Middle School: an Exciting Time of Transition and Development
Middle School represents an exciting time of transition and development as Grade 7 and 8 students gain independence and see their responsibilities increase in preparation for the senior grades.
The Middle School years are truly wonderful. The energy, enthusiasm, creativity and growth characterizing this group create a positive atmosphere where each student is able to realize her strengths as a learner and her place in the school. It is during these years they take the first steps toward independence. The environment in which these steps are taken must be carefully structured in order to encourage them to take ownership of their learning and the choices they are making while being supportive should they stumble along the way.
At Havergal, the Middle School model is one that provides a timely transition for young adolescents still needing the continuity of a smaller peer group for support and friendship while ready for specialist teachers and a challenging learning environment.
Each girl in the Middle School belongs to a Form. Students meet in their Form classroom each morning for attendance and announcements, led by elected members that represent the Form at the Middle School Council. Their Form teacher is a very important person in their lives and provides the first link of communication between home and school. Through daily contact and guidance from the Form teacher, a sense of belonging and trust develops, enabling the Form teacher to monitor each student’s academic progress, as well as her social and emotional growth and development. Students attend most academic subjects as a Form group and thus the bond within this group is strengthened. Through intramural competitions as well as community involvement initiatives, each Form creates a unique character and memories that the students remember long after they move into Senior School.
The Middle School academic program enables girls to increase their learning capacity and their abstract thinking abilities. Independent studies and personalized assignments, accelerated courses in math and French, and competitions such as the Middle School Science Olympics and the Grade 7 and 8 Math Olympics provide opportunities for girls to take academic risks and attain goals.
Preparing young women to make a difference since 1894.
