Learning in the Middle Years

The Middle Years requires an intentional approach to teaching and learning strategies, one that is responsive and appropriate to the full range of needs, interests, and achievements of a diverse group of young adolescents. Our dedicated staff work very hard in this space to develop positive working relationships with our adolescent learners. It is essential they are emotionally predictable and fair, not being drawn into the drama that may be present in the minds of their learners. 

The 10-14 age bracket is a very complex time in the lives of students. Their evolving brain struggles to devleop at the same rate as their body does physically. They may rapidly grow taller and stronger, but they are not equally as developed in their thinking nor their emotional regulation. Students begin to look more like young adults, but internally their decision making and complex reasoning is more akin with that of their younger primary siblings and peers. For many, impulse control is still very much under-developed, time-management is a long shot, struggles with confidence and peer-pressure may hinder their participation rates and then a series of mood swings and disrupted sleep patterns.   

In short, they are simultaneously developing; physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and ethically. Like any period of great change, transitioning through this time period comes with its challenges. Our staff work hard along this rollercoaster to provide a consistent, supportive, positive learning environment for our students. Some examples of this are included below:  

Our dedicated educators are knowledgeable, empathetic, passionate and relational – all of which supports our students to be the best version of themselves as learners. As we strive to provide flexible, safe, positive learning environments, our students engage in a range of activities designed to inspire. Check out some of these snaps from our classes:

Words out West
On Tuesday, our students from Year 5 - 7 headed off site to engage in sessions at the Dalby Events Centre as part of the Words Out West Festival. I was fortunate to join the Year 6 and Year 7 students for their videography session by Geordie Lillis. As he spoke of his up bringing, as a young lad from Quinalow through to traveling the world working for mega brands like Red Bull Racing and working on Hollywood films, it was not hard to sit and wonder who about all the potential sitting in the room in OLSCC uniforms. When 2040 rolls around, I wonder where some of our students will be, what professions they have embarked on, and what stories they will tell about how they got to where they are then. I wonder if any will be talking to school students like Geordie was, inspiring the next generation of go-getters and innovators.    

Assessment 

We are now very much into the assessment period of the term. Supporting students through this period can make an enormous difference in their experience and success. Here are some tips for families to provide the best support:

Emotional Support   
1) Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for children to share their feelings or concerns. Let them know it is okay to feel stressed or overwhelmed.
2) Stay positive: Offer words of encouragement and celebrate their efforts, not just the outcomes.

Practical Support
1) Establish routines: Help create a structured schedule for study, breaks, meals, and sleep to maintain balance.
2) Minimise distractions: Provide a quiet, comfortable environment for focused study time.
3) Healthy habits: Encourage regular meals, hydration, exercise, and sufficient sleep.

Academic Support
1) Help with organisation: Assist to create to-do lists and use planners to keep track of deadlines and study goals.
2) Be available: Offer to help with study materials, quizzes, or finding resoources if needed - but avoid micromanaging.
3) Encourage breaks: Remind them to take short breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.

Perspective and Balanace
1) Downplay pressure: Emphasise that their well-being is more important than any test results. 
2) Celebrate small wins: Recognise and reward milestones to keep motivation levels high. 

Post-Assessment Support
1) Debrief together: Discuss how they felt about the assessments and what they can learn for next time.
2) Help them unwind: Plan something fun and relaxing to look forward to after the assessments. 

Families play a cruical role during stressful times and your support can empower your children to be their best while feeling cared for. Their teachers are also here to help. If you need to reach out to your child's teacher to share concerns regarding assessment, please do so. Toegther you can plan on the best support strategies to implement, here at school and at home.