Middle School Curriculum

The American International School of Cape Town uses a US-based, international school curriculum. Our teachers use a framework used by teachers at other similar international schools. The academic program is based predominantly on the US system but is enhanced by the latest curriculum materials, resources and teaching practices from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and international school bodies. This is the natural product of employing staff from many countries to work with students from an even more diverse range of backgrounds.

Students engage in a wide range of interactive learning experiences, both on and off campus. These activities assist each student in developing a sound core of knowledge, a sense of logic, intellectual confidence and life-long learning skills.

AISCT also takes advantage of the many learning opportunities unique to an international school setting and our location in South Africa. Most importantly, the school aims to foster a lasting love of learning.

AISCT is recognized by the South African Department of Education as an independent school and by the Californian-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We have adopted and follow the Content Standards for California Public Schools.

English-Language Arts Content Standards (PDF)

Mathematics Content Standards (PDF)

English Language Arts

The English language arts program at AISCT seeks to enrich and develop students’ experiences and skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English.

Reading is recognized as an important communication skill in its own right as well as the passport to knowledge and the world’s literature. Students are provided with a range of fiction and non-fiction reading experiences aimed at enhancing their ability to read fluently and use the printed word effectively for a variety of purposes. A broad-based program of reading is a cornerstone of the English program at AISCT.

The Middle School English classes build on and extend the breadth of reading genres to which the students are exposed in the Elementary School. Students at all levels are also encouraged to value reading as an enjoyable experience. Pleasure reading is encouraged as a home study.

Writing, including process writing and spelling, is an important communication skill which contributes to success at all levels of education and in the world beyond. Students at AISCT are encouraged to view writing as a tool for learning across the curriculum and, therefore, are given opportunities to write frequently for a range of purposes and in a variety of forms. Through the writing process, students are taught to draft and edit their writing as necessary and use the standard conventions of written language, grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Teachers at AISCT assist in the development of students’ speaking and listening skills by providing opportunities to use oral language in a range of formal and informal situations and for a variety of purposes. Speaking and listening activities also extend to exploring the world of theatre and modern communication technologies.

Social Studies

The AISCT social studies classes help students develop knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enhance their sense of personal and social identity and enable them to participate effectively in maintaining or improving the quality of their society and their environment. The courses promote a balance between content and skills. Multi-media resources, maps, globes, guest speakers, field trips and local resources are utilized to enhance learning experiences.

Within the strands of history, geography and society, students investigate a broad range of topics relating to personal, environmental and social issues, significant people and areas. The core curriculum focuses on aiding students in understanding how people live in a particular geographic location and how they are affected in their economic structure and cultural traditions and how one culture interacts with others.

In Grade 6, students examine the origins of civilization and their cultural legacy. Students use The Ancient World as their basic text. The Grade 7 course concerns with the rise of modern individualized civilization through the study of medieval times, as well as a special focus on African geography, history and culture towards the end of the year. Grade 8 students participate in a course that initially focuses on Asia and the Pacific and shifts to Latin American studies in the second semester.

Mathematics

The AISCT mathematics curriculum provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of individual, small group and whole-class learning situations. Activities are planned to help students experience success and develop a positive attitude towards math and themselves as mathematicians. The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving strategies, computational skills and logical thinking and encourages students to apply their work to real life situations.

Grade 6 students study number sense, forming a strong computational base of knowledge. Grades 7 and 8 students work on basic Pre-Algebra skills with the Prentice-Hall series in preparation for the components of High School mathematics. These texts are enhanced by a wide range of teaching materials and resources, including manipulatives and computer applications, which students use to understand, create and visualize mathematical concepts and processes. The use of computers and calculators in math is included as a strategic life skill.

Science

Through investigation of the major strands of science, the AISCT science classes assist students in developing understanding of natural phenomena and acquiring the skills, thinking processes, knowledge and attitudes relevant to science and scientific investigation. In Grade 6 earth science is explored, in Grade 7 is life science and finally in Grade 8 is physical science.

At every grade level, developmentally appropriate topics from each strand of science are covered in a progressive manner. At AISCT, students will be taught the steps of the scientific method to ensure the logical investigation of problems and to aid in the development of analytical, critical thinking.

Foreign Languages

Students are able to choose French or Spanish as a foreign language study. Basic instruction in the languages is offered to all age levels.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade            Points                  Percentage

A+                               4.3                            97% to 100%
A                                 4.0                            93% to 96%
A-                                3.7                            90% to 92%
B+                               3.3                            87% to 89%
B                                 3.0                            83% to 86%
B-                                2.7                            80% to 82%
C+                               2.3                            77% to 79%
C                                 2.0                            73% to 76%
C-                                1.7                             70% to 72%
D+                               1.3                            67% to 69%
D                                 1.0                            63% to 66%
D-                                0.7                            60% to 62%
F                                  0.0                             0% to 59%