Middle Years

Authentic learning is central to our work as Catholic educators in the Middle Years at St Thomas School & Preschool. Authentic learning promotes the continual growth and well-being of the whole person - spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Teachers across the Middle Years engage in problem-based learning to develop contextual and authentic learning tasks that work towards achieving ACARA outcomes and general capabilities. Problem-based learning at St Thomas School & Preschool is student-centred, with an emphasis on collaboration, problem-solving, and analysis of real-world dilemmas.  Combined with meeting national curriculum requirements (ACARA), problem-based learning exposes our students to globally diverse voices and places through literature, student-to-student connections and interactions with local current events through global news.

Knowing our students as individuals and understanding what motivates them to learn is vital. Middle Years staff are committed to providing a holistic learning experience that extends and challenges students to be the best they can be, recognising that they are unique and all learn differently. Learning at all levels of achievement is celebrated in the Middle Years at St Thomas School & Preschool. Our school’s learning dispositions of bravery, grit, persistence, connectedness, and creativity value the many learning styles and students’ application of these skills is celebrated in each class daily. 

In the Middle Years at St Thomas School & Preschool, we commit to providing safe and supportive environments which nurture well-being and encourage risk-taking in learning for all students. A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used across the Year 3 to 6 classes to promote student agency and connections to the real world of students’ lives. Our teachers and support staff employ learning programs that incorporate academic, pastoral and spiritual aspects to foster student engagement. We aim to create 21st-century learners who will become critical thinkers, empowering our students to take ownership of the direction of their learning and to work collaboratively towards achieving a shared goal. The use of digital technology is used in a relevant and meaningful manner to facilitate the learning requirements of students in the Middle Years. As an Apple Distinguished school, our staff are trained in up-to-date applications to achieve this. 

We encourage student voice and student choice at St Thomas School & Preschool. Our students have a strong sense of social justice and work tirelessly to recognise and address the needs of others through involvement in fundraising and outreach efforts for St Vincent de Paul, Catherine House and the Hutt Street Shelter. Our students help make the decisions of how we help different communities as a school and show initiative to use their influence to benefit others.