Supporting Our Students
Transition into the Middle Years
Providing a high level of student support is a critical component of the Middle Years approach. The move from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time for many students. For some it can also be a daunting experience. The move from primary school means that students have to leave a familiar school environment where they usually work with a single teacher for most of the school day to one where they may have a different teacher for every subject.
The Middle Years approach bridges the gaps between these two very different school environments. In the Middle Years, students will generally have a small group of teachers for their core subjecs. They will also have access to specialist teachers for other subjects. This should make the transition from primary to secondary years less confronting for students.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Students in Years 6 and 7 are often offered opportunities to be involved in school leadership programs, such as Student Representative Council (SRC) and sports teams.
Primary schools will need to consider providing leadership opportunities to Year 6 students to prepare them for the Middle Years.
In middle schools, students will continue to have leadership opportunities, particularly in Year 9.
Schools also offer a range of opportunities for students to develop leadership skills in their everyday classes. Stronger teacher-student relationships in the Middle Years will mean that teachers can pay more attention to each student’s developmental needs and make sure that they have every opportunity to develop leadership skills.
School-based Services
Students in the Middle Years can expect to access a range of services as in any school environment. Specialised programs and services to meet the needs and ambitions of particular student groups will continue in the Middle Years.
Different schools will offer slightly different programs and services for their students. Contact your school to find out what services and programs are available for your child.
Special Programs and Special Needs
Understanding students with special needs is an essential element of the Middle Years approach. Middle schools will continue to focus on the individual needs of students and provide individual learning plans. They will also provide a range of specialist programs to cater for gifted learners, students with special needs and young people ‘at risk’.
