The Middle School

Becoming a Mature Independent Learner

Middle School, Year 5 to Year 9, is a time of challenge for young people and their families. During these years students move from childhood towards adulthood and experience many academic, emotional and physical challenges as they learn to understand themselves and others. Mr William Wallace, Head of Middle School, seeks to assist students to learn to manage the competing and conflicting pressures they face as they mature.

Homework and Study

Students will receive regular homework and assignments in each of their classes. It is expected that each student will complete the set tasks to the best of their ability and that those tasks will be submitted on the due date.

The development of organisational, study and examination skills is fostered in classes and through Tutor Groups. To support the development of excellent study habits, students can choose to participate in a supervised Homework Programme held after school several times each week for students from Year 7 to Year 9.

The following table provides a guide to the homework and study expectations for the Middle School:

Year 5: 45 minutes per night
Year 6: 45 minutes per night
Year 7: 1-1.5 hours per night
Year 8: 1.5-2 hours per night
Year 9: 2 hours per night
Year 10: 2.5 hours per night

Download PDF Year 9, 2010 Subject Selection Form (132KB)

Download PDF Year 9, 2010 Subject Selection Booklet (252KB)

Assessment and Reporting

The academic performance of each student is monitored and reviewed and students are guided by teachers, their Head of House and the Head of School to improve their performance. Teachers use a differentiated approach in their classrooms applying strategies to support the learning of each individual. Assessment activities will be varied in nature and must be submitted on time and in good order.

The Dean of Studies co-ordinates the Academic Review process for students from Year 7 to Year 9, which is used to identify student who are underachieving.

Examinations are held at the end of Summer Term for Year 8 and Year 9 and at the completion of Winter Term for students in Year 7, year 8 and Year 9. Reports are issued following each examination period.

Enrichment and Extension

The GATEway Programme for Year 5 and 6 and the Honours Programme for Year 7 and 8 provide a unique learning opportunity for students of the Middle School. In these classes the curriculum is compacted based upon the pretesting in each unit of work, providing opportunity for the students to work with their teacher to explore related issues at greater depth.

A range of extension activities are offered to provide additional challenge to individual learners. These include the da Vinci Decathalon, Public Speaking and Debating, Tournament of Minds and GATEway Quest and GATEway 8.

Students are also encouraged to enrich their learning through involvement in a range of co-curricular activities including musical ensembles or the annual musical productions, joining OASIS (Crusaders), the History Society, the Model Club, MATS Drama Club or the Maths Activity group, belonging to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme (from Year 9) or participating in programmes such as the Headmaster's Reading Awards.