Middle Years (ages 11-16)

Through Design, our students are challenged to apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve problems using the design cycle. The study of digital design equips students to develop and create 2D or 3D computer-generated digital products to solve a problem and meet a perceived need. Distinct digital design elements include computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM), programming and control, graphic design, robotics and so on. 

Students of Amity's Middle School drama programme are encouraged to create, perform and present work in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas. Through their study of a variety of themes, practitioners and texts students will engage in a process of creative exploration and self-discovery. Drama is not simply about the finished project; the process is of equal importance and students will make purposeful connections between drama and its contexts. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their work and the work of others whilst considering how their actions fit within a global context.

Learning French is not just about being able to order food on holiday. Multilingualism encourages pupils to become more open-minded and to appreciate different cultures, communities and people.

The Middle Years French curriculum is designed to challenge students to reach their full potential in all four skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing. Authentic resources are used to engage students in real-life scenarios, immersing them in the Francophone world.

In Individuals and Societies students will explore the historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, religious, technological and cultural factors, that shape modern societies. Students will develop the skills needed to investigate real world local, national and global examples, enabling them to understand and respect the world they live in. 

The Language and Literature courses of Amity Amsterdam utilise literature from around the world, spanning from ancient mythology to modern works, to delve deeply into the process of thinking, analysis, argument, and debate. These skills are further developed along with and through the student's writing, both creative and academic.

Our aim is to couple high standards of reading and writing skills with the simple passion and appreciation of a great novel or poem to enrich their lives and carry those passions beyond their formative school experience. The performing arts are an integral part of our school culture and our literature classes work closely with both the music and drama departments to ensure a truly interconnected experience in the arts.

Mathematics at Amity Amsterdam follows a bespoke curriculum. This framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability. In the classroom students are encouraged to work together as much as possible to build a deep, relational understanding of mathematics. Skills will be developed through discovery-based learning and the application of mathematics in real life contexts. Throughout the year students will explore many interesting concepts, from historical number systems to geometric proofs, through which they will establish mathematical fluency as well as a heightened appreciation for the world’s universal language.

The music curriculum at Amity International School Amsterdam will give students the opportunity to engage in all aspects of music allowing them to deepen and develop their skills in performance, theory, composition and music technology. Through uniquely tailored units that promote personalisation and choice, students will be able to explore their creativity and express themselves while stimulating their imaginations, challenging their perceptions and enhancing their self-confidence! 

Physical and Health education (PHE) aims to empower students to understand and appreciate the value of being physically active while developing the motivation for making healthy and informed life choices. 

Students engaged in physical and health education will explore a variety of concepts that help foster an awareness of physical development and health perspectives, as well as positive social interaction. 

During the Science classes we look to build the scientists of tomorrow by analyzing and understanding what scientific developments have brought us to where we are today. Students will focus on how these developments have affected the living world around us and how we can create a more sustainable future through exploration, research and experimentation.

In Visual Art it is important for the students to develop a passion and appreciation for visual communication wherever they go in the world. To enable them to do this, the units of work that we cover will rigorously challenge the students’ ability to critically think about their own work and the work of others. Research into styles of art will inform artwork that allows students to express themselves and encourages them to be risk takers. The regular use of their process journal will allow learners to persevere in developing skills and experimenting with techniques. The refinement of these skills will enable the students to create artwork which communicates their idea in the clear way to answer each brief given.