International Middle
School Program

International Middle School Program

Trailblazer Curriculum: Project Based Learning

Core Curriculum

Transdisciplinary Projects

Electives and Personal Projects

Service Learning

Well-Being

Collaboration with Think Learning Studio

Trailblazer Curriculum: Project-Based Learning

DSHK has partnered with Think Learning Studio, creators of the globally recognized Changemaker Curriculum, to develop the Trailblazer Curriculum. This innovative approach blends high academic standards with interdisciplinary, project-based learning, ensuring that students’ environment informs their studies, and their studies bring meaning to their environment. As an international school, we ensure our students are prepared for a globally connected future.

Innovative international middle school curriculum

Interdisciplinary inquiry

At the heart of DSHK’s curriculum is a robust, teacher-guided framework that seamlessly integrates project-based and core-subject learning. This approach encourages students to explore and apply knowledge in meaningful ways, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By combining methodologies from different disciplines, the curriculum promotes interdisciplinary connections, aligning with the Dalton Plan principles of collaboration and reflection. This holistic understanding prepares students to navigate the complexities of the real world while honoring the rich traditions of Chinese culture. Our international middle school curriculum nurtures these global perspectives while emphasizing local values.

Personal Projects and Electives

DSHK places a strong emphasis on student agency and personal growth, key elements of the Dalton Plan’s principle of independence. Our curriculum offers students the opportunity to pursue personal projects and electives that align with their individual interests and passions. This empowers students to take ownership of their learning, fostering self-motivation, a sense of purpose, and personal fulfillment. By encouraging exploration and self-discovery, DSHK nurtures well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead with confidence and integrity.

Advisory and Well-Being

Understanding the significance of holistic well-being in education, DSHK integrates advisory and well-being programs into the curriculum. These programs provide essential support and guidance, helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges. By fostering positive relationships, promoting emotional intelligence, and prioritizing well-being, we create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, in line with the Dalton Plan’s focus on responsibility and reflection.

Communication and Collaboration

Project-based learning at DSHK emphasizes communication and collaboration, offering students numerous opportunities to work closely with peers and educators. Each project is designed to explicitly develop these skills, setting it apart from traditional exam-based education. This approach not only enhances students’ ability to work in teams but also reinforces the Dalton Plan principles of collaboration and shared responsibility, essential for success in a globalized world.

Leadership Dynamics

Leadership is a central tenet of DSHK, embodied in our motto, “I am not led, I lead.” Across all project-based learning experiences, we aim to cultivate a leadership mindset in each student. This is achieved through various methods, including giving students voice and choice in their learning, encouraging self-assessment and evaluation, and involving them in projects that contribute to the local community. As an international school, we provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills that can make a difference both locally and globally.

Foundation Knowledge

A solid foundation in key subject areas such as Chinese, English, Math, and Science is critical during DSHK students’ middle school years. Emphasizing foundational knowledge ensures that students are well-prepared for advanced study and lifelong learning, aligning with the Dalton Plan’s principle of responsibility.

Promoting Chinese Culture and Local Discovery

As a dual-language school in Hong Kong, DSHK places a strong emphasis on Chinese culture, integrating traditions, language, history, and arts throughout the curriculum. This approach fosters a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of Chinese heritage, which is integral to our mission. Additionally, the Greater Bay Area offers powerful place-based immersion experiences, allowing students to engage directly with the local community. These experiences enhance cultural exchange, language proficiency, and a global mindset, preparing students to become culturally competent leaders who honor their roots while embracing the world.

A middle school program based on the Dalton Plan.
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Core Curriculum

Chinese Language Arts and Social Studies

DSHK’s Chinese Language Arts program integrates language, literature, history, and culture to develop students’ critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills in Chinese. The curriculum emphasizes Confucian values and diverse literary works, deepening students’ understanding of Chinese heritage and its relevance in a global context. Students enhance their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and visual comprehension while applying their knowledge to real-world situations through interdisciplinary projects.

