Up to Class 10
Young Adults Becoming Independent Thinkers
The next fundamental development in the young person’s life occurs between the ages of twelve and fifteen. This stage, known as adolescence or puberty, is one of great physical change and is also reflected in the young person’s intellectual, emotional and spiritual life. As each young person’s thinking changes, our Middle School strives to inspire students by encouraging them to develop a love of learning through the engagement of their will. As a team of teachers, we encourage these young adults to become independent thinkers, to observe the world around them and to ask questions in order to form their own conclusions.
The Middle School Curriculum
After Main Lesson, the students engage in subject lessons which include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Visual Art, Manual Arts, Soft Crafts, Language, Music, Physical Education and Gardening (including Biodynamic Practices), Cooking and Guardian time.
Developing Whole Human Capacities
Students’ whole experience of extending their world and finding their place in it is honoured in our Middle School curriculum. Every facet of learning encourages students to investigate a topic via several modalities, allowing deep and integrated learning.
Each year, the Class 8 students complete a year-long Independent Research Project on a topic of their choosing and present their project findings and insights to peers, parents and teachers.
Students will start engaging with digital technology initially for research, forming in to other skills such as document creation and music composition.
The Middle School expands on the outdoor education program from the Primary years, extending into a week-long hiking camp, a week-long biking camp and a 2-3 week-long Agriculture camp on a working farm.
The development of their will in the early years and feelings in the Primary School is now tempered by the more intellectual emphasis in the Secondary School providing age-appropriate, engaging learning.
Nurtured by Class Guardians
As students come into the Middle School, they are nurtured by a Class Guardian, who follows the class up through the grades providing pastoral care, as well as a group of Specialist Teachers. These adults help the young person to extend their thinking as they delve in depth into each curriculum subject. As the adolescent begins to ask questions and to seek answers in a more abstract way, the Specialist Teacher is there to guide, support and encourage them.
Full Range of Academic Subjects
The Main Lesson structure established in the Primary School years is preserved throughout the Middle School and students continue to explore a full range of academic subjects. As the students mature, they are encouraged to be more responsible as they move from classroom to classroom which strengthens their experience of independence.
To assist students transitioning to Senior Secondary or other alternative pathways, Birali integrates a VET qualification (Certificate II Workplace Skills) for Class 10 students. The course is delivered in-class by one of our Secondary Teachers via an online platform provided by Binnacle Training (with some additional out of school tasks to complete).
To find out more about our Middle School programme, please feel free to book a school tour or call us on (07) 5429 0511.
