Lake Macquarie High School

Quality Education in a Caring Environment

Year 7 Middle School Structure

"NURTURING AND EXTENDING"

In 2008 Lake Macquarie High School is introducing a Middle School concept for students in Year 7. The key parts of the initiative are:

Improved Student Welfare and Pastoral Care.

Year 7 students will be taught by a core group of teachers who will teach students across all Key Learning Areas. Students can expect to be taught by a smaller number of teachers than previous years. This will provide teachers with the opportunity to gain a greater knowledge of student needs and abilities, enabling them to provide an unrivalled level of pastoral care.

Literacy.

At Lake Macquarie High School we believe that literacy is the key to successful learning. In 2008 all teachers of Year 7 will identify and address the literacy needs of students in their class, using the data provided by their primary school teachers. This will enable each student to develop their literacy skills to their full potential. Teaching and learning programs will address identified literacy issues to enhance the potential of each student.

Gifted and Talented Students.

An opportunity will again be provided for students who have special gifts and talents. At Lake Macquarie High School, we provide the unique opportunity for students to pursue their academic or creative talents in an environment which is supportive of their individual skills. The Middle School will provide a greater platform for gifted and talented students to shine.

Personalised Learning and Playground Spaces.

In 2008, Year 7 students will have their own individualised classrooms. Teachers and students will be able to personalise their learning spaces as sole-users of these spaces. The students will also have a playground space which will be exclusively used by them. Students will have the opportunity to attend classes in other rooms around the school and visit other parts of the playground. However, their exclusive spaces are designed to give students the opportunity to have an area which they can call their own.