Overview of the Middle Division (S7, S8 & S9)
Our mission is: To inspire a passion for learning and independent thinking through a commitment to academic excellence, personal integrity and service to others.
The Curriculum
The Middle Division encompasses students in years 7 through 9 and follows the British National Curriculum. Students study Mathematics, English, Science, History, Geography, Modern Foreign Language (French, Spanish), ICT, Music, Art, Drama, PE, Design & Technology and Citizenship. Class sizes are approximately 22 students and all our teachers are experienced, qualified graduates.
Students are grouped by ability in the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Modern Foreign Languages. We run an extension programme in MFL which allows our strongest linguists to study two foreign languages to GCSE. Students are taught in mixed ability classes for the remainder of their subjects. Drama and Art are taught on a half-yearly rotation which allows students to get an intensive experience of the subject over a term and a half.
The timetable is organized on a two-week cycle which affords us a great deal of flexibility in our curriculum. Lessons are 55 minutes long which is an optimal time for students' concentration and productivity. The school day is organized with regular breaks in order for students to recharge their batteries and organize their books and equipment.
The Laptop Programme
Saltus is a leader in the domain of educational technology and provides a stimulating learning environment through a variety of media. Within our technology-rich environment, laptops are fully integrated into the curriculum from Year 7 onwards. There is an extensive programme of support and our facilities are second to none. Every classroom has a Smart board and digital projector.
The Advisory System
The school site comprises of two buildings, the Middle Years, as much as possible, populate the historic building. This building is very much theirs; the atmosphere is vibrant and we expect to see calm, friendly, happy faces going about their business!
Saltus also runs a very successful Advisory Programme; students in Middle Division can expect to stay with their advisor for the whole of their Middle years. There are approximately 11 students in each advisory group and our successful program has a significant impact on individual students as well as on the school climate as a whole.
We understand that students of the Middle Years sometimes experience challenges with the organisation of their time. To that end, we run two very successful programmes: Homework Haven & Homework Timeout.
Homework Haven – a supervised quiet space where students of all ages can go to complete their homework. This is open from 3.30pm – 5.00pm.
Homework Timeout – If a student forgets their homework, they are placed in Homework Time out that day. They contact their parents and then attend Homework Timeout between 3.30-4.00pm to complete the missing assignment. This system ensures a minor problem doesn't grow into a larger one and parents know immediately if homework hasn't been completed.
Extra Curricular
Middle Division students benefit from the wide variety of extracurricular activities on offer at Saltus Grammar School. The sports programme is excellent , supported by our large, on-site swimming pool and well-equipped gymnasium. Our students often compete very successfully in both local and overseas events - from sailing to squash.
Music is also well established with the Junior and Senior orchestras. Middle Division students can also strive to join the Senior Wind Band and the acclaimed Saltus Jazz Band, which has opened for international musicians and Bermuda's own Music Festival. Middle Division students also do very well with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations.
Debate is a centre of excellence at Saltus and our teams compete annually both locally and internationally, with outstanding results. Drama productions, climbing wall, dance classes, keep fit, and a host of other activities ensure there is something for everyone!