Summary of "Middlebare Mashup #4 | Spinoza, MLA, Denise & METIS"

Middlebare Mashup #4: Overview of Four Amsterdam Secondary Schools

In this lively and detailed episode of Middlebare Mashup #4, the hosts dive into an in-depth overview of four distinctive secondary schools in Amsterdam. The focus is on their educational philosophies, unique programs, and what makes each stand out. Joined by Margaret Kings, the conversation offers a rich exploration of the transition from primary to middle school (“middlebare”) in the Dutch system, with plenty of practical insights, personal anecdotes, and some light humor about the complexities of school choice.

Main Highlights

1. Spinoza Lyceum (Dalton School)

Based on the Dalton educational method founded by Helen Parkhurst, emphasizing freedom, responsibility, cooperation, independence, and reflection.
No traditional frontal teaching; classrooms are arranged for mixed-level collaborative work.
Unique “Dalton Hour” where students work independently on projects or homework.
Offers multiple diploma tracks (mafo, havon, vwo, gymnasium) with a one-year “brew class” to decide final streams.
Strong emphasis on arts, culture, and annual musical theater productions run largely by students.
Sports options after school include street dance, American football, basketball, and women’s football.
Use of Chromebooks and iPads integrated into learning, with some debate about screen time.
Music Plus program available but requires auditioning; students in this program have fewer gym and science classes.

2. Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam (MLA)

Large school (~1900 students) divided into smaller buildings, following Maria Montessori’s philosophy of independence and self-guided learning.
Recognized as a culture profile school, offering a rich arts curriculum including drama, drawing, textile work, and philosophy (which can be taken as a final exam subject).
Unique youth court program where students judge peer conflicts, fostering responsibility and social awareness.
Students plan their own work within a structured framework, which can be challenging for those not coming from Montessori primary schools.
Offers creative and adventurous camps such as “creative walking” in national parks and trips abroad (France, Scotland).
Extra language courses available with formal certifications (Cambridge English, DELF French, Goethe German).

3. Denise School (New International School Esprit)

A bilingual Dutch-English international school part of the Esprit network, offering education from age 4 to 18.
Uses the IPC curriculum in primary, IMYC in middle years, and offers Dutch diplomas (mafo, hafo) or IB diploma in high school.
Known for its broad international curriculum, dual language teaching, and a multicultural student body.
New modern building with great facilities including theaters, gyms, labs, and sports courts.
Small class sizes with two mentors per class and flexible subject-level choices (students can mix mafo and hafo levels).
Strong parental communication and community feel, with a voluntary contribution of €225/year and additional IB exam fees.
Popular among expat and mixed-nationality families looking for accessible international education without high private school fees.

4. Metis Montessori Lyceum

A younger, ambitious Montessori school in Amsterdam Oost, also a UNESCO school emphasizing global citizenship.
Offers three main profiles: coder class (programming), Metis profile (global citizenship and creative work), and technology profile.
Digital and innovative learning is a big focus, with all students required to have laptops.
Has a special low-stimulus autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class with trained teachers.
Popular and competitive to get into, with priority given to Montessori primary school students.
Offers art, theater, and filmmaking but no music final exam option, which may deter some students.
Solidarity fund available to help families with financial difficulties.
School fees vary between €140-350 per year, with extra costs for technology profiles and trips.

Key Reactions & Jokes

The hosts share amusing moments about the complexity of the Dutch school system, such as juggling multiple diploma levels simultaneously and the challenge of self-planning in Montessori schools.

The “creative walking” camp had the hosts laughing at the idea of walking for days in the national park, only to realize students are driven there first!
Margaret’s personal reflections and the guest’s anecdotes add warmth and humor, especially when discussing the stress and excitement of school choice during pandemic restrictions.
The hosts express envy at the variety and quality of Dutch education compared to the UK system, highlighting how empowering it is for students to be stakeholders in their learning.

Overall Impression

This episode stands out for its thorough, engaging, and practical breakdown of four very different Amsterdam secondary schools. It blends educational theory with real-life student experiences and parental perspectives. The focus on arts, culture, technology, and internationalism across these schools shows the rich diversity available to families in Amsterdam. The conversation is both informative and relatable, making it a valuable resource for parents navigating the Dutch school system or anyone curious about innovative educational models.

Personalities in the Video

Margaret Kings – Education expert and co-host providing detailed explanations and insights.
Unnamed Host – Engages with Margaret, asks clarifying questions, and shares reactions.
Additional Voices – Occasionally mentioned are parents and students who provide anecdotal input about their school experiences.