Middle & High School
Middle/High Program of Study
Middle/High Parent Handbook
Grades 7-8
Middle School Academic Program at Pinewood
At Pinewood Middle School, we provide a dynamic and engaging academic program that lays the foundation for success in high school and beyond. Our curriculum is designed to support students in Grades 7-8 as they develop the critical skills necessary for future academic pathways, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and independence.
A Standards-Based American Curriculum
Our middle school program follows a rigorous, standards-based American curriculum that prepares students for a smooth transition into our high school pathways. It emphasizes core academic disciplines while integrating interdisciplinary learning, inquiry-based exploration, and social-emotional development. Our approach ensures that students are equipped with the essential skills to thrive in any of the three high school graduation pathways at Pinewood.
Core Academic Foundations
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students engage in analytical discussions, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving activities that strengthen their ability to think critically and approach challenges creatively.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: By making connections across subjects, students develop a holistic understanding of the world and see the relevance of their learning in multiple contexts.
- Research and Inquiry: Through guided research projects and investigative learning experiences, students cultivate curiosity, independent thinking, and the ability to assess and synthesize information effectively.
- Cultural Competence: Our curriculum incorporates diverse perspectives, encouraging students to appreciate different cultures, viewpoints, and global issues, fostering a mindset that is essential for success in an international learning environment.
- College and Career Readiness Foundations: By emphasizing strong academic habits, time management, collaboration, and communication skills, our middle school program builds a strong foundation for the demands of high school, ensuring students are well-prepared to make informed decisions about their future educational pathways.
A Pathway to High School Success
Our middle school program not only prepares students academically but also nurtures their personal growth, leadership potential, and adaptability. With a balanced approach that integrates academics, creativity, and character development, Pinewood Middle School ensures that every student is ready to embark on their chosen high school pathway with confidence and enthusiasm.
By fostering a love for learning and equipping students with essential 21st-century skills, Pinewood Middle School is dedicated to guiding students toward academic excellence and future success.
Grade 7 & 8 Courses
MYP Grading Scale
Understanding MYP Grading at Pinewood
At Pinewood, we understand that assessment is more than just measuring achievement—it is a tool for fostering growth, inquiry, and a deeper understanding of the world. As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), our approach to assessment aligns with the program’s commitment to holistic, concept-driven, and student-centered learning.
How MYP Scoring Works
Students in the MYP are assessed across four key criteria in each subject:
- Criterion A: Knowledge and Understanding – Demonstrates depth of insight and the ability to connect ideas.
- Criterion B: Investigating or Thinking Critically – Applies inquiry skills to analyze and evaluate information.
- Criterion C: Communicating – Expresses ideas with clarity and effectiveness in various formats.
- Criterion D: Applying Skills or Taking Action – Uses knowledge in real-world contexts, demonstrating agency and problem-solving abilities.
Each criterion is scored on a scale from 1 to 8, and the total score (out of 32) is converted into a final MYP grade ranging from 1 to 7.
How the 1-8 Scores Convert to the Final 1-7 Grade
To help parents understand this transition, here is an example:
If a student earns the following scores in a subject:
Criterion A: 6
Criterion B: 7
Criterion C: 5
Criterion D: 6
Total score: 24 out of 32
Using the IB conversion scale, a total score of 24 translates to a final MYP grade of 5.
| Total Score (Out of 32) | Final MYP Grade (1-7) |
|---|---|
| 28-32 | 7 - Exceptional conceptual understanding, creativity, and skill application across multiple contexts. |
|
24-27 |
6 - High-level competence, independent thinking, and insightful connections. |
| 19-23 | 5 - Strong grasp of concepts with effective application. |
| 15-18 |
4 - Meets standard expectations with clear understanding and engagement. |
| 10-14 | 3 - Basic comprehension but requires further support to deepen learning. |
| 6-9 | 2 - Limited understanding with emerging skills. |
| 1-5 | 1 - Minimal achievement, significant support needed for progress. |
Supporting Student Growth
Assessment in the MYP is designed to empower students, encouraging them to reflect on their learning and set meaningful goals. Through formative and summative assessments, teachers provide constructive feedback that helps students develop the attributes of the IB Learner Profile—becoming inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and principled global citizens.
At Pinewood, we are committed to cultivating lifelong learners who approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. For more details on our curriculum and assessment approach, please refer to the Program of Studies.
