Middle School Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning in the Middle School is designed to equip students for the 21st century, enabling them to become young women who take increasing responsibility for their own physical well-being, learning, relationships and roles in their local, national and global community. Our broad but rigorous curriculum recognises students’ wide range of abilities, interests and ambitions, and embraces innovation in classroom practices and the integration of technology.
Distinctive Curriculum Offerings
The Middle School offers a comprehensive curriculum across the key learning areas, and supports all learners via highly skilled classroom practitioners and through the following aspects:
- A Learning Enrichment Co-ordinator to meet the needs of gifted and talented students
- A Special Needs Co-ordinator and three Learning Support Aides to enhance the opportunities for students who are experiencing learning difficulties
- Regular after-school curriculum support sessions in English, Mathematics, Humanities and the Sciences.
In the Middle School traditional concepts and skills are nurtured and emphasis is placed on the integrated learning that is central to the 21st century knowledge era. Differentiated programs are designed to ensure that students are working at levels which are challenging, yet within reach.
To that end there are a number of principles underpin the Middle School Curriculum at Fairholme College:-
- Students have fewer teachers with whom to interact.
- Much learning is thematic and the themes are often negotiated with students to reflect interest and thus create enthusiasm.
- There are fewer assessment instruments and these instruments cover a wider range of skills.
- Assessment instruments are designed not just as a test of knowledge or skill at a point in time or place, but rather they help build skill, knowledge and love of learning in the student.
Key Learning Areas
At Fairholme we integrate the Key Learning Areas of Mathematics and Science as well as English and Humanities in Years 7 and 8. Each student has one teacher for both Mathematics and Science and another teacher who teaches English and Humanities. In preparation for Senior Studies, these disciplines are separated in Year 9, although where possible, the same teacher will be responsible for Mathematics and Science and another for English and Humanities.
Australian Curriculum
Information for parents from the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Download document (850KB PDF)
Curriculum Overview
Download document (2012 edition 3.6 MB PDF)
Careers Education Program
Information on the Careers Education Program »
NAPLAN Performance
In May 2012, Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 students sat the National Literacy and Numeracy Test, NAPLAN. This is a national test and the results for the 2012 tests were released in September.
The table contained in the NAPLAN 2012 results (500KB PDF) compares the average result for our 3, 5, 7 & 9 students in each of the five areas tested with the average Queensland result and the average National. Fairholme girls have performed well above the State and National average in every test item and in every year level and in every year since 2008.
Fairholme is very proud of the achievement of our students and congratulate them and our staff on their fine efforts.
Additional information:
Read of the Middle School Curriculum in more detail.
Read of the Differentiated Curriculum in Middle School.
