Middle Schooling At The Gaudium
Middle Schooling At The Gaudium
The middle school at The Gaudium is a comprehensive framework that provides academic challenge and develops the life skills in students from ages 11-16. The Middle school curriculum, which is in alignment with the School’s philosophy, inspires students to develop their identity and achieve success in the long run through experimenting and innovating their learning path. The school offers its learners to choose from the three different national and international curricula: MYP, CI and CBSE which help each child identify and develop his/her individual tool for real happiness. The curricula strives to explore the varied capabilities of the learners and nurture them to the fullest potential through investigation, evaluation and self-reflection, thus preparing students for life.
IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)
It is a comprehensive curriculum framework that helps students develop life skills and apply their knowledge in familiar an unfamiliar real world context. The MYP emphasises on intellectual challenge and enables students to achieve success in school and beyond.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Standardised curriculum which is structured and follows a scientific approach that is regularly upgraded in line with the changing demands of the society. It promotes all round development of a child’s personality and intellect by integrating arts and sports in education. It aims to stress free, child centred and holistic education to all children without compromising on quality.
Cambridge International (CAIE)
Cambridge is a content driven , structured curriculum which fosters academic rigour and enables learners to apply knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations in any field. A student after acquiring an IGCSE degree has an in-depth knowledge and understanding across the length and breadth of the curriculum.
Some of the salient points that make Middle Schooling the strongest at The Gaudium:
Students progress from transdisciplinary learning in the Primary to Interdisciplinary in the middle school.
- Students assimilate their learning to prepare for integrated, technology-based assignments which include concepts from Humanities, Science, Mathematics, as well as the language arts
- They also apply their knowledge in creating Art Integrated projects, demonstrating their learning through the Academic Fair etc
- Interdisciplinary skills are evident through case studies in Humanities, alternative to practical in sciences, depth studies in History, directed and response writing in Languages, Academic Fairs etc
Students engage in at least one interdisciplinary unit each year. They use interdisciplinary approach for problem solving, create a product, raise awareness and acquire understanding that would have been unlikely through a single discipline
In the middle school this approach is driven through assessments connected to real world, subjects and projects based on real world problems.
- In CBSE curriculum students work on multiple assessments as a part of design thinking, where they work on real world problems and find possible solutions. They get 80 mins per week to work on the assessments. e.g., Art Integrated projects
- In CAIE Global Perspectives as a subject is aligned to Design thinking, where students explore various global challenges, find solutions using Computer skills. 2 hrs are dedicated every week for designing their solutions for various challenges such as Water conservation, Employment Issues etc
- Students are engaged in the design thinking process wherein they:
- Empathise & ideate (Inquiring and Analysing)
- Plan (Developing Ideas)
- Create(Creating the Solution)
- Test (Evaluating)
- Dedicated 120 mins per week are assigned to work on problem solving projects by following the design cycle.
- E.G. creating a 3D sustainable community, creating models for their dream home, restaurant, schools, hospitals, etc.
Project based learning encourages students to develop a balanced, diverse approach to solving real-world problems, both on their own and in a team.
- After the end of each Unit student develop mini project where they take up the topic from other subjects and integrate it with technology
- Art Integration Project
- Participation in Vigilance week, National Integration week, Reading week, Fitness week and other events promoted by CBSE
- Investigation in Sciences (1hr every week) helps learners to develop their understanding in a continuous process building, prior knowledge and experiences
- Programming project in Computer Science for IGCSE
- Project developed for Academic Fair
- Students engage in Personal projects right from MYP1 based on their passion and personal interest. They integrate their learning from various subjects and take their learning to a new level by getting engaged in such projects
- Some examples of the projects that students engage with are improving the wellbeing of teenagers, exploring culture through learning a new language or designing sustainable cities
In middle school at The Gaudium we use design thinking as an approach that is driven through the STEM & Robotics programme where our students are challenged to solve complex real-world problems around us through modelling and prototyping.
- Introduction to various electronic components and their working principle
- Analysing the working model of each component in various real time applications
- Virtual Robotics Programming Lab (RoboGuru)
- Lego Mindstorms
- STEM and Robotics is incorporated through our design curriculum where students work on design units, throughout the year
- Understanding the usage of 3D tool like SketchUp, tinker cad, Minecraft, etc., learning to program on Arduino
- Creating and building interactive projects
- Learning programming to implement on creating animation
This innovative programme is introduced through various programming languages starting from identifying the artificial intelligence techniques and progressing into building some of their own.
