Middle College

The latter years of middle schooling are exciting and challenging. A rich curriculum is designed to actively engage and challenge increasingly independent young people to build on prior learnings and strive for personal excellence. The differentiated approach is success orientated and allows for varying levels of performance to be demonstrated and celebrated. Core learnings continue across English, Mathematics, Humanities and Social Science, Science, Japanese and Christian Studies. Throughout Year 8, students continue learnings in Industrial Technology, Information Technology, Food Technology, Enterprise Education, Art and Music. From 2017, Year 9 students will be offered an increased range of subjects, providing them the opportunity to have a more active role in designing their learning journey. Students will continue to study a core set of subjects and in addition to this, will have the chance to select three elective subjects for each semester. These new elective offerings will replace the existing experience subjects. To assist in the transition to senior schooling there is a gradual expansion of the number of teachers each child experiences as they progress from Year 8 to 9.

Subject choices made at this stage begin the journey along alternative career pathways. Midway through Year 9, advice from our Careers Counsellor assists families and students to make subject and career choices as they move into the senior years of schooling.

The following characteristics inform a challenging and stimulating Year 8 and 9 curriculum:

Year 8 Principles

• Middle schooling strategies applied with students having two core teachers and movement between two classrooms for the core lessons of English, Humanities and Social Science, Mathematics, Science and Christian Studies.
• Linked into vertical pastoral care groups across Years 6-12, with leadership opportunities in the Junior College.
• Strong focus on English and Maths and the separate nature of the disciplines of Science and Humanities and Social Science.
• Active and varied styles of learning that challenge students to extend their learning.
• Introduction to specialist areas of Enterprise, Digital Technology, Design Technology, Food and Wellbeing, Music, Drama and Art by specialist staff.
• Personal Development program, which examines relationships, decision-making and health related issues.

Year 9 Principles

• Moving from middle schooling strategies to a more senior school focus with separate teachers and classrooms for core lessons.
• Linked into vertical pastoral care groups across Years 6-12, with leadership opportunities in the Junior and Middle College.
• Active and varied styles of learning that challenge students to extend their learning and levels of independence.
• Increased range of specialist subjects offered.
• Rite Journey, a guided journey of self-reflection, making positive choices, relationships, and personal purpose.

The program is based on a weekly program of 35 lessons, each of a 45 minute duration.