Intermediate vs. Middle Schools

I'm working in what is called an Intermediate School.  It is our equivalent to a Middle School or Junior High.  The school has Year 7 and 8 students. Their grade levels are slightly different to ours, because our 5 year olds are kindergarteners, whereas their 5 year olds are in Year 1.  So, you could say this is a school with sixth and seventh grade students.

 

The slight age difference isn't the only change from our middle schools.  The students in this school have one main classroom teacher, much like our elementary schools. They associate themselves with their classroom number and then a house.  The house is just a team of teachers that collaborate.  The middle schools that I have known also have teams, but they don't collaborate between grade levels like they do here.  It is also interesting that they associate with a room number instead of their teacher.  This is something that I had to explain to the students in my classroom here.  They kept asking me what the room numbers are in America, and it took me awhile to realize they were asking about what we called our classrooms. 

 

The students may stay with a classroom teachers for everything from math to writing, reading, and PE, but they still get out a couple times a week.  There is a Technology block at least once a week.  What they call tech here is not just learning how to use a computer.  It is everything from cooking to woodworking to media studies.  The students also have electives on Thursday which are anything from sign language to dance or Minecraft.  I love the variety of subjects that students have the option of choosing from.

 

Lunchtime is also very different than I am use to.  They have an entire hour for lunch, because it is a time that most students have sports practice.  The first 10 minutes is designated for eating, and then the children have free reign for the next 50.  I help with gymnastics on Wednesday and Friday and cheerleading on Thursdays.  Many teachers spend their lunch hours coaching a sport or activity for students.  They have teams for any student who wants to join, not just a JV and Varsity team. 

 

The whole school also has morning tea. This is a half hour in the morning that is the equivalent to snack time and recess.  The first 10 minutes are once again put aside for eating; students then can do whatever they want for the rest of the half hour.  Teachers spend this time doing guess what?? Drinking TEA! Or coffee if that is your preferred drink of choice.  Snacks are also provided for the teachers.  This is one of the best parts of the day, as it tides you over until lunch. 

 

The last main difference between American public schools and theirs? Nearly all schools have school uniforms. What might the children think of this? I'll explain this highly debated topic in a different post.  I have to say though, it certainly is interesting to hear the opinions of students who don't even question the idea of school uniforms.