The Language A department consists of studies in language and literature in both English and/or German. The courses are designed for students from a wide variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds who have experience using either the English and/or German language(s) in an educational context. 

Language A teachers believe in:

• inspiring a love of reading through the study of a wide range of literary texts 
• developing intercultural understanding, open-mindedness and the attitudes necessary for young people to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.

Students learn to: 

• develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing
• use a wide range of vocabulary, as well as the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
• develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed
• build an awareness that all texts may be understood in relation to their form, content, purpose, audience and their associated contexts, such as social, historical and cultural circumstances
• appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects
• experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth

The Metropolitan School Frankfurt’s Language B Department considers the role and place of modern languages in an international school as crucial.

Language B teachers believe in:

• developing study skills necessary for life-long acquisition of the Spanish, French, and German languages
• fostering cultural awareness and open-mindedness through effective communication in a foreign language
• understanding each other’s language and culture as the key to success for aspiring citizens of our new global society

Students learn to:

• be effective and meaningful communicators in the language studied
• develop intercultural awareness towards foreign cultures
• form a sound basis of the skills, language and attitudes required for further work, study or leisure
• develop their language skills to the fullest
• take advantage of opportunities to acquire knowledge and understanding of foreign cultures and cultivate relationships through effective communication
• challenge their pre-perceived notions of such aspects as prejudice, national/cultural stereotypes and linguistic difficulty and, in so doing, reach a greater understanding of their own place in the world and a vision for the future
• make the most of their potential in a supportive, stimulating, and structured environment for language learning where achievement is recognised, encouraged, and rewarded and where the seeds for further language development are planted.         

Humanities at MSF consists of the courses History and Geography at the Middle School level, History, Geography and Business Studies at the IGCSE level and History, Geography, Business Management and Environmental Systems and Societies at the IBDP level. These courses provide for the development of a critical appreciation of:

• human experience and behaviour
• the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit
• the history of social and cultural institutions.

In order to do so, each subject is taught:

• based on inquiry : research, Internal Assessments, Extended Essays
• focused on conceptual understanding
  • Geography : places, possibilities, spatial interactions, scale, power, processes
  • History: change, continuity, causation, consequence, significance, perspectives
  • Business Management: change, culture, ethics, globalisation, innovation, strategy 
  • Environmental Systems and Societies: investigations, data interpretation, causation and solutions

• developed in local and global contexts
  • Geography: global issues, with examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international
  • History: world history and depth studies
  • Business Management:  business activities at local, national and international levels 
  • Environmental Systems and Societies: local investigations in relation to global issues

• focused on effective teamwork and collaboration: individual and group work
• differentiated to meet the needs of all learners: HL and SL
• informed by formative and summative assessment : essays, commentaries, tests, presentations and projects

Science at Metropolitan School Frankfurt consists of general science in Grades 6-8,  the  study of Combined Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in Grades 9-10 and the specialised study of IB Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Environmental Systems and Societies in Grades 11-12.   An inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning that develops students’ conceptual understanding encourages students to develop

• a better understanding of the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
• a recognition of the usefulness (and limitations) of the scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life
• relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
• an interest in, and care for, the environment
• a better understanding of the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community and the environment
• an understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further study and everyday life.

Mathematics at MSF consists of Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE Cambridge, and IBDP with Analysis & Approaches and Applications & Interpretation options offered at standard and higher levels. Mathematics at MSF seeks to develop logical rigour with creative and abstract thinking and build the skills and frameworks that students need to understand the scientific and economic theories they meet in other subjects.

Students at MSF pride themselves on applying, analysing, and solving problems with the mathematical tools taught. In mixed ability groups taught by highly experienced teachers who differentiate, students can develop these skills and focus on the applied nature of the course. Students also participate in online enrichment activities and have an experiential approach to learning applied mathematics, for example, by using graphing technology. Students are skilled in using and applying mathematics in their other subjects at school and university levels.
The flexible nature of the MSF mathematics IGCSE and IBDP programmes allows students to specialise within mathematics and have a personalised programme of study suitable for their degree and career choices.
The IBDP Courses at MSF aim to enable students to:

• develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles
• develop logical, critical and creative thinking
• employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalisation.

Students are also encouraged to appreciate the international dimensions of mathematics and the multiplicity of its cultural and historical perspectives.
All IBDP mathematics courses require students to appreciate technology in mathematics and become proficient with graphic display calculators.