Aligned with the Dalton Plan’s principles of independence, responsibility, and reflection, the program encourages students to explore and appreciate both their own culture and those of others. By fostering a lifelong interest in reading and cultural exploration, DSHK equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese language and its rich literary traditions.

English Language Arts and Social Studies

DSHK’s English Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum, rooted in the US Common Core and AERO Social Studies standards, is designed to develop students’ literacy and critical thinking skills. Our balanced approach emphasizes reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary acquisition. Through thematic units, students explore diverse genres and topics, enhancing their ability to analyze, interpret, and argue effectively.

The curriculum integrates foundational literacy with higher-order thinking, encouraging real-world application and cultural understanding. Students engage in planning, drafting, revising, and publishing their work, receiving individualized feedback throughout the process. This comprehensive framework fosters collaboration, self-reflection, and cultural awareness, fully aligning with the Dalton Plan’s principles of independence, responsibility, and reflection.

Math

DSHK’s mathematics program employs a student-centered, problem-solving approach that cultivates critical thinking, visualization, and the practical application of mathematical concepts. Rooted in the United States Common Core State Standards and the Advanced Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, our program seamlessly blends these with the strengths of traditional Chinese mathematical instruction. This approach not only deepens students’ understanding of key mathematical principles but also fosters collaboration, independence, and resilience.

Middle school students engage with essential concepts such as rational number operations, algebraic reasoning, geometry, proportional reasoning, and probability and statistics. By encouraging them to pose problems, generate unique solutions, and explore “What if?” scenarios, the curriculum instills confidence and prepares students for advanced high school courses like Calculus and Statistics. This solid foundation equips them not only for high school success but also for the challenges they will face in their future academic and professional endeavors.

 

Science and Engineering

DSHK’s Science and Engineering curriculum, grounded in the NextGen Science Standards, emphasizes experimentation, inquiry, and hands-on learning. Students actively explore life, physical, and earth sciences, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are encouraged to generate questions, design experiments, and analyze data, fostering a deep connection to the natural world. Through real-world applications and collaborative projects, students embody the Dalton Plan’s principles of reflection, responsibility, and collaboration as they conduct experiments and present their findings. This approach ensures they are well-prepared for future scientific challenges.

 

Performing Arts

DSHK’s performing arts program, guided by the National Core Arts Standards, offers middle school students an inquiry-based approach to exploring theater, dance, and music. Centered on student creativity and collaboration, the program encourages active participation in artistic development, fostering critical thinking, self-expression, and confidence. By engaging in authentic performances and interdisciplinary projects, students not only hone their artistic skills but also develop independence and reflective thinking, aligning with the Dalton Plan’s holistic educational philosophy. This vibrant program nurtures a lifelong appreciation for the arts and empowers students to discover their unique artistic voices.

 

Physical Education

Guided by SHAPE America standards, DSHK’s physical education program is integral to students’ well-being, promoting health, confidence, and teamwork. The program develops fundamental and advanced movement skills through a diverse range of team and individual sports, such as basketball, soccer, swimming, and track and field. By emphasizing proper techniques, strategies, and tactics, students enhance their problem-solving abilities, communication, leadership, and cultural awareness. This approach fosters lifelong physical literacy and aligns with the Dalton Plan’s principles of collaboration, responsibility, and holistic development.

 

Visual Art

DSHK’s Visual Art program, aligned with the National Core Arts Standards, nurtures creativity and critical thinking. In our innovative, child-centered studios, students explore diverse artistic mediums—such as drawing, sculpture, painting, and ceramics—while engaging with art from various cultures and historical periods. This exploration fosters problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills that apply across disciplines and everyday life. The program encourages independence, reflection, and collaboration, helping students appreciate the arts’ essential role in enhancing the quality of our lives.

