There’s an American trend in Aussie schools – and kids love it

A handful of schools across NSW have adopted a middle school learning style, embracing systems popularised in the United States.

Middle school is working at a number of schools across NSW. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

There’s another American trend working its way into our schools and – for a change – it’s a positive one.

A handful of schools across NSW have adopted a middle school learning style, embracing a system popularised in the United States.

Instead of going straight into high school, primary school students instead spend two years in “middle school” as a way to ease the transition and bridge the gap between primary and high school.

While the middle schools operate differently between schools, they all use the same core features.

Most classes are capped at 20 students and are modelled on the primary school structure, so only one teacher delivers the core subjects in the same classroom.

At Mount Annan High, the senior school has introduced a transition class for students.

It offers a stable learning ­environment for students who are highly anxious about ­attending high school or may need additional academic or social support.

Year 7 students from Mount Anna High that are part of the transition class. L to R, Jai Owens, Riley Parkes, Kloe Bigeni, Bella Kelly, Eli Cooper and Sienna Gorgans. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Principal Ken Bates said the program has proven successful. “The first year we introduced the 7 Titanium class, the dux of Year 7 that year came from that class, so we knew our model was working well right from the start”.

“We have refined it each year through our review processes and by listening to student and parent feedback.”

Now in its fifth year, the increasingly sought-after class is just one aspect of the school’s comprehensive transition to high school strategy that begins in Year 6 and ensures every student has the best start to high school possible.

At James Meehan High School at Macquarie Fields, years seven and eight are considered middle school.

High School’s Deputy Principal Margaret Downey helped introduce the program in 2021. She said it’s been a huge success.

“Academically, the kids are much more focused on their lessons. We have the same rules in Year 7 and Year 8, they know what they need to do, and they know what is expected. Kids love boundaries. They know exactly where they have to go and what they have to do,” she said.

Students still get to move classrooms in practical classes such as cooking, woodwork, art and music. However, core theoretical subjects such as English, maths, history and science are taught in the one classroom.

The school has seen a 40 per cent increase in enrolment, and student attendance is “through the roof”.

“They respect their learning environment, they know the guidelines and boundaries. Negative behaviours has been reduced. They settle into high school,” she said.

For mum Christine Abello, the decision to put her daughter Jessica in a transition class at Mount Annan was a game changer. The now 14-year-old is thriving.

“She has flourished since she’d come out of that class. Not just academically, but socially, and emotionally. She’s not afraid to be herself. Not afraid to make mistakes. And to reach out for help if she needs it,” she said.

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