email and a school newsletter is published on-line every month. Parent Evenings and Parent-Teacher-Student conferences are arranged throughout the year to ensure good communication about student performance and behaviour.
CAFETERIA SERVICES
The ISP Cafeteria is available to all Middle School students for snacks throughout the day, as well as a traditional hot lunch. Most students and families take advantage of the prepaid lunch card system that enables students to purchase their food without cash throughout an extended period of time.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
There are a number of after-school activities available at the Middle School level that are open to students, including intramural and interscholastic sports, clubs, cultural exchanges, academic competitions, student government and other student-led organizations. Every attempt is made to coordinate the schedules of all activity groups to allow students to experience as many activities as possible. Parental guidance is important in helping students decide how to balance sport and club participation with academics, family life, and special interests such as music lessons and engagements in the community. Please see the Student Life section for specific information on classes offered each trimester.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIP PROGRAM
Field trips are an integral part of the Middle School experience and not an extracurricular activity. Class related field trips in and around the Prague area are highly encouraged throughout the year to integrate academics with the local environment. In addition, students participate in grade level field trips that require overnight stays away from Prague. At this level, major field trips combine challenging physical activities with academic skills and opportunities for socialization. Since the field trip program is considered an essential part of the ISP program, all expenses will be covered by the school activity fund.
6th Grade Nymburk Trip
In the beginning of the school year, 6th Grade students will spend two days, including an overnight stay, at the Nymburk Sports Camp, a sports facility not far from Prague. The purpose of this trip is to orient students to their peers, the staff, and the cooperative nature of the Middle School, to integrate the different grade levels into a functioning whole, and to learn and practice cooperative skills through games and physical activities.
6th Grade Ski Trip
Grade Six students will also participate in a five-day ski trip in the winter (normally in January). Ski instruction will be provided by qualified instructors at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels under the supervision of an ISP staff member. Students will learn about the geology and ecology of the region and will also engage in drama/music and writing activities.
7th Grade Outward Bound
In the first trimester, Grade Seven students will travel to an outdoor centre for a five day program conducted by Outward Bound in the Czech Republic. Students will participate in the traditional Outward Bound activities: climbing, ropes course work, and other outdoor challenge events-all in atmosphere of cooperation, team play, and trust.
8th Grade Outward Bound
Also in the first trimester, Grade Eight students will continue with their Outward Bound experience with a course in rock climbing, rappelling (absailing), and white water rafting in Northern Bohemia. Students will participate in the traditional Outward Bound activities that will also stress group bonding, cooperation, teamwork, respect, and responsibility.
DRESS EXPECTATIONS
The following expectations for student dress have been established to promote a safe and optimum learning environment:
- Shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen.
- Shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts with no midriff visible regardless of necessary reaching or stooping to get items in one's locker.
- Shirts or tops must cover the waistbands of pants, shorts or skirts.
- Shirts or tops must have sleeves wide enough to cover straps. Undergarments should not be visible.
The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student's attire is within the limits of decency and modesty.
The principal may allow exceptions in special circumstances or occasions such as holidays or special performances and may further prescribe dress in certain classes such as physical education, vocational classes, and science labs.
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