KIS Middle School Awareness Programs
KIS has articulated an intentional philosophy of education directed towards the development of global citizenship and based on care of the individual.
The central core of KIS Awareness Programs is a holistic approach to the individual student and the knowledge and understanding of the benefits of exposing young people to a wide variety of experiences in a safe, structured, learning environment.
KIS Awareness Programs have traditionally included Music, Art, Drama, Dance, Social Experience, Hiking & Camping, Sport, Physical and Religious Education to extend and enrich the creative, cultural, environmental, social, physical and spiritual development of every student at KIS.
At KIS Middle School, awareness programs have been incorporated into every aspect of curriculum, classroom practice and extracurricular activity for 20 years. Students are encouraged to create, experiment, question, test, understand and develop themselves against the backdrop of opportunity provided by the school's unique location in South India.
Creative Awareness
- Art: Art is a priority at KIS. The physical beauty of Kodaikanal and its surroundings encourage creative acknowledgment and expression from all KIS community members, children and adults alike. Scheduled structured art activities are held in dedicated art rooms and prepared by qualified art teachers who are also exhibiting artists. Currently the IB Middle Years Program philosophy is developing the scope of art in the curriculum.
- Drama: KIS now has a full time drama professional and a refurbished drama studio the ‘Box”. Middle school students take part in the whole school play traditionally held in Semester 2 and also put on their own Middle School Play. Additional plays, musicals and even operas are often prepared and performed according to KIS Calendar flexibility.
- Indian Dance & Music: Individual and group music tuition is available from professional musicians and dancer(s) in dedicated music practice rooms.
- Music: KIS is particularly proud of its outstanding music program. Music is an integral part of life at KIS with the quality and breadth of music tuition, instrument diversity and supply, curricular allocation and performance opportunities equivalent to a specialist music school. Middle School music opportunities are regularly scheduled classroom music, individual instrument tuition, ensembles, orchestra, choirs and bands.
Cultural Awareness
Middle School students are exposed to as many aspects of host nation culture as possible. Opportunities for individual Indian dance and instrumental music tuition are additionally available on request. Two Indian languages, Tamil and Hindi, are offered as starter courses and advanced levels for Indian nationals are available on individual request. Other languages taught at KIS are French, German, Spanish and Dzonghka. Cultural events with an international flavor are part of the regular semester cycle of Middle School activities from the annual International Banquet to celebrating other national days.
Physical Awareness
KIS offers a full developmental age specific physical education program with dedicated Middle School PE teachers. After-school sports coaching opportunities, a weekend hiking program and full athletics program with annual Field Days supplement scheduled physical education classes. Sporting fixtures with local schools / groups are arranged on a regular basis.
Personal Awareness
KIS Counselor is available for elementary students as needed and visits the Middle School on a regular basis. All Middle School staff is sensitive to students' developmental emotional needs and work together to create safe and secure classrooms. Teaching staff and dorm parents work together to understand and support each student under the supervision of KIS Dean of Students, Chaplain, School Counselor and student support team.
Social Awareness
In addition to the important social interaction in the classroom, KIS Middle School provides after-school and evening activities. These vary with the interests and talents of residential staff and are assisted by the efforts and energy of a designated staff member, the Special Activities Coordinator, who liaises with KIS Dean of Students and MYP Coordinators. Weekend activities include movies, sports, interactive games and concerts.
Spiritual Awareness
Religious Education is a part of KIS Middle School curriculum, emphasizing and supporting the Christian nature and values of the school. It is reinforced in other activities and programs such as:
- Weekly religious assembly
- Teen Dimension values education program and activities
- Christian Endeavor, a weekly evening program of music, reflection and meditation
- Special assemblies for Christmas, Easter
- Sunday school structured in content and delivery for adolescents
Boarding students are expected to attend Sunday morning worship services and participate in the Sunday school program. Students also have a weekly devotional time in the dormitory and rotating 'prayer breakfasts'.
Students are encouraged to understand and respect those of all faith backgrounds by learning about other religions. |
