As we continue to expand and grow our student population, we are offering classes for Pre-K to Grade 8 for the upcoming 2025 - 2026 school year. I invite you all to explore our website, to check us out on Instagram and come take a tour of our facilities to see all that we have to offer. By committing to ABS, you have the unique opportunity to grow along with us as we establish a school committed to life-long learning, enriched programming and adventures, and strong home and school relationships.
The middle school curriculum at ABSK becomes more challenging and rigorous as it builds on the skills students have solidified in previous grades. Middle school students are expected to use these foundational skills to read and think more critically and creatively as they must support their opinions and ideas both orally and in writing with specific evidence and research.
While students receive instruction in English, mathematics, science, Kuwait and world social studies, Arabic and Islamic, they are expected to transfer the skills learned in each subject to other areas as they engage in cross curricular and inquiry-based learning, projects and debates. In addition, they attend music, art, physical education and computer classes. Students are supported by subject-specific teachers who provide enriching and thought-provoking activities designed to inspire, motivate and challenge the developing minds of their students.
English continues to be the backbone of instruction for middle school students. There is much research on the importance of becoming literate as it ensures that students will acquire the competencies to compete in an ever-changing world. It supports the need for students to read critically to build vocabulary and to analyze, synthesize and make informed judgements as they look for bias and inaccuracies as they delve deeper into a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts on a range of topics and genres. Students are expected to defend their ideas and opinions and challenge themselves to look beyond the obvious. Literacy instruction happens across the curriculum as each subject has specific vocabulary, genres and writing forms and formats students must master.
Engaging students in real life problems that require logical thinking, and mathematical competency are the goals of math instruction at ABSK. Our teachers create activities that require reasoning and problem-solving not just a regurgitation of facts and equations or assigning text book pages. Students are often assigned partners or placed in small groups to find ways to solve a variety of problems. These problems are designed to tax their thinking and often require them to make assumptions, use estimation, reasoning, calculation, and think ‘outside the box’. Once they deem that their answer is reasonable, they are encouraged to share it with surrounding peers and/or the whole class. Sharing their work with their peers requires additional skill sets that include using appropriate and specific vocabulary and articulating their thinking specifically organizing the steps taken, the assumptions and or misconceptions made and finally presenting their solution. Relating math problems to real life allows our students to see the practical and real value that math has and will continue to have in both their personal and professional lives.
Assessment is a necessary part of the learning process. In addition to short quizzes, bi-weekly and end of unit tests, middle school students must write 2 sets of exams in the following subjects: English, math, science, Kuwait social studies, Arabic and Islamic. While tests generally address a partial or completed unit of study, exams encompass the broad skills and concepts addressed throughout the semester. On-going preparation and study help to reduce both the need to cram and the anxiety that may occur. Our teachers prepare study guides and spend time in class to review using games and programs such as Kahoot, Jeopardy, and Concentration to promote interest and infuse an element of fun into the study process.
Homework is assigned to strengthen and solidify the concepts and skills through practice and reflection. Middle school students at ABSK should expect to have 50 – 75 minutes of homework on a regular basis. Having a quiet space devoid of distractions helps students to focus on the task at hand and to maximize the time spent completing assignments, preparing for tests, or working on a project. Regular study helps to reduce stress and develop self-awareness, time-management, organization, perseverance, and independence.
While it may seem that middle school students have developed independence and no longer need support that is simply not the case. Your support and guidance continue to play an important role in your child’s education. Asking questions and listening carefully to the answers will help you stay involved and show your child that you are still very much a part of his educational journey. We encourage you to continue to attend events and maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. This too sends a clear message to your child that home and school are working together to support, encourage, and guide him on a path to success.
Middle school students are still very impressionable and while they may think of themselves as mini adults, they are still developing important traits and work habits that are critical for ongoing success. At ABSK we address inclusion, tolerance, kindness, self-regulation and independence as these traits create well rounded citizens who can successfully function in an ever-changing global society.
