Middle School Curriculum
Enhancing the learning experience
Learning and teaching in Middle School incorporates a dynamic mix of experiential learning combined with teacher-guided instruction. Our curriculum is inspiring and exciting, and is differentiated to meet the needs and interests of our students. We love to immerse our students in experiences that enhance their classroom learning and make school enjoyable and fun.
Students in Years 7 and 8 complete a range of core subjects, including Maths, English, Science, Art, Drama, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Technology and Languages (Chinese (Mandarin) or French). The broad curriculum at Years 7 and 8 means students are exposed to the complete spectrum of learning areas and are then able to make informed subject choices as they pursue more defined areas of inquiry. The ESTEAM program is a unique experience for Year 8 students. They have the opportunity to participate in three streams including: Coding, Robotics & Product Design; Food & Entrepreneurial Skills as well as Engineering & Design. Students use the design and engineering process to complete a hands-on project in each stream. This process develops contemporary skills such as creativity and collaboration; and culminates with an extended project- based activity where the students use their new skills to deliver an outcome. Year 7 and 8 students also undertake an inquiry-based learning project where they work in their House groups to develop a project around a specific theme.
The philosophy of taking our Year 7 to 9 students ‘beyond the classroom walls’ underpins the Middle School Curriculum. Our teachers plan unique experiences that complement the classroom curriculum and bring the content to life. Students might spend a day at the MCG as part of a Maths and Sport class, Art students might visit the National Gallery or Drama students might be found attending the theatre. Students might spend a day at the Melbourne Zoo for Science in Year 7 and a day at the Royal Botanic Gardens and Queen Victoria Market in Year 8 as part of their Health and Maths studies. Regular speakers and guests such as Artists in Residence also form part of the program, along with academic competitions, incursions, theme days such as Ancient Civilisations Day and peer support activities and camps.
In Year 9, students have an increased opportunity to personalise their program. Students combine core studies with an extensive selection of elective subjects. Our Year 9 students also engage in a range of inquiry-based learning opportunities throughout the school year called the LINK@9 Program. This program is designed to improve student's understanding of innovation, collaboration, diversity and the evolving world around them. Students are involved in modules which incorporate real world content in the areas of World Religions, Personal Finance, Civics and Citizenship, and Social Enterprises. A highlight of LINK@9 is our City Experience week, where students travel to the city each day by public transport and work from a shared base on a project about an aspect of life in the City of Melbourne. Accompanied by the Year 9 pastoral care teachers, the experience provides students a range of valuable life skills while promoting teamwork, independent learning and an improved understanding of life in our diverse city.
“During our city experience, we have visited and connected with the homeless organisation, The Big Issue. From listening to workers and people who have been affected directly by homelessness I have gained a new perspective and insights to this issue.” Year 9 student
Learn more about our Year 7&8 Curriculum.
Learn more about our Year 9 Curriculum.
