The Middle Years of school refer to the period of young adolescence, a time of great change in the lives of students. At St Columba College this includes the educational years from 7 to 9.
These years represent a unique phase of schooling in that the curriculum must cater for the considerable variation in physical and emotional maturity, which characterises this group. The Middle School aims to prepare the students for the transition from Primary School to Secondary School while taking into account the student's intellectual, moral, spiritual, religious, physical and social capacities.
Pastoral Care
Students in the Middle Years form a diverse group at various stages of development. At this age many young people experience rapid mood swings, emotional fragility and rapid physical growth. At St Columba College we recognise these characteristics and create structures that allow students freedom to come to terms with this period of rapid change.
In supporting our young people through these formative years our pastoral care program aims to:
- develop more positive interpersonal relationships with peers, staff, parents and the community at large.
- develop a greater understanding of self
- increase our students' self esteem
- foster a positive attitude to health and lifestyle issues
- foster a respect for community
Curriculum
For young adolescents to participate effectively in school, they must engage with a curriculum which is accessible, relevant and within which they can succeed. Through highly skilled teachers who are aware of and respect the diversity of learning styles and needs of young adolescents we aim to:
- provide a curriculum that the students see as relevant to their learning
- provide opportunities that promote the development of greater social awareness
- enhance student participation and enjoyment
- maintain continuity with the Primary and Senior years
- develop skills that naturally build on previous years
- introduce students to differing methodologies presented by a number of specialist teachers
Click here to view the Year 9 Curriculum Handbook online
Communication
At St Columba College the education of young adolescents aims to be responsive to the changing roles of citizens living in diverse local and global communities. We aim to equip students to deal, not only with the physical and emotional changes they are undergoing, but also with the complexities of a changing world. An important part of this is the need to communicate with and listen to students.
At St Columba College we believe that partnership with students’ parents is vital, and communicating with them regarding their children’s education promotes stronger links. We believe that education is a partnership where the parent is the primary educator.
Importantly we recognise the different learning needs of each student, therefore our Middle School program aims to meet this challenge and provide all students with a meaningful and successful learning experience that promotes formative development.
Head of Middle - Mr James Tamblyn (pictured top right)
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