Middle School is comprised of Years 7-9. The Middle School Program aims to build a strong foundation so that students are well prepared to meet the demands of the VCE and beyond. Our teachers understand the specific needs of young adolescents who are developing physically, intellectually and emotionally. Middle School is a time when patterns of behaviour and thinking are established, and our program provides a creative and stimulating environment for students to grow and mature.
The College has a comprehensive transition program into Year 7 including orientation days the year prior to entry and a camp for all students early in the year of entry. The camp program gives students the opportunity to quickly form relationships with their teachers and peers in a supportive and relaxed environment and enables students to return to the classroom with greater ease and confidence having already established new friendships.
Throughout the middle school years students are challenged to give their best and to develop values such as honesty, trust, respect, sensitivity, tolerance, responsibility, diligence and self-discipline. Students build on their knowledge and experiences and are challenged to participate in a variety of enrichment programs and activities.
Year 7 – Year 9
At a time of transition and physical change from childhood to adolescence, students in Middle School embark on an exciting new phase of their learning journey.
Middle School is a time for students to discover and refine their interests and talents – whether in the Arts, English, ICT, languages, Mathematics, Music, Drama, Sport, Technology or Sciences. It is a formative time for students to create and shape their future, make discoveries, achieve personal goals, nurture and develop their leadership qualities and participate and engage in a wide variety of curricular and co-curricular activities.
Wellbeing
An essential adjunct to the academic program in the middle school years is our ongoing wellbeing program – with different themes interweaving across the year levels.
YEAR 7: self-esteem and self-awareness, discovering and understanding of each student’s individual learning style.
YEAR 8: team-work, peer respect and responsibility, community.
YEAR 9: relationships, communication, environment, the global community.
Fundamental to the wellbeing of each student is the opportunity to work in a three-way partnership with their teachers and parents.
English is a common study that encourages students to regard reading, writing, listening, speaking and thinking as active and integrated processes. It approaches language development through a variety of contexts in which language is used.
Humanities is a study of human progress considering how people have organised themselves into societies over time and how they have interacted with their physical environments. Humanities includes the disciplines of History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Economics, Legal and Political Studies.
The aim is to develop students’ communication skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in Chinese to enable them to understand and talk about simple topics.
The course also seeks to foster an understanding and tolerance of others, broaden students’ cultural horizons and general knowledge by introducing them to the Chinese way of life and culture.
Students embarking on the study of French will discover how the French have contributed to many different aspects of the modern world in a range of areas such as the Arts, music, theatre, literature, gastronomy, science, mathematics, medecine, sport and other areas.
The study of French may also culminate in the participation in a language immersion exchange to France where students can put their language skills into practice and learn in greater detail about the lives of the French people and their culture. These exchanges are often the beginning of a lifelong journey where students develop ongoing friendships with their French host families and friends.
Mathematics is the study of function and pattern in number, logic, space and structure. It provides both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic communication that is powerful, logical, concise and precise. It also provides a means by which people can understand and manage their environment. Essential mathematical activities include calculating and computing, abstracting, conjecturing, proving, applying, investigating, modelling, and problem posing and solving.
Science classes provide students with an opportunity to develop a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, understanding, skills and values on which further learning and adult life can be built. Students should be able to engage in communication of and about science, value evidence and scepticism, and question scientific claims made by others.
Product Design and Technology is offered at each year level with increased skills and competencies. Central to the development of technology in society is the use of materials, both natural and synthetic, to meet the needs of individuals and society as a whole. This study focuses on the understanding and use of the materials of wood, metal and plastic and their importance to our society.
Food Studies incorporates all the key concepts in food preparation, using a variety of different equipment, processes and methods of analysis.
Physical Education examines the benefits of physical activity, and factors that influence people’s attitudes towards participation in physical activity. Physical Education provides another avenue for student’s to develop values, sportspersonship, teamwork, experiential learning skills and fitness.
Sport is a common study for all students. It provides them with an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports in a competitive environment. Sport is a component of Physical Education that includes the development of sport skills, an understanding of the origins and rules of various sports and an appreciation of codes of behaviour.
Animation is used in entertainment, advertising and gaming, we see it everywhere and sometimes we don’t even recognise it but it is there.
This course will explore both Stop Animation and Digital Animation. You will be able to produce a Stop Animation using Lego, drawing and/or Plasticine. You will explore script writing and story boarding and as well as analysing a range of animations – Yes that does mean you will be watching a variety of animation genres. You will also be introduced to Digital Animation and Drawing and produce a number of short animations and GIFs.
Animation can lead on to careers in the film, advertising and gaming industries.
