As part of their Middle School experience, students explore a range of compulsory subjects to ensure they have the experience necessary to make appropriate elective choices for their senior schooling.
The curriculum in the Middle School encourages students to grow in independence and self-confidence, while providing a safe and nurturing environment as they navigate challenges and are empowered to make decisions for themselves. Opportunities are provided for students to establish a sense of personal identity, and for them to develop rich connections. As part of our commitment to powerful partnerships, parents and teachers share each individual’s learning journey enabling them to grow holistically and nurture their God-given potential.
A love of learning is encouraged, and relevant and purposeful experiences are delivered in a safe, stimulating and flexible learning environment.
The Middle School program provides students with a solid grounding in the subject areas offered, allowing them to make informed judgements as they choose four electives for Year 9 and 6 electives in Year 10 (in addition to their core subjects). Students, in conjunction with their parents, are carefully guided through the process of making elective choices by teaching and pastoral care staff.
A unique element of our Middle School program is the Ubuntu program, which takes place in Year 9. As a joint Christian Studies and Health and Physical Education program, students participate in a journey through a yearlong program of activities including drumming, Rock and Water, Cooking for Life and their extended Mt Binga experience, all aimed at enhancing social, emotional and spiritual development. The Ubuntu journey encourages students to develop vital skills such as resilience, cooperation, self confidence and self awareness which prepare them for the challenges of senior schooling.
My four children have been at Prince of Peace for five years and absolutely love it. The teachers truly care about each child—not just those at the top and those at the bottom. My children have made lovely friends, feel safe, and are happy to come to school each day. — Mrs C
Our Education Support Team supports those who need a little extra help or those that may require extension.
We deliver a range of sporting programs as part of a balanced school program. We encourage our students to be physically active and healthy, and complement our sporting programs with Health and Physical Education subjects. Students study Health and Physical Education all year from Years 7-10. Health and Physical Education is an elective in Years 11 and 12.
A founding member of the Northern Independent Schools Sporting Association (NISSA), our students compete in this competition against other independent schools in our area from Years 4-10. In Years 7-8 this occurs weekly during the school day on Wednesday afternoons and Years 9-10 students participate each Thursday during school time.
Interhouse competitions also take place throughout the year for cross country, swimming and athletics, with students regularly qualifying to represent the College at district level and above.
Music and the Arts
All students participate in classroom music lessons in Years 7 and 8.
In addition to this, Year 8 students produce a creative arts production in a ten-week time frame which provides opportunity to showcase the skills and talents of the particular cohort.
The opportunity for students to participate in some capacity, as cast, crew or in a support role develops important team work skills.
Ubuntu
The Ubuntu program is unique to Prince of Peace and is an opportunity for students to know, understand and value themselves and their peers.
The program combines Heath and Physical Education and Christian Studies subjects and guides Year 9 students though a yearlong journey of social, emotional and spiritual growth.
The year commences with a Calling Ceremony, where students, supported by their families, are called to join the program. Each student places a small stick into a bundle with that of others in their class, symbolising their commitment to one another and their strength in unity.
Drumbeat is a popular program within the Ubuntu year. Under the guidance of their teacher, class groups learn through listening and cooperation, that music can be made. United by a common beat, they gain understanding that different rhythms can be played harmoniously – if they listen, work together and persevere.
The Rock and Water program is run separately for boys and girls. Through a range of physical activities students learn mastery over physical strength and develop self awareness, intuition, self confidence, self respect and an awareness of others’ boundaries.
The three-week Mt Binga experience is, for many, the highlight of Year 9, and is designed to enable personal and spiritual growth. By experiencing a lifestyle reliant on community effort, individual strengths and gifts are brought to the fore, allowing each person to build confidence and self esteem. Such an opportunity also develops new life skills and firm friendships.
Mt Binga provides an opportunity for students to experience spiritual growth and expression. Learning and living together in ‘God’s great outdoors’ enables prayer and worship to take place in unique places, a reminder that God walks alongside us at all times.
Based near Blackbutt, the centre is run by Immanuel Lutheran College. Students spend four weeks living in their class group as a community. The simple tasks of everyday living, such as cooking, cleaning, washing and tending the animals provide challenges and learning lessons of their own. Phones and other technology are left at home and students create their own entertainment. The evening fire, essential for the warming of water for an evening shower, also provides a central point around which students gather to chat, play music and just enjoy each others’ company.
Journaling is a daily activity during the camp, providing time for quiet reflection. Parents and students are encouraged to write letters to one another and these, in our world of instant but ephemeral communication, are treasured by both.
Parents and siblings join the students for the last day of their time at Mt Binga and students are then able to give their families an insight into their experience and enjoy a meal together prior to going home.
The yearlong Ubuntu program concludes during the last week of Term 4 with a challenging bush walk. Later that day, students, supported by their families, take part in the Return Ceremony. During this ceremony, students present their parents with a letter acknowledging how far they have come and thanking those who have supported them though their lives.
It has been great to live with all these people and to create bond with them in ways I could never have imagined. It has given me a boost in confidence and independence along with helping me to come to terms with myself – who I am and what I want to be. Year 9 student
My advice to everyone is to give Mt Binga all that you have and be positive because it is a great experience. The more you put in the more you will get out. I loved it and would happily go back again. Year 9 student
Awards of Recognition
The Prince of Peace awards procedure is designed to encourage every student to be the best he or she can possibly be. The award criteria provide an incentive for and recognition of student effort and achievement in academic, sporting, cultural and leadership arenas, and also in support of the ethos of the College.
