Middle School

The Humanities class is an integrated model of language arts and social studies that emphasizes student learning in the areas of fiction and non-fiction literacy. The class meets for 70 minutes 5 out of 6 days. The school uses Common Core English standards and Columbia University´s Reading-Writing Workshop approach to teaching literacy skills and concepts. The course emphasizes the development of reading and writing skills using fiction, non-fiction and historical texts. The social studies curriculum is derived from the American Education Overseas Schools (AERO) standards and is delivered through the study of historical periods and/or regional studies.

Sixth grade mathematics

is largely about (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing an understanding of statistical thinking. Students participate in whole and small group investigations, reason about their thinking in Number Talks and Math Chats, and play games and do practice exercises to build mathematical fluency with facts, concepts, and procedures. They also work to complete individual and group projects that relate the math they are learning to the real world. 

Seventh grade mathematics

is about (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. Students participate in whole and small group investigations, reason about their thinking in Number Talks and Math Chats, and play games and do practice exercises to build mathematical fluency with facts, concepts, and procedures. They also work to complete individual and group projects that relate the math they are learning to the real world.  
 

The 6-8th grade Science courses at ASB are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and include content that spans the scientific disciplines of earth & space science, life science and physical science. Throughout the course of the school year, each grade level addresses these disciplines with fluidity. Each unit of study involves several experiments, explorations and demonstrations, where students are also challenged to research in-depth current scientific findings and ethical issues. This class is inquiry-based, hands-on, and demands students’ active participation.

Spanish

Our Spanish program offers different levels for the dynamic range of learners within our school. The highest level courses are the Castellano classes which follow the Spanish national curriculum, studying language, grammar and literature at a national grade level.  We also use Columbia University´s Reading-Writing Workshop approach to teaching literacy skills and concepts. Native speakers of Spanish also take Sociales, the Spanish geography and history course that follows the Spanish national curriculum. The Castellano and Sociales courses fulfill the Spanish co-validation requirements of the Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) Certificate.

Our beginning students, however, start in our Spanish Language Learners (SLL) program that follows the ACTFL proficiency guidelines and the Marco Común Europeo. Both sets of standards work in unison and include the levels of beginning, intermediate and advanced. The SLL program fosters the development of the four skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing  from the beginning of instruction, and as a result,  non-native speakers of Spanish can quickly advance in a few years towards fluency. In SLL classes, students learn both social and academic language within the context of Spanish society, which will enable them to fully participate in local and school life.

Catalan

The ASB Catalan program allows Spanish students to meet requirements set out by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It gives all students the opportunity to learn the language and customs of our host society through a combination of communicative and content-based teaching methods and appreciation of the unique culture of Catalunya.
Catalan Language Learning (CLL) is offered to international students to provide them with basic communicative skills that will help them to perform and integrate in the Catalan speaking community.

Middle School students use state-of-the-art communication technologies throughout the day and in all subject areas. Our approach is highly integrated and we have a one-to-one laptop program in which all students use their own laptop computer in all academic subjects. Skills such as 3D designing and printing, photo editing and web programming are developed through creative projects which connect with and reinforce understanding of curriculum content. In Information Technology we follow the Engineering Cycle that consists in planning, creating and testing our solutions. Our aim is to prepare students to be responsible digital citizens who are able to make full use of technology to communicate creatively, research effectively, and collaborate with peers near and far.

Art

The visual art curriculum is currently based on the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) standards. Students explore sequential hands-on learning experiences that encompass the standards creating, presenting, responding and connecting.  Art concepts are reinforced through projects based on the elements of art and principles of design. Children develop critical and creative thinking skills as they express themselves and experiment with varied media and techniques. The program strives to give each child the opportunity to develop a lifelong appreciation for art in general.

Music

In the Middle School, students receive two 70 minutes lessons of Music in a six day cycle for one semester in grades 6,7 and 8. The Music curriculum follows the NCAS standards for Music and students study three different units in each grade. In all units, students develop their performance and composition skills as individuals and within a group. Units of work cover music from the classical tradition, world music and modern popular styles of music. Students learn how to analyze and evaluate music related to each area, being able to connect the music to the social and historical context of each starting point. The focus of lessons is practical music, with students learning through performing and composing activities. Students are assessed on practical tasks and their responses to performance and composing work and on researched extended homework projects.
Middle school students can participate in a variety of Music and Performing Arts activities through the LYNX program and after school Performing Arts program. LYNX options include the popular MS Choir which is involved in the MAIS Choir festival and with AMIS festivals. ASB has hosted festivals for both associations. Other MS LYNX Performing Arts activities include Drumline, Broadway dance and Musical Theater.

