We believe at Tatachilla that we provide the best transition for young people from a primary to secondary setting through our middle years program. The middle years begin at Year 7 which is our major entry point into the secondary school. This year has seen an additional stream at Year 7 with all five classes beginning, as we do believe that this best assists our students’ adolescent development in a changing and transitional time within their lives.

Year 7s have a smaller amount of teachers who support their wellbeing at this transitional time and a great range of specialist teachers that sparks the fire of learning within each of our individual learners. The People’s Choice Award recipient Jess Reynolds, in the Year 7 Free Choice Art Exhibition, displays how when the spark has been lit, the fire shines brightly. Below is Jess’ artwork.

I love how Jess has set the scene of learning and spirituality in this painting. The lone human being is set amongst the outdoors, looking out and beyond to the stars and the world. The trees beside them are protecting and guiding them, just like teachers, parents and mentors do in our young peoples’ lives. Five stars in the sky are shaped like crosses. Each cross has a different size and shape representing the individual purpose, talents and vocation that God has given us.

This painting speaks deep within us, into our hearts, transforming our minds to view the world in a different way. Thank you Jess for creating, making and innovating through art to bring meaning to our lives.
 

Developing curiosity and a sense of wonder in Year 7

Our Year 7 students collaborate on deep questions such as; How does humanity secure our future? In Humanities students explored the concept of future proofing earth and space for human existence into the year 3000. Here they are using padlets to share their ideas.

Take a look at these creative minds in action! Our Year 7 students are creating CODE on their iPads to operate the robots through Block Code. This activity is the simulation of ‘real-world’ actions such as autonomous vehicles.

Year 7 students immersed themselves through conceptual learning, inquiring into ancient Roman architectural design as they experimented with structural strength. We wonder which structure proved to be the strongest?
 

Year 7 Discovery Mornings

We hold three Year 7 Discovery Mornings across Terms 2 and 3 where we invite prospective students to come and experience the Year 7 program. We encourage you to spread the word in the community, to your friends and colleagues in your workplace about these mornings. Please let people who you may know are interested to register for this event on our College website.

We feel blessed to be able to travel with each of our students in the middle years to discover what sparks the light in learning for them.

Blessings for the week ahead,

Ms Sarah Hoff-Zweck
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL