The theme for middle school years is ‘ Effort and Excellence with Autonomy and Responsibility’ . It is the aim of the school to make ‘Complete Learners’ of the children – the ability to listen, understand, appreciate, recall and apply.

The Middle School Teacher 

In adolescence the emphasis on authority as a pedagogical gesture shifts to the teacher as an authority in a given subject field.

Based on his or her own integrity and search for truth, the teacher can lead the young person towards enthusiastic enquiry into what is true. The focus now moves towards the development of independent judgement based on sound observation.

The teacher’s quest for self-development and professional excellence provides an important role model for pupils. When authoritative guidance inspires teaching, independence is conferred on the child and conditions are laid down for the development of self-discipline in later years.

In presenting the lesson material, setting of tasks and assignments, the teacher has the responsibility to create and inspire structure in classroom management and classroom life. In consciously providing a space, the teacher offers freedom. In this creative space, there is room for dynamic interplay between absorption and assimilation; guidance and discovery; teaching and learning.

Another aspect of the middle school teacher’s work, in addition to teaching subject matter, is contributing to the character development of the children in their fold. This is achieved through frequent open and honest conversations with the students. This in turn wins the trust and confidence of the child. The teacher challenges the children with new experiences through a variety of teaching methods. The aim is to forge a new social relationship between each other and their teacher.

Looking into the World

I  look into the world

Wherein there shines the sun

Where glimmer all the stars

Where lie the silent stones

The plants that live and grow, the beasts that feel and move

Where man in soul creates a dwelling  for the spirit

I look inwards into the soul that lives within my being

The spirit of god is weaving in sunlight and in soul life 

The heights of world without

The depths of soul within

The spirit of god to thee

I turn myself in seeking 

That strength and grace and skill

For learning and for work

May live and grow in me

- Rudolf Steiner

The Middle School years have been carefully planned in such a manner that it balances both the academic requirements along with activities that will help in building their individuality and provide many opportunities for new experiences and explorations. The curriculum is designed to challenge the student’s cognitive and creative skills, promoting interest in the outer world and nurturing their inner life simultaneously.

The Curriculum and Methodology

We continue to work with the Waldorf Curriculum in grade 6 and 7. The curriculum revolves around this underlying pedagogy: to provide students with a direct experience of the phenomena studied, discover for themselves the natural laws underlying their observations and write accurate descriptions of what they observe. They experience the subjects through Main Lessons - an immersive engagement with the subject/topic at hand practice lessons where the concept is strengthened. 

The children are out of their primary years of wonder, myth and legends and are ready for study of 'cause and effect’. The academics become more detailed and elaborate - English, Math and Science, which is broken down into Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Under the larger umbrella of the Sciences, the students explore Geology and Mineralogy and Astronomy as well. Their scientific explorations and engagements are celebrated through the Science Fest at the end of the year.

In the Humanities, we begin with Roman History and the Middle Ages and then proceed to work with Medieval Indian history. eventually transitioning into revolutions and the modern times. The students look at the countries around the world - geological, climatic, social, economic, cultural and other aspects through Geography. German is introduced as a foreign language alongside Tamil. The Literature Fest and the Tamil Thiruvizha are culminating events for the Humanities. 

In the Middle School  learning becomes more intense and subject based, yet the life and soul of what Yellow Train stands for is maintained. Artistic value and creativity, provoking thought and encouraging self-learning, independence and enduring practical skills are essentials of the Middle  School Program.

Beyond Academics

The program in the Middle School years addresses all aspects of learning and growth, and in doing so provides the foundations for students to successfully mature into lifelong learners. The daily timetable also has Sports, Bothmer Gymnastics as part of physical education and farming, handwork, drama, music and art as part of other holistic elements. The assembly is a common space for students and teachers to meet once a week through singing songs from various languages and cultures. Our approach includes carefully designed learning experiences that extend well beyond the purely academic sphere; to development in our students a profound sense of self, healthy interpersonal relationships, a deep sense of global citizenship, and the skills to survive and thrive in today’s world.

Performing Arts

Dance - Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, to the given music, in a given space. Dance is an integral part of the curriculum at school. We dance during the morning circle, we dance to celebrate and we dance to perform. Children are taught different dance forms from around the world, circle dances from different cultures and local traditional dances. 

Physical Education

In Middle school, with the onset of puberty, the children spend 3-4 hours a week in the physical education lessons. Having spent many years learning to collaborate, cooperate and develop their pre-game skills, the children are now ready to meet competitive sports. They are introduced to various structured sports like Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Cricket and Throwball. They participate in track and field events. They represent the school in various inter school competitions and are now ready to face the world with grace, respect and in the true spirit of Sportsmanship. They also engage in Bothmer Gymnastics and games as a part of their physical education program.

Bothmer Gymnastics

‘Enjoy your work with the children’  were the indications and words of encouragement given to Fritz Graf Von Bothmer by Rudolf Steiner as Bothmer embarked on his new career teaching the physical education lessons to students in the first Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany. When we move we are in constant play with the forces and meaning of the space around us. From this study of space and movement comes a collection of simple core exercises called Bothmer Gymnastics, which, when practiced regularly, bring about a change of inner and outer posture and movement.

Bothmer Gymnastics is introduced to children Grade 4 and upwards. The children are initially introduced to a lot of collaborative games, which is an extension of their sports lessons. They are then slowly introduced to various movements based on the indications from Bothmer Curriculum and the requirements of each child. When children enter Middle  School, a lot of importance is given to the form and the gestures in the movement.

After School Sports and Music

The school offers opportunities for students to build their skills after school and beyond the curriculum as well. Sports and Music are offered to the children who have extra interest and wish to hone their skills. Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Cricket and Athletics are offered as options. Guitar, keyboard and Western music are offered under the Music category. The students are also trained to appear for Trinity examinations in Music and sent to various interschool meets in Sports.

To know more about The Student Initiatives and Opportunities, click here