The Abbotsleigh Middle School, from Years 7-8, aims to support students to become active, flexible and responsible learners through multidisciplinary understanding, scaffolded challenges and  rigorous learning experiences. The approach is inquiry based learning, maintaining curiosity and promoting positive risk taking in the belief that girls will be challenged, and grow in independence and interdependence.

 

The spirit of inquiry and excitement for learning is at the heart of learning at Abbotsleigh and our Middle School teachers are learners as well, modelling lifelong learning in every class they teach. We believe the middle years are key to expanding students’ knowledge, skills and relationships beyond what our girls may have thought possible. Our program is characterised by its rigorous academic base and in the opportunities offered to students to participate in a wide range of curricular and co-curricular programs. In many cases, learning is enhanced by making links between subject areas, including Service-Learning and outdoor education.

 

Our curriculum is taught by subject specialists who provide students with expertise in each subject area. Through studying a broad range of subjects in the middle years, students establish a strong base from which to make choices for areas to pursue in more depth in the future.

 

Class organisation provides a mixture of mixed ability and graded classes. This allows students to interact with many others in the year group and experience lessons at a pace and depth designed to meet the needs of the class. The emphasis is on assessment for learning in the Middle School so that assessment tasks are part of an ongoing process for learning.

 

Education Services offers assistance to all our students. Counselling, ESL, gifted and talented differentiation, special provisions, learning support and careers information can all be accessed by Middle School students through the Education Services team.

 

Students are members of House groups and meet with their House Tutor a number of times each week. Our varied and responsive Academic Care program complements our classroom and whole school approach to learning and growing through experience.

 

The academic program for Years 7-8 encourages students to explore learning and try new things. A broad range of subjects is offered, which allows the girls to experience a variety of challenges and disciplines. Subjects include the following:

 

The transition from Junior or Primary School into Year 7 is a significant step, although feelings of anticipation and excitement are normal. At Abbotsleigh, we have a program of activities which commence the year before students enter Year 7, including meeting the Head of Middle School and an orientation day. The orientation program in Week 1 of Year 7 assists the girls to get to know their new environment and establish new relationships. Peer Support leaders in Year 11 meet weekly with their Year 7 groups in Term 1 and Year Prefects also assist the girls learn about the School. There is a strong support network of staff, including Tutors, Year Coordinators and the Head of Middle School who are always available for support and advice.