Welcome to the Maple Bear Middle Years Program

At Maple Bear, we are committed to educating the whole child – academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. Our Middle Years Program is designed for students aged 10 to 14, a period of significant growth and development. Building on the foundation established in our Elementary Program, we offer a curriculum grounded in the Canadian educational approach, with a focus on hands-on, challenging, and relevant learning. Our goal is to equip students with essential skills in literacy, math, science, and technology, alongside fostering critical and creative thinking to prepare them for high school and beyond.

Understanding the Middle Years Learner

Students in their middle years are seeking independence, yet they still require guidance and a sense of belonging. Research shows that students are more successful academically and socially when they feel connected to their school environment. Our Middle Years Program creates a learning community that values and respects each student’s unique developmental stage, empowering them to grow confidently and succeed.

Our Educational Philosophy

We believe in fostering the whole child by encouraging students to explore their interests and develop their talents in a balanced, supportive environment. Language development is central to our approach, with at least 50% of instruction conducted in English or a second language. Core subjects like English, math, and science are taught in this second language, while history, geography, physical education, and the arts are taught in the student’s native language. This structure strengthens students’ linguistic skills while enhancing cultural understanding.

Instructional Approach

The Maple Bear Middle Years Program combines direct instruction with inquiry-based learning in core areas like math, science, and English Language Arts. By blending these approaches, students develop essential skills and gain the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities they need as they prepare for high school.

Direct Instruction

This foundation provides structured teaching for essential skills and concepts, fostering critical thinking and communication. In math, students gain a strong grasp of number sense, algebra, geometry, and data management. Science instruction covers core topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, while ELA instruction focuses on grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills.

Inquiry-Based Learning

Once students have mastered foundational skills, we encourage active, exploratory learning where they can apply their knowledge to real-world problems. In math, students engage in problem-solving and practical applications; in science, they conduct hands-on experiments to use the scientific method; and in ELA, they explore various texts, express their interpretations, and communicate ideas creatively.

Specialized Teaching

Starting in Year 5, students benefit from specialized teachers who bring in-depth expertise to each subject area. This setup allows students to engage more deeply and adapt to transitioning between teachers throughout the day. Students receive at least five hours of daily instruction, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience. Additionally, learning a second language is a core part of the curriculum, promoting linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness.

4 Pillars of the Maple Bear Approach for Middle Years Education

Understanding Young Adolescents

We train our educators to support the unique needs of students during this transitional phase. Our goal is to balance their growing independence with the guidance they still need from adults.

Partnering with Parents

We believe in working closely with parents to ensure a positive learning experience. Open communication helps align expectations and keeps everyone on the same page regarding your child’s progress.

Creating a Learning-Friendly Environment

Our schools are structured to promote effective learning, with flexible spaces and engaging lessons that meet the diverse needs of middle-year students.

Staying Within Local Guidelines

While each country has its own rules about teacher qualifications, scheduling, and adolescent education, Maple Bear strives to follow both local regulations and best practices in middle school education.

Transitioning to High School

For families in regions offering the Maple Bear High School Program, we provide a pathway that includes a blend of locally required subjects and select Maple Bear courses designed by Canadian curriculum experts. In partnership with New Brunswick and Atlantic Education International, some of our high school programs offer dual diplomas, preparing students for both local and international academic pathway.

Maple Bear Curriculum Overview

Our Middle Years and Elementary Programs deliver a minimum of 50% instruction in English, with the remainder in the local language. Core subjects taught in English include:

English Language Arts

Students develop language and literacy skills through diverse texts, including media and transactional writing, with an increasing complexity as they progress through grades.

Mathematics

Key themes such as number sense, measurement, geometry, algebra, and data management are introduced, encouraging problem-solving, conceptual understanding, and communication.

Science

Emphasis is on inquiry and the scientific method across topics in biology, physics, chemistry, and environmental science, focusing on application and experimentation rather than rote memorization.

Through these areas of focus, Maple Bear is dedicated to preparing students academically, socially, and emotionally for the journey ahead. We invite parents to be active partners in this learning experience as we nurture the development of well-rounded, confident young individuals.

Why Choose Maple Bear Middle Years Program for your child?

Maple Bear provides a unique, bilingual education that combines the excellence of the Canadian curriculum with local cultural relevance, giving students both a global and local perspective.

We prioritize the holistic development of each child, focusing on academics, social and emotional growth, and physical well-being. With highly trained teachers, hands-on learning experiences, and strong parent partnerships, Maple Bear fosters critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in students.

MAPLE BEAR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE | The best of Canadian education for a global future.