Middle school
From ArticleWorld
A Middle school or an intermediate school or a junior high school is the term used to define falls somewhere between a primary school and a secondary school. It is quite an ambiguous term and covers different phases of school education in different countries. The history of middle school can be traced back to 1909 when, Indianola Junior High School, the first middle school was set up in Columbus, Ohio state.
Precarious age
Middle school age is a very special, critical period for a child. The change from childhood to adolescence is a tremendously important time of life. Children typically endure more changes from age 10 to 15, than they do for the rest of their lives. They are changing in every way possible- how they feel, act, interact, eat, dress, talk, and grow. This is the time when the children not only need the continual support of their parents but also a firm handling by the right kind of teachers and the right kind of school that serves as an alternative support system. Middle school is their ‘bridge’ to high school and hence should be a place to feel good about.
Different connotations in different countries
- In Korea and Japan middle schools cover the phase between classes 7 to 9 and in many schools students need to wear uniforms.
In the United Kingdom middle schools have gone through many changes and are now on the brink of extinction since the introduction of a National Curriculum from 2000. Earlier the different changes included the phases between ages 8 to 12, then ages 9 to 13 and finally ages 10 to 13 before going out of fashion.
In Unites States middle schools typically include grades 6 to 8 though sometimes only grades 7 and 8 are included and at other times even grade 9 is part of the middle school system.