• Vocational Education
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• Middle School
• Learning Showcase

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

St. Edmund's College Middle School offers a contemporary curriculum aimed at maximizing the learning outcomes of the boys in our care. We focus on quality teaching, effective pedagogy and a supportive learning environment.

Curriculum development is a collaborative process which is continuous and ever-evolving. We strive to undertake relevant and explicit professional development to ensure our curriculum continues to empower our students with essential skills for the future.

KEY LEARNING AREAS

Religion

The Religious Education program is the foundation for all we do at St. Edmund's Middle School. It permeates each learning area and creates a focus for life of our school.

The curriculum is based on Treasures: New and Old and seeks to foster an appreciation of the wonders of God's creation and the dignity of the human person. We strive to cultivate an understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the nature of Christianity.

Our classroom programs are brought to life through the celebration of class liturgies, school masses and a whole school focus. Through our whole school focus we are able to unite each class in collaborative understanding. A specific focus is offered each term and students are involved in activities which deepen and broaden their understanding.

English

The English curriculum is based on the NSW English Syllabus and is organised around the strands of writing, reading, speaking, listening and viewing. Our spelling program focuses on basic skills and strategies and consolidates spelling patterns through the use of the Scholastic Spelling program.

Text types are the focus of our writing program with students becoming proficient with a variety of text forms, both spoken and written. Grammar is taught in context, through the text types, as well as explicitly through formal lessons.

Comprehension is undertaken throughout the curriculum as well as being reinforced through the SRA Reading Comprehension program. Handwriting is based on the NSW Foundation Cursive and is insisted upon throughout the Middle School years.

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum is based on the NSW K-6 Mathematics Syllabus covering the essential strands of … and incorporating the working mathematically strand. A great emphasis is placed on ensuring the curriculum is relevant and meaningful for the lives of our boys.

Importance is placed on the development and consolidation of basic skills through games and other activities. Important outcomes are reinforced through the use of the Signpost Mathematics program. Problem solving is an integral component of our mathematics program with an explicit focus during our Cooperative Workshop sessions.

HSIE

The HSIE program is based on the NSW HSIE Syllabus which focuses on the important strands of Change and Continuity, Environments, Cultures and Social Systems and Structures.

The program is based on the development of knowledge and understandings of essential content areas. Students are involved in developing essential information research skills whilst taking an active role in the society in which we live.

We aim to foster positive values and attitudes that will contribute to intellectual understanding and inform the development of a democratic and socially just society in a sustainable environment.

Science and Technology

The Science and Technology program is based on NSW K-6 Science and Technology Syllabus. This syllabus is brought to life through a combination of the Middle School Investigations program and the incorporation of the CSIRO Crest Awards.

The essence of the program is a focus on open-ended, discovery-style activities which promote creativity and higher order thinking skills. The units are structured specifically to promote effective communication and cooperative skills through group problem solving.

Health and Personal Development

The Health and Personal Development program is based on the NSW K-6 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Syllabus. The program assists our students to become responsible and informed decision makers, concentrating on personal well-being and the health and safety of others.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program is based on the NSW K-6 Visual and Performing Arts Syllabus. It provides activities that foster creativity and personal interpretation and expression. The students are able to experiment with a wide variety of forms, materials and techniques.

The program encourages visual communication through the construction, critique and appreciation of on work and the work of others. Visual Arts is integrated into all areas of our curriculum and becomes a medium for reflection and expression in a diversity of areas.

Dance and Drama

The Dance and Drama program is based on the NSW K-6 Visual and Performing Arts Syllabus. It provides an opportunity for students to experience creative and expressive art forms. The program involves students creating, performing, appreciating and reflecting upon their own pieces and the professional performances we experience each term.

Library

The Kath Durie Middle School Library offers each student a contemporary program designed to enhance information acquisition and processing skills whilst encouraging awareness and curiosity.

Each student will engage in Information Literacy through open-ended enquiry-based activities. In addition the Middle School Library offers a warm and supportive environment for our boys to relax and spend time reading for pleasure.

Curriculum Support

The Curriculum Support Department are a specially trained group of teachers who identify and support students with special needs throughout our Middle School. Each child is comprehensively tested at the beginning, and throughout, each school year. Testing is focused around the areas of literacy and numeracy. Small groups are highlighted and participate in intensive support programs. Class teachers collaborate closely with Curriculum Support staff ensuring that major goals are consolidated throughout the school day.

Languages

The Language Department aims to provide the students with a supportive environment where students can develop their full potential in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning a second language. It is hoped that students will enjoy learning and that with a variety of teaching strategies the courses will be broad and flexible. It is also hoped that students will gain a better understanding of cultures other than their own as well as their own and so fit into Australian society with a Christian and tolerant attitude that fits well into the St Edmund's College Mission Statement.

• Language study is a compulsory subject for all students in years 4 to 6. Japanese is studied 2-3 times a week with a specialist Japanese teacher. The language study is very activity based with a focus on games, role -plays, speaking and cultural activities. There are often visits from the Japanese embassy and Japanese assistants and every attempt is made to have Japanese Cultural Days
  
• Language study is also a compulsory subject for all year 7 students. Students in year 7 learn a semester of French and a semester of Japanese, giving students access to both a European and an Asian Language. The course will also be activity- based with an emphasis on vocabulary and basic communication skills, using very simple grammatical structures. Learning Japanese in Middle School now becomes more formal than was the case in the Middle School.

Physical Education and Music

These essential curriculum areas are undertaken by specially trained teachers. Our students receive expert instruction and benefit from years of experience in specialist fields. Students are also able to build a relationship with the teachers they will encounter during high school.

Physical Education is designed to develop a positive attitude toward physical activity whilst promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Music curriculum offers the opportunity to sing, play instruments and develop an enjoyment for music.

For further information about Middle School or any other matter related to St. Edmund's College, please contact us on (02) 6295 3598 and we would be happy to answer any of your queries.