Middle School

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Middle School (Grades 5–8) at the International School of the Sacred Heart.

When I think of our Sacred Heart Middle School students, I think of energy and enthusiasm, an eager curiosity and a willingness to learn. I think of their active participation in our strong and varied curriculum and the dedicated faculty that will guide them. I think of the sports they will practice, the music and drama they will perform and the art that they will create. I think of the many clubs that they can explore and the exciting after-school activities that they can involve themselves in. I think of their rich and diverse cultural backgrounds, languages and experiences, and the friendships that they will share and the values they will learn.

For me, Middle School is all about growing. Growing as a student and learning new academic content and skills is something that we all expect, parents, teachers, and students alike. At Sacred Heart, we certainly provide this and more. But, just as importantly, being a Sacred Heart Middle School student is about growing as a person and finding their place in their world. It is about strengthening their faith and beliefs. Strengthening their understanding of, and empathy for, those around them. And above all, strengthening their sense of belonging. Because for a Middle School student, really feeling like they truly belong to a community is so very important. 

When I think of this, I am reminded of the first time I stepped into Sacred Heart as a new teacher in 2005. I instantly felt the intellect, the professionalism and the warmth of the faculty and staff, and the passionate intent with which my students wanted to learn. I immediately felt part of this wonderful community and I have been here ever since.

With that in mind, I welcome you again to our Middle School community at the International School of the Sacred Heart.

A Place for Girls to Grow

For Sacred Heart girls, Middle School is about growing up and finding themselves: identifying their passions, strengthening their values, and learning to build relationships. Our Middle School programme is designed to support them in doing just that, independently and with teacher guidance. Our Options programme encourages students to engage in a class relevant to their interests or to try something new, from jazz dance to robotics to Japanese crafts. Weekly Values lessons provide a forum for girls to engage with world religions and discuss and discover their own beliefs and sense of empathy and morality. Extracurriculars such as athletics, arts, clubs, and Student Council provide an opportunity for girls to find what moves them and take on leadership roles through their years in Middle School.

A Strong the Academic Foundation

Leading up to our college preparatory High School curriculum, Middle School at Sacred Heart prepares students not just to succeed, but to thrive in our rigorous Grades 9–12 programme. The Middle School curriculum focuses not just on learning academic concepts, but on gaining communication, collaboration, time management, study, and research skills that will serve students well as they continue their academic journeys. 

A Middle School Experience Just for Girls

Our girls know they can be anything—all of their role models at school are girls! From the Student Council to their club leaders and the girls they look up to in High School, Middle School students at Sacred Heart never have to question if a path is "for girls," because they know it is! Research indicates girls at all-girls schools feel more confident to learn, present, speak out, and lead when compared with their peers at coeducational institutions.  Middle School at ISSH is designed specifically to nurture girls in an environment where they thrive.