Middle School Overview

At UWCSEA, our Middle School offers a robust and challenging programme for students aged 11 to 14 (Grades 6–8), connecting rigorous academic learning with a deliberate focus on personal development, leadership, and community engagement.

Our learning programme is structured to meet the varied intellectual, emotional, and developmental needs of adolescents as they transition from Primary School and prepare for the demands of High School.

Students are encouraged to apply themselves fully in all areas of school life, with guidance and support provided in a positive and caring environment. Teachers act as role models, supporting not only academic learning but also student participation in activities, service initiatives, and outdoor education expeditions.

Our educational approach promotes conceptual understanding, global relevance, and intercultural understanding. We celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community and encourage students to explore and understand the backgrounds and traditions of others.

A structured PSE and mentor programme provides transitional support for new students, helping them to settle into the College community and navigate the complexities of early adolescence with confidence and care.

We are committed to developing students who:

• Lead effectively when needed

• Adapt to various roles within a team

• Persevere through challenges, learning from both success and failure

• Think critically and communicate thoughtfully

• Understand their ability to play a positive role in the wider world

At every level, our Middle School provides exceptional opportunities for students to grow in independence, resilience, and leadership, preparing them not just for university, but for life.

Middle School capacity (August 2026)

* Students must be born on or between 1 September and 31 August. Refer to the age-grade boundary chart on our website for guidance, or contact Admissions.

Available places are offered up to the start of Term 2 (January) of the school year.

Curriculum

At UWCSEA, we offer a wide range of opportunities to help your child grow through our holistic Learning Programme, which is structured around five key elements:

• Academics

• Activities

• Outdoor Education

• Personal and Social Education (PSE)

• Service

Each of these elements is equally important, recognising that they all contribute to achieving our educational goal and developing students’ mission competencies.

We are dedicated to providing a written curriculum that is both challenging and age-appropriate. Carefully structured and aligned to our mission, the curriculum ensures that every student’s learning experience is meaningful, no matter their age or educational background.

Our curriculum is organised by six domains, which align closely to broad academic disciplines:

The design of the curriculum is informed by the UWCSEA mission statement, educational goal, College values, the needs of our students, and research-based practice.

At UWCSEA, we use a concept-based curriculum which organises learning using concepts and conceptual understandings, rather than simply listing topics or facts. The written curriculum explicitly articulates learning goals through:

• Conceptual Understandings (what students should understand)

• Knowledge (what students should know)

• Skills (what students should be able to do)

This approach ensures that learning is deep, transferable, and prepares students to connect their understanding to realworld contexts.

Students in Middle School refine the core interdisciplinary skills initiated in the Primary School. They have more subject specialist teachers guiding them in fundamental subject specific skills required for higher studies.

Students are still exposed to a broad and balanced range of subjects, with the opportunity to develop in all relevant areas; from physical, technical, creative, numerate and deductive, rational and experiential, to empathic and evaluative.

Academics

Our Middle School academic programme offers students a broad and balanced range of subjects, designed to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary connections.

Students study the core subjects of:

• English

• Humanities

• Mathematics

• Science

In addition, they explore:

• The Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, Music)

• Languages

• Physical Education (PE)

• Design and Technology

• Food and Nutrition (East Campus)

• Social and Environmental Entrepreneurship Development (East Campus)

This rich and varied curriculum ensures that students develop both depth and breadth across a wide range of disciplines, building a strong foundation for future academic success.

Students spend much of their day in the Middle School building, moving to specialist facilities and classrooms for learning in subjects such as Visual Arts, Drama, Design and Technology, Music, and PE. In Grade 6, students learn mainly within their mentor group. As they move into Grades 7 and 8, some classes are mixed so that students learn alongside peers from across the grade, not just within their mentor group.

Students are guided by subject specialist teachers who are experts in teaching Middle School-aged learners, helping them build and refine the academic skills they will need for further study.

Integrated English and Humanities (Grade 6, East Campus only)

At East Campus, the Grade 6 curriculum features an integrated approach to English and Humanities.

• Students develop knowledge and skills which are woven into both the study of the humanities and the exploration of literacy.

• Students spend half a year focused on each subject area, allowing for a deep, interdisciplinary exploration that bridges language and social studies.

This integrated model helps students build strong connections between literacy skills and an understanding of the world around them.

Languages Other Than English and English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

In Middle School, most students study one Language Other Than English (LOTE) as part of their timetabled lessons. Students select their language based on their level of attainment, choosing from a range of pathways:

• Language Acquisition Beginner

• Language Acquisition Continuation (Foreign Language)

• First Language programmes

The offerings include Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Dutch, and depend on student numbers, campus and grade.

A small number of students who require additional support in English or Study Skills are placed into English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes instead of taking a LOTE course.

Some First Language classes are offered after school. In these cases, students may choose to study an additional LOTE during the academic timetable.

For students whose home language is not offered within the academic timetable, the Home and Community Languages Programme provides an opportunity to continue developing literacy skills in their mother tongue. These classes are taught in small groups by qualified teachers and are offered as part of the Activities programme, at an additional cost.

