Middle School
The middle years of school are a time of transformation
Young people question more, explore further and take greater ownership of their learning. Spanning Years 5 to 8, it bridges the nurturing foundations of Junior School with the growing independence of Senior School. Learning is developed in partnership with students, who solve real-world problems, explore global issues and work with industry mentors to develop entrepreneurial thinking.
At the heart of Middle School learning is GearED – an approach inspired by Seymour Papert’s constructionist philosophy, which recognises that students are active participants in the learning process and learn best by doing. GearED projects are multi-disciplinary, crossing the boundaries of transitional subject areas. They combine design thinking, ethical inquiry and real-world challenges to build deep understanding.
CreatED further strengthens hands-on learning in Middle School, giving Year 8 students the opportunity to run The Middle café as a real business. Through this experience, they apply their learning in meaningful ways, building confidence, collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking.
The Middle Years Learning Centre
Innovation hubs
Purpose-designed spaces where creativity and hands-on exploration come together. Students can prototype ideas, collaborate on projects, and engage in design thinking to bring their learning to life.
Breakout and collaboration areas
Flexible spaces for teamwork, discussion and independent study, supporting a culture of student voice, agency and collaboration throughout the school day.
General learning areas and lecture theatre
With 32 light-filled learning spaces designed for active, student-centred learning and a lecture theatre for presentations, debates and guest speakers, these spaces support a rich and engaging curriculum.
The Middle café
As part of the CreatED program, Year 8 students take on real-world roles in our student-led café, The Middle, applying classroom learning to build practical entrepreneurship and hospitality skills and a strong sense of community.
Health and wellbeing centre
A welcoming space staffed by counsellors and nurses, supporting students’ health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
A café built for learning
One of the most distinctive features of our Middle School is The Middle – a dynamic, student-led café designed and run entirely by Year 8 students as part of our CreatED program. More than just a café, it’s a working classroom where enterprise, leadership and collaboration come to life.
Students are responsible for every aspect of the business – from branding and marketing to supply management, budgeting and customer service. They learn by doing: managing real responsibilities, making decisions, and working together to create a welcoming space for their peers, families and staff.
This café experience gives students a practical, high-impact way to apply what they’ve learned across the curriculum – including food studies, maths, written and verbal communication, ethics, business and sustainability. It’s also a place of connection and community, where students build confidence and take pride in what they’ve created.