Overview and Philosophy

The primary goal of The Universal American School Middle School is to fully prepare the whole child – academically, socially and emotionally – for the independence, rigors and responsibilities of high school.  The significant transition from elementary school to middle school is accomplished with close coordination between administrators, faculty and staff of both schools.

The Middle School administration, faculty and staff are dedicated to assisting each student with successful navigation through a stimulating and challenging series of learning experiences.  Students are required to master high academic standards and benchmarks in each subject area and to adhere to the Honor Code and behavioral expectations needed to be successful in life.  Each student is expected to take full responsibility for his/her learning, behavior and success in school. 

In accordance with the school’s Honor Code, all Middle School programs and activities are based firmly on the belief that student success is predicated on daily application of respectful, cooperative and trusting behavior.  Respect, trust and cooperation require regular, honest and open lines of communication between all parents.  Parents and teachers are strongly encouraged to maintain regular contact in face-to-face meetings, by phone and/or by e-mail.  Everyone must do his/her part to ensure success for each child.

 

Curriculum

The Middle School years are a time of significant physical, social and emotional growth for 5^th-8^th Grade students. To assist our students through this transformation we offer a curriculum of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies within a technology-rich, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment. Electives, such as Art, STEAM, Spanish, Music and Physical Education offer students an opportunity to explore their interests. Arabic, Arabic as a Foreign Language, Islamic Religion and the Holy Quran are also part of the Middle School curriculum. Middle School students may also be involved with intramurals and inter-school scholastic activities. A full time Middle School Counselor provides services for students, parents and teachers.

 

Language Arts

The language arts program builds upon skills learned in previous years. The program focuses on the student’s ability to read, write, speak and listen in an English language medium. This allows students to improve their spelling, grammar and writing style, as well as develop their language acquisition skills. In the upper grades, students read, analyze and respond to short stories, plays, novels and poems. Writing as a process is emphasized, as well as organization and grammar.

Social Studies

The Middle School Social Studies curriculum is rigorous and includes reading, writing, listening, speaking and technology skills and course specific content. Students produce products demonstrating their mastery of skills and content from high tech presentations to written reports. In the sixth grade, students examine and appreciate the world through its cultural foundations in World Cultures. In the seventh grade, the students look at the modern world through examination of issues, conflicts and demographics with emphasis on political and economic issues. In the eighth grade, students put all the pieces together to focus on American History from Pre-Columbian times to American Civil war in the 1860’s. Kuwait Social Studies are also covered, as required by the Ministry of Education.

Mathematics

The Middle School mathematics curriculum begins with Middle School Math and ends with Algebra. Sixth Grade students increase their mathematical knowledge by working with whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals. Geometry (perimeter, area and volume) and basic algebraic properties are covered. In the seventh grade, Pre-Algebra is introduced. Eighth Grade Algebra concentrates on writing, solving, and graphing linear equations/in equations and quadratic equations.

Science

The Middle School Science Program is an integrated curriculum in which Life, Earth and Physical Science content are woven throughout the course offerings. Each course is built around integrated units involving chemistry, physics, biology and earth science. The goal of the Middle School Science Program is to promote a love and understanding of science while acquiring important scientific skills.

Foreign Languages

The Middle School offers Arabic, Arabic as a Second Language and Spanish as courses.

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (STEAM) is an important part of the Middle School curriculum. Students are provided opportunities to transfer and apply learning from core classes to real life situations.

Physical Education

The Middle School Physical Education program assists in the continuing physical, mental, social and emotional development of students as they make the transition from childhood to adolescence. The Physical Education program provides students opportunities to learn sportsmanship, cooperation, motor skills principles, fitness and the physical and social benefits of exercise.

Art

The goal of Middle School is to refine student art skills through an introduction of multifaceted concepts. Project work is designed to incorporate advanced techniques while instilling a feeling of accomplishment, confidence and self-esteem.

Music

UAS Middle School Music Program examines the study of music performance, history, theory, technology, and appreciation of the arts across various cultures. Some of the topics covered in the course include how we hear music; how music affects our lives; elements such as rhythm, pitch, and harmony; musical genres; music composition; and music. Through a combination of written lessons, videos, activities, and discussions students will encounter a wide variety of concepts related to music.