A significant amount of learning takes place during Middle School Flex Time, which is part of every student's daily schedule.
This time includes:
- Oasis Program
- Exploratory Courses
- Service Learning
- Community Assemblies
Additionally, the Middle School Viper Venture program is a key part of the student experience, where we bring our school pillars to life. Students engage in various activities, with opportunities available locally in Abu Dhabi, on Sir Bani Yas Island, and internationally in Greece, Cyprus, Kenya, and Nepal.
Oasis - Social-Emotional Well-Being
In the Middle School at ACS, Oasis serves as our advisory program, designed to be developmentally responsive and provide consistent support for all students. Each year, students engage in activities that promote critical thinking and reflection, helping them better understand themselves, connect with their community, and gain a broader perspective of the world.
The purpose of Oasis is to build a strong sense of community, foster connections, and regularly check in with students to support their well-being. Through Oasis, students will explore their unique cultural identities, learn to accept and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of others, and embrace the richness of the entire ACS community and beyond. Oasis plays a crucial role in developing essential skills for our students, such as building empathy and compassion, improving communication, and fostering a sense of community.
Oasis lessons encourage students to ask questions, seek understanding, and foster meaningful connections with all stakeholders. The goal of Oasis is to nurture an inclusive and supportive environment where relationships are built, and individual and collective identities are celebrated. These skills align with the Universal Youth Needs, which include Belonging and Membership, the Ability to Contribute, Safety and Structure, Independence and Control, Competence and Mastery, Self-Awareness, and Spirituality. By nurturing these areas, Oasis supports students in their personal growth, helping them build meaningful relationships and thrive in a supportive and structured environment.
In the Middle School at ACS, Oasis serves as our advisory program, designed to be developmentally responsive and provide consistent support for all students. Each year, students engage in activities that promote critical thinking and reflection, helping them better understand themselves, connect with their community, and gain a broader perspective of the world.
The purpose of Oasis is to build a strong sense of community, foster connections, and regularly check in with students to support their well-being. Through Oasis, students will explore their unique cultural identities, learn to accept and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of others, and embrace the richness of the entire ACS community and beyond. Oasis plays a crucial role in developing essential skills for our students, such as building empathy and compassion, improving communication, and fostering a sense of community.
Oasis lessons encourage students to ask questions, seek understanding, and foster meaningful connections with all stakeholders. The goal of Oasis is to nurture an inclusive and supportive environment where relationships are built, and individual and collective identities are celebrated. These skills align with the Universal Youth Needs, which include Belonging and Membership, the Ability to Contribute, Safety and Structure, Independence and Control, Competence and Mastery, Self-Awareness, and Spirituality. By nurturing these areas, Oasis supports students in their personal growth, helping them build meaningful relationships and thrive in a supportive and structured environment.
Exploratory Courses
Middle School students have the opportunity to take an Exploratory class, which is a short, non-graded course designed to inspire exploration. These classes meet once a week for a limited period, once or twice per year. Student-inspired and student-led, these courses help students develop perseverance, communication, collaboration, creativity, and reflective skills while guiding them in making informed choices. Exploratory classes also offer students the chance to discover and pursue their interests and passions.
More details about this program will be shared early in the school year.
Community Assemblies
Throughout the year, our Middle School students come together for Community Assemblies to share information, celebrate achievements, and have fun. These may be led by the MS Administration, Teachers and/or our various student leadership groups. These gatherings provide opportunities for students to connect with the wider school community, showcase leadership, and share their talents and learning. Assemblies can range in size, from small meetings of a few Oasis groups to full grade-level or school-wide events, fostering a sense of belonging and unity across the Middle School.
Service Learning
Service learning is an integral part of the ACS experience, providing students with meaningful opportunities to connect with their communities and expand their understanding of the world. Through research, advocacy, and both direct and indirect service projects, students gain valuable insights into societal needs.
In Middle School, each grade level focuses on distinct service projects, often tied to the Viper Venture program. Grade 6 students traditionally support Operation Smile, raising awareness and funds for children needing cleft palate surgeries. Grade 7 students have engaged in service learning through the "Quest for Green" interdisciplinary unit, where they share their environmental knowledge with Elementary School students and the wider community. Grade 8 students work on various projects, such as supporting stray animals, organizing clothing or food drives, or raising awareness for humanitarian crises. These projects not only teach students about communities in need but also guide them through the project cycle, from planning to execution.
MIDDLE SCHOOL VIPER VENTURE
Middle School Viper Venture experiences are essential learning opportunities that foster intercultural understanding and promote both personal and interpersonal growth through off-campus experiential learning. Each Viper Venture trip incorporates the four ACS pillars:
- Academics: Activities aligned with ACS academic standards.
- Arts: Opportunities to explore cultural and creative experiences.
- Athletics: Engagement in activities not typically available at ACS.
- Service: Participation in Service Learning projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
These trips also include reflective components that encourage students to process their experiences, both formatively during the trip and summatively afterward. The goal is for students to recognize the entire experience as a valuable learning opportunity.
Students are well-prepared for these trips through educational sessions designed to enhance their global awareness and inspire growth. Following the trips, students often present their newfound knowledge at grade-level assemblies, division-wide events, or student-parent evenings, showcasing their increased independence and responsibility.
For more information, please see our Middle School Viper Venture Site.