For more detailed information, please refer to our Languages factsheets or contact Admissions.

Activities

Our comprehensive Activities programme provides students with opportunities to try new things, discover talents, and further develop their passions, while making new friends through the sharing of common interests. It also aims to foster a lifelong passion for physical activity, teamwork, leadership, and holistic wellbeing.

The diverse range of activities includes:

• Competitive and recreational sports

• Music

• Visual and performing arts (including art, drama, dance)

• Leadership opportunities

• Service initiatives

• Curriculum-based and enrichment activities

The programme is offered across four ‘seasons,’ allowing students to explore a wide variety of new interests throughout the school year.

Students who take part in after-school sports benefit from access to extensive coaching support and outstanding facilities.

Sports, Health, Fitness and Wellness

Sport and wellbeing are an integral part of student life at UWCSEA. In Middle School, we offer a wide range of opportunities to develop physical skills, resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to health and fitness under the banner of our distinctive campus identities – the Phoenix at Dover Campus and the Dragons at East Campus.

Students have the opportunity to represent their campus in a wide range of sports, including:

• Athletics

• Badminton

• Basketball

• Climbing

• Cross country

• Football

• Golf

• Gymnastics

• Hockey

• Netball

• Rugby

• Sailing

• Softball

• Swimming

• Tennis

• Touch rugby

• Volleyball

In addition to competitive sports, a variety of recreational activities and wellness opportunities are available, including:

• Martial arts

• Fencing

• Rock climbing

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Fitness training

• Yoga

• Dance

• Meditation

• Mindfulness activities

Our Sports, Health, Fitness and Wellness programmes aim to encourage students to embrace an active lifestyle, whether through competitive representation or personal development.

Arts, Design and Technology

At UWCSEA, students have a wealth of opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their talents, and express themselves through a diverse range of arts, performance, and design activities.

Students can participate in musical and vocal ensembles, with opportunities to perform in several concerts each year. Highlights include events such as Dragon Scales and the annual OPUS concert at Singapore’s Esplanade. Theatre Specialist groups, including percussion ensembles focus on drumming, marimba, mbira, and more.

Individual music lessons are available through the Instrumental Teaching Programme offering a wide variety of instruments, with instrument hire also available.

Students interested in drama and dance can audition for performances and productions throughout the year, or choose to be involved behind-the-scenes in costume design, lighting, set construction, and technical theatre, supported by our Drama Department teachers.

Annual events such as United Nations evening and CultuRama offer a variety of options for students to celebrate different cultures through dance and food.

In addition to performing arts, students also have the opportunity to explore visual arts, technology, and design through activities that develop both creative and technical skills. Students can engage in fields such as:

• Fine art

• Craft

• Creative writing

• Design technology

• Food science

• Construction

• Robotics

• Engineering

Whether on stage, behind the scenes, in the art studio, or at the design table, our Arts, Design and Technology programme encourages students to pursue their artistic, inventive, and technical interests, while fostering collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and real-world application of their skills.

Leadership, Innovation and Global Engagement

A diverse group of activities nurture creativity, critical thinking, global awareness, and leadership. Activities are drawn from the fields of technology, fine arts, craft, creative writing, cooking, construction and robotics.

Students have ample opportunity to develop leadership skills through participation in the Student Council and service leadership groups, public speaking and debating groups, home languages classes and language enrichment activities.

There are also several special interest groups such as cooking and creative culinary skills, magic and chess clubs, journalism, photography, film-making, robotics and engineering challenges.

Dedicated innovation spaces

The IDEAS Hub (Dover Campus) and Innovation@East (East Campus) are dedicated spaces equipped with tools and technology to guide and inspire students to explore, innovate, collaborate and create sustainable solutions addressing real-world problems and needs within their community.

Students can experiment with activities such as filmmaking, woodworking, 3D printing, crafting, coding, prototyping, DIY repairs, painting, sewing, cardboard construction and robotics.

Students are encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary thinking, to ruminate on solutions, tinker with ideas and develop an innovator’s mindset. They are empowered to create innovative products, services and systems while keeping the UWC Mission at the forefront of their thinking.

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is a vital part of the Middle School experience at UWCSEA, providing students with invaluable immersive learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Designed to challenge and inspire, our Outdoor Education programme nurtures teamwork, resilience, environmental stewardship, and the Qualities and Skills of the UWCSEA Profile.

Programmes are carefully planned, managed, and led by our experienced Outdoor Education team. Activities and venues are thoroughly checked and annually reviewed to ensure the safety of all participants. All trips are operated in accordance with the College’s robust health and safety guidelines and our sustainable trips framework.

Grade-level Expeditions

Middle School expeditions are carefully designed to be ageappropriate, challenging, and rewarding. The core expedition experiences include:

• Grade 6: A five-day multi-activity expedition to Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

• Grade 7: A five-day expedition-style adventure at Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

• Grade 8: A six-day expedition to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, where students kayak, camp, and complete curriculum-based field activities

Expeditions are supported by teaching staff and Outdoor Education trip leaders, who guide and encourage students throughout. All grade-level expeditions are a compulsory part of the Outdoor Education programme and incur an additional cost.

