Middle years of learning
What is the Middle Phase of Learning? The characteristics of Middle school are:
- It generally occurs between 9 and 14 years of age.
- There is significant diversity between students.
- The first stage is transition from early years, when curiosity expands beyond home.
- The second stage is characterised by physical, social and sexual development of early adolescence.
Why focus on the Middle Phase of Learning? This is a time of development that is unmatched by the range of simultaneous cognitive, physical, social and emotional changes.
Years 6 and 7 are characterized by the physical, social and sexual development of early adolescence.
Adolescent development research indicated that the current cohort is of early adolescents are unlike those we have educated before.
Some of their characteristics include:
- “Click and go kids”
- Born with “a mouse in their hand”
- Shorten attention span
- Information rich experience poor
- Heavily reliant on external rewards and motivation (Andrew Fuller)
At Rainworth, as part of a review undertaken in 2008, we are presently working to revise our middle phase of learning for years 4-7. This will be developed through 2009 for expected implementation in 2010.
Information Sheets
About the Middle Phase of Learning from Year 4 - click here.
Adolescent Characteristics - click here.
