Opportunities

Middle School

kura waenganui

The Learning Environment

 

We are committed to developing students who are self-managing critical thinkers and are committed to providing flexible learning environments. We are about to undertake a wide-scale building programme that will allow for modern, adaptable spaces and expected roll growth. A new Middle School building is due to open in 2021.

We seek to ensure that our learning programmes are relevant and engaging for our 21st-century learners. The eight essential learning areas are integrated into exciting and meaningful ways where possible. There is a strong focus on collaborative learning and teaching and ‘mahi tahi/working together within the school and with outside partners.

Student voice is valued as part of the planning process. There is a focus on inquiry learning and the development of the key competencies thinking skills. We seek to provide learning programmes that are responsive to need, passions, and interests.

Students today are digital natives. It is imperative that the digital classroom is part of their digital lives. We are committed to eLearning and developing responsible digital citizenship.

There is an expectation that all students will have their own device for use in the classroom. The preferred device in Years 7-10 is a Chromebrook.

Getting Involved

 

A wide range of co-curricular activities is on offer at Hillmorton. We encourage students to get involved in the wider life of the school.

Middle school students have the opportunity to experience a wide range of co-curricular activities. These include sport and culture.

Students are able to be involved in cultural activities such as theatre sports, ensembles, choir, dance, and Showquest.

Students as part of their programme are involved in a variety of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Students Years 7-8 participate in intermediate sport at Hagley or in school-based sports programmes. Leadership opportunities abound in this environment such as Middle School Council and the opportunity to serve in a number of other leadership roles, Librarians, Open Night guides, and Technical Crew.

Key Features of Year 7 and 8

 

Base Camp

Students belong to a base camp group and teacher and this is the basis of base camp learning at this level. Students spend 17 hours in Base Camp each week.

Explore

Students work with specialists to explore their interests.

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Your child’s wellbeing is our priority. A focus on wellbeing and pastoral care is the basis for enhanced outcomes – socially, emotionally, and academically.

Each student in year 7 and 8 is also a member of a middle school Whanau Group (Years 7-10) and Whanau House. They meet with their Whanau Group Kaiako each week and are involved in a learning programme that focuses on positive education, wellbeing, and social education. All students will also belong to a Whanau House.

Students in years 7 and 8 are supported by year 7 and 8 staff, a Whanau Group Kaiako, a Head of Year, and a Team Leader of Year 7 and 8. Guidance counselors are also available.

More information about our Middle School

  • Fewer transitions provide stability in the crucial middle years.
  • There is an emphasis on developing a strong community.
  • A personalised learning journey is developed with all staff as your child grows through Years 7 to 13.
  • In this stable and caring environment, students develop the skills and disposition needed for success in later qualifications.
  • We offer an inclusive smaller learning environment where students are known and taught as individuals.
  • Experienced specialist Year 7 and 8 teachers.
  • Subject specialists in Science, The Arts, Technology,Physical Education and Languages.
  • Access to secondary specialist facilities – E.g. fully specialised Science Laboratories
  • Students are provided with abundant opportunitiesfor personal development and passions.
  • There is an opportunity to learn from senior students in a safe environment where senior students are role models.

The School has:

  • A teaching staff committed to being a professional learning community.
  • A commitment to the pursuit of excellence and the highest of pedagogical practices ensures that all students will learn.
  • A culture of collaboration and a focus on results means that every student is assured of an education that is second to none.
  • A wide range of subject choice.
  • A mid-sized school, where students are able to be known by name and supported in Whanau Groups within Whanau Houses.
  • A unique base camp programme in Year 7 and 8.

Underpinning the programme of learning in years 7 and 8:

  • Literacy and Numeracy
  • Tikanga Maori and Te Reo Maori
  • NZ Sign Language
  • Digital citizenship
  • Thinking skills and strategies

Please click here to see the Year 7 to Year 13 Course Book