The focus of this course is to explore Web based coding and the fundamentals of Computer Programming and Software Design. The primary language used is JavaScript. In addition, html, CSS and an introduction to Server Side Programming will be covered.
Whilst an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is utilised, the course objective is for students to become proficient in assembling their own code in the most efficient and effective way. The history of Computer Programming, Application Development and Graphical User Interfaces are also studied alongside debugging techniques.
Students who choose the Creative Writing elective will engage with reading, writing and listening to and about short stories with a view to producing their own writing. Students will learn from established writers such as: Cate Kennedy, Toni Jordan, David Malouf, Tim Winton, Roald Dahl, Chimamnda Ngozi Adichie, Anita Desai, Alastair MacLeod and more. Students will learn about:
Students who chose the Debating elective will study and practice the art of formal debating, following the Australian 3-on-3 style, which dominates in the Australia-Asia region. Students will study logical reasoning, emotional and ethical appeals, hooks, structure and signposting and vocal delivery techniques, as well as the protocols and speaker roles that guide formal debates. Students will participate in a number of prepared, secret topic and impromptu debates across the semester.
Work in this course varies to reflect the abilities and interests of the students through an exploration of voice and movement. Students are able to show their understanding of key concepts through acting skills and various styles. An emphasis on collaborative script-writing and Comedy is featured in this course.
Students will be introduced to the elements of Drama through practical activities. The emphasis will be on collaboration, verbal and non-verbal language and the value of creating a productive and creative environment through which students can explore ideas.
Students will explore the areas of improvisation, group-devised performances and different comedic styles. A variety of tasks will be used in group work encouraging students to participate actively and imaginatively in all class activities. Students develop informed judgements about their own performances and the performance of others through observing and offering constructive criticism to their peers.
Get ready for your game! This subject focuses on how athletes can effectively prepare for competition. Students will investigate ways to develop fitness through participating in a range of training methods that target specific sports. The importance of recovery techniques such as nutrition and massage will also be explored.
Get ready to compete! This subject will focus on the role of strategy and game tactics in improving performance across a range of sports. Students will design and implement game plans and evaluate their impact on successful performance. Various leadership styles will be investigated and students will reflect on these as part of decision-making strategies utilised in numerous sporting domains.
This elective explores 2 – Dimensional Art using a range of art mediums such as paint, drawing, collage, digital art, charcoal, pastels, inks, image transfer, scraper board and printmaking. Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary artists and art styles, demonstrating an understanding in their visual diary, theory tasks and final artworks.
Themes such as Still Life, Landscape, Portraiture and Social Commentary to name a few may be undertaken. Students are encouraged to bring personal influence to their art making as well as draw inspiration from existing artists.
Sculpture, Installation and Ephemeral Art form the foundation of this elective, as students unpack historical and contemporary 3-Dimensional Art. Students document their understanding and creative processes in a visual diary as they find creative solutions to depict form and shape in response to individual research.
Materials are open ended in this elective depending on the theme and intended meaning, however, may extend to the use of clay, stone, sand, fabric and papier machè and found materials.
In Music, students are instructed to identify and manipulate rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture in their listening, composing and performing. They will also consider social, cultural and historical contexts of music.
In this elective, students will study music theory, European music history (from the Renaissance to the 21stCentury), become familiar with orchestral instruments, and establish performance skills as a solo artist. Students will also explore composition and compositional approaches/strategies.
In this elective, students will study music theory, develop rhythmic literacy, explore local and world music traditions (including traditional and popular music), and learn various methods for arranging music. All of this learning will be undertaken through both written study and practical, performance-based study. Performance tasks for this subject will be completed in a group/ensemble performance setting.
Students will explore international cuisines and exotic desserts gaining an understanding of the tastes and textures that are enjoyed by people of other countries.
During practical sessions students will develop their culinary competencies by preparing and taste testing unusual food combinations and different cooking techniques to produce international dishes and exotic desserts.
In this elective students will investigate, design and create robotic solutions to solve a range of technical real world problems. Higher order thinking skills will be required to create innovative hardware and software solutions that robots can usefully employ. Students will work collaboratively in teams to analyse and develop mechanical and electronic solutions.
Investigating a variety of traditional and innovative techniques to produce a range of baked goods. Discover exciting emerging technologies used within commercial and domestic food production.
Students will design and create an item of furniture used to seat an occupant. Topics that are investigated in this course include sustainable design, ergonomics and the research and development of a creative solution to a design brief. The project will develop a range of practical construction skills in advanced timber joinery. The practical knowledge of the safe and correct use of a range of tools and equipment commonly used in furniture manufacture will also be a focus of the course.
Media is everywhere so why not enjoy it? Film and Media will explore how media reflects modern society and influences change and attitudes. In this elective students will explore a range of filming and editing techniques and skills to produce a variety of short films.
