Middle School

Middle school is a crucial time for students as they transition from children to young adults. At Seven Peaks we believe that both the academic and social experiences during these years help shape the character of an individual. We provide an environment where students thrive academically, explore creative interests, treat themselves and others with respect, and develop a life-long love of learning, which is brought about through the implementation of the IB Program.

The International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Programme at Seven Peaks Middle School (Grades 6-8)

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Seven Peaks is an “all school” program, designed for all students in grades 6-8.  All students attending Seven Peaks are automatically involved in the MYP along with all staff members.

Seven Peaks is currently a candidate school, anticipating IB authorization in the spring of 2012. By participating in the MYP for three years at Seven Peaks, a student has a “head start” into the Diploma Programme at Bend High School. Students will need to apply for entry into the program at the high school.

The Middle Years Programme:

• Promotes a global awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity on behalf of students.

• Encourages student self-direction, critical thinking and collaboration within a challenging, inquiry-based curriculum.

• Provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that incorporates multiple perspectives and aligns with state and national standards.

• Encourages the active involvement of parents and the community. Provides a small learning community environment that fosters positive connections between students, teachers and parents.

• Strives to have students recognize themselves as responsible and respectful citizens of the local, national and global community

Description of the Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) stresses the importance of students having a well rounded education, where students experience the real world connections through interdisciplinary studies.

• Language Arts
• Foreign Language
• Technology
• Social Studies
• Physical Education/Health
• Science
• Fine Arts
• Mathematics

Areas of Interaction

In order to provide students with the opportunity to experience an integrative curriculum that connects school subjects with the outside world, the MYP is based upon five overarching themes. These themes are called Areas of Interaction and are used to connect all eight subjects. They provide a framework for learning within and across the subject groups. They allow connections among and between subjects and real-life issues.

Approaches to Learning: Fostering study skills and the learning process (helping students learn how to learn).

Community & Service: Developing a sense of service as it relates to how communities function. Working on projects related to improving the community.

Health and Social Education: Developing a sense of responsibility for our own physical, mental and social well-being.

Environment: Focusing on the interdependence of humanity and the world we live in.

Human Ingenuity: Exploring the processes, products and impacts of human innovation.

Our middle school includes grades six through eighth. Class sizes are up to 25 students, for a total of 50 students per grade. The middle school schedule is:

Monday through Thursday: 8:10 am – 3:10 pm

Friday: 8:10 am – 1:30 pm

Middle school requirements include 3 years of Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Spanish, Music/Band, Visual Arts, and Physical Education. Students choose two Friday Electives from an extensive list.