Middle School Program

B.D. Somani offers the Cambridge checkpoint program in Middle School. Our goal is to facilitate and support a gradual transition of students from Primary to Secondary years during the three-year program that spans grades 6, 7 and 8.

Recognising the crucial role that Middle School years play in preparing the students for the challenges of IGCSE and Diploma programs, the curriculum builds on skills developed in the primary years. These include agility and adaptability, initiative and entrepreneurialism, effective oral and written communication and accessing and analyzing information.

Our curriculum is a very well-rounded, deeply internationally-focused education and encourages students to practise the skills of self-led inquiry, reflection on learning, time-management, and organisation skills. It draws upon diverse coursework-style assessments regularly spaced throughout the program and strikes the necessary balance between academic and extracurricular activities.

Our teachers in Middle School work to provide students with a stimulating learning environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity. The long-term goal is to make students independent, lifelong learners, who recognize the increased importance of self and community in these critical years. Our teaching community is committed to providing pastoral care to all our students, supporting their academic, social and emotional progress.

Subjects

Cambridge Lower Secondary is typically for learners aged 11 to 14 years. It helps prepare students for the next step of their education, providing a clear path as they progress through the Cambridge Pathway in an age-appropriate way. The curriculum offers plenty of opportunities to develop creativity, expression, and wellbeing in a variety of ways. The curriculum is designed to adapt the content to suit our school context, culture, and ethos. It focuses on the digital skills that will help with many aspects of their future learning and development. Subjects to be learnt over the span of three years are

English
Social studies
Mathematics
Science
Innovation and Design
World languages (French, Spanish and Hindi)
Physical Education
Arts (Visual art, Drama, and Music)
Information and technology/ Computer science

Each year is divided into two semesters which has two quarters each. In each semester students are assessed by ongoing formative assessments and summative assessment at the end of the semester. At the end of Grade 8, students appear for the Cambridge checkpoint progressive test in three subjects: Mathematics, Science, and English. The Middle School program encourages students to do problem-solving, project designs, collaborative planning, use of various thinking techniques, exhibitions, and open discussions which makes them ready for the challenges in the IGCSE and IB programs.

Beyond the classroom

The academic year in Middle School is planned to provide a balanced opportunity for academic and extracurricular activities. Each student is allotted a house (Hawk, Kite, Falcon and Eagle) and participates in different school activities organised by teachers and the Student Council such as Debates, Quizzes, Be the Dancer, creative writing, Chess, Football and Basketball championships. They also participate in inter school competitions and events like MUN, football, basketball and cricket tournaments, debates, quizzes and drawing competitions. The school also organises an interschool BDMUN and the BD Liga, our interschool football league.

It is mandatory for each student to sign up for one club from a wide array of choices including Science Club, Capoeira, Cooking Club, Rubik’s Cube Club and Arts. These clubs provide an opportunity for students to learn new skills and develop collaboration and respect for each other.

Students always have many opportunities to work together across grades. The school works hard to foster a culture that encourages working, achieving and finding happiness as a community that respects each individual’s unique talents. During the Hindi Divas and World Language Day celebrations, different activities and events showcase different aspects of the language, with all students in Middle School participating.

Students also participate in Community Service in which they volunteer at various places like Fisherman’s Colony, ADAPT and Balwadi. These activities help our students become responsible, socially aware citizens.

Our field trips and yearly educational trips also contribute largely to the skill development based on extracurricular activities such as teamwork, better social skills and critical thinking.

Our Middle School Science fairs celebrate the spirit of curiosity and scientific inquiry as student groups develop research questions, conduct experiments, analyse data and present their findings.

The Middle School Annual Day concert is a celebration of the love we all share to perform and have fun on the stage. Our community is filled with tremendous individual and group talent, and this evening provides the perfect platform for our young teens and tweens to grow their confidence and positivity through hard work.