Hive - Middle School

Our program for Hive 1 to Hive 3, starting with a review of basic numerical skills, ignites a love of mathematics through a blend of numbers, algebra, data analysis, geometric exploration, and engaging project-based learning throughout the three years. We encourage students to be creative, collaborative and independent in their learning. Students will start to use equations to predict outcomes and recognise patterns, delve into shapes and spaces, and tackle real-world problems, building a strong foundation for Hive 4 and beyond.

Our middle school science program moves beyond the traditional classroom. We take a phenomena-based approach, using everyday occurrences as springboards for scientific inquiry. This curiosity-driven approach transforms everyday experiences into platforms for exploring biology, chemistry, and physics. Through engaging in investigations and hands-on activities, students develop critical thinking skills as they delve into the scientific process. This program fosters a deep understanding of the scientific concepts that shape our world, equipping students to explore and analyse the fascinating phenomena that surround us.

In Spanish, our Hive 1 to Hive 3 students analyze and reflect on the different dimensions of human experience through the reading of different types of literary and non-literary texts. They consider the importance of literature in preserving cultural identity, enriching their understanding, broadening their knowledge and form their own critical point of view of reality. Additionally, they understand the importance of language in cultivating intercultural understanding. The Spanish programs at Hive are based on reading one book per term and engaging in PBL throughout the academic year that relates to a reading or topic. Furthermore, the skills of oral communication, written communication, listening comprehension and reading comprehension are continually developed throughout the study of the books. Finally, the Spanish Department offers special lessons to students whose native language is not Spanish, to bring them closer to the language and culture of Mexico.

Students in Hive 1 - 3 will learn all about programming, robotics, computational thinking, as well as exploring different learning routines. At the core of each module that Hive 1 - 3 students will undertake are the values of problem-solving, logical thinking and reflection. Here, students will use Spike Prime Robotics Kits to solve real-world problems using drag-and-drop programming. Apps will be developed using UX frameworks. Logic Gates, Binary, Hexadecimal, and Computational Thinking will all be undertaken as personal learning projects. Finally, all students will undertake PBL projects where they will undertake projects that examine their work skills such as planning, communication, teamwork and independent resilience and reflection.

Students in Hive 4 consolidate the skills developed in Hive 1 - 3 by undertaking FTC Robotics and Java programming. Here, they work towards competing in regional, national and global robotics competitions as well as developing their object-oriented programming skills. 

Both Hive 1 - 3 and Hive 4 are developed to help students unlock their potential in the world of programming, robotics, and computational thinking. Here, the possibilities are endless, and the experience is an unforgettable one.
 

In Design and Technology, students analyse a range of design classics and their creators. They expand their product analysis vocabulary and their persuasive writing skills while developing strong opinions using principles of good design and sustainability. Students also responded to a design brief by creating a digital concept using CAD software. All students regularly collect evidence of their design ideas as they progress for display in our school design exhibitions. 

The drama program aims to develop in the students life skills such as empathy, mental agility, decision-making, problem-solving, verbal and corporal expression, critical, analytical and creative thinking by playing drama games, exercises and activities that foments cooperative work and individual creativity through mime, improvisation, writing in role monologues and producing play performances of various genres.

History

The Humanities program covers all the years in Hive and is based on some of the key turning points in human history. In Hive 1 - 3 topics range from the Agricultural Revolution and fall of the Roman Empire, to the French and American Revolutions. The principal aim of the course is to develop a student’s sense of chronology, research skills, source analysis, and an understanding of cause and effect. Students are introduced to the concept of constructing an academic argument and using evidence to support their point of view. The analysis of both primary and secondary sources lends itself as introduction to critical thinking skills, which are further expanded in Hive 4 and Flight 1. Finally; the project based learning element of the course allows for inquiry based learning rather than memorization of People and dates.  

Mexican History/Geography

The Mexican History and Geography course covers all the years of Hive, in which the different historical processes of our country are explored from the concepts of freedom, the defense of individual rights, respect and critical thinking. In Hive 1 emphasis is placed on knowledge of Ancient Mexico and the physical characteristics of Mexican Geography.

Both the study of History and Geography are based on inquiry, the analysis of primary sources and the relationship between the present and the past, avoiding the memorization of information and data and encouraging understanding, discussion and debate. Therefore, Project Based Learning helps us to pose problematic or realistic situations that stimulate the construction of significant learning, in addition to creating interdisciplinary connections that challenge students' thinking, as well as generating new ways of understanding the past and questioning traditional perceptions.
 