On-campus Activities

On-campus activities such as high ropes challenges, crate stacking, abseiling, rock climbing, and orienteering further support students in embracing challenge, teamwork, and developing a strong connection to the natural world.

Option Holiday Trips

Middle School students also have the opportunity to participate in optional trips during school holidays. These trips are grouped into three categories:

• Curriculum enrichment trips (such as language and cultural immersion trips to China and Spain)

• Adventure trips (to destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa)

• Service trips (including service learning experiences with partners in Vietnam and Cambodia)

Students may also participate in student exchanges or attend Round Square conferences in the region, depending on availability and interest.

Personal and Social Education (PSE)

The Middle School years are a time of significant change in students’ intellectual, social and emotional development, as students seek increased levels of independence, responsibility, and self-awareness.

At UWCSEA, our dedicated Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme provides a supportive, safe and nurturing environment that recognises the unique developmental needs of adolescents. The programme helps students navigate the Middle School years and prepare for the greater demands of High School.

Our PSE curriculum draws on concepts including:

• Social Emotional Learning

• Intercultural Understanding

• Physical Wellbeing

• Life Skills

Students are supported by a dedicated team:

• At Dover Campus, the PSE team is led by the Principal and Vice Principal (Pastoral), supported by Heads of Grade and Mentors (homeroom teachers).

• At East Campus, the PSE team is led by the Vice Principal (Pastoral) and Heads of Grade, who rotate with their student cohort to provide continuity across the years, supported by Mentors.

Students meet regularly in small groups with their Mentor, attend grade-level assemblies, and have special focus weeks, guest speakers, and workshops that explore current and relevant topics.

Additionally, students attend Life Skills classes that explore self-awareness, wellbeing, relationships, community, and, at East, financial literacy.

Grade 8 students receive additional support as they prepare for the transition to High School, including guidance with subject selection.

Professional support is also available through the Middle School Counsellors and our Wellness Centres providing individual or family guidance when needed.

Technology and Digital Citizenship

The appropriate use of technology is integrated throughout the Middle School learning environment as a tool to support learning, collaboration, and creativity.

All students are required to have an Apple laptop equipped with College-supplied software, and have access to on-campus helpdesk support through our AppleCare centres.

Teachers are supported by Digital Literacy Coaches and a network of technology mentors who help integrate effective digital practices into teaching and learning. Students are guided to become responsible, independent, and organised digital citizens which forms part of their PSE education.

A series of parent information workshops also ensures that balanced digital habits are reinforced at home, and that parents are equipped to support their children in navigating the online world safely and thoughtfully.

Service

Service is an essential component of the UWCSEA Learning Programme and lies at the heart of the UWC ethos. It provides opportunities for students to develop compassion, take action to help create a more caring society, conserve the environment, and engage meaningfully with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Students learn that service requires commitment, a willingness to try new things, reflection on successes and failures, and to focus on the larger goal of shaping a better world.

College and Local Service

All Middle School students are required to participate in College or Singapore-based Service. Service activities are developmentally appropriate and vary widely, offering students a chance to connect with different members of the community through meaningful action.

Examples of College and Local Service activities include:

• Paired reading with children from local primary schools

• Chat and games with elderly residents

• Gardening and rainforest restoration projects

• Upcycling and recycling initiatives

• Musical buddies programmes with centres supporting children with physical disabilities

• Overseeing lunchtime play in the Junior School

Some service opportunities are shared with the High School, where older students act as mentors for their Middle School peers.

In others, Middle School students take on leadership roles by mentoring younger students within the College.

Each campus has a slightly different structure:

• At Dover Campus, services are linked to practical engagement and environmental care across various initiatives.

• At East Campus, grade-level service experiences are organised under three developmental themes:

– Grade 6: Action for the Planet

– Grade 7: Action for People

– Grade 8: Action for Peace and Prosperity

Global Concerns (GC)

All Middle School students are encouraged to engage with Global Concerns (GC)—student-led initiatives that focus on grassroots NGOs in the region and beyond.

Through GC groups, students develop global awareness, leadership, and advocacy skills while taking meaningful action to support communities in need.

GC groups meet weekly, usually at lunchtimes, providing students with opportunities to learn about real-world challenges and take practical steps to address them.

Campus-specific approaches:

• At Dover Campus, global issues are woven into the academic curriculum at each grade level. Students engage with GC themes through their Humanities units and grade-level partnerships with NGOs:

– Grade 6: Waterford Kamhlaba Service Support (Eswatini)

– Grade 7: Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation (Vietnam)

– Grade 8: Indochina Starfish Foundation (Cambodia)

Students undertaking optional service trips linked to these GCs must show sustained engagement, typically for at least six months prior to travel.

• At East Campus, students are encouraged to join one of several GC groups based on their interests. Commitment to a GC group is typically for a full academic year, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing their chosen NGO.

Optional service trips for students – and, in some cases, their families – offer unique opportunities to engage more closely with GC partners and to take action on the ground.

Participation in GC activities empowers students to make a tangible difference, broadening their understanding of global interconnection and fostering a lifelong commitment to service.