Inquiry, Service, Adventure

Overview of the Middle School Pegasus Program

General Program Aims:

The Pegasus Program (grade 6 and up) is a unique program based on the idea that “the world is our classroom”. Students do not only hear about ideas from books, websites, video and other sources.  Instead they go out into the community and visit different environments, interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and meet people who employ skills and knowledge in a wide variety of careers.  These authentic learning experiences engage students in their learning and are taken back to the classroom.

Major Areas of Study

  • Science
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Language (English)
  • Host Country Language and Culture (Japanese)
  • Physical Education
  • Personal and Social Education
  • Visual Art and Drama
  • Music

Major Skill Areas

  • Organization
  • Information Literacy
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Thinking
  • Reflection

Inquiry

Students learn through Inquiry. Students investigate and inquire into questions: they are guided by question prompts as well as questions they have. Students learn through “doing”. They participate in investigations, experiments and observations. Students who were a part of the PYP program are taking the transdisciplinary skills to the next level, with a particular increase in use of higher order thinking skills.

Service

Opportunities are given for students to reach out to our community within KIS, outside KIS in wider community of Kyoto and Japan, as well as globally (including the final Pegasus Trip). Starting within our walls students find ways to be helpful to other KIS community members. Middle school students reach out to our Kyoto community and engage in a variety of service projects for our Kyoto members.  Global initiatives to raise awareness and funds are woven throughout the academic year, with a big focus each year in the 3rd term as students prepare for their oversees service oriented trip.

Adventure

Life is full of adventure in Middle School!  Students become confident risk takers in both their actions and their learning. Middle School comes with increased expectations for students as role models, leaders, and as active and independent participants in their learning.   A variety of adventure-filled activities are integral to the Middle School program at KIS. Students  are challenged to try new things, including new sports and activities as well as a variety of new and interesting learning engagements to help keep their love of learning alive.