Middle School Learning
Good Shepherd Lutheran College understands that the Middle School (Years 6 to 9) is an important time for building positive relationships with peers and adults as young people seek to define their identity, beliefs and place within the broader community. We strongly believe that children in this sub-school need learning experiences that are integrated, relevant, challenging and rewarding, and include practical activities that empower them to take responsibility for their own learning.
Uniqueness
We appreciate that each child is a unique gift from God and we commit to helping parents nurture their children's growth and development. To fulfil this commitment, we provide a Pastoral Care program that emphasises the partnership between God, parents, our staff and the children entrusted to our care.
International Baccalaureate
The Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IBMYP) organises learning into eight subject groups, with an emphasis on inquiry through interdisciplinary learning. This approach helps students to take knowledge from two or more subjects, and create new understandings and connections. Through the programme, students are encouraged to be active learners who through international mindedness are able to empathise with others and pursue a life of purpose and meaning.
International Baccalaureate - Education for a Better World
International Baccalaureate Learner Profile
Framework
The MYP provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world and become critical and reflective thinkers. The Australian Curriculum is taught at Good Shepherd Lutheran College using the framework of the MYP as the basis for teaching pedagogy.
Service Learning
Good Shepherd Lutheran College is a Christ-centred community providing educational excellence in a nurturing environment, developing active, knowledgeable and compassionate students, encouraging them to enrich our world through selfless service.
With this in mind, we ask students to commit to service in a manner that is appropriate for each individual, taking into account family circumstances as well as the physical and emotional development of each student.
Service Learning and Action
Fundamental to a Lutheran and International Baccalaureate education is service learning and action. Christian service is a response of the Heart, Head and Hands to the love, forgiveness and mercy of God in Christ. It is motivated by a sense of care and responsibility for all creation.
Learners at Good Shepherd Lutheran College can demonstrate their personal commitment to service as a way of showing faith in action. Responsible action at Good Shepherd is centred on the gospel message and example of Christ.
Service and Action are viewed as integral parts of the learning experiences that Primary and Middle Years Programme students will engage in continuously at the College.
Benefits
Through a strong values program and by serving within different communities (local, national and global), we believe students will develop attitudes and values that focus on the rights and responsibilities of people. Through the Community and Service program at Good Shepherd, students will:
- Identify personal strengths and potential areas for service
- Better appreciate their rights and responsibilities within and beyond the classroom
- Increase their awareness of the world and community
- Increase their sense of responsibility and commitment to the community
- Foster and encourage a desire to serve
- Gain an insight into different ways of life
- Collaborate and work with others
- Develop their awareness of the links between community service and subject areas
- Gain an appreciation of the positive effects of a compassionate attitude
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of sacrificial service and different types of service