Διασχολική Προϊσταμένη: Μαρία Βέργου
Προϊσταμένη: Μαριάννα Μουζουράκη-Μανουσέλη
Συντονίστρια: Νικολέτα Κανελλή

Overall Goal of the Middle School English Program

To graduate students whose linguistic skills will enable them to communicate effectively in both oral and written English, which will allow them to successfully attend the ESL or ENL programs in grade 10 that rely on use of authentic material.

Theoretical Framework of English Teaching in the Middle School

1. The Teaching for Understanding Framework of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Teaching practices tend to reflect the Teaching for Understanding framework set out by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Teaching for Understanding embraces the following principles:

• Clearly defined goals, on-going assessment of those goals, alternative forms of assessment (e.g. rubrics, portfolios and multiple measures), emphasis on understanding
• Promotion of life-long learning skills: critical thinking, ability of students to work independently, the fostering of individual interests
• Student-centered learning through project work, group work, use of new technologies

2. The European Dimension to English Teaching

Our curriculum objectives correspond to the Common European Framework for languages, and students’ performance is assessed in accordance with its assessment criteria.  In addition, our curriculum is more student-centered and interdisciplinary. This integrated approach to the learning of English encourages inquiry and collaboration, fostering critical thinking skills.

Methods of Instruction that reinforce language acquisition:

·         Exclusive use of English in classroom, both by students and teachers

·         Research and Information Skills library sessions are conducted in English

·         Integration of CMS and other applications of technology that enrich learning experience

·         Use of audio-visual aids to facilitate learning

·         Differentiated teaching strategies

Programs Taught

ENL (English as a Native Language): this program is designed for students who have a native or near-native level of English proficiency.

ESL (English as a Second Language): this program is designed for students who function in English with a commendable level of fluency in English but sometimes at the expense of accuracy. These students have often had exposure to native language outside the school environment.

EFL (English as a Foreign Language): this program is designed for students who benefit from structured, sequentially organized instruction in the language. EFL learners have been exposed to the English language primarily through classroom instruction.  These students gradually acquire a level of linguistic competency that enables them to perform at an ESL level.                              

Research and Information Skills

In the first year of Middle School, the Research and Information Skills project runs for one class period per week for two trimesters, and is planned and taught in collaboration with the staff of the Athens College-Psychico College Library. The primary goal of the course is to teach students the skills they need to conduct research through accessing and processing information, using a variety of sources, including new technology. Students prepare an oral presentation as a culminating task. Year two and three Middle School students also engage in week long, theme based library research projects in all programs.  For these projects, an essay and an oral presentation are the culminating tasks.

Extra-Curricular Activities and English Clubs

The following clubs are offered in English for the academic year 2010-2011:

• Forensics Club :  The HAEF Forensics Club  
• English Rhetorical Club
• “Punchline” English school magazine
• Photography Club
• Arts and Crafts Club
• Origami Club
•  Cooking Club
• Game Busters Club
• “Rock n’ Roll” Club  

Other activities include:

• an annual charity drive that takes place in conjunction with the third educational  field trip
•   the annual Thanksgiving Celebration