middle loop
(GRADES 5–8)
middle school at VERSO International school Of Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to the Middle Loop! In this transformative age for our learners, we make use of experiential and project-based approaches in order to build foundational academic skills that are truly future-ready
These competencies range from critical and creative thinking to the social and interpersonal dimensions of success. Every day, within a vibrant and community-minded setting, we aim to build the confidence of our Middle Loop learners by providing them with self-directed opportunities for growth. We know they will thrive under the care of attentive Learning Designers who will engage them as young people and fuel a sense of adventure.
Through these learning journeys within the principles of design thinking and cutting edge environments for knowledge acquisition, our Middle Loop learners steadily develop a deeper feeling of independence and a strong sense of purpose. They can then look ahead to securely engaging with further studies in the Upper Loop with confidence and direction. Their pathways for growth are very much their own and the distinctive features of the VERSO academic framework, including the Learning Labs and Explore as well as regular excursions Beyond the Walls, ensure they refine their thinking and expand their mindsets.
As connected individuals in a rich and diverse academic environment that also provides alignment with the globally recognized Pre-AP framework for learning, our Middle Loopers get the chance to not only demonstrate achievement but also make an impact in new and exciting ways. The future awaits them and our team will show them the way forward.
Giles Pinto
VERSO Middle & Upper Loop Leader
GRADES 5-8
MIDDLE LOOP PROGRAM
The Middle Loop program provides a holistic educational experience that empowers learners to connect their academic growth with real-world applications while developing essential life skills for their future endeavors. It is designed to build upon the foundational skills acquired in the Lower Loop, guiding learners through a transformative phase of rapid growth and change as they transition into young adolescence.
Divided into Cohort 5-6 and Cohort 7-8, the program’s experienced educators are committed to nurturing learners’ sense of identity, fostering engagement, and cultivating the confidence needed to become self-directed learners. Recognizing the developmental milestones of this age group, our American curriculum emphasizes supporting learners as they form strong opinions, develop personal traits, and explore human qualities.
Literacy Lab
In Literacy Lab, Cohort 5-6 learners focus on reading and writing across genres such as fiction, informational texts, and opinions while strengthening vocabulary and background knowledge. They engage in the writing process—planning, drafting, revising, and editing—and participate in shared and independent research to deepen their understanding of topics
Cohort 7-8 learners advance to persuasive and argumentative writing, reading at greater depth and volume while transitioning from learning to read and write to using these skills as tools for learning. Both cohorts receive personalized support through whole-class, small-group, and one-on-one experiences.
Math Lab
The Math Lab progresses from foundational concepts in Grade 5—such as fractions, decimals, volume, and multi-digit operations—to more advanced topics like ratios, rates, expressions, equations, and negative numbers in Grade 6.
By Grade 7, learners delve into proportional relationships, geometry, rational number operations, and inequalities. Grade 8 culminates with transformational geometry, linear relationships, functions, and an introduction to the real number system.
The Building Thinking Classrooms approach ensures learners develop critical problem-solving skills that prepare them for high school.
Learning Labs
Learning Labs (LeLABs) are interdisciplinary learning experiences where subjects such as social studies, science, arts, mathematics, engineering, and digital literacy converge.
These labs employ project-based learning methods, driven by compelling questions that spark inquiry and integrate diverse disciplines into cohesive, real-world problem-solving experiences.
These LeLABs incorporate Beyond the Walls experiences—field trips and guest expert sessions—to contextualize learning in real-world environments. Learners also engage with future-ready skills like inquiry and design thinking.
Specialist Labs
Specialist Labs include Performing Arts, where learners in Grades 5-6 explore contemporary trends like viral dance and AI songwriting to foster creativity and digital literacy. In Grades 7-8, learners engage in diverse performance styles, including historical interpretations and DJing, to develop cultural understanding and technical skills.
In Visual Arts, learners explore diverse artistic techniques and materials through projects that integrate personal expression and real-world connections. The Well-Being Lab emphasizes movement and exercise, promoting physical health and mindfulness as essential components of holistic development. Workshops in Digital Citizenship & Literacy and Social Emotional Learning further equip learners with critical life skills for their future.