- Introduction to Programming at Grade 6 through Scratch Programming
- Grade 7-Python Basics
- Grade 8-Python with Database connectivity
- Grade 9 & 10- Advanced Python with Project development
- Using the above programming language students develop AI Applications like chatbot, face recognition software, Sensor enabled games, Networking Simulations, Game development and Mobile App development
- The IB MYP Students engage with Coding during their Design lesson with various programming languages like Scratch, Web designing, App making, Python, Raspberry Pie and Java to name a few.
- Many open source coding platforms are used to help students engage and understand how to program machines
- Students work on after school programming lessons where they independently explore the concepts of AI and progress through a game based lesson.
ATL skills are covered implicitly in the curriculum as well as explicitly through various activities and PD sessions.
- Reflections in portfolio
- Productive debates
- Opinion activities
- Classroom Gallery
- One minute talk show
- The Cambridge curriculum at The Gaudium revolves around skill development
- Our approaches to learning lead to an:
- Understanding of links between ideas
- Evaluating texts, ideas and arguments
- Synthesizing ideas and information
- Identifying and prioritising problems to be addressed
- ATL skills enable students to develop skills like: Bouncing back, managing their time and enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills. The students measure their learning progress through a thorough reflection process
Activity based learning, exposure to various learning applications, improving questioning and comprehension skills are some of the techniques that are used to broaden the subject knowledge.
- Learning through lab activities
- Questions based on higher order skills incorporated through assessment
- Virtual field trips to enable students relate real life experiences with conceptual knowledge
- Use of online tools such as Olabs for practical experiments, Quizizz for assessments, Nearpod for actively engaging students
- Use of AR/VR tools to enhance learning of abilities like problem solving, collaboration and communication
- Subject specific skills include:
- Using appropriate language/register for context
- Asking effective questions
- Using digital and online tools
- Creating new content from own ideas or other resources
- Discovering & expressing own personal identity and feelings through creative activities
- Read interpret and analyse various texts
- Listen and respond to specific questions
- Producing texts that display thoughts and imagination
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
- Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement,
Qualify or justify their own views and understanding
At The Gaudium Language Enrichment is an evidence-based language arts solution for developing the LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) skills. In Language Enrichment, students learn to articulate themselves effectively in written and spoken language. have a choice of any one of the additional/ second languages –French, Spanish, Telugu and Hindi.
- The course enables learners to become perceptive readers who analyse complex texts through
- Short reviews
- Dramatization of the story
- Commentary on the characters
- Critical evaluation of the plot, storyline and characters
- These skills also trains students to – perceive the overall meaning and organisation of the text
- Write expository/argumentative essays, explaining or developing a topic
- Develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, correct grammar, spelling and punctuation (French speaking Tests) -develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed
- Analyse complex literary work and identify writers’ effect
- Compose original descriptive and narrative pieces with attention to figurative use of language
- Explore a collection of texts that span both place and time, written by authors from around the world, in both historical and modern contexts
- Study various genres of literary and non-literary texts, including poetry, novels, plays, and documentaries, and develop their oral and written communication skills
- Incorporates creative processes and encourages the development of imagination and creativity through self-expression
Reading remains as the most vital ingredient to expand the mind and intellect of our students, at The Gaudium. The Reading programme is a continuum from the early years till the graduation. A well-framed weekly library period and reading programmes based on the carefully chosen and prescribed reading lists, Novel study, elevate the fundamental skills of the students, widening their perception and leading them to be more open-minded and culturally aware citizens.
Life skills are the most essential for our students to be prepared for the real world. At The Gaudium, we have a multi-skills lab where students learn about personal hygiene and first aid techniques, cooking, baking, tailoring, gardening, electrical, plumbing, automobile repair workshops. These life skills help the students stimulate their intellect and help them appreciate underlying principles and processes which are an integral part of daily life.
At The Gaudium, we believe in spreading positivity, hope and the feeling of joy among the students through the Core Values by being thankful for what they have and contributing to the society. Students plan and initiate activities to work collaboratively with others, engage with issues of global importance, show perseverance and commitment thus consider the ethical implications of their actions.
- Volunteer for various collaborative projects
- Plan and execute theme based special assemblies
- Create awareness through posters, paintings by observing various National initiatives supported by the CBSE board
- Each one Teach one initiative – mentoring the school sub staff to practice social etiquette
- Initiating to collect books and hygiene kits for orphanages
- Gratitude Day
- Donation drives
- Grade specific yearlong UN sustainable goals project
- Visiting government school and engaging in teaching them technology and language skills
- Students get engaged in:
- Taking sports lesson and teaching English for under privileged
- Spreading awareness on social issues through creating website, blogging etc.
