Curriculum
Curosity, Challenge and Growth
In the Middle School, our curriculum builds strong academic foundations while creating space for students to explore new interests and develop their individual strengths.
Clear routines, high expectations and purposeful feedback provide a consistent framework for success, supporting students as they grow in confidence and take increasing responsibility for their learning. This is a formative stage of discovery, guided by a dedicated team who know, support and encourage each student every step of the way.
Watch Tess Spalliera, Head of Learning Middle School, outline our approach to learning, assessment and growth in Middle School.
Curriculum
The Middle School curriculum draws from the Australian Curriculum and builds breadth and depth of knowledge across subjects, providing a solid foundation for academic success and personal growth.
Core Subjects
- English (includes Renaissance Reading program)
- Mathematics (instruction via a flexible grouping model)
- Science
- Humanities
- Religion and Values Education (RaVE)
Specialist Subjects
Taught by specialist teachers, these subjects offer a diverse range of learning experiences and enable students to continue to develop their skills across these learning areas:
- Health and Physical Education
- Mandarin Language Literacy (Years 5 & 6)
- CLIL Mandarin (Years 5 & 6) Content areas: Geography at Year 5 and Geography & World Indigenous Studies at Year 6
- Languages from Year 7 - see our Languages Information Booklet
- Sport - Year 5 & 6 School Sport Victoria (SSV) weekly interschool sport, and Year 7 & 8 Association of Co-Educational Schools (ACS) competition
- Visual Arts
- Technology
- Performing Arts including our Band Program (Year 6) and Drama, Dance, Music Performance and Music Technology
Students are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions, and use the opportunities provided to extend their learning and try new things.
Electives Program
Year 8 students are offered a range of subjects drawn from the learning areas of Performing Arts, Technologies and Visual Arts.
To explore the broad range of elective subjects available see our Year 8 Electives Program Brochure
These subjects offer a diverse range of learning experiences and enable students to continue to develop their skills across the three learning areas. Students are encouraged to both pursue their interests and passions, and use the opportunities provided to extend their learning and try new things.
Students study two subjects per semester, with a total of four subjects across the year. Students must study one subject from each of the learning areas of Performing Arts, Technologies and Visual Arts. The fourth subject is a free choice from all the electives on offer.
Assessment
Our approach to assessment focuses on growth and progress, rather than minimum standards. We value improvement at every level, recognising that meaningful learning is built over time. Students receive both a percentage and letter grade, accessible in real time through Compass, allowing families to track progress and celebrate incremental gains along the way.
Clear and consistent processes support student accountability. When a student is absent for an assessment, teachers will arrange an opportunity to complete the task where possible. Extended unapproved absences, including holidays during term time, may result in a zero. In addition to academic results, teachers provide feedback on learning behaviours each term, offering insight into effort, organisation, engagement and established routines. Families also receive a comprehensive Statement of Results each semester, aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Opportunities for connection and reflection are built into the year. Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews are held twice annually, with students encouraged to take an active role in these conversations. Students are also introduced to formal exam conditions, with one examination period in Year 7 and two in Year 8. These experiences are designed to build effective study habits, strengthen organisation and revision skills, and support students to approach assessment with confidence as they progress into the senior years.
