Bialik College Middle School Years 6-9

What is the Middle School program at Bialik?

At Bialik College, our Middle School program is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a solid foundation for academic achievement. Uniquely, Bialik students begin Middle School in Year 6, putting them a year ahead in their learning journey. This early start allows students to engage with a more challenging and enriching curriculum sooner, setting them up for the advanced studies that follow in Senior School. With secondary teachers in a secondary environment yet with the nurturing of a medium sized school in a calm and supportive environment, Year 6 is an outstanding springboard for academic and well-rounded achievement.

Through a broad range of subjects, co-curricular activities, and a supportive environment, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and build resilience. Our dedicated staff provide personalised support, ensuring each individual is set up for success in both academic and personal pursuits.

By the time students complete Middle School, they are well-prepared and motivated to thrive as they transition into Senior School, continuing Bialik’s tradition of educational excellence.

Why choose Bialik College for Middle School?

After commencing Middle School in Year 6, Year 7 is a special year of growth, learning, and connection, highlighted by the meaningful celebration of B’nei Together. As students embark on their secondary school journey, they engage in the Shorashim (Roots) project, exploring their heritage and personal identity. This culminates in a special ceremony that brings families together to mark this important milestone. Alongside a strong academic foundation and enriching co-curricular opportunities, Year 7 fosters resilience, independence, and a deep sense of community,

Bialik College offers an incredible opportunity to Year 8 and 9 students to participate in our Co-curricular Programme – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This replaces the previous ETGAR program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offers a unique and exciting opportunity for your child to escape their comfort zone and develop their resourcefulness, self-esteem and sense of adventure. The Duke of Ed Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award and is recognised worldwide. The Award is recognised and favoured by many renowned global employers and universities.

The Duke of Ed Award can be achieved at three different levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Within these levels there are four award sections, each with a set duration depending on the award level. Students of Years 8 and 9 will participate in the program together on Friday afternoon, and will choose electives within each of the four award sections:

• Physical Recreation (a sport or exercise)
• Service (unpaid voluntary work)
• Skill (non-physical ability)
• Adventurous Journeys (a practice journey and a qualifying journey, both of which are incorporated in our Year level camps)

At the Bronze level, the time commitment for the Physical Recreation, Service and Skill award sections is one hour a week over 3 months, with one section being selected as a major section and extended to 6 months. Students will start the Bronze Award in Year 8 and complete it by Year 9.

This year, Year 9 students will begin their journey in Term 1 and complete their Bronze Award by the end of Year 9. The College will provide opportunities to fulfil the sections of the award at school however, to successfully complete all requirements, students will need to demonstrate a commitment to completing their goals at home and over the school holidays.

Parents play a vital role by providing support and encouragement as children work towards their goals. Some activities are completed outside of class time, so parental guidance may be required to help them achieve the award.

Students spend one term of their middle school years engaged in community service and three terms exploring options as varied as aquatics, building a business, Barista and Café training, Masterchef and robotics.

Bialik is proud to offer world-class facilities for students including an outstanding swimming pool and sports centre housing professional basketball courts, a 25-metre swimming pool and gymnasium. In addition, Bialik offers dedicated gymnastics, tennis, football, hockey, basketball, netball and cricket facilities on campus.

Bialik Middle School students enjoy camps at Mount Buller and Wilson’s Promontory as well as a Canberra experience. A week in the City further develops their understanding of the social and economic challenges Melbournians face.