The Middle School is a place of transition. Students arrive in Year 7 having been the most senior students in their Primary school, and are immediately consigned to the bottom of the pecking order, before they gradually move through their formative years. The move into the Middle School brings with it a greater expectation. The demands of the academic program increases and students are exposed to examinations, often for the first time, and there is a dire need for an adjustment of priorities. Distractions become an issue as demands on a student’s time increase. The mobile phone becomes an indispensable accessory, I-PODs are a must and there is an increased interest in members of the opposite gender. With this comes a concern for self-image.

At the end of their time in the Middle School, our aim is to have students ready for the challenges of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and to be good people. The most effective way to develop the behaviours and attitudes required to reach this aim is for the efforts of the staff at school and the parents at home to be collaborative.

Year 9 and 10 students study the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is a course designed by Cambridge University and is chosen by most International Schools around the world. The IGCSE curriculum allows students to study in greater depth, the subject areas and topics introduced in year 7 and 8.

The IGCSE is a two year course, with students sitting for examinations at the completion of the second year. The examination result comprises the main part of a students’ final grade; with 20% derived from internal tasks such as assignments, oral presentations and practical reports. Most examinations are of four hours duration, with slightly longer exams required for Art and Drama. Subjects are assessed on an eight point scale from A+ to G. For students to be awarded the IGCSE certificate, they must obtain a grade of C+ or better in five of their eight subjects.

Four subjects are compulsory for students at SPIS; English, Mathematics, a second language (Hindi or French) and a science (Combined science; or Physics, Chemistry or Biology). Other subjects offered are History, Geography, Business studies, Computer studies, Accounting, Art and Drama. These give students an opportunity to specialize in those areas that interest them, or to maintain a general approach to their studies so as to maximize their options at the beginning of Year 11.

In addition, students choose one of two languages other than English. At present, we offer French and Hindi as our second languages.