Middle School (12-14 year olds)
- A rich integrated curriculum imbedded in real-world research, wherever possible, complemented with targeted core skills workshops.
- Extended research projects: curriculum negotiated between students and teacher – a mix of mandated outcomes from the Australian Curriculum, group experiences and individual preferences.
- The Scientific Method (observe -> hypothesis -> predict -> test -> theory) integral to all learning areas and research.
- Students negotiate rigorous, individual Self-Initiated Projects (SIPs), to pursue a personal interest or passion over an extended period. Ensures unlimited learning options.
- Core Teacher Advisor co-ordinates a diverse education program for the group and for students individually, and offers a very high level of pastoral care at an emotionally-charged time of life. Every student feels valued within the small group, as peers learn to tolerate and value individual differences and different ways of viewing the world.
- Emphasis on identifying and practising effective work/study skills and strategies for self-management of workload, e.g. team work, mentoring, problem-solving, negotiation skills, peer editing/review/feedback, creative presentation of ideas/research findings.
- Learning may occur on-campus and off-campus, alongside scientists, artists, coaches, authors, poets, musicians, and other experts, as needed.
- Ongoing specialists – Visual Arts, Music & Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, Sports and Italian.
- Outdoor Education, including annual Camps, is an essential and compulsory learning experience for all students.
- Safe, supportive environment develops a strong sense of belonging, while holding students accountable and challenging inconsiderate behaviour – students can’t get lost in the crowd or be invisible!
- Small, multi-age classes target the benefits of collaborative peer-learning and mentoring. A high educator/student ratio – 2:25.
- Classrooms open 8:30am–3pm.