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Transdisciplinary Projects

At the heart of DSHK’s Trailblazer curriculum are transdisciplinary projects that build on the inquiry cycle introduced in primary school. These projects guide students through structured stages—planning, research, creation, self-assessment, and presentation—developing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. By integrating academic disciplines with real-world applications, students engage in meaningful, reflective learning experiences that embody the Dalton Plan’s principles of independence, responsibility, and collaboration.

For example, a Grade 7 project might involve researching, designing, and revitalizing green spaces on campus, incorporating science, art, and sustainability. This approach fosters interdisciplinary connections and equips students with the skills to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

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Electives and Personal Projects

Electives

At DSHK, middle school students can personalize their educational experience by selecting from a diverse range of electives each semester. These electives are designed to engage students in areas they are passionate about, helping them discover their interests and strengths, which in turn guides their academic and career choices in high school and beyond.

Possible Electives

  • Home Economics
  • Public Speaking
  • Rock Band
  • Video Editing
  • Business Economics
  • Coding and Robotics
  • Design Technology
  • Drama
  • Foreign Language- Spanish Journalism
  • Math Olympiad
  • Mixed Media
  • Music Technology

Personal Projects

DSHK’s personal projects empower students to lead their own learning through self-directed inquiry. Supported by teacher mentors, these projects encourage deep exploration of topics that interest them, fostering essential skills such as persistence, flexible thinking, and self-motivation. Guided by the Dalton Plan’s emphasis on reflection and responsibility, personal projects help students develop a strong sense of ownership over their education, preparing them for future challenges.

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Service Learning

DSHK’s middle school service learning program empowers students to discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully to society through community engagement. By integrating academic learning with hands-on service experiences, students develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of global citizenship. Aligned with the Dalton Plan’s principles, the program encourages reflection on their experiences and the application of skills to real-world challenges, fostering leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement. This approach nurtures informed, active citizens who are committed to making a positive impact on both society and the planet.

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Well-Being

House

Navigating middle school can be challenging, and DSHK recognizes the importance of fostering a strong sense of community. Our House program provides students with a consistent, supportive environment where they can connect with peers and teachers daily. House leaders build close relationships with students, offering personalized guidance and support. This regular interaction helps students feel valued, assists in navigating academic and social pressures, and cultivates a sense of belonging within the school community.

Advisory

Our middle school advisory program integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) with character development, emphasizing global citizenship. Using the Second Step® curriculum and the CASEL framework, students develop essential skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The program encourages active engagement in service-learning projects and intercultural exchanges, fostering leadership and a commitment to making positive contributions to society.

(CASEL Framework)

Health and Wellness

DSHK’s comprehensive health and wellness curriculum, embedded within the Advisory program, addresses academic, mental, physical, spiritual, and sexual health. The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead balanced, healthy lives, covering topics such as study skills, mental well-being, nutrition, and sexual health. This holistic approach ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of their well-being, empowering them to make informed choices.

Dimensions of Health and Wellness: Academic, Mental, Physical Spiritual and Sexual Health

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Think Learning Studio Collaboration

DSHK is proud to collaborate with Think Learning Studio, established by Think Global School, the world’s first traveling high school known for its Changemaker Curriculum. This curriculum, which blends rigorous academics with global exploration, has placed Think Global School among the top 100 private schools worldwide.

Rather than traveling globally, DSHK leverages the rich resources of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area as our expansive classroom. This region, renowned for its cultural richness, history, and technological innovation, provides students with unique opportunities to connect their studies to real-world applications. Whether exploring advanced technologies, diverse ecosystems, or engaging in community projects, students benefit from hands-on learning experiences that are both globally informed and locally relevant.

The result of this collaboration is the Trailblazer Curriculum, a project-based learning framework designed to equip students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in an era defined by rapid technological change. By integrating Think Learning Studio’s expertise with the dynamic environment of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, DSHK ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also ready to lead and innovate in a constantly evolving world.

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