Scotch College

Middle Years

Middle Years Coordinator

Mr Dean Gregory

Organisation

Over the past few years, educational experts have been focussing a great deal of attention on the 'Middle Years' of schooling. This area of study usually extends anywhere from Year 4 until Year 8 or 9. Understanding the needs of students as they move from one area of the school to another is an important issue and one the school has made a commitment to developing further.

In the Junior School the 'Middle Years' is made up of 9 classes (Years 4 - 6). There are three classes at each level consisting of 26 boys per class. A great deal of emphasis is placed on ensuring a smooth transition to Senior School where the boys are under the guidance of the Head of Middle School, Mr Robert McLaren.

Throughout the year this page will be updated with current reading material relating to Middle Years Schooling.

Curriculum

A thought provoking, challenging curriculum provides opportunities for each boy to reach their potential academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and physically. Numeracy and literacy are main focus points in each year level to ensure a sound grounding for life in these areas. Independence is encouraged and a strong emphasis is based on research skills, personal organisation and open ended activities which enable each boy to be excited and interested in being a life long learner. Individual differences are catered for using a variety of strategies such as small group activities, differentiated learning tasks and independent learning tasks. The Access Unit works closely with classroom teachers to provide assistance either in the classroom, small groups or with individual students. In Years 5 and 6 an extension Mathematics group operates to enhance the abilities of the boys. Each year, several external competitions are entered by boys from Years 4 - 6, eg NSW Mathematics and English tests, Maths Olympiad, Maths Talent Quest etc. Further details of these competitions can be found on the Educational Support page. A full range of the subjects covered in Years 4 - 6 can be found on the Director of Studies page.

Leadership

Leadership is an important part of Junior School especially regarding our Year Six boys who are all seen as leaders of the school. Where possible boys in Years 4 - 6 are encouraged to take on responsibilities within the school which may include Peer Support, Class Captain, Student Representative Council, Art or Library monitor etc. In Year Six the boys have the opportunity to fulfil a major leadership role within the school, e.g. School Captain or Vice Captain, House Captain or Vice Captain, Peer Support, School Officers or within the Cross Age Buddy Programme. Each role fulfills a variety of important jobs throughout the school. Leadership skills are focussed on in classroom activities to enable the boys to develop the necessary skills and identify important aspects of teamwork.

Pastoral Care

All staff are involved and committed to providing a safe and happy environment for each boy. Self esteem, independence, responsibility are key words and the boys are taught skills to enable them to develop their own set of morals and pattern of behaviour. Parents are encouraged to meet with their son's class teacher whenever the need arises. Additional support is provided through the Access Unit, Year Level Coordinator, Middle Years Coordinator and Deputy Head. Open communication between home and school is seen as essential. The following poem (sadly author unknown) sums up the importance of the home and school working together as a team.

A Poem to Reflect Upon

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child's mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher, the tools they used
Were books and music and art:
One was a parent with a guiding hand
And a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day the teacher toiled
With touch that was deft and sure,
While the parent laboured by their side
And polished and smoothed it o‰er
And when at last their task was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought
For the things they had moulded into a child
Could neither be sold nor bought
And each agreed they would have failed
If they had worked alone,
For behind the parent stood the school
And behind the teacher, the home.

Anon