Curriculum

We believe that this is a period in which children begin to make lifelong choices. Therefore, we commit ourselves to providing an opportunity for students to explore a wide variety of areas, within both curricular and co-curricular programs.

The Taipei American School Middle School is built upon the natural enthusiasm of students. We offer a program that expands all students’ horizons. Our schedule allows students to maximize their individual contact with teachers via daily Xtra help periods and permits time for in-depth study within subject areas.Students can select Mandarin, Spanish, or Classics languages, along with history, math, science and English.

Our Middle School offers students new challenges through a variety of innovative programs. Students attend Camp Taiwan each year, engaging in an adventure in learning that is held at different sites around Taiwan. The electives program further offers a mix of classes throughout the year through novel subject areas such as drama, public speaking, and robotics.

Overall, TAS builds a close-knit community of learners. Each day, middle school teachers meet  together to plan, discuss student needs, and support ongoing instructional excellence. We want our students to benefit from individualized instruction, and our faculty is attuned to the unique developmental needs of all students. At the end of the day, we want our students to have thoroughly enjoyed the learning process and to be proud of their hard work.

The middle school core subjects of English, math, science, world language, and history are taught across all three grades: sixth, seventh, and eighth. All students will have a homeroom every day at the start of the school day. Homeroom is a time for middle school teachers to support students with developmental and social needs. Homeroom teachers at each level work as a team under the guidance and supervision of the Wellness Team including Wellness Coordinators and counselors. A portion of the homeroom time will be dedicated to mini-lessons regarding the skills and understanding of well-being including the VIA Character Strengths and living the goals of our school-wide justice, equity, diversity and inclusion focus.

 

Curriculum Overview

Philosophy

We, the staff of the Middle School, recognize that our students are in the midst of a unique period of their lives — the transition from childhood to adolescence. We obligate ourselves to provide a healthy, nurturing atmosphere and a program based on core values which strive to develop self-esteem in students and which meet their developing intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs.

We believe that this is a period in which children begin to make lifelong choices. Therefore, we commit ourselves to providing an opportunity for students to explore a wide variety of areas, within both curricular and co-curricular programs.

We recognize the importance of the School and the family working together. We obligate ourselves to strive for an atmosphere of open communication to provide the best possible environment for our children to grow and learn.

Finally, we recognize that students attending the Middle School represent diverse cultural backgrounds. We are aware of the valuable cultural resources we have within our school. We do, therefore, support international awareness, cooperation, service to others, and respect for our global environment. It is our hope that our students may understand the world around them and grow to be contributing citizens of that world.

Grade 6

English, Early American History, Math 6: Enriched Pre-Algebra or Principals of Pre-Algebra 6, Science

String Ensemble, Choir, Advanced Band, Band Ensemble, Orchestra, Physical Education, Health, Art + Innovation, World Languages: Classics, Mandarin, Spanish

Grade 7

English, US History, Math 7: Pre-Algebra or Integrated Algebra, Science

Cadet Orchestra, Music Mix 1 & 2, Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Choir, Beginning Band, Cadet Band, Physical Education, Health, Art + Innovation, Dance, World Languages: Classics, Mandarin, Spanish

Grade 8

English, World History, Math 8: Algebra 1 or Honors Algebra II, Science

Cadet Orchestra, Music Mix 1 & 2, Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Choir, Beginning Band, Cadet Band, Physical Education, Health, Art + Innovation, Dance, World Languages: Classics, Mandarin, Spanish