Dover Middle School
Academic Learning Programme

The learning programme at UWCSEA consists of five interlinking elements—academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service—that provide our students with a holistic, values-based education. The academic programme provides students with a stimulating and challenging experience that is differentiated to allow for differing learning styles. This guide focuses on the academic element of our learning programme.

As students progress to the Middle School, they refine the core interdisciplinary skills initiated in the Primary School. They have more subject specialist teachers guiding them in fundamental subject specific skills required for higher studies. Students are still exposed to a broad and balanced range of subjects, with the opportunity to develop in all relevant areas; from physical, technical, creative, numerate and deductive, rational and experiential, to empathic and evaluative.

Our courses are created from best practice design principles which are research-based and provide an age-appropriate, varied and challenging experience for our students.

Currently, we have a team of experienced international school educators continuing to define, develop and implement College-wide K–12 standards for all subject areas. The goal is to ensure a cohesive concept-based curriculum that offers a linked progression between the curricula in the different schools. This ongoing work is to ensure that we continue to develop an academic curriculum that focuses on the process of learning, is challenging and reflects our mission, vision and values.

The Middle School academic curriculum comprises:

• English – English focuses on developing students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. In addition to critical reading, analysis and written output, students develop lifelong reading habits through a well-resourced and guided independent reading program. 

• Languages – Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish or English as an Additional Language (EAL) – Most students will study a language other than English with the exception of some who are placed in EAL.

• Humanities – Humanities includes topical units in Geography, History, Economics and current affairs to help foster students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. English and Humanities are taught as an integrated course in Grade 6. 

• Mathematics – In Mathematics, students develop the quantitative, statistical and conceptual mathematical skills they will need for high school and beyond.

• Science – The Science programme includes units from the primary scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as developing the students’ scientific investigation skills.

• Design and Technology –  In this subject, students are given the opportunity to carry out design thinking in a variety of practical environments. Students experience the design process from conception to realisation to evaluation, and learn the required skills to prototype their ideas through a range of new and traditional technologies.

• Physical Education (PE) –  The PE course fosters a positive disposition toward physical activities and supports the development of physical skills as well as physical and social development.

• Arts: Drama, Music and Visual Arts – Students are exposed to a variety of experiences in the Arts while developing fundamental skills in each subject.

• Life Skills – Life Skills is an integral component of the Personal and Social Education element of our learning programme. The purpose of this course is to help our students develop into healthy, independent, confident, aware and assertive young people.

• Study Skills – This course offers students extended support for their learning; students need to be recommended for the course by their teacher, Head of Grade or Admissions.

Our Middle School academic curriculum is constantly evolving and improving, and this site provides a snapshot at the time of publication. Curriculum updates are posted online with up-to-date news of the curriculum and events, and parents are informed when they are available.