Where Inquiry, Independence, and Academic Purpose Take Shape
The Middle School Years at Antonine International School – Dekwaneh (AIS-D) represent a transformative stage in every learner’s journey. From Grade 7 to Grade 9, students begin to think critically, take initiative, and explore their growing independence. The program combines the Lebanese national curriculum with international academic standards, providing a strong foundation for both national examinations and global education pathways.
Aligned with the Lebanese and International Frameworks
The Middle School curriculum integrates the Lebanese Ministry of Education program with Common Core–based methodologies to ensure a rigorous and balanced academic experience.
Arabic, Civic Education, and Lebanese Social Studies follow the official national curriculum, reinforcing cultural identity and civic understanding. Meanwhile, English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science are taught using inquiry-driven strategies aligned with international best practices. This hybrid framework promotes depth of knowledge, problem-solving, and real-world application — key skills for success in higher education.
Learning Through the 5Es and Inquiry-Based Approach
AIS-D’s teaching philosophy in the Middle School years is rooted in the 5Es Learning Model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.
- Engage ignites curiosity and connects new learning to students’ experiences.
- Explore allows investigation and experimentation through observation and discovery.
- Explain helps learners communicate findings and clarify understanding.
- Elaborate extends learning through projects and interdisciplinary connections.
- Evaluate encourages reflection and goal setting for continued growth.
This model is driven by AIS-D’s What–How–Why approach, guiding students to understand what they are learning, how they are learning, and why it matters. Through inquiry, they learn to question, reason, and draw conclusions independently.
Pre-SAT Preparation and American Program Readiness
AIS-D introduces Pre-SAT skill development in the Middle School years to prepare students for high school and international university readiness. Lessons strengthen reading comprehension, analytical writing, and mathematical reasoning following the College Board SAT framework.
This foundation equips students with the critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the SAT and the American Advanced Placement (AP) Program, which they can pursue in the upper grades.
By developing these competencies early, students transition smoothly into the American Program, recognized globally for its academic rigor and university-level coursework.
STEAM Integration and State-of-the-Art Laboratories
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education remains central to the AIS-D Middle School experience. Students explore interdisciplinary concepts through creative design, scientific inquiry, and hands-on experimentation.
AIS-D’s new STEAM laboratories — including fully equipped Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs — provide an authentic environment for students to apply scientific methods, conduct experiments, and analyze data. These spaces are designed to inspire innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving through experiential learning.
In addition to lab-based work, students engage in robotics, digital modeling, and engineering projects that integrate technology and design thinking. This approach strengthens creativity, digital literacy, and applied scientific understanding.
Trilingual Education with French as FLE
Middle School students continue to learn in a trilingual environment — English, French, and Arabic — developing linguistic agility and cultural appreciation. English serves as the main language of instruction, while French is taught as FLE (Français Langue Étrangère – French as a Foreign Language), allowing non-native speakers to progress confidently through communicative and interactive lessons. Arabic remains central to identity and expression, ensuring that students remain grounded in their language and culture while expanding their global perspective.
Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Character Formation
AIS-D fosters an environment where academic growth and emotional wellbeing are equally prioritized. Teachers cultivate empathy, resilience, and collaboration through daily interaction and reflection. Advisory sessions and character-building activities help students manage challenges and grow in self-awareness.
Inclusive practices ensure that all learners receive the support and differentiation they need to succeed. Every student is encouraged to reach their full potential within a classroom culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance.
Leadership and Responsibility
Students in Middle School are guided to develop leadership skills and social responsibility. They take part in service projects, collaborative initiatives, and student-led activities that promote teamwork and civic engagement. These experiences empower students to act ethically, think critically, and lead with compassion and integrity.
Preparing for the Future
The Middle School Years at Antonine International School – Dekwaneh form the bridge between foundational learning and academic specialization. Grounded in the Lebanese curriculum, enriched through Common Core–aligned instruction, guided by the 5Es inquiry model, and strengthened with Pre-SAT preparation, American Program readiness, STEAM integration, and dedicated Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs, AIS-D equips every student with the knowledge, confidence, and curiosity to succeed in high school and beyond.
Through trilingual education, wellbeing, and inclusive learning, AIS-D prepares the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and compassionate leaders ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
