Middle School (Grades 6 to 8)
"Education should no longer be mostly imparting knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialites." - Maria Montessori
The Middle School Classroom (Grades 6 to 8)
Middle School at Headwater Hills is an ideal foundation and preparation for high school. New students who do not have a Montessori background are welcome and often thrive in this program. Individual and small group instruction ensures that every student is challenged in a way that is maximally challenging, yet never frustrating. Those who are ahead in certain areas can move ahead without impediment and those who may have missed something along the way receive supportive instruction to bring them to where they need to be. We work to lead each child to their personal best in all subject areas.
We believe that a strong collaboration between student, parent and teacher is needed to meet each student's needs in an effective way.
Our middle school program is designed to promote not only each child's individual best in terms of academics, but also personal qualities that will lead to a fulfilling meaningful life. We work with children to develop their independence, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, leadership skills and adaptability. Students graduate from our program with a strong capacity to navigate new situations and with their curiosity still burning brightly.
Subject areas include but are not limited to: SEL (Social Emotional Learning and communication skills), English, French, Math, Physical Education, History, Economics, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Drama, Philosophy, Psychology, Political Science, Computer Science, Latin, and Gardening.
We go on regular outings to develop a strong connection with our community and with the natural world. Past outings have included spending a day with Cape Croker First Nations school followed by camping at Cape Croker Park, hiking the Bruce trail, cycling the Trans Canada Trail to camp at Albion Hills, and many more.
For our physical education program we take advantage of the best facilities and instructors in the area. Activities may vary from year to year but some of our favourites include tennis, squash, gymnastics, rock climbing, cross country and down hill skiing, basketball, horse back riding, volleyball, badminton, soccer, cross country running and a yearly track and field meet.
We provide many opportunities for students to gain confidence with public speaking and making presentations. Every year the students write speeches which they present at our Literary Tea. They also put on a theatrical production in the spring - our Spring Soiree.
Growing food is also an important part of our program. We have a partnership with Am Braigh Farm which supports our students both at the school as we learn to use our own germination table and raised beds, and also through field trips series to the farm to learn more in depth about successful growing practices. Getting our fingers in the dirt is the best way to develop an appreciation for nature and an understanding of environmental sustainability.
Effective use of all that computers have to offer is a very important part of our program. We teach the use of word processors, spreadsheets, presentation programs and effective, safe use of the internet for research. Students leaving us in grade 8 are very competent in the use of the computer.
All in all, our middle school program is an enriched environment providing a strong basis for future success and enjoyment of all that life has to offer!
