The middle school years are a transition from childhood to adolescence. In order for children to successfully go through this period, they must be given various opportunities to discover and experiment in social and academic aspects. This is also the time when they learn to take responsibility for their academic development. The middle school program for students in grades 5 to 7, created by the BRITANICA Park School team, provides an environment and opportunities to discover strengths; to enrich knowledge and skills; to identify and develop personal potential and awareness of their role in society.
Main subjects: Mathematics *, Bulgarian language and literature *, English, Second foreign language (German or Spanish), History and civilizations, Geography and economics, Music, Visual arts, Information technology, Technology and entrepreneurship, Physical education, Nature studies (5-6 grade), Physics and astronomy (7th grade), Chemistry and environmental protection (7th grade), Biology and health education (7th grade).
* Our curriculum for 5th and 6th grade includes 7 hours of Bulgarian language and literature and 6 hours of Mathematics per week, which includes 2 additional lessons more than the ones in the standardized curriculum.
* Our curriculum for 7th grade includes 7 lessons of Bulgarian language and literature and 8 lessons of Mathematics per week, which is 2 and respectively 3 lessons more the ones in the standardized curriculum.
In order to develop an overall understanding of the topics studied, interdisciplinary connections are included in the curriculum, which helps students to comprehend and consolidate the content better. For example, when studying geography and economics in Asian countries, they use mathematics to calculate the shape of the Great Wall of China or the volume of the world’s largest dam, the Three Gorges. Children also have the opportunity to study academic topics through various scientific experiments, conducted in specially equipped labs.
The middle school program includes project-based learning that involves solving real cases in order to develop critical and analytical thinking skills. This also includes generating ideas for dealing with problems and abilities to manage overall processes.
Through individual and team work, students do research on topics, generate ideas and put them in practice in real conditions or such that are close to reality.
Middle school students study English intensively in accordance with the BRITANICA methodology. At the end of each level, they take a Cambridge exam. Newly enrolled students with need for language support attend separate classes according to their level. A second foreign language is included with a choice between German and Spanish.
School Day
Classes begin at 8:00 p.m. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the school day ends at 4.30 pm, and on Wednesday classes end at 2.30 pm.
After school, children can participate in clubs or be consulted by teachers if necessary.
Meals and Breaks
We believe that students should eat healthy and spend their breaks outside.
Healthy eating and enjoying free time outside are important parts of building a healthy lifestyle.
The school cafeteria prepares breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Students use their individual accounts, which are controlled by their parents. Children are also allowed to bring their food from home in a lunch box.
Homework
Homework is an important part of the learning process, which contributes to the consolidation of students’ knowledge and skills. For the middle school age, homework teaches children to work independently, as well as to be responsible towards their academic progress. Persistence in doing homework teaches them to be organized and to prioritize their tasks.
Personal Development Program
Each student has a mentor (a class-teacher, the Head of Middle School or the school counselor), who guides and advises him/her during the school year. The mentor monitors the student’s academic and social progress and meets him/her regularly to discuss the steps taken regarding academic performance, the development of his or her learning skills, or helps him or her to self-assess his or her qualities and skills.
