[ Specialty Classes ]
ENRICHED LEARNING
Science
Science at MSB covers all of the main branches: biology (botany and zoology), chemistry and physics. In Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood, science falls under the Culture curriculum and topics are introduced informally through the children’s culture lessons. In Toddler, science concepts are introduced seamlessly during Circle Time discussions and activities. For example, the life cycle of the butterfly may be introduced in conjunction with spring. In Early Childhood, in-class experiments are used to help illustrate abstract concepts such as gravity, magnetism and momentum. These experiments may be carried out at the classroom level, i.e., by the teacher in front of the whole class, but more often by the students themselves using the materials provided in the Culture area of the classroom.
Science in Elementary is taught formally with children attending science class once a week in our dedicated laboratory. The curriculum begins as an overview of life sciences in Grade 1, and eventually revolves around physical science in Grade 6. At this point, the focus also turns to ecology and conservation, with the assistance of our onsite wormeries and aquaponics system. Our Science Fair is a rite of passage for our students with children completing one new project every other year in Grades 1, 3 and 5 (during Grades 2, 4 and 6, children participate in our Elementary Exhibition Night). These projects are completed by the children at school under the guidance of our teachers.
Art
Creativity and self-expression through art is embraced and encouraged at MSB. During art class, children learn fundamental art vocabulary and explore a variety of artistic movements, techniques, mediums and styles to create their own masterpieces. Our campus is a rotating exhibit of their work, ranging from wall-sized murals to small clay sculptures, all inspired by famous artists of the past and present.
In June, MSB hosts its annual Art Show, a highly anticipated affair for which students select a single artwork to represent their artistic achievements over the course of the academic year. In addition, each class collaborates on a special piece of art to be auctioned off at the event for charity.
MSB has been a proud host to many artists and illustrators, including renowned Japanese block printer Ralph Kiggel and Spanish artist El Tono. The latter’s three-day workshop with our Elementary children resulted in the colorful contemporary mural on the second floor of our Elementary building.
Music
MSB offers a complete music curriculum that both teaches and inspires. In Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood 1 & 2, children explore rhythm and sound through introductions to various instruments, music and dance styles from around the world. In Early Childhood 3 and Elementary, children learn to read and write sheet music, master active listening and learn to play the recorder (Grades 1 and 2) and the ukelele (Grades 3 and up). Children are also introduced to works by Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Beethoven, to name a few, and engage in classical music appreciation during their lunchtime.
MSB is home to three student bands, one each for Grades 4, 5 and 6. Band members may take up instruments of their own choosing and rehearse under the guidance of our Elementary Music teacher Charles Dujat. In addition to performing incredible covers of hits like “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, the students also have the opportunity to compose their own music.
Performances are held throughout the school year, during school assemblies and events like the Spring Picnic and Let’s Show talent competition.
Every December, MSB hosts a Winter Recital, Lower Elementary Music Showcase and Upper Elementary Winter Show. Each performance features a combination of music and choreography, accompanied by stunning backdrops and costumes.
Sports
The PE program at MSB is extremely diverse, going beyond the usual drills to also promote fitness, leadership, teamwork, and the development of hand-eye coordination, balance and agility. Children engage in a variety of athletic activities, ranging from football and swimming to obstacle course running.
MSB organizes a number of sporting events throughout the school year. We host a schoolwide Sports Day every May. We also sponsor regular off-campus field trips for our Elementary and Middle School children giving them the opportunity to sail, kayak, snowboard, ski, rock climb and hike.