The Middle School Curriculum
Academic
Boys in the Middle School enjoy a common curriculum building on the skills they have developed in the primary years. Subjects are offered by specialist teachers with a significant move to more and more classes being taught in flexible learning spaces by a team of teachers.
Our School is technology rich and has wi-fi coverage across the campus supporting the practice of each boy in the secondary years having his own mobile tablet.
Our Learning Support staff offer both an exciting and stimulating enrichment program for the gifted and talented boys as well as individualised support for boys who are struggling with some aspect of the curriculum. Where possible, this support is offered within the classroom rather than by withdrawing students.
Moving towards a new way of teaching and learning
BGS is currently working toward the building of a brand new $19Mil Middle School facility that will be ready for use in Term 1 2014. Not only will this development offer a new physical environment for the Rosstrevor boys and staff, but the design has been carefully planned to allow a whole new way of teaching and learning.
Click here to read more about the change in Teaching and Learning.
Click here to learn more about the project.
Year 7 boys undertake a curriculum that consists of the following subjects:
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English (including Drama)
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Mathematics
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Science
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Humanities (1 semester Geography and 1 semester of History)
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Physical Education
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Music
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Religious Education
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LOTE (Language other than English). Year 7 boys have a taste of four languages during the year, each for a semester. The four languages are Chinese, Japanese, French and Latin
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Creative Design & Technology (CDT) – a new subject that combines elements of woodwork and technics with an overall understanding of design principles and processes
Year 8 boys undertake a curriculum that consists of the following subjects:
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English (including Drama)
-
Mathematics
-
Science
-
Humanities (1 semester Geography and 1 semester of History)
-
Physical Education
-
Music
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LOTE (Language other than English). Year 8 boys select two of the four languages they experienced in Year 7 to study throughout the year. The four languages on offer are Chinese, Japanese, French and Latin
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Creative Design & Technology (CDT) – a new subject that combines elements of woodwork and technics with an overall understanding of design principles and processes
Beyond the Classroom
In many ways just as much learning occurs outside the traditional classroom walls – especially these days when mobile tablets such as an iPad allows people access to knowledge anywhere at any time.
Learning beyond the classroom includes a host of school based and off campus based activities.
We believe there is so much to be gained from learning a musical instrument – a compulsory activity in Years 3 to 8 at BGS. Attributes such as teamwork, discipline, persistence reaping reward and an appreciation for a diverse range of music are all very valuable. Boys have the choice of instrument they study and through classes and rehearsal become surprisingly proficient. There are several performance opportunities for boys throughout the middle years.
Special Highlights in Year 7
Year 7 Gippsland Lakes camp early in Term 1 allows boys to get to know the other boys from his form and his Form teacher.
Year 7 ‘Inside Bayside’ excursion program aimed to build the boy’s knowledge of and confidence in moving around the surrounding suburbs.
Special Highlights in Year 8
Year 8 Little Desert Camp in Terms 2 builds on outdoor education skills previously developed and is also an opportunity to strengthen friendships and have a challenging but fun time.
Father/son getaway weekend to Sorrento
Year 8 ‘My Melbourne’ excursion program aims to teach the boys how to conduct themselves in the city as well as increase their level of historical knowledge, geographic awareness and cultural appreciation of the CBD.
iDesign project - - Each boy chooses his own project to work on over a few months under the guidance of a mentor, within the framework of sustainability, innovation and creativity.
Working with Firbank Grammar, our sister school
Part of becoming a rounded young man is learning to have relationships beyond the mates in your class. From ELC to Year 12 we organise a range of curricular and social activities to be undertaken with the girls from Firbank Grammar School. In the Middle School activities include such things as Book Club, Debating, Philosophy Colloquiums, the annual drama production, musical performances and class based workshops.