- Grade specific yearlong UN sustainable goals project
At The Gaudium we encourage students to set their academic and personal growth goals at the very outset of the academic session. Our personalized learning approach allows for customization and adaptation of educational methods and techniques so that the learning process is better suited for each individual learner, with their own unique learning style, background, needs, and previous experiences. At the beginning of the academic year students set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) goals under the guidance of their facilitators during their pastoral care/class mentor session. These goals are reviewed periodically.
In the middle school regular individual and group counselling sessions are conducted for the students by qualified counsellors where the focus is not only helping students develop self-awareness, self- control and interpersonal skills but also help them balance the fluctuating nature of adolescence. Assemblies focused on nurturing core values and mindfulness, scheduled pastoral care, strengthen the bond between students and teachers, thus promoting a relation built on trust and care which resonates with our Mindfulness and Well-being pillar of the Happy Minds Model.
Assessments are an integral part of the Middle School academics. The students are exposed to multiple assessments in the form of Assessment for Learning (Formative) and Assessment of Learning (Summative). The teachers include a variety of testing methods to have a reliable and pragmatic assessment of the students. Assessments provide a platform to evaluate the learning journey of each student and modulate new goals.
- CBSE – Term 1 – 2 periodic tests and 1 Term end Exams, Term 2 – 2 periodic tests and 1 Term end Exams
- CAIE – Term 1 – 1 Unit Test and 1 Term Exam, Term 2 – 1 Unit Test and 1 Term Exam
- IB MYP – Unit end Summative Assessments and 1 Term End exam per Semester
The portfolio building at The Gaudium helps students take the onus of their learning, creating and developing their individual portfolio, thus being accountable and responsible. These portfolios act as a medium to reflect upon their performance, conduct and achievements and take constructive steps to further actualise their innate abilities. It also enables them to share their own learning with peers and review and give feedback on each other’s work.
An interdisciplinary project that aspires to tap into the unleashed potentials of the students that boosts their aptitude, skills and capabilities. This yearlong learning culmination activity provides a platform for the students to showcase their academic, extracurricular activities through various projects / exhibitions /conferences.
Exhaustive career counselling sessions starting from grade eight help the students in choosing the subjects of their interest and opting for the best university that would help them achieve and channelise their career path. The professional guidance is provided not only to the students but also to the parents to introduce them to the latest evolving career options and help them make the right choice.
The middle school at The Gaudium is a comprehensive framework that provides academic challenge and develops the life skills in students from ages 11-16. The Middle school curriculum, which is in alignment with the School’s philosophy, inspires students to develop their identity and achieve success in the long run through experimenting and innovating their learning path. The school offers its learners to choose from the three different national and international curricula: MYP, CI and CBSE which help each child identify and develop his/her individual tool for real happiness. The curricula strives to explore the varied capabilities of the learners and nurture them to the fullest potential through investigation, evaluation and self-reflection, thus preparing students for life.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
It is a comprehensive curriculum framework that helps students develop life skills and apply their knowledge in familiar an unfamiliar real world context. The MYP emphasises on intellectual challenge and enables students to achieve success in school and beyond.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Standardised curriculum which is structured and follows a scientific approach that is regularly upgraded in line with the changing demands of the society. It promotes all round development of a child’s personality and intellect by integrating arts and sports in education. It aims to stress free, child centred and holistic education to all children without compromising on quality.
Cambridge International (CAIE)
Cambridge is a content driven , structured curriculum which fosters academic rigour and enables learners to apply knowledge and understanding to familiar and new situations in any field. A student after acquiring an IGCSE degree has an in-depth knowledge and understanding across the length and breadth of the curriculum.
Some of the salient points that make Middle Schooling the strongest at The Gaudium:
Students progress from transdisciplinary learning in the Primary to Interdisciplinary in the middle school.
- Students assimilate their learning to prepare for integrated, technology-based assignments which include concepts from Humanities, Science, Mathematics, as well as the language arts
- They also apply their knowledge in creating Art Integrated projects, demonstrating their learning through the Academic Fair etc
- Interdisciplinary skills are evident through case studies in Humanities, alternative to practical in sciences, depth studies in History, directed and response writing in Languages, Academic Fairs etc
Students engage in at least one interdisciplinary unit each year. They use interdisciplinary approach for problem solving, create a product, raise awareness and acquire understanding that would have been unlikely through a single discipline
In the middle school this approach is driven through assessments connected to real world, subjects and projects based on real world problems.
