Head of Middle School
Transition is a huge component of the Middle School purpose and mission. 75% of all boys who enrol and arrive at Scotch College enter via the Middle School in either Year 6 or 7. These boys come from local government schools, other independent schools, rural schools, and some boys are from interstate and overseas. On arrival there is a lot to take in: new teachers, new friends, new co-curricular opportunities, a new school culture and set of traditions and for our boarders a new home. One of the most significant challenges however, and this is also faced by the cohort who have come up through the Junior School, is the challenge of a new curriculum: the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
For most parents this is also a new educational framework and philosophy to understand, as well as a new assessment regime to comprehend and support their sons through. In Week 9 Ms Anna Eriksson, Dean of Teaching & Learning, and I will run a Parent Information Session we are tentatively calling 'Demystifying the MYP'. As we head toward our first reporting cycle of the year this session builds on from the Parent Information Sessions held in Summer Term. We will give parents a general overview of the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and the DP programmes, however the session will primarily focus on the central tenets of the MYP as a curriculum, the concept of criterion based assessment and we will look closely at the Middle School student report that will be mailed out at the end of term. This information session will be held in the Dining Room Annexe on Thursday 18 June, Week 9 from 9.00am-10.00am with morning tea and an opportunity to stay on and talk about all things Middle School afterwards.
Last week at Assembly 6B presented a cheque for $2967.80 on behalf of the whole Middle School to the Australian Red Cross Nepal Appeal. This is money raised by the boys two weeks ago in a variety of ways in response to the Nepal earthquake tragedy and subsequent appeal. One of the most heartening aspects of working in Middle School is witnessing the initiative, enthusiasm and instant response our boys demonstrate when confronted or presented with someone in need. Be it picking up a fallen lunch box for a boy struggling up the stairs with bags, instrument and sports gear to rolling up sleeves and baking, washing car windows or donating their own treasures to help out kids in Nepalese villages. The staff and I wish to acknowledge that the boys receive a great deal of behind the scenes help and encouragement from home. On behalf of the boys who donated the money and on behalf of the Red Cross who have received the money, thank you for your continued support to help our boys immerse themselves in acts of service, unrewarded acts of compassion. They may not realise it yet but these are the hallmarks of wonderful young men who will make a difference in life.
Mr Richard Ledger
Head of Middle School
