Grade 6, 7 and 8
The Fern Hill Difference
Fern Hill is committed to providing our students with an ever-widening array of opportunities to “learn by doing.” Our morning assemblies, community service projects and social events are designed to encourage students to do their part in creating a caring society.
Daily morning assembly is an opportunity for the entire Fern Hill community to gather. It is not only an integral part of the day, but also the Fern Hill experience. The morning assembly is an opportunity to celebrate classmates’ interests and talents and to learn about what makes each person unique. It is the time to listen to announcements from faculty and other students and to share news of the day, a morning quote and celebrate birthdays and other events. Assemblies are student-led and encourage public speaking and confidence.
Starting in Grade 5, students are offered advanced level courses in Mathematics and French. Upon entering Grade 8, students often advance to secondary school credits. Media studies begin in Grade 7 and provides students the opportunity to work with a variety of computer and video editing technology. All Grade 6-8 classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and transformed into computer-based learning centres. By Grade 8, the use of laptop computers is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum.
Outdoor Education classes in the Intermediate grades offers our students a chance to explore orienteering and team building activities, while pushing their personal limits. Life Management focuses on personal choices, careers, health and issues surrounding adolescence.
Dedicated to Excellence
Every student in our Intermediate programme is provided with opportunities to learn about leadership and practise their skills in meaningful ways. Fern Hill students develop increased independence, personal responsibility and accountability as they encounter increasingly higher expectations for academic excellence and social maturity.
Our Intermediate curriculum facilitates a smooth progression from the Junior Years to secondary school and beyond. The programme is designed to exceed Grade 9 entry requirements by offering challenging courses, including secondary school credits in Math, French and Computers. By Grade 7 and 8, students understand the importance of organization, time management and accountability. Examinations during the Fall and Spring term help to consolidate these skills as well as solidifying their knowledge in the core subject areas.
Areas of study include the following subjects:
- English
- Geography – with the option of French Geography
- History
- French – with the option of completing a certified Grade 9 Credit
- Science – including Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Mathematics – with the option of completing a certified Grade 9 or 10 Credit
- Visual Arts
- Music – vocal and instrumental
- Physical Education
- Outdoor Education
- Computers
- Media
- Life Management
- Foreign Language – Mandarin
Interaction with people who hold different perspectives and come from diverse backgrounds prepares Fern Hill students to excel in their future endeavours. We believe that part of that experience is a co-educational environment where girls and boys are working and learning together.
Real-world opportunities enable students to learn and grow
In addition to learning about leadership, Fern Hill students experience and practise leadership skills. Students are given responsibilities, not just rules. Our goal is to help Intermediate division students emerge from Grade 8 as caring and compassionate people as well as confident and engaged learners.
Having built confidence in the earlier grades, the widening of the boundaries affords our Intermediate students the global opportunities that will ensure that their place in the world will be everything they dream and more.
From participating in a local community service project, or travelling oversees to build a well in Kenya, our students are exposed to life-changing experiences, where each child gains understanding of what it means to be an active contributor in our ever-changing world. Each step of the way, our students are guided by our Fern Hill teachers whose dedication to excellence does not end at the classroom door nor at 4 p.m.
Opportunities include:
- Athletic team captains
- House leaders
- Community service leaders
- Sports day leaders
- Volunteer leadership positions such as reading buddies, peer tutors & admission tour guides.