Middle School

List of 6 items.

• STEM 

  The Grades 7 and 8 STEM program provides dynamic, hands-on learning through design thinking, project-based learning, and collaboration. Mathematics serves as the backbone of the STEM curriculum with reasoning, proving, reflecting, and connecting embedded into every task, enabling students to represent, analyze, and solve real-world problems. Learning is authentic, actionable, and meaningful, with students presenting their projects to real-world audiences, from peers to experts. 
  
  In Grade 7, students explore structural engineering by designing props for a school production, engage in scientific experimentation to separate mixtures, and model ecosystems through mathematical tools like probability and proportional reasoning. In Grade 8, students advance to financial literacy projects, cellular biology inquiries, and system-thinking challenges, including robotics and AI applications. 

• Humanities 

  The Grades 7 and 8 humanities program integrates reading, writing, and research to explore identity, history, and storytelling. Writing is central to the humanities program, with a strong emphasis on the writing process. Students brainstorm, draft, revise, and edit their work while learning to incorporate elements such as descriptive details, dialogue, and symbolism from writing workshops. A love of reading is at the heart of the humanities program and students explore diverse genres and authors that resonate with their interests. Whether conducting interviews for oral histories, designing a monument proposal, or discussing literary themes, students learn to listen attentively, respect diverse perspectives, and work effectively in teams throughout the humanities program. 

• French 

  The Grades 7 and 8 French program is designed to immerse students in dynamic, engaging, and authentic language learning experiences. Through the study of diverse texts, media, and cultural contexts, students develop their skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a particular emphasis on oral communication and collaboration. Differentiated instruction ensures that all learners, from beginners to advanced speakers, are supported and challenged.

• The Arts 

  Music 

  The Middle School Music Program has been developed to support students in fostering a love of music and building foundational skills. The following principles have shaped our program:

  • To foster a lifelong appreciation of and engagement with music
  • Building an empathetic community through shared experiences of playing, performing, creating, and reflecting on music
  • Creating a non-competitive, low-stakes environment for expressing creativity and play-based experimentation
  • Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning through self-directed and collaborative inquiry, project design, and assessment
  • Introducing students to diverse perspectives to foster critical engagement with music
  • Approaching music through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the goal of maximizing accessibility in music education to reach the most learners and providing multiple entry points for students based on interest and ability

  In Grades 7 and 8, the guitar is the primary instrument in our core music program that every Grade 7 and 8 student participates in. Opportunities for composition and improvisation using the creative process are explored through creating original compositions and recordings using GarageBand on their laptops.

   

  In addition to our core music program, students in Grades 7 & 8 select an additional Performing Arts Elective. This is an opportunity for students to apply their skills learned in our core music class to a performance program of their choice. The Performance Elective options are:

  • College Choir – Choristers learn foundational singing techniques and rehearsal skills through ensemble performance and  sing in our weekly Evensong services, Service of Lessons and Carols, and other performances
  • Concert Band – Students participate in the Concert Band rehearsal process to prepare repertoire for performances throughout the year
  • Drama/Songwriting & Production – Students spend one half of the year in Drama and the other half in Songwriting & Production. In Drama, students explore techniques in acting (stage and screen), theatre production, and script writing. In Songwriting & Production, students explore song structure, improvisation, and composition on a range of instruments and digital programs

  Visual Arts 

  Art becomes a powerful avenue for students to explore ideas, emotions, and identity, helping them connect with themselves and the world around them while exploring a variety of mediums and techniques. With a focus on imagination and individuality, the Visual Arts program nurtures each student’s unique artistic voice in a supportive and inspiring environment.

• Physical Education and Health

  The Grades 7 and 8 Physical Education and Health program is designed to develop students’ physical literacy, teamwork, and overall well-being through diverse activities such as team sports, individual fitness challenges, cooperative games, and skill-based drills. Outdoor activities such rock climbing, curling and city excursions in Grade 8 promote active living and a connection to nature.  In health education, students explore critical topics such as mental health, nutrition, sleep, healthy relationships, and substance use incorporating real-life scenarios and encouraging open discussion. Our teachers stay responsive to challenges students are navigating and build learning environments where students feel comfortable speaking about their worries, emotions, and curiosities.

• Student Support

  At RSGC, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our student support model is grounded in a tiered approach that responds to individual learning needs through collaboration, compassion, and evidence-based practice. Support is coordinated through our Resource Team, which works closely with teachers, families, and students to implement accommodations, develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and provide direct instruction in areas such as executive functioning, literacy, and numeracy.

   

  We use psychoeducational assessments, classroom observations, and teacher insights to design personalized strategies that promote independence, build self-advocacy, and foster academic and social-emotional growth. Whether through in-class support, small-group instruction, or targeted intervention, our approach honours neurodiversity and reflects our commitment to inclusion, equity, and student well-being.