Middle School
The Middle School at Kew High School includes students in Years 7, 8 and 9. During these first three years of secondary school the establishment of a culture of learning is emphasised.
In the Middle School years, a core curriculum is studied to ensure steady progress towards VCE subjects.
The Years 7 and 8 common curriculum is structured to enable students to experience a wide range of subjects, with a focus on the eight Victorian Curriculum Learning Areas:
- The Arts (Arts and Design, Drama and Music)
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- Humanities
- Language (French or Japanese)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technologies (Digital Technology)
Critical and creative thinking, ethical and intercultural understanding, and personal and social capabilities are also an integral part of the curriculum at Kew High School.
The program in Years 7 and 8 has been developed with the following aims:
- Engage, enrich, and extend all students in the school community cognitively, behaviourally and emotionally.
- Maximise student learning potential and give opportunities for all students to explore new experiences and interests, as well as building on existing strengths.
- Improve student wellbeing and morale as well as students’ sense of connectedness to the learning community.
- Develop in students a culture of lifelong continuous learning.
- Develop in students an awareness of their roles and responsibilities in society and equip them with the skills to think deeply about real-life issues around culture, government, environment and ethics.
- Uphold the school values of accountability, social equity, participation, integrity, respect, and excellence in our relationships with others at all times.
- Support and encourage individuals to aim for their full potential by developing their unique skills and individuality.
- Develop a culture whereby any form of unsafe behaviour which is negative, aggressive, or dangerous or that does not protect the safety of school members is not tolerated.
All staff, including Year Level Coordinators, assist students to settle into the school and establish consistent and effective work practices, as well as a sense of connection to the school as a whole.
In Year 9, the core curriculum program of Years 7 and 8 shifts to a core and elective program. In addition to compulsory core subjects, students can choose electives from a broad range of subjects, including Technologies and The Arts. Students are also given the opportunity to take part in the Outdoor Education program.
High expectations, good work habits and respect for others remain the keys to success in the middle years.
Throughout Year 9, the established culture of learning is consolidated. Greater independence and opportunity are offered to students as they begin to consider the ways in which subject choices and learning behaviours will impact on their learning in future years.
At Year 10 the majority of the curriculum becomes elective based, with all subjects driven by student choice. Students must choose subjects from key learning areas including The Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Humanities, Mathematics and Science. Students can also choose to continue to learn a language – French or Japanese.
Students who meet the defined academic requirements are also allowed accelerated entry into a range of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) subjects.
The Year 10 curriculum is designed to:
- provide students with a broad, flexible, and engaging curriculum that gives them an opportunity for choice in the development of their courses of study
- reinforce the intention that Year 10 is a preparation year for VCE and should be used by students to develop and enhance their study habits
- use assessment and attendance policies and processes that complement those of VCE
- give Year 10 students greater access to a wider range of VCE subjects.