- In CBSE curriculum students work on multiple assessments as a part of design thinking, where they work on real world problems and find possible solutions. They get 80 mins per week to work on the assessments. e.g., Art Integrated projects
- In CAIE Global Perspectives as a subject is aligned to Design thinking, where students explore various global challenges, find solutions using Computer skills. 2 hrs are dedicated every week for designing their solutions for various challenges such as Water conservation, Employment Issues etc
- Students are engaged in the design thinking process wherein they:
- Empathise & ideate (Inquiring and Analysing)
- Plan (Developing Ideas)
- Create(Creating the Solution)
- Test (Evaluating)
- Dedicated 120 mins per week are assigned to work on problem solving projects by following the design cycle.
- E.G. creating a 3D sustainable community, creating models for their dream home, restaurant, schools, hospitals, etc.
Project based learning encourages students to develop a balanced, diverse approach to solving real-world problems, both on their own and in a team.
- After the end of each Unit student develop mini project where they take up the topic from other subjects and integrate it with technology
- Art Integration Project
- Participation in Vigilance week, National Integration week, Reading week, Fitness week and other events promoted by CBSE
- Investigation in Sciences (1hr every week) helps learners to develop their understanding in a continuous process building, prior knowledge and experiences
- Programming project in Computer Science for IGCSE
- Project developed for Academic Fair
- Students engage in Personal projects right from MYP1 based on their passion and personal interest. They integrate their learning from various subjects and take their learning to a new level by getting engaged in such projects
- Some examples of the projects that students engage with are improving the wellbeing of teenagers, exploring culture through learning a new language or designing sustainable cities
In middle school at The Gaudium we use design thinking as an approach that is driven through the STEM & Robotics programme where our students are challenged to solve complex real-world problems around us through modelling and prototyping.
- Introduction to various electronic components and their working principle
- Analysing the working model of each component in various real time applications
- Virtual Robotics Programming Lab (RoboGuru)
- Lego Mindstorms
- STEM and Robotics is incorporated through our design curriculum where students work on design units, throughout the year
- Understanding the usage of 3D tool like SketchUp, tinker cad, Minecraft, etc., learning to program on Arduino
- Creating and building interactive projects
- Learning programming to implement on creating animation
This innovative programme is introduced through various programming languages starting from identifying the artificial intelligence techniques and progressing into building some of their own.
- Introduction to Programming at Grade 6 through Scratch Programming
- Grade 7-Python Basics
- Grade 8-Python with Database connectivity
- Grade 9 & 10- Advanced Python with Project development
- Using the above programming language students develop AI Applications like chatbot, face recognition software, Sensor enabled games, Networking Simulations, Game development and Mobile App development
- The IB MYP Students engage with Coding during their Design lesson with various programming languages like Scratch, Web designing, App making, Python, Raspberry Pie and Java to name a few.
- Many open source coding platforms are used to help students engage and understand how to program machines
- Students work on after school programming lessons where they independently explore the concepts of AI and progress through a game based lesson.
ATL skills are covered implicitly in the curriculum as well as explicitly through various activities and PD sessions.
- Reflections in portfolio
- Productive debates
- Opinion activities
- Classroom Gallery
- One minute talk show
- The Cambridge curriculum at The Gaudium revolves around skill development
- Our approaches to learning lead to an:
- Understanding of links between ideas
- Evaluating texts, ideas and arguments
- Synthesizing ideas and information
- Identifying and prioritising problems to be addressed
- ATL skills enable students to develop skills like: Bouncing back, managing their time and enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills. The students measure their learning progress through a thorough reflection process
Activity based learning, exposure to various learning applications, improving questioning and comprehension skills are some of the techniques that are used to broaden the subject knowledge.
- Learning through lab activities
- Questions based on higher order skills incorporated through assessment
- Virtual field trips to enable students relate real life experiences with conceptual knowledge
- Use of online tools such as Olabs for practical experiments, Quizizz for assessments, Nearpod for actively engaging students
- Use of AR/VR tools to enhance learning of abilities like problem solving, collaboration and communication
- Subject specific skills include:
- Using appropriate language/register for context
- Asking effective questions
- Using digital and online tools
- Creating new content from own ideas or other resources
- Discovering & expressing own personal identity and feelings through creative activities
- Read interpret and analyse various texts
- Listen and respond to specific questions
- Producing texts that display thoughts and imagination
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
- Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement,
Qualify or justify their own views and understanding
At The Gaudium Language Enrichment is an evidence-based language arts solution for developing the LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) skills. In Language Enrichment, students learn to articulate themselves effectively in written and spoken language. have a choice of any one of the additional/ second languages –French, Spanish, Telugu and Hindi.