In the Art department, students in Hive 1 will embark on a journey focused on honing foundational skills and techniques while developing their understanding of the formal qualities and other art and design terminology. They will immerse themselves in various media, exploring traditional and contemporary approaches. Meanwhile, in Hive 2 and 3, students will elevate their artistic abilities by applying the skills acquired in Hive 1 to art based projects. Each student records their projects in a process portfolio where students also develop their reflective, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Utilizing innovative tools and technologies, they will bring their visions to life, whether through digital art, painting, or multimedia. 

The music program aims to develop in the student their sensibility, motor ability, creativity, the expression, and the capacity of abstraction or analysis. Through the execution of various musical instruments with adequate technique and the use of musical language, different genres and styles are recognized, analyzed, interpreted and executed individually and in groups, valuing the importance of music in the life of human beings as art, science and universal language.

In Hive 1- Hive 3, all students participate in the following sporting units: fitness, touch rugby, volleyball, football, ultimate frisbee, handball, basketball, athletics, Danish longball, striking and fielding and short tennis. In addition to the units taught, students also participate in a sports day and house competitions in different sports throughout the academic year.  
Students are also encouraged to use the school's values and develop their leadership skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, self-management and self-confidence. 
 

Hive 4 students will develop confidence solving equations and inequalities with algebra, exploring relationships and working with functions. In geometry they will dive deeper with proofs and constructions, solidifying their understanding of shapes and spaces. In addition to this, students will explore the fascinating world of statistics and probability, learning to analyse data and predict outcomes. This comprehensive program equips them with essential problem-solving skills for future academic success and real-world challenges. 

Hive 4 Science is a launchpad for exploring the wonders of the natural world! Our program delves into three core scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics. Students investigate the building blocks of life in biology, unravel the secrets of matter in chemistry, and discover the forces that govern our universe in physics. Through engaging labs, inquiry-based learning, and opportunities to connect science to real-world applications, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and develop critical scientific thinking skills.

Hive 4 Spanish students analyze five texts throughout the academic year: one non-fiction and four literary texts of different genres (narrative, drama and poetry); through these readings they reflect on the different dimensions of human experience, the importance of literature in preserving cultural identity, enriching understanding, broadening knowledge and forming their own critical view of reality. The Spanish program at Hive 4 is based on reading as well as PBL that is related to the topics covered. The skills of oral communication, written communication, listening comprehension and reading comprehension are reinforced throughout the study of the readings. In order to support our foreign students whose native language is not Spanish, we offer special lessons that help them understand the language and culture of Mexico.

Our Computer Science program is designed to develop an interest in programming and robotics. We provide students with the opportunity to engage with many different programming platforms in order to develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills. We begin with Apple Swift Playground and Scratch, and finally, students move onto Python. We encourage a creative learning environment where students can use these skills to develop websites, multiple choice quizzes, 'apps' and robotic creation and programming. We have a project-based learning approach where students have the opportunity to express their learning though iMovie and animated KeyNote projects. 

The real products of Design and Technology at Humanitree are empowered youngsters, capable of taking projects from inception to delivery. Detailed product analysis gives students the vocabulary with which to discuss design ideas in depth. Mark making and computer aided design software skills make design development and rapid prototyping fast and intuitive. Students begin to learn where specific materials and resources come from and how to minimize negative impacts on the environment. Learning to use electronics and programmable chips brings mechanical systems to life in the form of new and imaginative products. Students learn to use a wide range of technologies with which to present their design progress. 

The Drama program in Hive encourages discipline, concentration, organization, self-control, self-criticism, creativity and mental agility. The program challenges students with a variety of theatrical, improv and mime games that require imagination, empathy, teamwork, vocal and corporal expression, as well as literacy and memorization, especially when they perform a play in front of an audience. All these challenges improve communication and foster students’ self-esteem and confidence.

History

As well as a continuation of the themes addressed in the rest of Hive, the aim of Humanities in Hive 4 is to advance student’s critical thinking skills. With an emphasis on Freedom of Speech and Censorship, the main subject of the year is the rise of various dictators throughout the 20th century. Students are expected to hone their source analysis techniques, especially when determining the extent off bias in both primary and secondary sources. Project based learning supports the incorporation of related disciplines such as Sociology and Psychology which  helps students to build a more nuanced understanding of the world around them.    

