How Middle School students benefit from learning at KOMPASS…

We aim to create an engaging and empowering learning environment that prepares our students for success in the 21st century. We are consequently student-centered and promote critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and social-emotional development. 

Middle school students have unique developmental needs that encompass academic, social, emotional, and physical aspects. They need a supportive learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive. Middle school students also need to feel respected, valued, and encouraged to take risks in their learning.  Also for this age group, the curriculum has to be challenging, engaging and relevant. We provide opportunities for exploration, inquiry, and hands-on learning to foster curiosity and critical thinking skills. 

Middle school students have diverse learning needs and abilities. This requires differentiated instruction to accommodate different learning styles, interests, and levels of readiness. Last but not least, adolescence is a period of significant social and emotional development. We support our teenage learners in developing self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and healthy coping skills, and to ensure a positive school climate. We also acknowledge the need for identity exploration that is normal for this age. Students are beginning to explore their identities and develop a sense of self. They need opportunities to explore their interests, passions, and values, as well as opportunities for self-expression and creativity. Learners at this age benefit from positive relationships with peers, teachers, and other adults in our KOMPASS community. These relationships provide emotional support, guidance, and mentorship, helping students feel connected and valued. 

We emphasize clear expectations and feedback. Routines and guidelines for behavior and academic performance provide the general framework for all interactions. We make sure to offer timely and constructive feedback to support growth and learning. During this exciting phase, students also acquire important life skills and start to explore career options. Practicing time management, organization, and goal-setting helps our students prepare for Highschool and beyond.

We also use a variety of formative assessment strategies, such as self-assessments, peer assessments, and performance tasks, to provide ongoing feedback.

We organize learning in small peer groups to increase engagement. In our small groups, students often feel more comfortable participating and sharing their ideas. This lead to deeper understanding of the concepts that we teach. 

With fewer students in each group, our teachers also provide more individualized attention and support to each one of our learners. This helps struggling students catch up and excel, while allowing advanced learners to explore topics in greater depth. We also observe that working in small groups helps develop important collaboration and communication skills. They learn how to listen to others, articulate their own ideas, and work together to solve problems. 

Our small learning groups also provide opportunities to build relationships with peers, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the group. It impacts the students’ ability to develop empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills. 

 This supportive and dynamic learning environment that promotes academic growth and social development.