Starting in Middle School is an exciting time of your life; a time of transition, of growing in maturity and in your learning. This information will help you feel informed and so more confident as you start your Middle School learning journey.


Teachers

These are the probable Year 7 teachers for 2025:

  • Mrs Nelson– English / Social Science / Maths / Science (together called ‘Home Room’)
  • Mrs Frost – Art
  • Mr Robertson - P.E.
  • Technology: Hard Materials - Mr van Mulbregt / Foods and Fabric - Mrs Schaar  (two terms with each)
  • Mrs O’Carroll – DTG (Digital Technology)
  • Mrs Schaar – Health
  • Assorted teachers for Options classes

Ms Dixon is the current Dean. The role involves overseeing student wellbeing for these years and support with resolving issues when this is needed.


The meaning of ‘M’     

M refers to Middle

  • M1 – Middle School Class One
  • M2 – Middle School Class Two
  • M3 – Middle School Class Three
  • M4 – Middle School Class Four

In 2025, we are likely to again have four Middle School classes. Middle School classes have Year 7-10 students, although there can be more than one year level in a class, depending on numbers.

We have three Senior School levels which are Years 11, 12, and 13. Students in these year groups are studying for the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (N.C.E.A.).


Periods spent at each subject (50 minute periods)

  • Homeroom - 14 periods (we always do Maths for the first Homeroom period each day 4x a week and usually carry on through another period at least one of these times). 
  • Science - 4
  • Art - 2
  • P.E. / House Sport - 2 P.E. and one House Sport (last period on Friday afternoons)
  • D.T.G. - 2
  • Health - 1
  • Technology - 2 (2 terms workshop tech, 1 term cooking, 1 term sewing)
  • Options - 2
  • Te Reo Māori - 1
  • Wellbeing - 1

Some of the ‘Options’ you may choose are Graphics, Art, Robotics, Music, Drama, Languages, and Boot Camp. The options available depend on the staff available and their strengths.

We have attached a sample timetable that M1 students can expect to follow. Teacher initials are included for each class. Don’t worry, your teachers will help you, and you will soon understand the timetable.


House time

Meet in your house room at 8.40 am (roll, uniform check, notices) - Ruataniwha – Art Room, Pukaki – R18, Ōhau – R3. Classes start at 8.50 am. 

Assembly is held every Monday, straight after house time. These are information assemblies for students, and whānau members are invited to our end-of-term assemblies.


Devices

Students are expected to bring their own school-suitable devices for learning. Chromebooks are a great option for students in Years 7-10 as they work in the Google Suite, using Google Drive and Classroom to learn and share work with their teachers and classmates. This can also be accessed at home.

You and your parents will be asked to sign a contract regarding the responsible use of your device at school and the use of your school email account.

For more information regarding BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) at Twizel Area School, go here: https://www.twizel.school.nz/joining-our-school/byod


Homework

You will be given weekly homework tasks for Homeroom subjects; other teachers may also give you homework. It is up to you to manage your requirements in different subjects. Homework is not strictly enforced, but it does make a difference to your learning outcomes if you take up these extra learning opportunities and are supported in them through discussion with your parents. 


Social Science

The Middle School years are years of huge personal development. This often includes developing opinions about issues and (hopefully) the ability to consider the points of view of others.

Social Science in the Middle School Years is a time when students build their understanding of the wider world and issues facing groups of people. Examples of possible studies are homelessness, racism, trade, global warming, contested lands, political systems, movements of people, the impact of colonisation, refugees, and poverty. 

We encourage you to talk with your students about national and international issues and events and, as part of these discussions, help them to identify the helpers and the positive things that are being done. It is too easy for our young people to feel overwhelmed and powerless. It is our role as adults to always enable hope.


Reading

It is vital to keep reading during the middle school years. Mrs Nelson has compiled a PDF of Great Novels for Personal Reading that students may be interested in.


Key Competencies

The Key Competencies remain very important. Perhaps they are even more so as you become older and move towards your senior years and adulthood. The Key Competencies go across all areas of learning.

The New Zealand Curriculum identifies five key competencies:

These are closely connected to our WAKA values of:

  • Whānaukataka - Kinship
  • Awhinataka - Nurture
  • Kaitiakitaka - Guardianship
  • Ārahi - leadership


We look forward to supporting your child as they move into the Middle School.

Ngā mihi nui,
The Middle School teachers