Middle School Overview
Middle Schooling is a critical time to meet the unique and changing needs of young adolescents. Our Middle School approach has been developed on the premise that individual improvement and growth for all students underpins its success.
Our curriculum aims to build a strong foundation of capabilities and knowledge that will support each individual to identify their passions and pathways at school and beyond. Grounded in teaching teams working together across learning areas, our future focused curriculum offers engaging opportunities for students to generate interesting questions, identify current problems relevant to their world, and learn from people and places beyond the classroom through a project based learning (PBL) approach while using high impact teaching strategies (HITS).
Curriculum Guide
For a detailed overview of subjects, pathways, and learning opportunities across all year levels, refer to our Curriculum Guide.
The 4 Cs of Future-Focused Learning
Learning in the Middle School years is guided by four key capabilities: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creative Thinking.
Each year focuses on different elements to ensure steady growth. Year 7 builds Communication and Collaboration. Year 8 strengthens Critical and Creative Thinking. Year 9 brings these skills together, preparing students to step confidently into the senior study.
Project-Based Learning
Project Based Learning (PBL) has become a major part of many successful learning environments today in Australia and throughout the world.
It takes students on a journey of creativity and exploration but with real-world connections to community and industry. Students learn problem-solving skills by successfully navigating learning challenges. PBL gives students and teachers more time to spend on specific topics that are cross curricula, which enhances engagement and develops deeper understanding.
5 Common Types of PBL Projects
- Addressing a real world problem
- Meeting a design challenge
- Exploring an abstract question
- Conducting an investigation
- Taking a position on an issue
Project Product Ideas
- Written: Script, blog, letter, …
- Presentation: oral defence, speech, debate, panel discussion, play, newscast, music, event
- Media/Tech: podcast, multimedia presentation, website, digital story/comic, photo essay, computer program/app, graphic design
- Constructed: model, product prototype, device, vehicle, exhibit, invention, structure
- Planning: blueprint, business plan, proposal, estimate, timeline, design
Phases of a Project
| Phase One | Phase Two | Phase Three | Phase Four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Project: Entry Event and Driving Question | Build Knowledge, Understanding, and skills to answer Driving Question | Develop and Critique Products and Answers to the Driving Question | Exhibition of Learning: Present Products and Answers to the Driving Question |
*Adapted for FHS by K.Axford 2023 (copyright 2014 by Buck Institute for Education)
