At the middle school, the curriculum is child-centered and uses a wide range of learning experiences in a progressive and phased-manner with an inquiry-based and integrated approach to teaching and learning. A healthy teacher-student ratio is maintained to ensure a wholesome and focused classroom experience with better student engagement.
Transition from Primary
A meticulously planned transition program is designed by teachers in the beginning of grade 6 to familiarise the children with the new subjects, as Science and Social Studies branch out at this level. The program also introduces the children to the learning approaches and assessment patterns followed in Middle School.
The subjects offered in the Middle School are:
Second and Third Language Children continue to learn Hindi / Tamil as their Second Language. Hindi, Sanskrit, and French are offered as the third language for children with Tamil as the Second Language. Tamil is offered as the third language for children who have Hindi as the second language.
Computer Science: The curriculum focuses on acquisition of skills in ICT so as to enable children to use common software applications and technology to access and utilise information. Children at the middle school are exposed to the following –
Transition to High School
In grade 8, children are introduced to subjects offered as electives in grade 9, like Computer Applications, Physical Education, Economic Applications, Art and Commercial Applications in order to help them make an informed decision about their electives in grade 9. This is done through seminars, workshops or bridge courses, as appropriate for the subjects involved. A structured guidance program also helps the children in their choice of electives in grade 9.
Global Citizenship:
Our Global Citizenship program encourages children to understand global issues, appreciate the importance of using the earth’s resources mindfully and work towards a sustainable future.
Each grade works on one sustainable development goal recommended by the United Nations, through which the children are sensitised about global issues by relating it locally.
Children take up projects throughout the year to work on solutions towards sustainable development. Working on such projects develops curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds and inculcates skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, etc.
Solver space is an in-school problem-solving platform that allows children to experiment and build prototypes that solve real-life environment and civic problems in their locality which they discover through the entrepreneurship program. Young children get a chance to work on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) projects.
Learn more about the Global Citizenship program
Creative Expressions
At the beginning of the academic year, children can choose their desired art form for Creative Expressions, from Music, Art, Dance and Theatre. Children learn the artforms through the year from expert facilitators and their performance or creative work is a big part of festivals, annual day events and special occasions.
Music: In Indian music classes, children learn different songs from regional folk, devotional and Carnatic styles and their background along with the culture of the people associated. Basic lessons of Carnatic vocal and voice culture are given to improve their singing.
Children are taught western music or Indian music, by expert facilitators. In the Western music classes, children learn to listen, improvise and communicate with each other to create music collaboratively.
Learn More about Music at Hari Shree
Art: Under CE, one can choose between Art & Craft / Painting / Sculpture
Children explore their kinaesthetic capabilities through craft activities, learn to appreciate artefacts and images across cultures and times, think critically and take a step towards design thinking as artists.
Children learn to compose paintings such as Landscapes, Figurative Art, Still Life Art and Abstract Art, using various mediums.
Children’s work is showcased during special occasions like Varnajala, the grand annual art festival of Hari Shree.
Learn More about Art at Hari Shree
Dance: Children get an opportunity to learn various styles and genres under the two main categories of Indian Dance Forms and Western Dance.
Indian Dance Forms – Children learn classical, semi classical and fusion dance forms. They are introduced to the theoretical and technical aspects of these dance forms.
Western Dance – Children are introduced to various styles of dance like Hip hop, Contemporary, Free style and Zumba, providing an exposure to cultures around the world.
Learn More about Dance at Hari Shree
Theatre: Theatre sessions are conducted by a professional theatre group, as a collaborative form of performing art. The sessions embrace the idea of inclusive storytelling and help students find their voice through the entire process of content to form. A combination of gesture, speech, song, music, and dance is used to enhance the experience of theatre.
The program also is mapped to several milestones through the year and plays created and performed by the students form a big part of festivals, annual day events and special occasions.
Physical Education
The physical education curriculum is structured to give children an opportunity to improve their physical fitness, resilience and agility. Children participate in various organised sports & games like football, basketball, cricket, badminton, chess and carrom. These help children develop team spirit and sportsmanship.
Learn More about Sports at Hari Shree
Yoga
Children practise asanas to improve flexibility and maintain good posture. They also learn breathing techniques to help them stay calm, focussed and mindful.
Learn More about Yoga at Hari Shree
Field Trips and Outbound Trips
Children are taken on field trips to various places during their course, to have an in-depth understanding of subjects they study. Field trips focus on specific and planned objectives through observation, experiential learning and reflection.
Outbound trips are planned with specific outcomes to familiarise students with the geography and culture of various places around the country. The plan is structured to explore places in the country from the nearest to the farthest with every progressive year. Team-building activities like trekking and camping are integral parts of the outbound trips.
The field trips and outbound trips allow children to manage themselves and inculcate self-discipline.
Learn More about Field Trips and Outbound Trips
Leader in Me
The Leader in Me programme is a new initiative built on the foundation laid by “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®” by Dr. Stephen R. Covey, the well-known American educator and author. This program is designed to help children build confidence, encourage goal setting and discover their true potential. As each child discovers and develops their unique gifts and talents, they are given opportunities to lead. As leaders, they become active, engaged partners in their own education, and their self-confidence, responsibility, and initiative grow. They learn to listen to new ideas, work together to achieve results, and motivate one another to be the best. The program also helps them understand that everyone has the potential to lead and make a contribution.
Circle time
Circle time allows for children to practice Mindfulness, Understanding, Conscious Consumerism and Heartfulness (MUCH) by sharing experiences and listening to others. This promotes self-esteem, empathy and sensitivity.
Learn More about Circle Time at Hari Shree
Guest Lectures
Professionals from different fields, including alumni, are invited to as guest lecturers to provide students with deeper understanding of concepts beyond the curriculum. The interactions during the guest lectures spark interest in children towards various fields and provide different perspectives to the learning.
Assemblies: Assemblies are an integral part of our regular working days. These may be theme-based and are organised and conducted by the students themselves, building their organisational skills and team work. Assemblies provide opportunities for children to showcase their creativity and talents, and share their views on important issues.
Learn More about Assemblies at Hari Shree
After School Activities: After school activities enhance children’s creative skills and learn new sporting skills beyond the regular school day. These provide opportunities to pursue activities of their interest, beyond academics.
Children can opt from an array of after-school activities facilitated by both in-house experts and external professionals.
All images and text @ Copyright Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam. All Rights Reserved.
