Late in Term 1 we were delighted to welcome back to the Middle School four students now in Year 10 to recognise their sustained excellence in learning. Chloe, Ilka, Cassie and Amelia were on hand to receive Middle School Triannual Academic Excellence Awards. This rare accomplishment is given only to those who achieve Middle School Academic Awards for achievement in each year of Year 7, 8 and 9. Attaining one such award is a meritorious accomplishment in itself; to do so for three consecutive years is exceptional. Academic Awards celebrate those whose results in all summative assessments across the year place them in the top 5% of their cohort and these are handed out at a special assembly in Term 1 of the following year. We wish Chloe, Ilka, Cassie and Amelia well as they continue their pursuit of excellence in the Senior School over the next three years.
There are several other ways that we recognise learning in the Middle School. Last year, we launched Academic Credits that are given each term. Teachers can nominate students who show growth in their learning, in line with our emphasis on that Carey value. This is not necessarily based on grades, however. Rather, teachers might nominate a student who, for example, proactively forms a study group with peers or has a breakthrough solving a particularly challenging problem. Further, we will recognise academic excellence in Term 3 for students whose summative assessments have been noteworthy in Semester 1.
Like all schools, we strive to develop a culture in which learning is valued. You at home are an essential part of this as we work in partnership – students, teachers and parents. Conversations about learning, fostering a culture of reading books rather than scrolling on devices and encouragement to wonder about the world all help students to see that learning happens throughout life. Ideally, this should be true for all of us and not just young people. Lifelong learning is a worthy aspiration for everyone.
On the topic of learning, we will invite current Middle School parents and carers to see inside the Middle School later in Term 2, which will showcase the learning program on a typical day. We look forward to all students being given an opportunity to be seen as they learn.
David Martin
Deputy Head of Middle School – Student Learning
