Middle School Curriculum

Years 7 & 8

The Middle School curriculum aims to engage students in learning that is rigorous, active, social, flexible and meaningful. Research shows that girls’ learning is enhanced through activities that encourage cooperative learning through the discussion of problems and by working together to find a solution. The Middle School curriculum supports creativity by means of hands-on learning experiences that engage students actively and thoughtfully in the learning process.

The Middle School curriculum is student-centred and designed so that students are guided in making connections and seeing the relationships between subject areas, and applying the knowledge beyond the classroom. Independence and responsibility are emphasised as students learn to use a wide variety of technologies to enhance the acquisition, analysis, communication and presentation of information. This approach allows students to develop and reinforce learning skills in decision-making, critical thinking, problem-solving and information processing across all learning areas. Teachers emphasise active learning, using a student-centred approach and a variety of assessment techniques.

Year 9

Year 9 girls have a growing interest in the future and, in particular, the pathways they intend to pursue. It is also at this time that they seek to establish links between what they are achieving at school and their aspirations for the future.

Our Middle School curriculum offers a broad and diverse range of academic subjects and practical experiences that prepare girls for Senior School. We aim to stimulate them intellectually, to help each girl achieve her personal best, and to give her a lifelong love of learning.

The curriculum in Year 9 is flexible and designed to allow our girls to experience both breadth and depth in their chosen courses. The courses offered in all subjects build on the essential skills developed in Years 7 and 8 to ensure the girls are challenged and well prepared for the complex demands of Senior School. In Year 9, students study a core curriculum as well as electives which are introduced for the first time.