The Growing Importance of Middle SchoolThe transition from childhood to adulthood is more challenging today than ever before. This is due to the much higher level of knowledge and awareness of the outside world among the children of this era, together with the continuously changing nature and fluidity of the world and of our society. The ground is shifting constantly and it is essential that the bridge between the worlds of childhood and adulthood supports and nurtures the adolescent across these intense years of growth and discovery.At Suncoast we have developed, and continue to develop, a tailor-made programme for Years 7 - 9. The children of this age are growing toward independence. More than at any other time in the past, they want to be involved in decision-making and to learn to take responsibility for themselves. At the same time they are dealing with puberty and the search for identity. These years are too volatile and valuable to mark time. The students' creativity and energy and level of interest are exploding and we want to make the most of this - to make sure that their learning is both engaging and fun. While role models are also sought, the peer group becomes very important and influential. At Suncoast, the Middle School curriculum and structure takes serious account of these factors. |
"Middle School provides for the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood... where the adolescent is both nurtured and supported in their growth and search for identity." Greg Mattiske Head of Middle School |