Lower Middle School

Grades 6 to 7

Welcome to Pear Tree School’s Lower Middle School Program

As students embark on the crucial Lower Middle School years, Pear Tree School is dedicated to offering an educational journey that is not only transformative but also deeply aligned with our foundational mission: to inspire, nurture, and empower each student for the myriad of challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our Grades 6-7 program is thoughtfully crafted to further develop each child’s unique talents and abilities, providing a comprehensive, forward-thinking education that sets the stage for lifelong achievement and fulfillment.

Our Lower Middle School Program is anchored in The Pear Tree Method, a distinctive, holistic educational philosophy that seamlessly combines:

Academic Excellence with Real-World Application: Adhering to and expanding upon the BC Curriculum, we ensure that our students not only meet but exceed provincial academic standards, all while making meaningful connections between their learning and the global community.
Tailored Educational Journeys: Acknowledging the diverse strengths and aspirations of our students, we customize our teaching strategies to foster individual academic and personal growth.
Real-World Learning Experiences: Through project-based learning, impactful field excursions, and engagement with real-life challenges, students partake in enriching activities that enhance their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities.

children learning at our lower middle school in Vancouver

Grade 6-7 Program Overview

At Pear Tree School, we believe education should empower students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Our Grade 6-7 program builds on previous learning by fostering greater independence, problem-solving, and leadership.

Through theme-based and project-based learning, students explore complex ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and make interdisciplinary connections across subjects. Whether conducting science experiments, debating social issues, designing innovative projects, or applying math to real-life situations, students develop a deeper understanding of core academic concepts while refining their analytical and creative thinking skills.

As they grow, students also build strong social and emotional skills, learning to navigate teamwork, take initiative, and develop resilience in the face of challenges. Small class sizes and personalized instruction ensure that every child receives the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

By making learning engaging, rigorous, and relevant, our Grade 6-7 program prepares students for the transition to upper middle school years, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and curiosity to succeed in school and beyond.

Key Benefits / Outcomes

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Cultivating analytical minds ready to tackle challenges with creativity and confidence.
Collaboration and Leadership: Encouraging teamwork and leadership opportunities that build social skills and community awareness.
Global Awareness and Responsibility: Developing an understanding of global issues and a commitment to positive action.
Lifelong Wellness: Promoting habits of physical health and mental well-being that last a lifetime.

Curriculum Overview

At Pear Tree School, we take learning beyond textbooks by integrating subjects into real-world themes. This theme-based learning approach makes education more engaging, meaningful, and practical for students in Grades 6-7, fostering curiosity and deeper understanding.

Over a two-year cycle, students explore 16 diverse themes, each combining core subjects such as:

📖 Literacy – Strengthening reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through real-world applications.
🔢 Mathematics – Applying numbers, patterns, measurement, and problem-solving to hands-on, practical scenarios.
🌍 Science & Social Studies – Investigating the world through experiments, projects, and discussions about people, places, and the environment.
🎨 ADST & The Arts – Encouraging creativity, innovation, and design thinking through artistic and hands-on projects.
🏃‍♂️ Physical Education – Developing movement, coordination, and teamwork skills to support overall health and well-being.

By connecting learning across multiple subjects, students not only gain knowledge but also learn how to apply it to real-life situations. This holistic, interdisciplinary approach helps students think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Term 1 Themes (Year 1 of 2)

Identity

Energy

Sports Science

Sample Grade 6-7 Schedule

A soft start eases students into the school day, reducing stress and fostering a calm, focused environment for learning.

A 1-hour P.E. session with our own P.E. teacher at Connaught Park.

These guitar classes are led by our dedicated music teacher.

All students take part in our Healthy Hot Lunch Program. Our menu for this month is, as follows:

Monday: Creamy potato and veggies soup with bacon and cheese
Tuesday: Chickpea and spinach soup with bread
Wednesday: Salmon curry pasta
Thursday: Jambalaya with rice
Friday: Dan Dan noodles

Students take a 45-minute break at Connaught Park, rain or shine.

There, they have access to the playground, as well as the sport fields.

There is a 10-minute walk there and back, which the students do every day.

A soft end to the day provides parents with a broader window of time to find parking, meet with other parents, and meet with teachers.

Beyond Academics

Daily Physical Education

Grade 6-7 students at Pear Tree move and play every day in our daily one-hour P.E. program, setting the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle.

Developmentally-Appropriate Activities: Students build essential gross motor skills (jumping, running, balancing) through activities like gymnastics, obstacle courses, and ball games.
Fun, Confidence, and Teamwork: Through structured games and play-based exercises, children develop self-confidence, coordination, and cooperation.
Multi-Sport Exposure: Young students get an introduction to yoga, ice skating, and other physical activities, helping them discover what they love.
Whole-Child Benefits: P.E. is about more than movement—it improves focus, behavior, and self-regulation in the classroom, too!

Hot Lunch Program

At Pear Tree School, our Grade 6-7 students benefit from our Healthy Hot Lunch Program, ensuring they get the nutrition they need to focus, play, and grow.

Kid-Friendly, Nutrient-Rich Meals: Our lunches are thoughtfully crafted with balanced, seasonal, and local ingredients, designed in collaboration with a holistic nutritionist and prepared by our in-house Red Seal chef.
Introducing Healthy Eating Habits: We encourage Grade 6-7 students to try new foods and learn the importance of a balanced diet, making mealtime a learning experience.
Catering to Dietary Needs: Whether your child requires gluten-free, vegetarian, or other special accommodations, our program ensures allergies and dietary preferences are met safely.
Connection to Learning: Food is integrated into theme-based learning, where students explore cooking, nutrition, and food science in ways that make sense for their age.

Co-Curriculars (optional)

For our grade 6-7 learners, after-school programs aren’t just extra—they’re essential to exploring interests and developing new skills!

Designed for Early Learners: Co-curriculars introduce creativity, movement, and problem-solving through activities like storytelling, music, art, building, and STEM games.
Social-Emotional Learning: Activities are designed to boost confidence, patience, and teamwork, helping students make friends and feel part of a community.
Rotating Options: Choices change each term, but may include cross country, art, performing arts, coding, chess, robotics, basketball, and martial arts.
Exploration without Pressure: Grade 6-7 co-curriculars are about having fun, trying new things, and growing in a supportive space.

Before & After School Care

Pear Tree School offers a supervised, fee-based Before and After School Care Program to support parents with busy schedules. This program is available to all students, with flexible registration options for any combination of days.