Head of Middle School

Outdoor Education becomes a focus for Year 6 and 8 boys this term with Surfing commencing this week for Year 6 and the week-long Moray adventures for Year 8 dotted over the next 8 weeks.

It is easy to see the different activities each year group is involved in each year. However what lies behind these activities is a continuum of development, in particular the development of skills, knowledge and confidence in open water settings. Rafting, surfing, sailing, canoeing, white water rafting and then the options of Margaret River surfing, Ningaloo Reef Sea Kayaking and Karijini Gorge walking in Year 10, all form a progression in the development of open water skill, safety, survival and enjoyment from Years 5 to 10. This is the major focus of our Outdoor Education Programme along with the personal and self-management development that is part and parcel of each expedition.

The Outdoor Education Programme is run by our Outdoor Ed staff however each Middle School Homeroom teacher accompanies their class on their expedition, either to Lancelin in Year 6, or to Moray in Year 7 & 8. The opportunity to see and engage with their students in these outdoor settings has proven to be invaluable and for most the highlight of their year. A reoccurring theme in feedback from staff has been the importance of a good sleeping bag and sufficient pairs of warm socks!

This week's photos are from the 2016 Youth Round Square Conference hosted at Scotch College during the last school holidays. 180 students, representing 23 schools from across Australia, Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia attended and had a sensational time. Over the course of the week students engaged in activities that expanded and explored the concepts of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment Adventure, Leadership and Service. The Youth Round Square Conference is an annual conference to which we hope to send six Year 8 students each year. Next year's conference will be held in Victoria.

MacKellar Hall mural painted by participants at RSQ2016

RSQ2016 group photo, after the pylon swim at sunrise at Cottesloe Beach.

Our first Assembly of this term is this Friday 6 May and due to Senior School examinations will be held in the Memorial Hall from 11:30am. 7.1K will be performing an item and we hope to see you there.

Mr Richard Ledger

Head of Middle School