Years 6 - 8 Middle School Program
The Middle School Program is responsive and appropriate to the developmental needs of young adolescents. Middle school students experience a range of physical, intellectual, emotional and social change which impact on them daily. The teaching and learning caters to the full range of needs, interests and achievements of middle years students in formal and informal schooling contexts.
Strong Teacher and Student Relationships
Namadgi Middle School consists of Years 6, 7 and 8 and focuses on developing the potential of all students in a supportive and academically challenging environment.
Students start Middle School in a home area and work with a small group of teachers. This allows for the development of strong relationships between teachers and students and enable teachers to have a keen insight into each child’s particular learning needs.
As students progress into each year level, they develop greater independence and have a wider range of teachers, learning areas and learning experiences. They develop independence and are prepared to successfully transition into the Senior School. Students are continued to be supported by Home Group Teachers who have a mentoring roll overseeing students’ attendance, progress and well-being. The Home Group teacher is a contact for parents to work collaboratively together to create a positive learning experience for their child.
Curriculum
Learning programs are based on the Australian Curriculum and the ACT Curriculum Framework - Every Chance to Learn. Students participate in the core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, PE/Health and Japanese.
Students are introduced to the elective subjects and are given a taste so they can begin to make informed decisions surrounding their elective program in Years 9 and 10. Students have the opportunity to participate in Art, woodwork, metal work, cooking, dance, drama and textiles and IT.
Understanding by Design
All subject areas are planned and taught using the Understanding by Design approach. This approach creates engaging curriculum that enables student to explore concepts in depth and develop skills necessary in the 21st century.
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Creativity and innovation
- Communication and collaboration
- Literacy and Numeracy skills
- ICT
High expectations and success for all are the central features of the units of work.
Literacy and Numeracy Program
Staffs use information from assessments in literacy and numeracy to develop programs that cater for the individual learning needs of each student. Students participate in literacy learning activities that develop listening, speaking, writing and reading skills.
It is equally important that our students have well developed numeracy skills. The curriculum includes classroom experiences aimed at enriching and improving not only the mathematical development of students, but also their engagement in and enjoyment of mathematics.
Extension and Enrichment Learning Experiences
Students are offered opportunities to participate in enrichment programs including, nationally and internationally recognised academic competitions, the Young Writers Workshop, Mathematics and Science workshops, debating, Tournament of Minds, Limelight: Dance, Junior and Senior Band and organised school sport competitions and programs. Students also have a range of leadership opportunities: Anti-bully Officers, Leadership Group members, Peer Support and leadership workshops
Assessment and Reporting
All Middle School students receive written reports for all subjects studied. Students in Year 7 participate in the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). There are clear expectations about the standard of assignments and assessment items. Students will be given clear guidelines based on assessment criteria. Assessment tasks are moderated to ensure a high standard is being presented.
Year 8 Graduation Interview and Graduation
At the end of Year 8 students are involved in Graduation Interviews. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, experiences during the Middle Years and their goals for Senior School and beyond. Students are presented with a Year 8 Award as recognition of their work over the Middle Years.
Anti-Bullying Program
Namadgi Secondary School takes and active approach to promoting the School Values of Respect, Learning, Caring, Positive Attitude and saying No to Bullying. Each home group has two Anti-Bullying Ambassadors who support other students regarding bullying issues by reporting issues to staff members or via the mailbox. Anti-bullying officers are involved with educating the students on bullying as well as being involved with whole school projects. Anti-Bullying officer students set a good example for others.
Namadgi School also has a strong Pastoral Care Program and support environment. Please see the Pastoral Care Pamphlet for further details.