Mexican History/Geography

As in the rest of the Hive years, the History of Mexico and Geography course explores the different historical processes of our country from the concepts of freedom, the defense of individual rights, respect and critical thinking. In Hive 4 we explore topics focused on revolutionary Mexico and Demography.

Both the study of Mexican History and Geography are based on inquiry, the analysis of primary sources and the relationship between the present and the past, so we avoid the memorization of information and data and encourage understanding and asking questions, discussion and debate. 

Therefore, Project-based Learning helps us create interdisciplinary connections that challenge students' thinking and understand more complex and global concepts related to current situations. In Hive 4, Project-based Learning also helps us develop greater skills that strengthen the autonomy and initiative of students, since students are encouraged to document themselves in different sources of information, propose research questions and communicate ideas effectively using the different technologies we have at the school.

In Hive 4 all students participate in the following sporting units; fitness, touch rugby, volleyball, football, ultimate frisbee, handball, basketball, athletics, Danish longball, striking and fielding and short tennis. In addition to the units taught students also participate in a sports day and house competitions in different sports throughout the academic year.  
Students are also encouraged to use the school's values and develop their leadership skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, self-management and self-confidence. 
 

In Hive 4, students delve into the depths of their artistic visions, synthesizing the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in earlier stages. With a refined understanding of art and design principles, they embark on larger-scale projects. Through an array of media and techniques, from digital art to traditional methods, they craft expressive pieces that reflect their unique perspectives. Within the Hive 4 environment, students cultivate their abilities to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage in reflective practice. Their creations, documented in meticulous process portfolios, serve as testament to their growth as artists and designers, showcasing their mastery of innovative tools and technologies.

The music program allows the appreciation of the arts from a more objective vision. In addition to learning to perform various musical instruments and use their own technological tools, students develop important values ​​such as discipline, tenacity, the pursuit of excellence and teamwork, thus consolidating the student’s emotional-creative side and, above all, structured thinking.

An optional subject that introduces students into dramatic writing, acting methods, specific performance currents and film basics looking for different ways to express and communicate theirselves artistic sensitivity and curiosity while strengthening their creativity and connection to the actual world that surrounds them.

The Advanced Mathematics course goes beyond the core Hive 4 curriculum, delving deeper into intriguing topics like number theory, exploring patterns and properties of numbers. Students will tackle more challenging algebraic problems, sharpen their logic skills, and unlock the power of mathematical proofs. Students should prepare to be amazed by the beauty and complexity of mathematics, and gain a competitive edge for higher-level mathematics courses. 

In Hive 4, French is an optional subject that is taught two hours a week. The program is based on the IB initio programme as well as elements of the MYP program. It is a revision with introduction of new more complex content of many daily life topics. Pupils get to talk about themes such as identity and describing themselves and others in detail, saying what type of person they are with a range of adjectives, what style they have or had, what is their routine like andw hat travel experiences they had and issues they faced. We cover all three tenses (past/present/future) and many grammar points and structures.

Hybrid sketching combines digital tools with traditional drawing techniques and gives students the power to communicate complex conceptual design ideas using carefully created multimedia images. Artificial intelligence is introduced as a means of experimentation for additional design development. Design and make tasks let students respond creatively to briefs using a range of manufacturing techniques including CNC laser cutting and 3D printing as well as traditional hand tools for concept-model making.
Students also take part in a teardown lab exercise where electronic waste is disassembled and examined in terms of repairability, sustainability and component complexity.

This is a practical course that combines three key business-focused disciplines over the span of the academic year. In the first term, you will explore the fundamentals of business, learning about topics such as management, marketing, finance, and operations. The second term delves into the works of economics including a Stock Market competition. The final term focuses on the world of enterprise, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on practical, real-world applications, with opportunities to engage in case studies, group projects, and hands-on simulations. By the end of this comprehensive program, you will have developed a well-rounded skill set ready to enter High School.

In this exciting course, students will enter the world of FTC robotics and Java coding. Through hands-on activities and real-world challenges, participants will develop essential skills in programming, problem-solving, and teamwork. From building and programming robots to mastering the fundamentals of Java, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating field of robotics. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and confidence to design, program, and compete with their autonomous robots.