The Arts department consists of studies in Visual Arts, Music and Theatre. The courses are designed for students to explore a wide variety of expressive forms in cultural and historical contexts.

Arts teachers believe in:

• inspiring an appreciation for the arts through the exploration and production of a wide range of artistic styles and forms.
• developing an artistic understanding, open-mindedness and the attitudes necessary for young people to respect, evaluate and create art.

Students learn to:

• develop the ability to communicate & problem-solve through an artistic process.
• use a wide range of creative skills; instrumental, vocal/physical, observation and expression.
• develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
• build an awareness that all performance/art may be understood in relation to its form, content, purpose, audience and associated contexts, such as social, historical and cultural circumstances.
• appreciate different ways in which directors/composers/artists achieve impact.
• experience the contribution to aesthetic, imaginative, emotional and social development through the world of art and performance.

The P.E.department at MSF strives to foster a passion in its students for staying fit, healthy and active in order to promote lifelong habits. The department accomplishes this goal by teaching not only sport, but movement patterns and fitness.

Teachers believe in:

• inspiring a desire for students to believe in themselves and their potential by staying fit and active.
• initiating an understanding and development of skills in a number of different sports and physical activities that holistically increase the students’ awareness of themselves as individuals and as a group.

Students learn to:

• develop an understanding of how to remain fit and healthy
• take advantage of a wide variety of sports and activities in order to have varied opportunities for physical development
• develop the desire and motivation to remain active long after they have left MSF.
• Acquire knowledge of correct and healthy activities that they can use to reach their physical goals now and in the future.
• become open-minded and respectful members of their class and team willing to help and encourage others.

Metropolitan School Frankfurt has adopted the latest trends in educational technology  as well as set some of its own. As a  future-ready school, we information technologies in classrooms and provide our students access to the school’s centrally located ICT rooms, which are equippedwith computers, 3D printers, VR Glasses, Electronics parts  and a Smartboard. 

We strive not only to prepare students with 21st-century skills, but to give them the tools and understanding to synthesise and share what they are learning outside of the classroom.

We are aware of the many advantages of information technology (IT) but also of the potential downsides of the uncontrolled use of IT for students of all ages. To this end, we have designed our IT curriculum to allow students to develop a reflective and skilful use of modern IT technologies, understanding their benefits and developing the appropriate skills without neglecting discussions of potential downsides.

Secondary Students participate in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme and bring a computer/iPad of their choice to support their learning.

The Food Technology and Food & Nutrition courses consist of studies in Human Biology (Digestion, Micro/Macro-nutrients, etc), Cooking/Baking methods and techniques, and overall mindfulness and time-management in the kitchen. The courses are designed for students to explore a wide variety of foods and flavours while developing a deeper understanding of diet and nutrition and how the foods we eat affect our mood, behaviour, abilities, and energy levels.

The Food Tech teacher believes in:

• inspiring an appreciation for food and cooking by trying new things, having fun, and making mistakes!

Students learn to:

• embrace failures as learning opportunities. The kitchen is a space where mistakes are welcome! Cooking flops are great for learning what not to do.
• approach their time in the kitchen with curiosity and ask questions. Being curious and asking questions can lead to experimentation. We might ask: What could I add to this recipe next time? What would improve this recipe? What would happen if I added _____, cooked it for a different amount of time, or cut the ingredients differently?
• observe using all of their senses. Noticing tastes, smells, sights, feelings, and sounds in the kitchen makes for better cooks.
• stay aware of their surroundings by being present and mindful. Being present — fully engaged with tasks at hand — is important for safety reasons. When students are working with knives, the stove, or the oven, they are encouraged to notice where their bodies are, where they place items, and who is nearby. Being present will also help to make observations.
• Know when to challenge themselves and when to ask for help. Whether students are already comfortable in the kitchen or are just beginning, there will be some kitchen tasks that are new to them. It is important to know when to ask for help when trying a new skill or tool to keep everyone safe. 

Athletic Programme 

Vision: Getting students involved in athletics is ever more important. Scientific studies have shown that:

• student-athletes learn life skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence, responsibility, perseverance, problem-solving, and time management,
• school-based sports establish a sense of pride and strengthen the sense of community in athletes,
• children who participate in sports are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle (this includes healthy decision making).

Hence, MSF is striving to create as many opportunities as possible to get students involved in athletics. Over the next few years, MSF will continue to grow and so will the athletic programme.