Middle School
Secondary Education is in a phase of significant educational reform and families are choosing Bold Park Community School as a school that delivers a unique, individualised learning environment inspired by constructively oriented curriculum and the latest in contemporary research in disciplines such as education, brain-research, philosophy and the arts.
Families can be confident that all programs delivered in Middle School meet all of the legislated Australian Curriculum standards and meet all compliance requirements of the NAPLAN (National Testing). All subjects and courses are delivered by WACOT registered teaching staff.
The Middle School week is not dictated by bells and timetables; whilst teaching staff are mindful of providing a balanced program of education across all learning areas, they have the flexibility to extend an investigation or activity when the momentum of student engagement demands.
At Bold Park Community School, all ‘intelligences’ are valued and celebrated. The belief that children are able to express these intelligences in ‘100 languages’ is a core value that underpins the school’s educational philosophy and is strongly reflected in the practices and procedures of classroom life.
Our current structure offers a community class with 12-14 year olds in Middle School with some activities and experiences with our College students (Years 10-12) throughout the year. This structure fosters a unique caring, nurturing and ‘family’ based environment for targeting the specific needs of emerging teenagers and young adults.
The Middle School Program
Middle School offers an integrated approach to the traditional core subjects (English, Maths, Science and Society & Environment). The Middle School program is greatly enriched by our focus Arts teaching staff.
Students have a great deal of “say” in the approach and focus of their studies and this has allowed for a wide range of exploration to emerge in our Middle School investigations. Our subject offerings have been too wide to list here; however, as an example; since 2013, students have studied and engaged in the following range of courses and experiences in Middle School;
Core Studies
English | Mathematics | Science |
Society and Environment | History | Philosophy |
Outdoor Education | Health Studies | Italian |
Media Studies | Physical Education | Integrated Arts (see separate link) |
‘Outta Boundz’ – Term Focused Activities (examples below)
Surfing Skills | Kayaking | Archery |
Woodwork | Horse Care (RDA) | Cooking (with a Chef) |
Sewing | Survival Skills | Boys & Girls Focus Groups |
Rock Climbing | Orienteering | Beach Skills |
Cycling | Yoga | Ukulele |
Solar Boat & Car Challenge | “Zentangling” | Perth City Tours |
Basketball | First Aid (Short Course) |
Integrated Arts Program
Whilst the Arts are losing their momentum in many West Australian schools; Bold Park Community School have committed to a comprehensive Arts program which forms a crucial and central role in the Middle School experience.
See Integrated Arts Program for more information.
Camps (See separate page for Camps Rationale)
Camps have been a part of our Middle School and College at BPCS for many years and give our students unforgettable experiences where they have opportunities to build and establish strong social bonds with their peers and teaching team; learning about each other enables them to work, learn and interact more successfully; they learn about themselves and about the things that challenge and motivate them, developing self-respect and respect for others; foster resilience, confidence and empowerment for students as they attempt things which may be outside their comfort zone.
Over the past few years, Middle School students have experienced the following camping environments;
Example Camp Location | |
Cape to Cape (Naturaliste to Leeuwin) | |
Landsdale Farm | |
Wheatbelt and Boyagin Rock Bush Camp | |
Collie – Indigenous Experience at Wellington Cottages | |
Morapoi (Kalgoorlie) – Indigenous Cultural Experience | |
Rottnest Island – Beach Skills / Surfing / Outdoor Education | |
Canberra – Cultural Focus / Politics / Protest / History | |
Dryandra – Flaura & Fauna / Animal Trapping / Australian Wildlife | |
Jurien Bay – Kayaking / Outdoor Education / Skill-Based |
Online Learning Management Platform – Teams
An online learning management platform was originally introduced to the Middle School and College community in 2011 as a way to “make visible” the expectations of assessment and homework to students and parents. This communication method provides a user-friendly interface for students and an easily accessible “one-stop spot” for students to view assessment materials, assessment sheets, due dates, updates, reminders and to interact with their teachers and peers through their learning journey.
Middle School students currently use the Microsoft 365 platform “Teams” to manage their learning and communications online.
What to hear some stories from our Middle School program? Please visit our “On the Ground” page!
BPCS Handbook
More information regarding the structure of our Middle School program can be found in the 2023 BPCS Handbook