Middle School Overview

Middle School marks a significant change in the lives of young people. At Ridley, we provide a challenging and supportive learning environment where Grade 7 and 8 students can flourish at this pivotal time in their lives. 

In September 2023, we officially opened our doors to a dedicated space for our Middle School students. This educational experience is unique in the Region, and we couldn’t be more proud and excited to offer this to our families. 

It is our goal to support students through this fundamental period of transition, to help them cultivate the academic and life skills — along with the attitudes and values — necessary to lead and flourish in an increasingly complex world.

Our Middle School programme lays the foundation for academic success in high school and beyond, allowing students to:

• Explore their academic interests and passions;
• Make practical connections between their studies and real-world issues;
• Develop vital communication, organization, and teamwork skills;
• Benefit from smaller class sizes which allow for more individualized attention and support from faculty and learning strategists;
• Engage in a wide variety of athletics and co-curricular programmes for a well-rounded educational experience;
• Be supported by a dedicated Middle School Counsellor who also educates students on developing positive mental health and emotional regulation habits.

IB MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (MYP)

Our Middle School programme uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to deliver the Ontario curriculum. Our Grade 7 and 8 students enjoy the benefits of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which runs from Grade 7 to Grade 10.  

This programme encourages students to make connections and explore big ideas across subject areas. Students are also encouraged to make practical connections between the real world and the things they learn in the classroom, with lessons delivered by specialist teachers in every subject—from science and math to art and physical education—using multiple learning and teaching approaches. At the conclusion of four years, the programme culminates with an independent personal project – an opportunity to pursue a passion and build independent learning and communication skills. 

Our learner-centred, inquiry-based approach to learning develops curiosity, open-mindedness, and agile thinking and doing; it builds leaders and responsible citizens who can find fulfillment, purpose, and achievement in their lives to transform our globe.

Learn More About Our MYP Programme

Take a Virtual Tour

Explore our Middle School from the comfort of your home. Click on the image below to start your tour!

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

In addition to in-class learning, students participate in daily physical activity, either through our recreational programmes or competitive sports, and they enjoy co-curricular offerings in a variety of fields, such as arts, music, and exploring personal interests. Middle School students can also gain valuable leadership skills and take on leadership roles within the school.  

Discover Our Middle School Co-Curriculars

STUDENT SUPPORT

At Ridley, we’ve adopted a circle of care approach that we believe provides our students with a range of unrivalled academic and emotional supports to help them navigate this crucial stage in their social and emotional development.

Our goal is to encourage and nurture their desire for independence and increased self-awareness, help them to form their individual identities and cultivate a global perspective to facilitate the transition from childhood to adolescence. 

We aim to do this in a way that is supportive and customized to the individual needs of each student. From their teachers to counsellors, advisors, coaches, and everyone else around the circle, a caring adult is never too far away to help guide your child on their journey. 

WELLBEING EDUCATION 

Ridley’s central mission is to help our students discover what it takes to lead a flourishing life. Teaching students the habits to live well is engrained in a Ridley education, from JK through to Grade 12. In Middle School, we teach healthy eating and sleep habits in our health and physical education programming. We create opportunities for students to feel a sense of belonging and build friendships, beginning with an annual camping trip during the first week of classes.  

In the classroom, we use the PERMA-V model to celebrate and emphasize positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and vitality. We ask our students to engage with their work and the world around them; we ask them to work on developing deep and meaningful relationships, to find meaning and purpose in their lives, and to achieve goals through cultivating and applying strengths and talents.

LEARNING BEYOND THE GATES 

Our Middle School believes learning occurs beyond the walls of our classroom, which is why we offer a menu of experiential learning activities and travel experiences to our students. Some of these include: 

• Trips to Ottawa 
• Trips to St. Donat 
• Trips to Guatemala 
• Trips to France 
• Camp White Pine