Hive - Middle School

Hive 2 Entrepreneurship provides students with a solid foundation in how the world of business and money actually works. Across the year, students explore a wide range of real-world topics, from understanding how businesses are set up and who they affect, to discovering how companies reach their customers and why people buy what they buy. In the second half of the year, students dive into the world of money, learning how budgets work, where money comes from, and how to make smart financial decisions, skills they'll carry with them for life. They also get a behind-the-scenes look at how businesses run day-to-day, from getting products from A to B to making sure quality stays high. Throughout it all, the focus is on hands-on learning and real-life examples, so students leave not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to think like future entrepreneurs and informed citizens.

Our Computer Science curriculum is designed to give students a well-rounded mix of essential digital skills. Your child will explore everything from staying safe online and building their own apps to mastering spreadsheets, coding in Python, learning about how computers work and how data is represented, and completing an exciting hands-on PBL project. We use an approach that helps students move from simply understanding a topic to using it in real-world situations.

Design and Technology students analyse iconic design classics and their creators, building product-analysis vocabulary and persuasive writing skills. They develop informed opinions based on principles of good design and sustainability.

Students respond to design briefs by creating digital concepts using CAD software and regularly collect evidence of their ideas for school exhibitions. Final outcomes are produced in our FabLab through 3D printing, laser cutting and vacuum forming.

Graphic design skills begin with traditional sketching, concept ideation and critique. Then, students create high-quality graphic outcomes such as product logos, packaging and personal portfolio curation.

The Humanitree English program seeks to inspire a deep appreciation for literature, while equipping students with the language skills to express themselves with confidence in the wider world. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build connections across year groups, linking key ideas and concepts to deepen understanding, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.

In Hive, students engage with a rich range of literary texts, from modern classics to Shakespeare, developing a strong foundation in form and genre. This journey continues into the Flight curriculum, where the study of poetry, prose, and drama is broadened to include explorations of Media and Ethics.

Alongside literature, we emphasise language development through the study of non-literary texts, enabling students to write for different purposes, ranging from transactional pieces, to publishing their own digital magazines on Apple Books. We also prioritise oral communication, building confidence in debate and public speaking. Events such as TEDx give students authentic opportunities to share ideas and engage real audiences. 

Students start French in Hive 2 and continue into hive 3. With one hour a week, the programme is focused on what needs to be known at international A1 level: Organizing events with time reference, asking questions, talking about you (personality, occupations and appearance), your routine and your opinions, your hobbies, what kind of person you are and being able to do the same about others, demonstrating an ability to manipulate verbs, articles, gender agreement, etc. Past and future tenses are introduced in hive 3 with appropriate times markers, and attempts to describe a series of events with connectors. The accent is put on the ability to communicate in the language, being understood and understanding others, mainly in speaking.

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. 

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. At Hive, the different grade levels cover the various historical processes of our history, from pre-Hispanic Mexico to the post-revolutionary period. In Geography, we address both the physical and human aspects related to the environment in which societies are located.

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 meaningful learning, as is the case of the Hive 1 projects "Duelo de Héroes" and "Master Chef en el Virreinato de la Nueva España" in Hive 2, which also allow us to build interdisciplinary connections that challenge the thinking of our students.

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. 

Each year Hive students have the opportunity to share their original work with the school community in a Project Showcase. Students also start to use equations to predict outcomes and recognise patterns, and tackle real-world problems with technology as well as using more traditional methods. This allows them to build a strong mathematical foundation for Hive 4 and beyond. In addition to regular classes, students enjoy the annual Pi Day recital, where they memorise digits of Pi in an attempt to break the school record.

Project H is a pop-up restaurant and cross-faculty event that brings together our Hive 3 Hospitality, Business, and Music students. Business students take the lead on everything behind the scenes, from conducting market research and designing the menu to branding, pricing, and marketing the event just like a real business would. Meanwhile, our Hospitality students roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, developing hands-on culinary skills and learning what it takes to run a professional kitchen from prep to plating. Our Music students round out the experience beautifully, spending weeks rehearsing to create the perfect atmosphere for guests on the day. Together, the three groups come together to host a fully student-run restaurant, where every detail has been thoughtfully planned and executed by the students themselves. It is learning by doing at its finest, and a wonderful opportunity for our students to shine.

The Music class provides a creative space where students develop artistic sensitivity, coordination, and expression. Through instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, saxophone, violin, drums, and voice, they strengthen creativity and analytical thinking. Students explore different genres and perform in monthly concerts, both individually and in ensembles. The program promotes collaboration, stage confidence, and appreciation of music as a universal language.

In Hive 1 to Hive 4, all students have two compulsory PE lessons a week and participate in the following sporting units: fitness, touch rugby, volleyball, football, ultimate frisbee, handball, basketball, athletics, Danish longball, striking and fielding, flag football, pickleball and padel. 

For Hive 4 and the Humanitree High School Diploma, there is the option of sports science, which includes both theory and practical elements along with the IB in sports, exercise and health science. 

The PE department also offers an extensive range of morning and after-school activities in football, basketball, volleyball, flag football, pickleball and padel. The football and basketball programs are entered into local leagues against other schools. 

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 encouraged to use the school's values and develop their leadership skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, self-management and self-confidence. 

Every year, the PE department organises a football tour to Europe, with Spain and England being very successful and a ski trip to Alpe D’ Huez in the French Alps. 

In science, we focus on using inquiry and hands-on experiences in the classroom to provide all students with opportunities for scientific inquiry and critical-thinking growth. By studying real-world examples of phenomena, we are encouraging students to engage in scientific inquiry throughout their lives, as well as creating a knowledge base about the impact of science in everyday life. We are providing opportunities for student-led investigation of natural phenomena and scientific principles.

From Hive 1 to Hive 3, students analyze the human experience and cultural identity through literature and various texts, developing critical thinking and intercultural understanding. The program is built on Project-Based Learning (PBL) and the study of one literary work per term, ensuring the constant strengthening of the four core language skills. Additionally, the department offers specialized support for non-native speakers, bringing them closer to the language and culture of Mexico.

As an integral part of their education, students participate in the Communication and Journalism Workshop: "Communicating for Today's World." In this space, they enhance their oral and written expression through creative projects and media content production, complementing their learning with visits to professional media outlets. This practical approach not only fosters the free expression of ideas but also broadens their vision of the professional environment and the communication tools necessary for the contemporary world

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.    

Hive 4 students develop confidence solving equations and inequalities with algebra, exploring relationships and working with functions. In geometry, they dive deeper with proofs and constructions, solidifying their understanding of shapes and leading into a group project which is showcased to the school community. 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.

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. 
 

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.

In Hive 4, students analyse at least three fiction and non-fiction texts to reflect on the human experience and cultural identity while developing a critical worldview. The program combines literary study with Project-Based Learning (PBL) to reinforce the four core language skills, while also offering specialised support for non-native speakers to facilitate their immersion into the Mexican language and culture.

As a fundamental part of their education, students participate in the Communication and Journalism Workshop: "Communicating for Today's World." In this space, they enhance their oral and written expression through creative projects and media production, complementing their learning with visits to professional media outlets. This practical approach broadens their professional vision and provides them with the essential communication tools for the contemporary world.