MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
At Campion College students in Years 7 to 9 form the Middle School. The specific nature of this curriculum helps develop them wholistically while also preparing them for the transition into the Senior School curriculum at Years 10 to 13.
Middle School
A major component of the middle schooling philosophy is to provide an integrated teaching programme alongside access to specialisation in curriculum areas as students transition from a ‘learning to learn’ approach in education to the ‘subject specific’ approach evident in Senior School.
The aim of our schooling in the Middle years is that it:
- Will reinforce the three core Gospel values which are central to our faith at Campion College: those of commitment, compassion and community.
- Places high expectations on all students.
- Provides a curriculum that is challenging, integrated and achievable.
- Prepares students for an easy transition into the Senior School years.
- Allows for a Homeroom integrated teaching approach while offering the opportunity to access specialist facilities and staff in the Senior School.
The Home Room has a focus on literacy and numeracy development within high interest topic settings.
Students in the Middle School take part in a range of subjects that have a strong secondary school focus. Students study Science in the Science laboratories which enables them to become familiar with the laboratory and skills needed within this environment. We also have a specialist Arts programme operating. Arts encompass Music, Art, Dance, Kapa Haka and Drama. Middle School students are also given full use of the Technology Department: Food, Textiles, Materials Technology (wood), Electronics and Design Technology.
Gifted and talented students are in part catered for in the Home Room situation. Extension opportunities with specialised staff are offered to support student abilities and this operates alongside the in-class programmes run by the Home Room Teacher.
Students requiring learning support are assisted by their Classroom Teacher, a pool of teaching staff with specific curriculum expertise and the Senior School student.
Year 7 Students
The movement from primary school to Campion College is a big step for many students. Most of the College’s new student intake occurs at Year 7 with 75 - 80 students arriving each year compared with 5 – 10 students at other year levels. There are three Year 7 classes which are situated in the purpose-built Hato Maria Block.
For many students the transition to Campion College is made easier as they may already be at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
We are fully focussed on preparing our students for senior secondary education while providing age appropriate learning experiences.
Year 9 Students
Year 9 students provide valuable support and leadership to the Middle School. For most of the Year 9 students, this will be their third year in the College and they are well aware of the personnel, systems and processes operating.
Their curriculum continues to focus on integrated activities while also allowing for greater subject specialisation so that the Home Room Teacher is now only with the class for approximately 40% of their classroom time. The remainder is taken up by subject specialist teaching staff.
Year 9 offers the opportunity for students to take on specific roles throughout the year and contribute back to the first 3 years of schooling.