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Welcome to the Middle Years

Our Middle Years program for boys in Years 7 and 8 operates within the Senior School. Students are educated in the Pentreath Building, a flexible learning environment that has been tailored to the specific needs of boys at this vital stage of their development.

The innovative spaces ensure boys have room to learn, collaborate and play. Whilst establishing a strong academic base we also focus on supporting the physical and social development of boys in these formative years of adolescence.

Students sitting together working on thier laptops

Academic Approach

With numeracy and literacy skills remaining fundamental in today’s world, our Middle Years curriculum places a strong emphasis on Mathematics and English. The curriculum is delivered by incorporating the latest learning competencies and success skills, such as real-world problem solving, collaboration, self-regulation, skilled communication and purposeful application of technology.

Students sitting together working on thier laptops
Our Years 7 and 8 students study a broad range of subjects with no early specialisation. Students choose one language other than English (LOTE), selecting from Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese Language and Literature or French. Art and Humanities subjects are compulsory, offering the broadest possible base on which students can build their aspirations as learners.

 

Catering for Diverse Learning

For the majority of boys, educational needs are met through curriculum planning with curriculum content varied to reflect the particular needs of a class group. Subject planning recognises the needs of all boys as individuals and those whose needs are exceptional are supported by additional provisions.

LEARN MORE

 

Students sitting together working on thier laptops

Academic Approach

With numeracy and literacy skills remaining fundamental in today’s world, our Middle Years curriculum places a strong emphasis on Mathematics and English. The curriculum is delivered by incorporating the latest learning competencies and success skills, such as real-world problem solving, collaboration, self-regulation, skilled communication and purposeful application of technology.

Our Years 7 and 8 students study a broad range of subjects with no early specialisation. Students choose one language other than English (LOTE), selecting from Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese Language and Literature or French. Art and Humanities subjects are compulsory, offering the broadest possible base on which students can build their aspirations as learners.

Catering for Diverse Learning

For the majority of boys, educational needs are met through curriculum planning with curriculum content varied to reflect the particular needs of a class group. Subject planning recognises the needs of all boys as individuals and those whose needs are exceptional are supported by additional provisions.

ACADEMIC FRAMEWORK

 

Wellbeing in Adolescence

We understand that early adolescence is a period of significant cognitive, social, physical and emotional change for students and offer a unique model of pastoral care. In Years 7 and 8, boys are placed in mentor classes with other boys from their year level. Students receive daily support from their mentor teacher, complemented by active participation in the Senior School House system. Additionally the Year Level Coordinator, Mentor Teacher and Head Middle Years work together to support each student.

Our House system is integral to the School’s approach to pastoral care. Upon commencement every student is allocated a House, each of which is led by a Head of House. Houses are a fundamental part of life at St Peter’s College and promote social, academic, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Friendships formed by the boys during house activities often last a lifetime.

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Students at a sporting event cheering

Identifiable Home

Designed to ensure a seamless transition from the Junior School to Senior School, the Pentreath Building was designed as a hub specifically for our Year 7 and 8 students. By creating an identifiable home for these boys and nurturing them in a small community we can best support them to flourish as learners and active participants within their communities.

The Middle School has access to the sporting facilities, specialised classrooms and creative arts centres across the Senior School campus.

Students at a sporting event cheering

Wellbeing in Adolescence

We understand that early adolescence is a period of significant cognitive, social, physical and emotional change for students and offer a unique model of pastoral care. In Years 7 and 8, boys are placed in mentor classes with other boys from their year level. Students receive daily support from their mentor teacher, complemented by active participation in the Senior School House system. Additionally the Year Level Coordinator, Mentor Teacher and Head Middle Years work together to support each student.

Students at a sporting event cheering

Our House system is integral to the School’s approach to pastoral care. Upon commencement every student is allocated a House, each of which is led by a Head of House. Houses are a fundamental part of life at St Peter’s College and promote social, academic, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Friendships formed by the boys during house activities often last a lifetime.

HOUSE SYSTEM

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students kayaking in a lake

Our Outdoor Education program encourages the intellectual and moral development of the students and emphasises recognition of self, others and the natural world.

Through journey-based experiences students have the opportunity to discover their own strengths, develop independence, understand the benefit of teamwork, and learn how to deal with conflict and challenges.

Year 7: Through an overnight lead-in program at Finniss students prepare for their first expedition at Mt Crawford Forest. Through hiking, kayaking, mountain bike riding, and cooking, students identify strengths in one another, to grow their positive and inclusive community. As the first expedition style camp, these five days in the Mount Lofty Ranges build a foundation for longer journeys in the years to come.

Year 8: Students journey in small groups exploring wilderness areas of the Yorke Peninsula. White sand beaches, secluded coves and dramatic cliffs are the backdrop for cycle touring, fishing, snorkelling and hiking.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Student kayaking in a lake

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our Outdoor Education program encourages the intellectual and moral development of the students and emphasises recognition of self, others and the natural world.

Through journey-based experiences students have the opportunity to discover their own strengths, develop independence, understand the benefit of teamwork, and learn how to deal with conflict and challenges.

Year 7: Through an overnight lead-in program at Finniss students prepare for their first expedition at Mt Crawford Forest. Through hiking, kayaking, mountain bike riding, and cooking, students identify strengths in one another, to grow their positive and inclusive community. As the first expedition style camp, these five days in the Mount Lofty Ranges build a foundation for longer journeys in the years to come.

Year 8: Students journey in small groups exploring wilderness areas of the Yorke Peninsula. White sand beaches, secluded coves and dramatic cliffs are the backdrop for cycle touring, fishing, snorkelling and hiking.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Students kayaking in a lake

Student screwing together a torch

Active Community Members

As part of the School’s commitment to our core value of service, we place a strong emphasis on Service Learning both within the curriculum and as part of our co-curricular offering.

We provide our students with authentic, relational and meaningful Service Learning activities and programs that promote student growth and benefit the wider community.

Students packing food hampers for people in need

SERVICE LEARNING

Student screwing together a torch

Active Community Members

As part of the School’s commitment to our core value of service, we place a strong emphasis on Service Learning both within the curriculum and as part of our co-curricular offering.

We provide our students with authentic, relational and meaningful Service Learning activities and programs that promote student growth and benefit the wider community.

SERVICE LEARNING

Accelerating
Passions and Pursuits

Co-curricular activities play an important role in the life of a St Peter’s College student. We are committed to helping students understand the lifelong benefits of engagement in sport and cultural pursuits. Your son’s commitment to a co-curricular activity whether it be sport, music or the performing arts is seen as integral to the way he learns about himself and others.

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Student in class writing on the whiteboard