Middle Schooling: why a special program?

Educators have recently emphasised the importance of the Middle School years as the foundation for success at the secondary level.

Traditionally, the change in school environment from primary to secondary was substantial, causing unnecessary stress for students.

Teachers at Aranmore recognise that young adolescents have unique needs compared to lower primary and upper secondary students.

Aranmore provides an effective transition environment where students are able to build upon and make use of their primary school experience as they adapt to the challenges of secondary education. We have drawn upon the expertise provided by the National Schools Network, Australian Teaching Council, Australian Curriculum Studies Association and Australian Council for Educational Administration.

At Aranmore, we extend the success students enjoyed in primary school through a supportive pastoral care and curriculum program.

Pastoral Care

Smaller class sizes
A pastoral care teacher who really knows your child
Wherever possible, two teachers teach English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Religious Education

Student Centred Learning

Understanding that successful students are highly motivated
Recognition that students have differing learning styles
Appreciation that learning is the responsibility of teachers and students working together

Caring for the Individual

Success through a balance of cooperation and competition
Focus on individual progress and improvement as the measure of success and achievement
Catering for the special developmental needs of Year Eights.
Providing students with learning for life
Links are made across subjects wherever possible
Recognition that students will develop and progress at varying rates

Curriculum

Emphasis on skills that provide students with learning for life
Links are made across subjects for an integrated curriculum
Recognition that students will develop and progress at varying rates

Language and Literacy

Emphasis on language and literacy as basic to all learning across the curriculum
Using the Stepping Out program to meet student’s individual language needs

Effective Teaching

Cooperative teamwork in teaching
Teachers use a variety of teaching and assessment styles to reflect differing student needs
A more flexible timetable and program
Recognition of student learning styles

A Learning Community

Shared responsibility with parents for education
Professional development of staff in cooperation with educational leaders

If you would like your child to benefit from Aranmore's Middle School Program, or if you would like more information about our Student Centred Learning approach to education, then please contact Aranmore's Community Relations Officer Georgia Loney.