During Middle School Physical Education classes, students develop their endurance, strength and flexibility with activities linked to effective warm-up and cool-down routines, and are exposed to different lifelong recreational activities and games. PE classes are offered twice in a 6-day cycle. Some of the units covered are: badminton, multicultural games, volleyball, baseball/softball, circuit training, basketball and soccer.

ASB is proud to offer a variety of enrichment activities as part of the Elective program, which are incorporated into the school day on a weekly basis.  The classes focus on experiential learning and are aimed to enhance the student’s experience. Our program aims to foster creativity and offer activities that are developmentally appropriate, with the chance to develop skills related to leadership, service and collaboration.

Electives:

• Robotics
• Cheerleading
• Funky Art
• MAIS Choir
• Animatronics and Lego Robotics
• Movie-Making and Lynx TV
• Entrepreneurship
• Drumming
• Aim Games
• Explore Math
• Little Tikes (Middle School students go to work in the Early Childhood Center)
• Strategy Games
• Strength and Conditioning
• Spotlight Productions (Community Theater)
• Model United Nations-MUN (8th grade only)
• Northern European Speech, Debate, and Acting-NESDA (7th and 8th grades only)

English Language Learning

English Language Learning Support (ELL) services are provided for students whose first language is not English. Students learn the social and academic language that will enable them to fully participate in their mainstream classrooms. ELL teachers work closely with their students in the classroom or in small groups outside the classroom to support listening, speaking, reading and writing needs.

Counseling

Anchored in the framework of the American School Counseling Association’s (ASCA) National Model and multi-dimensional in scope, the counseling program at ASB merges collaboration, consultation, leadership, and advocacy to provide comprehensive and developmentally appropriate services to students and their families. The ASB counseling program seeks to prepare students to become active, compassionate, and responsible members of their school and community by assisting students in acquiring knowledge, skills, and awareness in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social development. 

Learning Support

The Learning Support program provides specialized interventions to assist students in reaching grade-level standards and achieving academic success in the classroom. We believe that students with a variety of learning profiles can be successful when instruction is tailored to address their academic strengths and struggles. Students with specific learning needs receive a variety of accommodations and may receive direct support from a learning specialist or another member of the student support team.  

Advisory

One of the strengths of the Middle School program is the Advisory program, which focuses on developing academic, emotional and social skills in these young teenagers. At the core of our Advisory program is the Positive Discipline curriculum. Additionally, there are presentations and guided activities delivered by our experienced advisors designed to help navigate topics such as organization and time management, social-emotional development, managing technology and social media, and other issues that students confront as they mature.

Middle School Student Council

The Student Council is a vehicle for experiencing the democratic process through discussion of school related issues and through the planning, organization and administration of various service projects. It is composed of student volunteers who form different action committees and who are sponsored and supported by experienced teachers and The Student Support Services Coordinator. Council members must show a responsible and committed attitude to learning and leadership.

Field Trips and Overnight Trips

The Middle School plans class field trips for each grade to support the academic programs. Most of the trips are local and at no extra cost to the students. Middle Schoolers participate in community-building and service trips in the fall and in the spring.

After-school Program

Middle School students are encouraged to participate in the after school program available  most days from 16:00 – 17:30. Activities offered include movie making, lego league, cooking, chorus, band, and theater. The sports programs provided at that time include basketball, soccer, cross country running, and volleyball.

Community Service

Middle school students have several opportunities to participate in community service with the Esplugues Càritas and Banc d’Aliments (Food Bank), reading in English to students in local elementary schools, and environmental projects in Collserola Park. The Middle School Student Council and Rotakids also implement fund-raisers to support relief efforts for areas impacted by natural disasters and organizations that support animal and human rights. School-based community service includes specific classes helping younger students during events such as Halloween and Sports Day.

MUN

Model United Nations is an internationally known program in which students research current issues and present as delegates at Model United Nations (MUN) conferences. Middle School 8th graders are given the opportunity to participate in Madrid Model united Nations (MADMUN) each spring as delegates.

Special Events

The ASB Middle School participates in school-wide events such as International Day, Halloween, and St. Jordi celebrations. In addition, there are events specific to the Middle School, such as spirit week, dances, fund-raisers, and sports events.