The Middle School Turkish program integrates the principles of both the Ministry of Education curriculum and the MYP’s concept-driven and inquiry based curriculum. In classes students demonstrate their creativity and self-assess themselves while expressing their feelings and ideas. They develop critical, creative and personal approaches to analyzing and studying literary and non-literary texts. They engage with texts from various cultural and historical periods as well as learn the features of both our own culture and other cultures. They explore language through the use of a range of media and develop lifelong reading skills as a matter of habit. Students are encouraged to use their language skills in various authentic contexts. Classes make use of a reading booklet that includes various texts selected by the course teacher as well as other selected readings by Turkish and foreign authors. Using these texts, students undertake inquiry, make their own definitions, ask questions and make real life connections with what they read. They also discuss local and global current events through reading selected newspaper articles and essays. At the end of the Turkish program, students become individuals who can look at life from many perspectives, think in detail, solve problems effectively and use their mother tongue eloquently, express themselves well, read and most importantly, produce things.
GOALS:
- To help students develop speaking, reading and writing skills
- To help students use Turkish language with awareness, accuracy and eloquence in accordance with its speaking and writing rules
- To help them develop thinking, understanding, ordering, questioning, relating, critiquing, predicting, interpreting, analyzing and synthesizing and evaluating skills
- To help them achieve a taste and awareness for language by enriching their vocabulary based on what they read, listen to and watch; and further develop their feelings, ideas and imagination
- To help them develop a love and habit of reading and writing
- To help them express their feelings and ideas or their opinion or stance about a topic effectively and clearly both orally and in writing
- To help them develop fundamental skills such as scientific, constructive, critical and creative thinking, self-expression, communication, cooperation, problem solving and entrepreneurship
- To help them research, discover, interpret and visualize information
- To help them to develop the skills of accessing information through use of print and multimedia resources, as well as use and produce information
- To help them inquire into what is shared in multimedia environments
- To help them develop in personal, social and cultural domains
- To encourage them to give importance to national, spiritual, moral, historical, cultural, social, aesthetic and artistic values; as well as help them further strengthen their patriotic feelings and thoughts
- To help them know and appreciate national and universal values through exposing them to the examples of the Turkish culture and arts as well as the world culture and arts.
GOALS
In grades 5-8 mathematics classes, we aim at helping students acquire the skills and attitudes listed below:
- To enjoy Mathematics and to be curious
- To gain basic Mathematical operational and algebraic skills
- To gain necessary mathematical skills to analyze incidents in their daily lives, to model and interpret them in order to make informed decisions
- To know Mathematics language and use it correctly
- To develop the skills to access mathematical resources and use these resources appropriately
- To use current technology (graphic calculators, ipads etc.) in an advanced way to support mathematics learning
- To be open to changes and innovations
- To gain disciplined study habits
- To analyse and think in a rational and critical way
- To make connections between Mathematics and other lessons and daily life.
We will achieve these aims
- By supporting students who find Mathematics difficult while ensuring that the successful advance one step further and
- By supporting students who wish to participate in national and international Mathematics competitions.
In order to reach these goals, we use a variety of teaching and learning techniques such as differentiated group work and using visual materials to reinforce what students have learned.
In addition to this, we use various interactive web sites, and i-pad applications during our lessons.
ENKA Middle School is an MYP Candidate school and our students learn MYP units through inquiry and perform summative assessments at the end of units.
Each year, some Grade 5 and 6 students attend ECIS Math Quest. We will be hosting this international competition in April, 2019 at ENKA.
The middle school English program serves as a bridge from the elementary to the high school, preparing them for the challenges that lay ahead and moving from communicative to academic skills. Our aim is to challenge our students to reach their personal best by increasing fluency and accuracy in the use of English. There is a heavy focus on the development of reading and writing skills. In reading, students are taught an array of reading skills to help improve their comprehension, interpretation and analysis of texts. In writing, students are exposed to a range of genres, and the importance of content and process are taught hand in hand.
At the end of Grade 8 students take an English Proficiency examination which is set at an intermediate level of English. The examination is made up of 4 parts, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Each is worth 25 points. Students who pass this examination with a mark of 70 points or higher will pass on to Grade 9, but those who do not are given the opportunity to focus themselves on developing their English by attending a Preparatory year where they study 20 periods of English per week.
