Virtual adventures in the Middle School
What is life really like for the Years 5 to 8 students at Haileybury Pangea? Here’s how our online school is empowering our Middle Schoolers
From the moment school begins each morning, Year 7 student, Vihaan, is learning something new, trying his hand at a different activity and catching up with his friends in the various Haileybury Pangea online clubs he belongs to. There is never a dull moment.
Vihaan is also a Year 7 cohort representative and a member of the Digitech club and the Middle School debating team. He is one of Haileybury Pangea’s most active students and has also taken part in the Model United Nations debate where students join in simulated conferences to discuss the world’s pressing issues. And did we mention that Vihaan also contributes to the student publication, The Pangean?
“I love Haileybury Pangea because being able to decide how I use my time makes it easier to manage tasks and it gives me more time for extra hobbies. I’m also a passionate programmer and build with LEGO.”Vihaan (Year 7)
“I love the extra-curricular activities — although I remind myself to finish my schoolwork for the day before I join in. I signed up to every activity this year although I have to miss a session now and then for cricket training!”
Vihaan’s many connections with his teachers, classmates and his co-curricular and extracurricular activities highlight the many experiences that are part of Middle School.
A school for everyone
Mathew Shill, Head of Middle School at Haileybury Pangea, says the online school attracts students in Years 5 to 8 for many reasons.
There are students from regional and rural areas who want to access a Haileybury education while remaining in their home community, and the Middle School has students who find self-paced, online learning better suits their learning style and commitments outside school.
“Some students are pursuing sporting or artistic excellence and need flexibility in their day while others are looking for opportunities to extend their learning and to be stretched further in the classroom.”Mathew Shill, Head of Middle School Haileybury Pangea
“For example, we have a Year 6 student studying Year 9 Maths and a Year 8 student studying Year 10 Maths. This is one of the best aspects of our online program — we can accommodate these kinds of advanced learning opportunities. Personalised learning plans also allow students to pursue a higher level of study based on their ability and need.”
The Middle School curriculum is the same as Haileybury’s usual curriculum and many teachers work across Haileybury and Haileybury Pangea. Students new to the school are fully supported to adapt to online learning and to the tools and technology used to deliver Haileybury Pangea.
“We have a thorough transition program, led by our Digital Learning team, that ensures students are familiar with the various platforms. Our Head of Campus, Joanna Baker, meets every student, and tutors check in once a week to ensure everything is running smoothly,” says Mathew.
From Ancient Rome to Mini MasterChef
Lyra is in Year 7 and enrolling and settling in to online classes has been a stress-free and straightforward process.
“The self-paced learning aspect is working well and I also find the academic coaching sessions very beneficial. However, being able to work at your own pace does require you to be very organised so you know where to find work and when to submit it.”Lyra (Year 7)
“I’m interested in all my subjects but am currently finding Humanities most interesting because we’re looking at Ancient Rome.”
Henry, Year 5, enrolled with Haileybury Pangea because he preferred to be part of an online school with small classes and expert teachers.
“I am doing work that suits my level and it has been good to get to know the other students in my class and in other year levels,” says Henry.
Making the most of the co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences, Henry has taken part in the Science Talent Search, the MS Readathon Goals initiative and the University of Melbourne Maths Research Project. He also volunteered to support National Tree Day.
“I’ve also joined in Mini MasterChef, debating, Digitech Explorers, the $20 Boss program and I’ve joined various social clubs to make new friends and learn new skills,” says Henry.
Henry enjoys maths and problem-solving and says Haileybury Pangea’s Middle School is already preparing him for the years ahead in Senior School.
“I’ve realised that to be prepared for Senior School you have to be self-motivated, organised and comfortable with technology,” he says.
Taking care of the whole student
A comprehensive wellbeing program is in place with counsellors and a Head of Individual Needs who is dedicated to supporting students and their individual learning plans. There is also a self-paced health and wellbeing curriculum and students learn skills and strategies to help them maintain physical and emotional wellbeing while learning from home.
“The Middle School years are formative and we have an important role in helping to shape the interests, values and skillset of students at this point in their learning journey,” says Mathew.
“Middle School sets up students for success as they transition into Senior School and it’s also an important time socially and emotionally. We want Middle School to be a positive experience that lays the foundation for a great experience in Senior School.”
Extending learning and making new friends
The Middle School lifestyle at Haileybury Pangea definitely agrees with Year 6 student, Charli, who began learning online when living four hours south of Darwin. She enrolled last year because although she enjoyed being part of the local school, Charli needed to be stretched further in the classroom.
During the past 12 months she has enjoyed attending online classes in a dedicated office at the roadhouse managed by her mother. During the day, Charli joins teachers and classmates to study Chinese, Science, Humanities, English and Maths. After school, she takes over the family kitchen to join Haileybury’s Mini MasterChef cooking sessions with a Haileybury teacher and young budding chefs across the country. One of her specialities is a prawn stir fry.
“I like everything about school. I can work at my own pace and my teachers are there whenever I need them.”Charli (Year 6)
On a recent trip home to Victoria, Charli even caught up with some of her Haileybury Pangea classmates who live near Melbourne.
“I spent the day with my friend, Grace, at LEGOLAND and then Mum and Dad took me to Phillip Island to meet my friend, Felix, and his family. It’s great having friends around the country,” she says.
Middle School opportunities at Haileybury Pangea are extensive and, combined with the flexibility of self-paced and self-directed learning, there is something to suit every student’s learning style and interests.
