In 2021, Traill International School launched its hugely successful Middle Years Curriculum for students in Years 5 to 7.

We wanted to give our students an early advantage in their learning. We also recognized through decades of valuable experience, that students sometimes found the transition from Primary to Secondary to be a little unsettling and we wanted a way to smooth that transition. When we put those two requirements together, they became our Middle Years Curriculum. Designed to consolidate their prior learning in Primary, our Middle Years Curriculum delivers a coordinated, coherent and logically structured curriculum which provides them with access to specialist learning 2 years ahead of the normal Secondary classes. We are delighted to say that this scheme has exceeded our expectations and students are prepared fully for the progression to the IGCSE programme which begins in Year 10.

In the 3 years it has been in place we have seen a further rise in attainment in progress across years 5 and 6. Our students have always consistently made progress above expected levels for their age groups when compared with international and UK averages. This progress is now significantly higher and is testament to the systems and teaching we have in place.

Our Year 5 and 6 students have access to specialist equipment not usually available in Primary school and the structure of the curriculum provides high levels of challenge for the most able, whilst offering focused and consolidated support for students who find certain subjects challenging. The Middle Years Curriculum provides consistency, connectivity and progression in terms of curriculum content covered, modes of assessment and effectiveness and methodology of teaching and learning. It is led by highly experienced and well qualified subject Coordinators in English, Mathematics and Science. These Coordinators work very closely with Secondary Leaders to ensure curriculum connectivity and a consistent approach to standards and assessment. In addition to this, the coordinators work with teachers in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 to develop levels of progress moving towards the MYCP. This helps ensure that the progression in learning and standards continues all-through the school.

The transition from Primary is important to ensure that students feel relaxed as they embrace the next stage of their learning, so not all routines are changed. They continue to have additional support from a Teaching Assistant in class and share their breaks and lunchtimes with Primary students. The Middle Years Curriculum is based in A Block with students allocated a designated tutor room. Students only move to other classrooms for facility specific lessons such as Science and ICT.