For Middle Unit Notes and News, visit the Bellaire School News Blog

Welcome to the Middle School Page!

This year we have 181 students and 7 staff working in the Middle Unit.  The teachers in our Unit are Amy Madden (Unit Team Leader), Cynthia Jago, Lauren Rau, Laurel Anderson, Nicole Lindmayer, Laura Sahr and Andrew Whiteside.  Maree Konieczka and Leanne Wolfenden provide support for special needs programs across the Unit. Virginnia Gilham works as a Curriculum Coach with the Middle Learning Unit. This involves working with the unit to support them with their planning and classroom teaching.

We now have two main teaching areas, the three new portables and the four classes inside the main school building which has had shelving removed to allow for greater teaching opportunities and flexibility in the enlarged space. The teachers work closely together as a Unit to plan and teach in a variety of groups decided by interest, ability and/or friendship.

We plan for a daily two hour Literacy Block and a one hour Mathematics Block. Our Deep Knowledge Units for 2009 are:

Term One - 'First Australians'

Term Two - 'Systems'

Term Three - 'Great Mate'

and

Term Four - 'Energy, Go, Go, Go'

In the Middle Learning Unit we actively encourage all students to develop independence, use initiative and build upon their leadership skills. Students are offered many opportunities to organise lunchtime activities for their peers, be part of an organising committee for special events or be challenged in new situations. Our camping program is a major part of developing individual organisation and confidence.

This year the Middle Learning Unit will be heading off on a three day camp to Anglesea where we will take part in a variety of challenging activities.

The Bike Education program runs in Term 1 and 2 and is always a great success!  The Middle Learning Unit teachers endeavour to maximise student learning and endeavour to work in partnership with parents to achieve this outcome.

Our comprehensive curriculum is complemented by the specialist subjects of Art, Library/IT, Music, PE and French.