LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School Philosophy

The Ballarat Grammar Middle School recognises the diverse and individual needs of each adolescent learner as they explore their personal identity and place in the world, and provides a supportive environment for cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual and physical growth.

As 21st Century learners, our students live in a dynamic era of innovation and change where enterprise skills will be essential in enabling them to engage in a complex world, both now and in their future lives.

The Middle School aims to develop transferable skills, which include problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, digital literacy and communication.

In doing this we hope to prepare our Middle School students to enter future workplaces and become citizens who actively participate in, and care about their community and world.

Ballarat Grammar Middle School:

• Fosters deep, posi tive and supportive relationships for students with both peers and adults

• Focuses on the learning process

• Engages and challenges learners through meaningful, authentic and relevant inquiries.

STUDENT-PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIP

We know that open communication and building a positive three-way partnership are critical to support our students at this important stage in their development. At Year 7 and throughout Middle School, there are a number of excellent opportunities for parents to come together at the School to meet teachers and other families. There is also a strong Middle School parent group who arrange activities and events for parents so they can connect. We welcome parental involvement in a range of events and activities throughout the year and look to ensure that the whole family are connected to the School and involved in their child’s education.

Technology

We seek to provide the best tools for our students and all students are issued with a touch screen laptop they can use as a standard laptop or as a touch screen tablet. Our students and teachers love the flexibility that these devices offer, which means they can be used in innovative ways across all subjects.

Digital Technology is taught as a core subject in Years 7 and 8. The hands-on skills that students learn filter into other curriculum areas, encouraging the innovative use of technology across the curriculum.

TRANSITION AND CONSOLIDATION - YEARS 7 AND 8

Students attending Grammar come from diverse backgrounds and cultures and we look to ensure that students settle in to our community as quickly and as comfortably as possible. Students join us from big and small primary schools in Ballarat and surrounds as well as from rural and farming communities throughout Victoria, Southern NSW and further afield. We also have a strong connection with Indigenous Communities in the Kimberley as well as students from across the world.

The first few days and weeks are all important. Some students will approach these tentatively and others more confidently. We have a team of House staff, Homeroom teachers and Pastoral Care Co-ordinators supported by Year 12 student mentors who create a network of care that begins as soon as a new student walks onto our campus.

We know that if our students feel happy and supported when they’re at school they will have the best chance of learning effectively and this begins from Day 1.

Wellbeing underpins our whole teaching and learning framework; every interaction and everything we do at Grammar. We constantly cross-check student wellbeing and academic progress against the PERMA Model of Wellbeing and we teach themes explicitly through our Positive Education Program. At Year 7 (Transition) our specific focus is on helping students to develop positive relationships throughout the School community. At Year 8 (Consolidation) our focus is on helping students to develop respect for themselves, their community and the bigger world.

Relationships are vital in establishing a sense of connection and belonging and, coupled with meaning and accomplishment, are the hallmarks of wellbeing. We know that with the security of positive relationships students are happier and more confident which helps them take measured risks and extend their learning.