Specifically, the middle school English program aims to:
- Engage students in conversations, providing and obtaining information, expressing feelings, and exchanging opinions and ideas fluently regarding a wide range of topics
- Enable the students to read and respond to an extensive range of texts whilst using a range of skills and strategies
- Enable the students to produce well-structured texts for a variety of purposes using standard conventions of English
- Enable the students to begin to analyse literature for universal themes and devices used by authors.
GOALS
The Modern Foreign Languages German and French programs have the following goals. We aim for students’ to develop the skills and the knowledge listed below:
- Proficiency in the 4 language skills; reading –understanding, speaking, listening, and writing
- Understand basic concepts and sentences used in daily life
- Communicate when the speaking is not too fast and when it is understandable
- Talking about themselves and their education etc, using simple concepts. Expressing their daily needs.
German-French Course:
The Modern Foreign Languages Program – designed for Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 students – focuses on introducing a new language with an approach of “communication”. According to this approach, speaking German/French in the class is very important. The language of instruction is German/French which enables students to develop communication skills. Our basic aim is to help students develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Students learn actively by doing, trying, and participating in the process. We ensure that students get the necessary vocabulary and sentence structures to express themselves simply. Another aim is to ensure that students learn a new culture through songs, celebrations and literature. As the world becomes a global village, and international exchanges continue to increase rapidly, it is inevitable that our students will encounter different cultures and languages in their daily lives. Learning a new language thus becomes more important as they learn to become active citizens in this global community.
GOALS
In grades 5-8 Science classes, we aim to help students acquire the knowledge and skills listed below:
Science literate individuals:
- Are lifelong learners who are searchers, inquirers, make judgements based on rational thinking, can solve problems, are self-confident, entrepreneurs, open to co-operation, who can express themselves and have sustainable development awareness
- Have science knowledge, skills, positive attitudes and moral and national values
- Have the understanding of the relationship between science, engineering, technology, society and the environment
- Are equipped with the skills to explore and live in harmony with nature
- Are respectful to cultural and universal values and sensitive to social problems
- Are able to integrate science into other disciplines and turn their theoretical knowledge into products
- Understand the scientific method and implement it while exploring natural phenomena
- Are able to evaluate scientific ideas, synthesize them, solve problems and carry out accurate analyses and calculations and present their findings in an appropriate manner
- Use scientific terminology accurately and can express scientific concepts in English
- Are able to access necessary scientific resources for themselves and use current technology in an advanced way to support their learning
- Play active roles in group work and exhibit leadership skills
- Are aware of the importance of safety for themselves and for others when conducting experiments.
The Science Department uses laboratory tasks, group activities, and scientific research skills to ensure that students gain these skills. We have projects on one hand and differentiated activities on the other for understanding and learning. Visual materials are also used to reinforce what students have learned. In addition to this, we use various interactive web sites and ipad applications in our lessons.
We support students who have difficulties and ensure that successful students advance one step further. We also support students who wish to take part in national and international science exams.
ENKA Middle School is an MYP candidate school and our students learn MYP units through inquiry and partake in summative assessments at the end of units.
GOALS
Through the Design curriculum, we aim at helping students acquire the knowledge and skills listed below:
- Explaining the importance Atatürk attached to science and technology, giving supporting evidence
- Creating an original product for the effective presentation of information, using various media resources
- Explaining concepts about content by making models, simulations or concept maps
- Using digital resources in cooperative working environments
- Using digital tools to manage personal data and time
- Using information tools and resources for interdisciplinary tasks and turning their individual goals into real products and projects
- Using different digital tools to access, edit or evaluate information
- Evaluating the accuracy, reliability, and impartiality of the information received from online information resources
- Making assumptions, developing strategies and evaluating decisions when solving a problem
- Developing strategies to solve simple hardware and software problems
- Defining and sequencing instructions to be followed by a computer and turn them into an algorithm
- Discussing topics related to using technology in an appropriate and responsible manner and the consequences thereof
- Discussing the future effects of technology on the community.
