MIDDLE SCHOOL
From a developmental and social aspect, the Middle School years is an important phase between Primary School to High School, and between the students making the transition from childhood to young adulthood. Students at this age go through many physical and emotional changes, and for this reason PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) is a priority for students in Middle School. In these years students progress beyond the foundations, and their literacy and numeracy becomes more developed. An expanded curriculum program provides the basis for in-depth learning within all subject areas.
At MEF we aim to support personalized learning by promoting an approach in which careful attention is paid to students’ individual learning styles, motivations and need, and to make our lessons enjoyable. We understand that by developing holistic learning, intercultural awareness and communication we are helping our students to learn to manage emotions, predict consequences, develop optimistic thinking habits, and set goals that are also skills that improve student achievement and wellbeing.
Cambridge Checkpoint tests offered in grade 8 is an invaluable tool that enables access to standardized tests that provide feedback on a student's strengths and weaknesses in key curriculum areas. To complement such advanced programs, an emphasis is put on an awareness of local and global understanding, and the individual’s role therein. Community Service is thus very important, whether that be in areas of conservation or giving active support to local charities. Being part of a team is very important, and for this reason academic, social, sport, and co-curricular activities are given precedence.
Would
you like to see a typical timetable
for the:
|
|
HIGH SCHOOL
In the High School, both responsibility and freedom increase proportionately. It is a time when students consider the prospect of higher education. It is thus a time for students to prepare for the future and to plan accordingly. The course selection is broader, to give students a perspective of possible academic and professional paths to take in the future. Visual Arts, IT, and Theory of Knowledge are a few of the offerings that are intended to give a broader range of learning experiences. Curricular-related field trips both within Turkey and to other countries are important aspects of the High School academic experience.
In Grade 10 students take IGCSE examinations. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) has been designed for 14 to 16 year olds. It aims to prepare students for further academic success.
In Grades 11 and 12, students have a choice between the IB Diploma Program or an alternative program. During these years, students receive assistance and support with career and college counseling, in order to prepare for their college and university educational goals.
Would
you like to see a typical timetable
for the:
|
|
Four programmes are offered throughout the Secondary School:
THE CAMBRIDGE CHECKPOINT
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS (CIE-CIC) The Cambridge Checkpoint is a unique service and an invaluable tool for schools and colleges. It enables access to standardised tests that provide feedback on a student's strengths and weaknesses in key curriculum areas. Students at international schools have a transferable indication of their academic progress. This assessment is offered to students at Grade 8 It covers all major areas of learning required in the first years of an international secondary education in three subject areas, English, Mathematics and Science. Checkpoint assessment is offered three times during the year and each result provides schools and students with a diagnostic reports enable MEFIS teachers to:
• Tailor individual students' learning programmes
• Monitor group and individual performance
• Provide information for reporting to parents
• Manage learning programmes within centres as students move between centres
• Predict performance in student's formal examinations.
THE IGCSE
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education has been offered worldwide and is the most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year-olds. It develops successful students, giving them excellent preparation for their next steps in education, including progression to the IBO Diploma programme. IGCSE has widespread international credibility as an educational qualification and is accepted by many universities and employers worldwide. The IGCSE is a curriculum and examination system which is taught as a two-year course; usually through Grades 9-10. The programme takes into account different abilities allowing teachers to decide on the most suitable level of the course and the examination for their students. The curriculum and examination has been specially designed by Cambridge for students whose first language may not be English. The IGCSE provides a broad study programme (60 possible subjects) which is offered in a balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. MEFIS is currently offering 15 subjects of which 5 are second languages and 3 are Arts. First Language exams can be taken at anytime during the 4 years of High School Education.
THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary or upper school students. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum, the diploma model incorporates the best elements of various education systems. At MEF Schools, the programme is available in English.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is required interdisciplinary course intended to simulate critical reflection upon knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of the subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some way feel within a demanding school programme.
Extended Essay of some 4,000 words is a required component of the Diploma Programme. This original research project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university. The grading system is criterion-referenced; each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination from one examination session to the text.
THE CURRICULUM
The diploma is displayed in the shape of a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the core. At least three are taken at higher level, the others at standard level.
ASSESSING STUDENT WORK
Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates' work rests with the examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods are used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement. Conventional external examination techniques are chosen from a range of options such as oral and written, long and short responses, data-based questions, essays, and multiple choice questions. These are complemented by internal assessment of coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period.
AWARD OF THE DIPLOMA
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7 (maximum). The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions, including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the extended essay, TOK course, and CAS activities.
AUTHORISATION Only schools authorised by the IBO are eligible to teach the curriculum and to register candidates for examinations. IB diploma candidates must be students in good standing at an authorised member school. MEF Schools is an authorised member school since September 11, 1998.
