Curriculum

The Middle School is, by its very nature, a place of transition.

Our programs enable students to adjust from primary to middle years and then again from middle years to senior school. Because all aspects of adolescents' lives are changing, it is essential that we offer a safe, stimulating and rewarding environment and we pay particular attention to those times of transition.

Vertical Home Groups, where students from Years 7, 8 & 9 meet together each morning, mean that cross-age support and interaction is encouraged and fostered. Opportunities for student leadership in the House abound.

Year 7

Our Year 7 program is designed to foster a calm, steady and stimulating transition to the Secondary Campus.

Students are based in core classes where lessons are taught by one teacher in the following subjects; Studies of Society and Environment, English, Health and Personal Development.

The remaining subjects are taught by specialist teachers. Thus, we combine the best of both the primary and secondary approaches - a small number of teachers and the use of specialist resources and facilities. The subjects taught by specialists, include: Mathematics, Philosophy and Future Problem Solving, Science, Indonesian, Japanese, Music, Art, Design, Technology, Drama, Physical Education and Religious and Values Education.

Years 8 & 9

In Years 8 & 9, students build upon the knowledge and understandings they experienced in Year 7.

A broader choice of elective subjects allows students to experiment with, and begin to specialise in, certain subject areas.

Opportunities exist for student leadership in the Middle School - each House elects a House Captain and two Vice Captains to assist the Middle School Head of House. Students can also be active participants in fundraising, student voice and social service groups.

Care for the Individual

Students at all levels in the Middle School at St John's Grammar undertake lessons in Personal Development.

• Thinking and study skills are explicitly taught
• Social education - managing self and peers - features Year 7 and Year 8
• Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences are explored in Year 9

Every child in the Middle School at St John's Grammar has an easily identifiable adult advocate. The Head of House has a thorough overview of each of the students in their care. The Home Group teacher also sees each individual student on a daily basis and this is crucial in the development of a child's sense of belonging.

Students have direct access to the School Counsellor and School Chaplain.