Academics

Middle School Program

from Grade 6 to Grade 8

Middle School is a fantastic time in the development of a student. They begin to learn about who they are, what they excel at, what requires more practice, and maybe most importantly, they begin to develop ideas about the world they live in.

TAS Middle School is a 3-year transitional level between primary and high school. Students are expected to already be developing independent study skills and will be empowered to understand that they play a very important role in assuming responsibility for their learning, for their own actions, and for the world that they are living in.

At this academic level of development, Middle School Teachers and Support Staff are tasked
with creating an appropriate blend of challenge, guidance, and opportunity so that students can begin to extend their knowledge and skills in preparation for Advanced Placement (AP) Courses.

In addition to their core subject and elective teachers, middle school students are engaged in meaningful collaboration with advisory teachers, guidance counselor, and the student council.

MIDDLE School Course Offerings

** One semester

Grade 6

English 6
Social Studies 6
Science 6
Vietnamese
Math
Physical Education

Grade 7

English 7
Social Studies 7
Science 7
Vietnamese
Math
Physical Education
** Exploratory Mandarin
** Exploratory Spanish

Grade 8

English 8
Social Studies 8
Science 8
Vietnamese
Math
Physical Education
Mandarin 1
Spanish 1

Electives

Grade 6

** Study Skills
** Art
** Intro to Music
** Intro to Drama (Exploratory)
** Intro to Coding

Grade 7

** Art
** Physical Theatre
** Music Tech Composition
** Intro to Coding
** Intro to Theatre Arts

Grade 8

** Art
** Physical Theatre
** Music
** Intro to Coding
** Intro to Theatre Arts

COURSE DETAILS

Grade 6 to Grade 12

      1. Course overview:

The Vietnamese Studies course at TAS is designed to provide students with extensive knowledge of the culture, history, geography, and customs of Vietnam. The course not only helps students understand the country and its people but also fosters a love for their homeland and pride in the nation’s cultural heritage. In an international environment, Vietnamese Studies aims to create a bridge between different cultures..

 

      1. Course Objectives:

The Vietnamese Studies course has the following specific objectives:

      1. Knowledge:

      • Help students master the basic knowledge of Vietnamese history, culture, geography, and customs.

      • Provide information about Vietnam’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as their role and significance in social life.

      • For Secondary School (Grades 6-12): Students delve deeper into historical events, notable figures, and Vietnamese cultural values. They are expected to master basic knowledge and apply it to real-life activities.

The Middle school course aims to::

      • Foster qualities such as patriotism, kindness, diligence, honesty, and responsibility in students.

      • Cultivate their understanding of themselves and the world, appreciate Vietnamese language and literature, and develop a sense of cultural identity.

      • Equip students with the ability to appreciate and preserve Vietnam’s cultural values, while embracing global cultural integration. 

      • For high school (Grades 9-12): Students will deepen their understanding of culture and history and develop critical thinking about topics related to Vietnamese Studies. They will participate in research projects and deliver presentations in fluent Vietnamese, analyzing and evaluating modern social, economic, and cultural issues, and understanding Vietnam’s role in globalization.

      1. Skills:

      • Develop analytical, comparative, and evaluative skills regarding different cultural values, enhancing students’ awareness of Vietnam’s cultural identity.

      • Students will be able to discuss and debate fluently in Vietnamese, especially at higher grade levels, enhancing their ability to integrate and interact within the Vietnamese student community and beyond.

      • Encourage students to participate in practical experiences, such as cultural festivals and traditional art activities, to apply their learning.

      1. Attitude:

      • Students will have an understanding of Vietnamese history and culture, showing patriotism and respect for cultural diversity.

      • Encourage an appreciation for Vietnamese and other cultures, fostering responsibility in learning and preserving traditional values, and actively participating in extracurricular activities related to Vietnamese Studies.

      • Promote independent and creative thinking in students’ exploration and research of culture.

 

      1. Teaching methods:

To achieve these objectives, Vietnamese Studies employs a range of modern teaching methods:

      1. Interactive Teaching:

      • Encouraging students to engage in discussions, debates, and presentations to create a dynamic learning environment.

      1. Experiential Learning:

      • Organizing field trips to cultural and historical sites or traditional art workshops to connect theory with real-life experiences.

      1. Group Projects:

      • Encouraging teamwork through research projects on Vietnamese culture, developing group work and communication skills.

      1. Technology Integration:

      • Utilizing tools such as videos, online learning software, and multimedia materials to enrich the content and make the course more engaging..

 

      1. Teaching Criteria:

The teaching criteria for the Vietnamese Studies course are clearly defined to ensure the quality of instruction:

    1. Learning content:

    • Ensure the content is diverse, updated, and accurately reflects Vietnam’s culture, history, and geography..

    1. Assessment Methods:

    • Use various forms of assessment, including written exams, group work evaluations, and projects, to ensure objectivity and fairness.

    1. Skill Development:

    • Focus on developing students’ soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking..

    1. Encouraging Creativity:

    • Motivate students to express creativity in their projects, from cultural presentations to the creation of artistic products.