Grade 5–8 English Programme
In our middle school English programme, designed within the TED Schools K12 English Curriculum, students have 16 hours a week in Grade 5, 12 hours in Grades 6 and 7, and 8 hours in Grade 8. By the end of the programme, students are expected to reach level B1–B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). English lessons are led by Turkish and international teachers who are subject specialists with teaching qualifications.
Our English curriculum takes a thematic approach and develops all four language skills at the same time. In English-1 lessons, language skills are developed through activities that present structures and vocabulary in meaningful contexts within themes suited to students’ ages and interests. English-2 lessons focus on developing reading, critical thinking, analysis and synthesis through a selection of works by major authors of children’s and young adult literature. The programme also prepares students for the high school English literature programme.
Printed materials for English teaching are chosen from publications designed for the interests and needs of the age group. Regular work on digital reading platforms is also planned to support reading skills.
Ongoing assessment is used to track students’ academic progress through the year and identify differing needs. Because it also provides data for individualised and differentiated lesson planning, it is carefully planned and carried out at all levels.
To help students use English not as a school subject but as a means of communication in life, we offer clubs as well as in-school events and national and international projects. Our clubs include Destination Imagination (DI), Junior Model United Nations (JMUN), English Drama, Creative Writing, Book Club and Culinary Arts.
Our annual UK Summer School for Grades 6–8 is a two-week programme that helps interested students experience the culture of the language they are learning as well as develop academically. Under the Canada Education Agreement between TED and the Nova Scotia Department of Education, TED Üsküdar College students in Grades 7 and 8 can join an intercultural exchange programme and study in Canada for a month.
In middle school, students also prepare for the internationally recognised Cambridge English Qualifications exams Flyers, KET and PET.
Modern Languages Programme
A second foreign language begins in Grade 5 at our school. The aim is for students to complete the Basic Level (A1–A2) in one foreign language during primary school. In Grade 5, students choose German or French and study it as a second foreign language throughout middle school. Our second-language programme is communication-based, and we aim for students to reach level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) by
Grade 8.
Students take part in various activities in and out of school to use their second foreign language in different settings. German and French clubs are also offered.