Middle School

 The Scotch Oakburn Middle School was established in 2005. This initiative was taken following an extensive review of the significant research into the specific academic, pastoral and social needs of adolescents. Increasingly in Australia and a number of other OECD countries, middle schooling is seen as the best approach to optimise student learning in the age range of 10 to 15 years. 

The introduction of middle schooling has seen the implementation of three levels of review for teaching and learning at Years 7 and 8. Initially a significant process of curriculum renewal has been undertaken; examining how best the learning approaches can evolve to be more responsive to the needs of adolescents. 

The next element of review in implementing the Middle School has been examining the way the curriculum has been delivered. We understand now that students’ engagement is not just a luxury, but an essential ingredient in achieving genuine understanding. Therefore, the curriculum must be delivered in an even greater variety of ways. Whilst students are still provided with all of the essential skills and knowledge, often through direct instruction, there is now more opportunity for students to apply their learning in a practical context. In Maths, for example, students learn the skills of space and dimension and then apply this through the development of a three dimensional drawing of their bedroom. Similarly, learning beyond the classroom holds an even greater role in assisting students to achieve real understanding in their learning. 

There are some fundamental keys to engagement for all experiences in the middle years which guide the development of our programmes. In order for an experience to capture the interest of our students it needs to consider the following:

- It should be relevant and meaningful to the students   with the content relating to the real world.

- There needs to be choice and ownership of the learning by students.

- It needs to challenge, and have complexity.

- Students needs to be given the time and space to immerse themselves in the learning.

- There should be the opportunity for students to make use of the learning and apply the skills learnt.

The culture of the school and the learning environment is also important. It is important for students to know that they are accepted, safe and understood. Each student needs to feel that they can make a difference, that they bring something unique and that their perspective is valuable. They need to feel that they help others succeed in the class and that they are connected through a common work goal. Students need to know what they do at school and know that the work they do can make a difference to the world. They need to believe that what they learn is useful and will assist them on their journey beyond the class room. They need to be supported in a positive environment which celebrates personal best and encourages students to challenge themselves, be willing to make mistakes and learn from them.

In summary Scotch Oakburn recognises that the following needs be addressed in the middle years of schooling.

Identity

• Exploring how individual and group identities are shaped by social and cultural interaction.

Relationships

• Developing productive and affirming relationships with adults and peers in an environment that respects differences and diversity.

Purpose

• Having opportunities to negotiate learning that is useful now, as well as in the future.

Empowerment

• Viewing the world critically and acting independently, co-operatively and responsibly.

Success

• Having multiple opportunities to learn valued knowledge and skills as well as the opportunity to use talents and expertise that students bring to the learning environment.

Rigour

• Taking on realistic learning challenges in an environment characterised by high expectations and constructive and honest feedback.

Safety

• Learning in a safe, caring and stimulating environment that addresses issues of discrimination and harassment, such as racism.

It is an exciting time for Scotch Oakburn, with learning innovation continuing to drive improvements across the school. The Middle School learning approaches are already leading to new levels of learning and understanding, and with a world class Middle School facility, we can feel even more confident that we really are preparing our students to create the future.

In 2009, the Middle School building on the Western side of Penquite Road is set to open. Students in Years 6, 7 and 8 will form the Scotch Oakburn College Middle School.

Adam Heath
Head of Middle School