Visual Communication Design explores the use of design in the everyday environment. Students will study Communication, Product and Environmental Designs before designing their own products. Visual Communication Design is the commercial application of Art and can lead to careers in fields including Engineering, Graphic Design, Architecture, Landscape Design, Product Design, Games Design, Multimedia and Interior Design.
Theatre Studies explores the world of devised and scripted drama. Students get an opportunity to work with their classmates to create short plays. Theatre Studies focuses on the ‘comedy’ style of performance, while learning about historical and modern comedy styles and having a lot of fun doing it.
•Explore the world of Textiles
•Learn or improve your sewing machine skills
•Make a crazy critter
•Have fun tie dying fabric
•Learn about wet and dry felting
•Make a simple piece of clothing using a pattern
The SEEK (Student Extension and Enrichment at Kingswood) programs for gifted and high achieving students, are designed to enhance an individual’s learning experience.
The SEEK Program has been specifically designed to provide gifted and high achieving students with both academic rigour and a variety of life-enhancing challenges.
While extension and enrichment are embedded across the general curriculum, further opportunities have been designed for high achieving students to interact and work with others of high ability and like minds to allow time for further development of leadership abilities; interpersonal communication skills; fostering teamwork; and to provide time for work on creative self-directed projects.
The SEEK Program incorporates excursions, competitions, incursions, clubs, specialist classes as well as withdrawal programs and in-class extension in a range of disciplines including English, Maths, Humanities, Science, Art and LOTE.
This subject is designed to support and assist students who have previously undertaken LINKS classes and who will benefit from additional attention to the improvement of skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This course complements other subjects and develops skills that are essential for all subject areas such as literacy skills, organisation and study skills.
Kingswood College is committed to reconciliation with Australia’s first peoples, and to playing a part in contributing to better education, opportunities and futures for Indigenous Australians.
Kingswood College supports the great work undertaken by the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) for Indigenous education in Australia, which has the potential to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students and to create pathways for them to further education. Kingswood College in partnership with MITS is working to support Indigenous students to obtain a high-quality education, and we enrol Indigenous students from MITS into Year 9.
Margaret took out top honours at the Premier’s VCE Awards – winning the Award for History – Revolutions. While in Year 12, Margaret completed Units 3 and 4 of History – Revolutions scoring a perfect 50, and achieving an ATAR of 97.25 placing her in the top 3% of the state and nationally.
Ruby participated in The Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania (CLTAV) Hanyuqiao Speaking and Performance Competition for Second Language students of Chinese. The competition consisted of a 2.5-minute speech in Chinese followed by a cultural performance. Ruby’s speech was Learning Chinese and creating a better future. She drew a beautiful painting of lotus flowers within three minutes. Ruby won first place and her prize includes a sponsored trip to China in October.
Jamie was on the cusp of publishing her debut novel on Tumblr or as a zine. Lucky she didn’t! Jamie is the youngest person in the history of the award to be shortlisted for the $50,000 Stella Prize, which is given annually to an Australian woman for a work of literature in any genre.
Patrick was selected to exhibit his work in the VCE Season of Excellence – Top Designs for his animation on fire safety. Patrick developed this animation as part of his VET Creative Digital Media course, to raise awareness and educate home owners about what to do in the event of a bush fire. His animation and folio are on display for the duration of the VCE Seasons of Excellence Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.
Brendan received the Rotary Club of Forest Hill Youth Citizenship Award. Brendan is a positive, mature and enthusiastic member of Kingswood College who represents our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion and Integrity. He is dedicated to learning and being his best self. Brendan is also willing to help others be the best they can be and demonstrates excellent communication and relationship skills.
Brendan involves himself across the College as a Social Justice Leader, singing with the Male Voice Choir, the College Production and setting up AV for College events. Brendan is always willing to help. He is heavily involved in the community as a Patrol Leader for scouts, leading and mentoring younger members. Brendan was invited to undertake a Scouting leadership course.
Zoe is passionate about raising awareness of cancer, and in the last few years at Kingswood College she has rallied the College community to participate in Relay for Life. Her amazing enthusiasm and leadership has mobilised the community for this worthwhile cause which has now raised $25,000 for the Cancer Council.
Ella has recently been selected as a winner of the Takeover Melbourne competition for her entry on how ‘Spending time on a farm in the country helped me connect with my neighbours during lockdown’. You can listen to Ella’s winning entry here.
Virginia graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). Virginia began her performing career at a young age, and featured in many productions throughout her time at Kingswood College. She has now been selected to make her adult professional musical theatre debut in Frozen The Musical Australia.
