Co-education in the Middle School (Years 7-10)

Co-education in the Middle School will commenced in 2021 in Years 7 and 9 moving to full co-education introduced in the Middle School over two years.

Curriculum

With a growing roll we are able to develop the current specialist teaching programme for Middle School students with the potential to include digital innovation design, food technology and light engineering.

The Diamond Model

Currently students in the Middle School Years 7-10 follow the Diamond Model. This Model has been successful in the transition of co-education in the Middle School and with female roll numbers now higher Middle School Classes will move to be fully co-educational from 2023. In 2023 this will see the class structures within the Middle School change to four co-educational, mixed classes, in each of Years 7 and 8 and five co-educational, mixed classes, across Years 9 and 10.

Class Sizes

To ensure personalised learning there are a maximum number of spaces available at each Year Level.

In the Years 7 and 8 class sizes are set to a maximum of 24 students and 25 per class, in Years 9 and 10. Once we reach the class size limit a waitlist is developed.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is important for boys and girls, especially during their early adolescent years. Boys have a robust pastoral care programme through their House Dean, Tutor, College Counsellor, College Chaplain and Middle School Leadership Team. In the initial years of co-education the girls have their own Middle School Dean whose primary responsibility is their pastoral care. As a smaller group this will ensure they feel comfortable in their new environment. This Dean works alongside the existing pastoral care team.

We have established a peer support programme for the girls across all three schools, similar to the boys’ student mentorship programme.

Houses

All students are included in the existing House system amongst the eight Middle and Senior School Houses.

Tutor groups are co-educational. Students engage in the PERFORM wellbeing programme primarily through their tutor groups and a co-educational environment will enrichen this programme. We do recognise that some topics may need to be discussed in a single sex setting.

Cultural Programmes

The inclusion of both girls and boys further provides a depth and breadth across the cultural programmes. There are so many options to choose from including debating, music, tv and film, productions and chess.

Sporting

Middle School girls have access to our specialist sporting programmes with Directors of Sports in many codes in addition to the Year 8 pathway to podium programme. All students have access to the College’s quality coaching and training programmes for athletes of all abilities.

All students in Years 7 and 8 take part in the Thursday afternoon specialist sporting programme with a large variety of codes to choose from.

The change to co-education allows us to expand the current fixture calendar. Many of the current schools we meet for fixtures are co-ed themselves and we can also begin to include girls’ schools.

Leadership

There are a variety of leadership positions available in the Middle School. While it is unlikely girls will be able to hold formal leadership positions in the first year there are a number of leadership opportunities both with and without a badge. The growing number of student groups and committees is an excellent example of this where students are leading groups such as the QSA (queer straight allegiance), Wellbeing, Environmental Committee and Tasi Noa Wha (Pasifika Group).

EOTC

All students take part in the same EOTC (Education outside the classroom) Programme, in a co-educational environment. Provisions are made at each Year Level to see all students are cared for during their EOTC experience.

Boarding

Boarding in Gibb House is available for girls in the Senior School. There are Homestay options available to girls in the Middle School.

Enrolments

Enrolments for boys and girls are open and details on enrolments are available here.

Due to an increase in applications for enrolment we are implementing a new Middle School Enrolment Process. All 2023 Middle School enrolment applications must be received no later than 5pm Friday 8 April 2022 to be officially considered for the 2023 intake. Further details regarding the 2023 Middle School enrolment process are available on the College website here.

Queries

If you have any questions relating to co-education in the Middle School please do get in touch with Sharon Hedges at hedgess@scotscollege.school.nz