- The course enables learners to become perceptive readers who analyse complex texts through
- Short reviews
- Dramatization of the story
- Commentary on the characters
- Critical evaluation of the plot, storyline and characters
- These skills also trains students to – perceive the overall meaning and organisation of the text
- Write expository/argumentative essays, explaining or developing a topic
- Develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, correct grammar, spelling and punctuation (French speaking Tests) -develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed
- Analyse complex literary work and identify writers’ effect
- Compose original descriptive and narrative pieces with attention to figurative use of language
- Explore a collection of texts that span both place and time, written by authors from around the world, in both historical and modern contexts
- Study various genres of literary and non-literary texts, including poetry, novels, plays, and documentaries, and develop their oral and written communication skills
- Incorporates creative processes and encourages the development of imagination and creativity through self-expression
Reading remains as the most vital ingredient to expand the mind and intellect of our students, at The Gaudium. The Reading programme is a continuum from the early years till the graduation. A well-framed weekly library period and reading programmes based on the carefully chosen and prescribed reading lists, Novel study, elevate the fundamental skills of the students, widening their perception and leading them to be more open-minded and culturally aware citizens.
Life skills are the most essential for our students to be prepared for the real world. At The Gaudium, we have a multi-skills lab where students learn about personal hygiene and first aid techniques, cooking, baking, tailoring, gardening, electrical, plumbing, automobile repair workshops. These life skills help the students stimulate their intellect and help them appreciate underlying principles and processes which are an integral part of daily life.
At The Gaudium, we believe in spreading positivity, hope and the feeling of joy among the students through the Core Values by being thankful for what they have and contributing to the society. Students plan and initiate activities to work collaboratively with others, engage with issues of global importance, show perseverance and commitment thus consider the ethical implications of their actions.
- Volunteer for various collaborative projects
- Plan and execute theme based special assemblies
- Create awareness through posters, paintings by observing various National initiatives supported by the CBSE board
- Each one Teach one initiative – mentoring the school sub staff to practice social etiquette
- Initiating to collect books and hygiene kits for orphanages
- Gratitude Day
- Donation drives
- Grade specific yearlong UN sustainable goals project
- Visiting government school and engaging in teaching them technology and language skills
- Students get engaged in:
- Taking sports lesson and teaching English for under privileged
- Spreading awareness on social issues through creating website, blogging etc.
- Grade specific yearlong UN sustainable goals project
At The Gaudium we encourage students to set their academic and personal growth goals at the very outset of the academic session. Our personalized learning approach allows for customization and adaptation of educational methods and techniques so that the learning process is better suited for each individual learner, with their own unique learning style, background, needs, and previous experiences. At the beginning of the academic year students set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) goals under the guidance of their facilitators during their pastoral care/class mentor session. These goals are reviewed periodically.
In the middle school regular individual and group counselling sessions are conducted for the students by qualified counsellors where the focus is not only helping students develop self-awareness, self- control and interpersonal skills but also help them balance the fluctuating nature of adolescence. Assemblies focused on nurturing core values and mindfulness, scheduled pastoral care, strengthen the bond between students and teachers, thus promoting a relation built on trust and care which resonates with our Mindfulness and Well-being pillar of the Happy Minds Model.
Assessments are an integral part of the Middle School academics. The students are exposed to multiple assessments in the form of Assessment for Learning (Formative) and Assessment of Learning (Summative). The teachers include a variety of testing methods to have a reliable and pragmatic assessment of the students. Assessments provide a platform to evaluate the learning journey of each student and modulate new goals.
- CBSE – Term 1 – 2 periodic tests and 1 Term end Exams, Term 2 – 2 periodic tests and 1 Term end Exams
- CAIE – Term 1 – 1 Unit Test and 1 Term Exam, Term 2 – 1 Unit Test and 1 Term Exam
- IB MYP – Unit end Summative Assessments and 1 Term End exam per Semester
The portfolio building at The Gaudium helps students take the onus of their learning, creating and developing their individual portfolio, thus being accountable and responsible. These portfolios act as a medium to reflect upon their performance, conduct and achievements and take constructive steps to further actualise their innate abilities. It also enables them to share their own learning with peers and review and give feedback on each other’s work.
An interdisciplinary project that aspires to tap into the unleashed potentials of the students that boosts their aptitude, skills and capabilities. This yearlong learning culmination activity provides a platform for the students to showcase their academic, extracurricular activities through various projects / exhibitions /conferences.
Exhaustive career counselling sessions starting from grade eight help the students in choosing the subjects of their interest and opting for the best university that would help them achieve and channelise their career path. The professional guidance is provided not only to the students but also to the parents to introduce them to the latest evolving career options and help them make the right choice.