Our aim is to provide a balanced educational programme within a positive, stimulating environment, so that each child can learn and grow to his/her fullest potential. We recognise and address the broad range of needs of young adolescent learners, while encouraging them to appreciate cultural diversity. We assist students in the transition from home to school, promote positive social interactions, and provide opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning. We believe that parental involvement is an essential ingredient in providing a quality education for our students. Through developmentally appropriate experiences, we expect our pupils to model the IB Learner Profile for ACS Hillingdon.
ACS Hillingdon International School was accepted by the IB as a candidate school in September 2007 and has been working on and preparing to implement the programme. The school took the step in its candidacy through beginning the wider implementation of the MYP curriculum framework in 2008-2009 academic year in Grades 6-10. The school is working towards authorisation, aiming for the spring of 2010. The ACS Middle School curriculum uses the MYP framework and is based on American and other accredited international educational standards.
When educating Middle School students in Grades 5 to 8, we pay particular attention to supporting the emotional, social, physical, and academic needs of all our developing adolescents. Our highly qualified staff are caring, experienced, and well trained to encourage the best from this special age group.
In the Middle School, in each semester, students receive instruction from their eight courses in Language A-English, Humanities, Technology (Design, Music and Information), Mathematics, Sciences, Arts (Music, Drama, Choir and Art), Physical Education, and Language B-Spanish or French.
Students who require learning support are offered study skills classes, and English as
an Additional Language (EAL). Class sizes are small, which guarantees all our students plenty of individual attention. Our model offers both pull-out and in-class support.
We understand the value of experiential learning in this age group, and take full advantage of our location by incorporating important sites in our community and venues into our curriculum wherever possible.
In addition to the music classes, students are also offered the chance to participate in the music tuition programme, which encompasses lessons in all the major instruments of the band, orchestra, and also piano and voice. They may qualify to join the Middle School String Ensemble when an appropriate skill level on the instrument is reached.
There is no shortage of diversity and creativity in the Middle School, with a wide and varied selection of extracurricular activities. Each year, for example, there is the opportunity to act in a major school drama production.
The after-school sports and clubs programme is also very popular, attracting participation from a large part of the student body. In order to facilitate inclusion in these after-school activities, children have a bussing service provided for late transportation home.
Our parent community is actively encouraged to work closely with the school staff in order to support our young learners. We look forward to being partners with you in your child’s Middle School education at ACS Hillingdon.
Alan Phan
Middle School Principal
ACS Hillingdon International School
108 Vine Lane
Hillingdon, Middlesex
UB10 0BE England
Telephone: +44 (0) 1895 259771
Fax: +44 (0) 1895 256974
Email: aphan@acs-england.co.uk
