HMEI
S1 Middle School Class
ACADEMICS
S1 Department : Montessori-informed Middle School (Grades 7–9)
A prepared adolescent community where students learn with freedom within limits: clear expectations, meaningful choice, and coaching that builds independence.
Two learning paths—International (English-medium) and Bilingual (Chinese-medium + ESL);
with shared habits, routines, and real-world skill building.
What Learning Looks Like In S1
In S1, students learn through hands-on work, discussion, reading/writing, and projects that require planning, revision, and reflection. We aim for students who can explain what they know, apply it in real contexts, and steadily take ownership of their work.
Independence:
planning,
time management,
self-monitoring
Academic foundations:
reading,
writing,
math/science reasoning
Purposeful work:
projects with real outputs
and
audiences
Community: collaboration,
responsibility,
service
Two Learning Paths
International Path (English-medium)
Core subjects are taught through English, supported by explicit language development for academic reading, writing, and speaking.
Bilingual Path (Chinese-medium + ESL)
Core learning is delivered in Chinese while English grows steadily through scaffolded ESL and language-rich practice.
Both paths share the same S1 expectations for routines, responsibility, and quality work; the difference is the language of instruction.
Curriculum Snapshots
Core learning (examples):
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Science (Earth / Life / Physical)
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Humanities (World History / Geography)
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Language & Literacy (Reading, Writing, English)
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Math (path-dependent)
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Project Work (research, writing, presentations)
Signature experiences (what sets us further apart):
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Outdoor learning, farm work, aquaponics/permaculture
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Entrepreneurship / Business Studies (theory + practice)
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Philosophy for adolescents (thinking, dialogue, ethics)
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Cooking and practical life (real competence)
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Whole-day outings (hiking/biking)
Subjects at a Glance
Sciences
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Observation & measurement
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Lab/process skills
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Evidence-based explanations
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Systems thinking
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Research & reporting
Humanities
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Geographic literacy & maps
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People–environment relationships
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Historical thinking
(cause/evidence/bias) -
Research & inquiry
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Academic discussion & writing
Math
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Fluency + accuracy
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Problem-solving methods
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Algebra foundations
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Data & graphs
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Explaining reasoning clearly
Philosophy
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Ethical thinking
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Discussion skills (listen/respond)
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Reasoning & argument building
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Reflection writing
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SEL through dialogue
Language
Arts
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Vocabulary growth methods
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Academic writing structure
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Reading comprehension strategies
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Interpretation & expression
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Draft–revise–publish habits
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Digital writing / media basics
What Learning Looks Like In S1
In S1, students learn through hands-on work, discussion, reading/writing, and projects that require planning, revision, and reflection. We aim for students who can explain what they know, apply it in real contexts, and steadily take ownership of their work.
Independence:
planning,
time management,
self-monitoring
Academic foundations:
reading,
writing,
math/science reasoning
Purposeful work:
projects with real outputs
and
audiences
Community: collaboration,
responsibility,
service
Teacher Gary
S1 Coordinator + International Dept.
Core: Business Studies/Science Integration
Focus: sciences, business studies, biological research and project, guided independence
What students gain: cross-disciplinary understanding, stronger study habits, and transferable skills for future curricula
Teaching Experience: 21 years in Taiwan
Teacher Kuang 畊廣老師
S1 Bilingual Dept. Lead 主帶教師
Core: Guide + Adolescent Support
導師/青少年關懷與支持
Focus: routines, responsibility, planning, “freedom within limits” coaching, core Chinese subjects
What students gain: independence, time management, and ownership of daily work
Teaching Experience: 8 years
Teacher Ayong 阿勇老師
S1 Practical Learning 實作學習
Core: Environment + Resource
環境與資源管理
Focus: environment and resource management, practical systems, food processing training context
What students gain: real-world competence, responsibility, and applied learning habits
Teaching Experience: many years
Teacher Sharp
Subject Specialist
Core: Humanities, Philosophy, Academic Skills
Focus: structured skill-building, step-by-step mastery, applying concepts to real tasks
What students gain: confidence with problem-solving and clear method, not guesswork
Teaching Experience: 12 years in Taiwan