As a time of growth, development and self-discovery, the Middle Years at St. Andrew’s Grammar gives students a firm foundation for Secondary education. With opportunities to explore a variety of learning experiences and subjects, students are encouraged to find and pursue their interests, discover their own strengths and build effective techniques for learning.
Your Child’s School Day
Secondary School students are expected to be on campus by 8.30am for an 8.40am start.
The School timetable is made up of 6 periods per day, with a morning break and lunchtime break.
Students move around the Secondary Years campus throughout the day to access the specialist classrooms and teachers, including dedicated spaces for Visual Arts, Science labs, Physical Education and Sports and Food Science and Technology.
The day finishes at 3.20pm.
Understanding Your Child’s Progress
St. Andrew’s Grammar reports on student achievement at the end of both semesters, reflecting on the student’s achievements across the entire year for each learning area. An Interim Report will be issued to parents at the end of Term 1 to give a brief overview of the transition into the new year level.
SEQTA messages are received directly by parents in real time so that they can understand not only academic progress, but positive and negative behaviours are also highlighted.
The School provides formal opportunities for discussion at Parent-Teacher Interview Evenings. Teachers may also provide reports or updates on their child’s progress informally, if required or requested by parents. Students in Year 7 and 9 also participate in NAPLAN testing to provide information on progress on literacy and numeracy, and identifying areas that will need to focus on to develop their skills in this area.
Curriculum
The Middle Years curriculum, determined by the West Australian Curriculum, is designed to introduce students a wide variety of subjects, concepts and contexts. By exposing students to a variety of opportunities, students begin to understand their personal strengths and interests and start to learn independently.
English
Focused on the three strands of Language, Literature and Literacy, English at St Andrew’s focuses on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking and writing. Students in Years 7 and 8 follow a common curriculum, with streaming of students of similar abilities beginning in Year 9.
Mathematics
In the Middle Years, Mathematics concepts build on previously developed understandings to build in students a sound basis of numeracy to become confident problem solvers and recognise the use of mathematics in real-life contexts. Students are introduced to mathematics fields of studies including Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
Health and Physical Education
Creating life-long habits for healthy living, with a focus on participation in physical activities and relationship building, builds physical and mental health in our students. In Health Education at St. Andrew’s Grammar, the aim is to build resilient young people who are mindful of others. Physical Education classes are twice a week, introducing students to a range of sports throughout the year and focusing on team building, self-management and interpersonal skills.
Science
Scientific enquiry skills are fostered through all year levels to foster an understanding and appreciation for the application of science in society. Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program integrates activities and skills of technology, engineering and mathematic to provide insights into the use of science in everyday life. In Middle School, elements of Chemistry, Human Biology, Biology, Physics and Psychology are addressed in the Science curriculum in preparation for the Senior Years.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
Topics included in the Middle Years HASS courses include History, Geography, Economics and Civic and Citizenship, allowing students to acquire knowledge and understandings of the past and present, as well as anticipating future issues. HASS at St. Andrew’s Grammar develops skills in research and interpretation, critical analysis and creativity.
Modern Greek
St. Andrew’s Grammar is dedicated to maintaining our Greek heritage, language and culture. The Australian Curriculum’s Languages for Modern Greek is designed to teach Modern Greek, the official language of Greece and Cyprus, as a second language. There are two learning pathways for students: The Foundation to Year 10 Sequence and the Years 7-10 Sequence for students entering the study in Year 7. Understanding that not all students join St. Andrew’s Grammar with experience in Modern Greek, our supportive teachers make adjustments to support different learning experiences.
The Arts
With a blend of arts theory and practical activities in all arts subjects, study of the arts at St. Andrew’s stretches the imagination and critical thinking of Middle Years students. Across Years 7 and 8, students are required to study at least one performance subject and one visual subject. In Year 9 the study of Arts is optional with students being able to choose from Visual Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Media Arts: Photography.
Technology
The Middle Years Technology program engages students in hands-on, creative learning experiences based on the engineering design process. With an emphasis on programming, robotics, game design and introductory engineering. Technology at St. Andrew’s grows collaboration, problem-solving and computational thinking skills.
All students participate in the Inter-House Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics carnivals. If students excel in their event, they can be selected to represent the School at the Associated and Catholic Colleges (ACC) carnivals. Students can also represent the School in a range of inter-school sporting events such as Basketball, Soccer, Badminton and Volleyball.
To learn more about the opportunities available to students as they move into the Senior Years, click here.