Grades 9-12
Pathways to Graduation
At Pinewood High School, we are committed to providing a rigorous and flexible education that prepares students for higher education and their future careers. Our academic program is structured around three distinct pathways to graduation, which students select in February of Grade 10, ensuring they follow a curriculum that aligns with their academic goals and aspirations.
- American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP)
- American High School Diploma
- Anatolia-Pinewood International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
- Greek Diploma Equivalency
American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP)
This challenging pathway is ideal for students seeking an academically rigorous program that mirrors college-level coursework. Advanced Placement (AP) courses, developed by the College Board, allow students to engage with subjects in greater depth, demonstrating their ability to tackle advanced material. Successfully completing AP courses can earn students university credits, giving them an edge in competitive college admissions.
Students choosing this pathway benefit from:
- A robust selection of AP courses across disciplines, including STEM, humanities, and the arts.
- College-level coursework that develops analytical and research skills essential for higher education.
- The possibility of earning college credit or advanced standing at universities worldwide.
- A challenging academic environment that prepares students for success in top universities globally.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements for graduation are consistent with the goals of the school, the requirements for admission to higher education institutions, and based on the Carnegie Unit system. Pinewood grants its diploma only to students who have successfully completed all graduation requirements.
| Department | Minimum Requirements | Recommended for University |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Social Studies | 4 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Mathematics | 3 Credits | 4 Credits |
|
Science |
3 Credits | 4 Credits |
| World Language | 2 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Physical Education | 1 Credits | 1 Credits |
| Electives | 5 Credits | 6 Credits |
American High School Diploma
This pathway provides a well-rounded education based on the American educational model, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of post-secondary options, including universities in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
Key aspects of this pathway include:
- A comprehensive curriculum that meets rigorous American education standards.
- A personalized learning approach, ensuring students can focus on their strengths and areas of interest.
- Strong preparation for college admissions, with guidance on university applications and career planning.
- An emphasis on real-world applications, encouraging students to connect learning to practical experiences.
Anatolia-Pinewood International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The IB Diploma Program is known for its academic rigor, interdisciplinary approach, and emphasis on global perspectives. The IB Diploma Programme educational model is represented with a circular design, emphasising its holistic and integrated nature. The model is built around the learner profile, a set of attributes that schools aim to develop in pupils using student-centered, independent approaches to teaching and learning. All Diploma candidates are expected to fulfill three core and interlinked requirements: to follow classes on Theory of Knowledge, to complete a research paper known as the Extended Essay and to demonstrate engagement with Creativity-Action-Service.
Students who choose this internationally recognized program transfer to Anatolia College to complete their final two years of study.
Click here to learn more about the required six areas of knowledge and IBDP Philosophy.
Greek Diploma Equivalency
The Greek Diploma Equivalency is intended for students who want to receive an equivalency to the Greek Apolytirion.
This requires Greek Native and Greek History courses each year of high school following the Greek Ministry of Education curriculum. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of attendance and a grade transcript which they submit along with their American High School Diploma to the relevant office of the Greek Ministry of Education, which issues the equivalency to the Greek Apolytirion.
Our Standards-Based Curriculum
At Pinewood High School, academic excellence is rooted in a strong, standards-based curriculum that ensures students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for success in any of the three graduation pathways.
Core Academic Standards
AERO Standards:
Our English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Arts, and World Languages courses follow the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards—a framework specifically designed for American international schools. These standards identify essential concepts in each subject, provide instructional guidance, and link to additional resources. AERO standards align with the Common Core Standards, widely used across the United States.
NGSS Science Standards:
Our Science curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which integrate:
- Scientific Practices: Hands-on experimentation, research processes, and inquiry-based learning.
- Disciplinary Core Ideas: Fundamental scientific principles across biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
- Cross-Cutting Concepts: Themes that connect different scientific disciplines, reinforcing critical thinking and problem-solving.
Graduation Requirements
Requirements for graduation are consistent with the goals of the school, the requirements for admission to higher education institutions, and based on the Carnegie Unit system. Pinewood grants its diploma only to students who have successfully completed all graduation requirements.
| Department | Minimum Requirements | Recommended for University |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Social Studies | 4 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Mathematics | 3 Credits | 4 Credits |
|
Science |
3 Credits | 4 Credits |
| World Language | 2 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Physical Education | 1 Credits | 1 Credits |
| Electives | 5 Credits | 6 Credits |
Real-World Learning Approach
In all subjects, we ensure that learning is grounded in authentic, real-world situations. This means:
- Connecting academic concepts to current events and issues that matter to students.