In their design lessons, we expect students to produce solutions to problems that they encounter in their daily lives by using information technology tools and resources. Students learn the requirements of being a digital citizen through the curriculum which ill equip them with knowledge and skills compatible with design oriented thinking, problem solving and algorithmic thinking. Students can use word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, drawing and presentation programs appropriately to generate products. They can interpret a visual material design and develop an appropriate multimedia work. Students can write their own codes or remix existing codes during the design lessons, where coding is introduced to students by using visual programing languages. Grade 5 and 6 students can develop physical interfaces for the applications they have developed. They learn 3D Modelling and Arduino in Grade 7 and 8.
Our aim is to develop students’ creativity and originality and to ensure that they produce aesthetical works. We aim at raising students who have universal values, who can analyse art history and who are sensitive to contemporary art activities. We provide them all necessary materials to express themselves and we aim to contribute to their personal development through group activities.
There are three learning areas in the Visual Arts program, in line with the Ministry of Education curriculum
- Visual Communication and Modeling
- Art Criticism and Aesthetics
- Cultural Heritage
We build connections to the MYP program for all art activities throughout the year.
What are we doing now?
Personal Exhibitions of Students
We give opportunities to students – who are interested in Art and who produce works- to hold exhibitions. Students need to participate actively in Art lessons, to create original and appropriate works, and to attend activities in and out of the school. We want students to be an example for their peers and to be interested in Art throughout their lives.
Caricature Event
One of the important events in the Art Department is the Caricature Event. Students use their draughtsmanship, and thinking processes. We organize this event annually. We have different themes every year. Famous caricature artists also come to the school to talk to our students and to organize workshops. Caricature events give a universal perspective to the students
Art Festival
We organize an Art Festival every year. It is for all grade levels. Students meet with visual artists and take part in activities in an entertaining environment. They express themselves with original designs.
Artists in the School
We host various artists such as painters and ceramic, sculpture and photography artists for 1-2 months, once every week. Students become familiar with the art-making process by making observations. They talk to artists and organize workshops.
The Music curriculum is in line with Ministry of Education curriculum requirements for Grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 . All activities and tasks prepare students for the IB music program.
Middle School students study a 2 hour elective music course (instrument) and a 1 hour general music knowledge (MYP Music) Course.
Starting in Grade 5, students choose a music instrument and keep studying it till end of Grade 10.
Our goals:
- To raise individuals who are interested in Art and Culture, who research and who can recognize high-quality music
- To develop skills associated with musical games, listening, creativity, rhythm, body language and note learning
- To help students understand the importance of culture, art and music for people and their communities
- To help students take an interest in the applications of musical technologies today
- To encourage students to participate in music groups both in and out of the school by playing instruments or singing.
We aim at making sure that students are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviors for an active, balanced and a healthy lifestyle. By giving them active learning opportunities, we develop students’ problem solving, implementation, individual and team participation skills and we make sure that they gain the skill of appreciating differences and similarities. We also aim at turning the sportive skills into a lifelong habit.
At the Physical Education Courses, our students:
- Know the importance of doing sports
- Gain the basic skills and behavior habits about sports
- Know game rules of well-known sports
- Are able to follow the sports that they are interested in in their daily lives as well
- Are able to participate in competitions and tournaments in sports which they have learned at school
- Can make the connection between diet and sports
- Knows basic hygiene rules
- Have the concept of safety when doing sports
- Have the concept of fair-play at games and competitions
- Can celebrate the ones who win and can accept defeat
- Can make simple organizations
- Have MYP concepts, skills and criteria
- Can introduce sports to their surroundings and get people to love sports
- Know the sports that our country participates in Olympiads
- Know the history of the sports that they do
- Are familiar with the water consumption, pulse, sports diet, simple first aid, Atatürk’s perspective to sports, and sports for the handicapped.
Social Studies
Private ENKA Middle School Social Studies Department has embraced the vision of reflecting national and global changes and developments on the education programs.
Our goal is to raise students who are equipped with the basic democratic values, respectful to human rights, sensitive to their surroundings, who are creative thinkers, who can take good decisions, who have high social skills, understood the scientific knowledge production methods, active in social life, productive, and know their rights and responsibilities.
Parallel to these aims;