Middle School Update

As we reach the end of 2025, it is timely to pause and reflect on our core purpose as a Middle School. Our Purpose and Concerns statement grounds all that we do: supporting the academic, cultural, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of every young person, guided by Quaker values such as integrity, simplicity, peace and the intrinsic worth of each individual. We aim to nurture students who think clearly, act with integrity and are sensitive to the needs of others and the environment.

This invites the question: How do we know if we have succeeded?

One part of the answer lies in the rich body of data we gather throughout the year. In 2025, our diagnostic assessments in literacy and numeracy showed significant growth across the Middle School, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted programs such as paired reading, vocabulary instruction, retrieval practice and our Skills Block in reading, spelling, comprehension and numeracy. Additional supports—including Spelling Through Morphographs, oral reading intervention, weekly take-home comprehension packs and ongoing reteaching and enrichment—ensure that every student can make meaningful progress. Whilst data does not define our students, it informs our teaching so we can respond to each learner with intention and personalised guidance.

Equally important is our commitment to recognising growth that cannot be captured by tests alone. Using broader learning metrics, such as those developed through the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics work, we gather evidence of capabilities demonstrated through Inquiry-based learning. When students problem-solve, collaborate, communicate, think creatively, manage time and take responsibility for their learning, they demonstrate the kinds of skills and understandings that matter deeply for their future lives. This gives us a far richer picture of success and enables us to celebrate the many ways in which our Middle School students flourish.

These capabilities are most clearly visible in two hallmark programs of Middle School agency and inquiry: the Year 7 Future Quest and the Year 8 Independent Project. In Future Quest, students respond to the prompt: “What kind of world do you want to live in 30 years from now, and how will you help create it?” They develop a compelling and ethical future vision, explain a pathway toward it, and use research, persuasion and creativity to inspire their audience. The resulting work this year has been imaginative, principled and full of hope.

In Year 8, students take on the Independent Project, a challenge that requires autonomy, courage, reflection and resilience. They step out of their comfort zones, develop a new skill, seek and apply feedback, and manage real-world uncertainty. Through portfolios filled with drafts, sketches, reflections, photos and evidence of practice, they demonstrate growth not only in their chosen skill but in attributes such as independence, problem-solving, time management and self-awareness. These are the foundations of lifelong learning.

The success of these programs has been evident: exceptionally high engagement, impressive outcomes and strong parent and community involvement in the culminating exhibitions and performances. When students stand before an authentic audience to share their thinking, learning, challenges and achievements, we see our Purpose and Concerns in action. I am deeply proud of the way our Middle School students have grown—not only in their learning, but as unique individuals who are capable and compassionate. This is the kind of growth and achievement that endures, and importantly equips our Year 8s for the move into Senior School, supports our Year 7s as they step into leadership within Middle School, and encourages all students to develop as active, positive contributors to the broader community beyond the School gates.

As we close the year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional Middle School team: teachers, learning assistants, support staff, office staff and all those who contribute daily to the life of our community. Their commitment, creativity and deep understanding of the Middle School years underpin everything we do. I would also like to extend sincere thanks to our families, whose trust, partnership and engagement are vital to each child’s success. Together, we form a learning community that is invested, collaborative and committed to helping every young person think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves, be sensitive to the needs of others and the environment, be strong in service and hold a global perspective.

Lindy Gannon - Head of Middle School (Years 7 & 8)