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Course Description

The middle years are a unique stage of growth, change and opportunity. This course explores how young adolescents learn and develop, and provides practical, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen learning, belonging, engagement and successful transitions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the middle years and practical approaches to create supportive, responsive and engaging learning environments. 



Audience

Primary, middle and secondary teachers working with students in Years 5–8.


Teaching Standards

1.1.2 Proficient Level - Know students and how they learn - Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students:  Use teaching strategies based on knowledge of students’ physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics to improve student learning

1.2.2 Proficient Level - Know students and how they learn - Understand how students learn:  Structure teaching programs using research and collegial advice about how students learn

3.7.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Engage parents/ carers in the educative process:  Plan for appropriate and contextually relevant opportunities for parents/ carers to be involved in their children’s learning




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Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Welcome

    • Acknowledgement of Country

    • Learning Objectives

    • Teaching Standards

  • 2

    Module 1 – Why the Middle Years Matter

    • Introduction

    • What Are the Middle Years?

    • The Middle Years Are a Unique Stage of Learning

    • Why Engagement Matters

    • Case Study

    • Reflection Question

    • Resource: Middle Years Student Observation Tool

    • Application Activity

  • 3

    Module 2 – Understanding Middle Years Learners

    • Introduction

    • Development Is Uneven

    • Identity: "Who am I Becoming?"

    • Motivation Changes

    • Executive Function

    • Risk-Taking and Self-Consciousness

    • Case Study

    • Reflection Question

    • Resources

    • Application Activity

  • 4

    Module 3 – Creating Classrooms That Engage Middle Years Learners

    • Introduction

    • The Classroom Environment Matters

    • Connection and Belonging Create the Conditions for Learning

    • Designing Work That Engages Middle Years Learners

    • Supporting Independence

    • High Expectations with High Support

    • Case Study

    • Reflection Question

    • Resource: Middle Years Classroom Reflection Tool

    • Application Activity

  • 5

    Module 4 – Supporting Successful Transitions

    • Introduction

    • Understanding Transition in the Middle Years

    • Resource: Transition Mapping Tool

    • What Transition Can Look Like in the Classroom

    • Resource: First Six Weeks Transition Check-In

    • Moving Between Year Levels

    • Resource: Strengths-Based Handover Template

    • Primary to Secondary Transition

    • Supporting the Move to Secondary School

    • Resources

    • Increasing Academic Independence

    • Resources

    • Social and Emotional Transitions

    • Resource: My Belonging Check-In

    • Case Study

    • Reflection Question

    • Application Activity

  • 6

    Module 5 – Partnering with Families in Middle Years

    • Introduction

    • Families Still Matter — But Their Role Changes

    • Resource: Supporting Your Child Through the Middle Years

    • Supporting Independence at Home

    • Building Positive Partnerships Before Problems Arise

    • What This Means for Teachers

    • Resource: Family Communication Planner

    • Reflection Question

    • Communicating When Students Need Additional Support

    • A Strengths-Based Conversation

    • Resource: Planning a Difficult Conversation

    • Supporting Families During Times of Change

    • Resource: Family Transition Conversation Guide

    • Working Together to Support Student Independence

    • Resource: Student–Teacher–Family Support Plan

    • Case Study

    • Reflection Question

    • Application Activity

    • Wrap Up

    • Reference List

  • 7

    Course Feedback

    • Course Feedback

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