Between 11 years-old and 13 years-old is
a very special time in a young person’s
life, as they leave childhood behind this
leads to the need for a very special type
of school. Puberty has a great impact
on the social emotional and intellectual
development of teenagers. Thomas
Armstrong, in his book The Best Schools,
argues for “the establishment of a mentor
relationship between teacher and student,
the creation of small communities of
learners, and the implementation of a
flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum
that encourages active and personalised
learning.” This is very similar to the aims
of the IB programmes.
One of the most important tasks of young
teens is to form their own identity. During
these years they are working out who
they are and what values are important to
them.
To encourage this personal growth and
development, we have placed an emphasis
on the following things:
• Our school climate:
characterised by positive
interventions, anti-bullying
programmes, conflict resolution
and character education
• Small learning environments
• Personal adult relationships
• Engaged learning: an emphasis
on the quality of the learning
environment to counterbalance
the dip in motivation that many
students experience during this
time. Motivation can be fostered
by giving this age group an
increasing role in determining
their own learning experiences
• Positive role models
• Metacognitive strategies:
encouraging reflection and
thinking about thinking, learning
study skills, and setting realistic
goals
• Expressive arts activities which
provide the girls with opportunities
to express themselves in a non-
judgemental atmosphere
• A focus on health and wellness
• An emotionally-meaningful
curriculum
• Empowering the girls to take on
roles in decision-making
• Honouring and respecting student
voices
• Fostering special and emotional
growth: including interpersonal
and intrapersonal intelligences
and facilitating positive social
relationships
Senior School
Pre-adolescence is a crucial time for students. It’s where
many children begin to forge their own personal identity.