- Encouraging students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, from research projects to experiential learning opportunities.
- Providing access to collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that mirror college and workplace environments.
Key Educational Pillars
Our curriculum is designed to develop students who are:
- Critical Thinkers & Problem Solvers – Students engage in analytical challenges that prepare them for complex decision-making in higher education and beyond.
- Interdisciplinary Learners – Courses encourage connections between subjects, helping students see the bigger picture in their studies.
- Research-Oriented Scholars – Inquiry-based learning fosters independent thought, a key skill for AP coursework and university-level research.
- Culturally Competent & Globally Aware – Students gain intercultural understanding and communication skills, crucial for navigating today’s interconnected world.
- College & Career Ready – Each pathway ensures students meet high academic standards and are equipped for success in their future studies or professional careers.
By offering a flexible yet comprehensive high school experience, Pinewood prepares every student to graduate with confidence, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Grading, Credits, and Graduation
- GPA Scale & Credit Transfer
- Grade Level Promotion
- Criteria for Passing/Failing a Course
- Commencement
- Credit Recovery
GPA Scale & Credit Transfer
Students enrolling mid-year may be required to complete all missed assessments from the start of the academic year to ensure alignment with the school’s academic standards.
Graduation requirements for all options are consistent with the goals of the school, the requirements for admission to higher education institutions, and the Carnegie Unit system. Pinewood grants its diploma only to students who have successfully completed all graduation requirements. The GPA is calculated on a 5.0 scale for AP and IBDP courses and a 4.0 scale for all other courses as follows:
| Letter Grade | Percentages | Points | AP Points | IB Grade | IB SL Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 100 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 7 | 4.5 |
| A | 95 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 6 | 4.0 |
| B | 89 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5 | 3.5 |
| C | 79 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4 | 2.5 |
| D | 69 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3 | 1.5 |
| F | 59 | 0 | 0 | 1-2 | 0 |
Grade Level Promotion
Criteria for Passing/Failing a Course
Final grades are determined through a combination of the scores earned in both summative assessments and cumulative exams. Students will have passed a course and receive credit for the class if they earn any final grade above 60%.
For AP courses: a minimum grade of 2 is required for receiving credit towards receiving the American Diploma. However, note that most colleges will consider a minimum grade of 3 as necessary to give credit for admission purposes.
For IB courses: a minimum grade of 3 is required for receiving credit for HL courses and a minimum grade of 4 is required for receiving credit for SL courses. ToK requires a minimum grade of D for receiving credit.
Only final grades, not progress report marks or semester scores, are used to calculate a student’s GPA for the year on the transcript.
Commencement
The Commencement Ceremony, which is an important feature in American international schools, is held for the graduating seniors (Grade 12) at the end of each academic year. On this occasion, two top-ranking seniors deliver salutatorian and valedictorian addresses on behalf of their classmates, and a guest speaker is invited to address the graduating class. The event is the highlight of a high school student’s career at Pinewood, and the entire Pinewood community is invited to attend.
If a student has not completed all graduation requirements at the time of the commencement ceremony, the student may participate in the ceremony if an acceptable, timely plan for obtaining the needed credits has been approved beforehand. Under no circumstances will a student be able to receive the American Diploma if graduation requirements have not been fully met.
Credit Recovery
Credit recovery is an option available to high school students who did not earn a final, passing grade in up to 3 courses but no more. The intent of the program is to provide these students with an opportunity for additional time to earn credits towards graduation. All costs associated with this option are the responsibility of the student. Students who need to enroll in an online course will be notified by the Principal and/or IBDP Coordinator as soon as possible; however, it is often the case that the need is not clear until after final exams have been completed. Students must successfully complete all course requirements in order to earn the needed credit.
The credit recovery course must be successfully completed at least 2 weeks before the first day of school in order to count towards advancement to the next grade level. Upon receipt of the official transcript indicating a passing mark, the student’s transcript will be adjusted accordingly to indicate that credit recovery was utilized for that class.
Habits and Attitudes for Learning (HAL)
In addition to numerical grades, Middle and High School students also receive feedback on their Habits and Attitudes for Learning. HAL marks are qualitative and based on 4 criteria: attendance/punctuality, preparation, independence, and collaboration. The rubric used to provide this feedback identifies many of the dispositions and approaches to learning that students should work to develop if they are to cultivate a growth mindset and become independent lifelong learners. Teachers assign attitudes to learning qualitative continuum marks throughout the year. Students can also use the rubric to self-assess or set personal growth goals.