

Welcome to Middle School at Kingswood College where we wholeheartedly embrace our school vision to ‘embolden hearts and inspire minds’. This is a unique time of transition, consolidation, and adventure, where our core values of respect, kindness, courage, perseverance and excellence are at the centre of everything we do.
Our hope is that, in collaboration with parents and educators, we will continue to build curious and courageous learners who embody the values of our community. We seek to foster inclusion, where every individual is celebrated for their uniqueness and contributes to the rich tapestry of our school.
In the pursuit of knowledge, we encourage students to open their hearts and minds, exploring the world with an open and empathetic perspective. We believe that true learning encompasses the growth of the whole person, from nurturing their physical wellbeing to strengthening their sense of self and connection to others.
We understand that courage lies not only in academic challenges but also in the willingness to work together and support one another in times of difficulty. Collaboration is a cornerstone of our educational
approach, empowering students to face challenges head on, learn from setbacks, and grow stronger as a result.
As we embark on this exciting journey together, we strive to embolden hearts and inspire minds and see our students become compassionate leaders who embody our values in their actions. The mind, body, heart and spirit of each student form the foundation upon which we build a thriving community grounded in respect.
Welcome to a place where education is about nurturing the whole person and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Lisa Sacristani Head of Middle School
The following College staff are available to assist and support students.
• Lisa Sacristani– Head of School
• Jenny Ahn - Year 9 Coordinator
• Karina Adams - Year 8 Coordinator
• Grace Rennie - Year 7 Coordinator
• Ara Shivanath - Secondary Administrator
Middle School Reception: 9896 1708 middle@kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au College Reception: 9896 1700
• Term 1: Monday 3 February –Friday 4 April
• Term 2: Tuesday 22 April – Friday 4 July
• Term 3: Monday 28 July – Friday 19 September
• Term 4: Monday 6 October –Friday 12 December
Middle & Senior School: 8.20am –3.10pm
Outside these times, the Middle School may not be staffed, unless specific programs are running. Students will be asked to leave the buildings if insufficient supervision is available.
Greeting 8.20am - 8.30am
Period 1 8.30am - 9.20am
Period 2 9.20am - 10.10am
Recess 10.10am - 10.30am
Period 3 10.30am - 11.20am
Period 4 11.20am - 12.10pm
Period 12.10 12.10pm - 12.50pm
Lunch 12.50pm - 1.30pm
Period 5 1.30pm - 2.20pm
Period 6 2.20pm - 3.10pm
Students arriving late to school must sign in at the Middle School office before going to class.
The morning rolls are completed at the commencement of each school day and then throughout the school day.
A respectful reminder that it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to personally notify the School via our Compass portal as early as possible when:
• a student is absent from school; or
• a student is required to leave early from school during the school day.
If a student is sick and requires three days or more of absence, a medical certificate must be forwarded into the Middle School Reception upon their return. If a student becomes sick during the school day, they will be required to be collected by a parent/caregiver.
The Middle and Senior School operate on a 10-day timetable with weeks alternating between Week A and Week B.
Celebration is the biggest occasion of the year for the College and all parents are invited to attend (it is compulsory for Middle School students). Celebration includes several student performances and individual students are recognised for their academic success and cocurricular contributions.
The significance of personal recognition and a genuine sense of belonging for our Middle School students cannot be overstated. Through our Morning Greeting, we prioritise the essential components of pastoral care, community cultivation, and the sharing of daily information. Each group is guided by a Mentor Teacher who also teaches their Wellbeing Group using The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) learning materials.
House Groups further enrich the student experience, fostering interconnections across the secondary school spanning Years 712. House groups actively participate in diverse extracurricular competitions throughout the year including athletics, swimming, cross country, debating, and House Performing Arts.
Inclusivity thrives through our variety of lunchtime Clubs, offering a platform for students of varying year levels to explore shared passions. Club offerings evolve to accommodate yearly student preferences and may encompass activities like dungeons and dragons, e-sports, chess club, or debating.
We strongly encourage students to engage in all aspects of College life as we seek to develop young people
who are well rounded and have a deep sense of belonging.
All students are required to participate in the College sporting program. The program runs on weekdays and there is no compulsory Saturday sport, giving students the opportunity to participate in community sports clubs, or follow personal or family pursuits.
Middle and Senior School students compete in the Eastern Independent Schools of Melbourne (EISM) mid-week sporting competition:
• Year 7: Mondays
• Years 8/9: Thursdays
Students have the opportunity to compete in many team sports including basketball, netball, hockey, tennis, soccer, table tennis, volleyball and football, softball, touch rugby, indoor cricket, badminton, ultimate frisbee.
Individual events that students can participate in include cross-country running, athletics, and swimming. There is compulsory after-school sports training for all students:
• Year 7: Thursdays
• Years 8/9: Tuesdays
You must purchase Kingswear items from our providers PSW. The shop is located at 342-350 Springvale Rd Glen Waverley. Please see QR code for website. Every day students must wear Kingswood College branded wardrobe items.
There are only three compulsory garments in the wardrobe (to comply with BDPSSA and EISM regulations for interschool sport and House events.)
• Comfort tee
• Casual short
• House polo
Otherwise, students can choose any garments from the range that they would like to wear every day. A list of items and prices can be found on Compass.
Each year Resource lists are available on Compass detailing what resources students will need to purchase for the following year level. Campion is the supplier of all digital and print editions of textbooks and other resources. Visit Compass for full details.
It is important that the College has up to date information for each child. Information, including learning and medical needs, emergency contacts and consents should be reviewed and updated for each child at the College. This information can be viewed and updated through the Community Portal under School Favourites in Compass.
If your child suffers a medical condition including asthma, allergies or anaphylaxis, detailed information about the condition must be provided to the College.
The Woods is a café-style food service that provides an exciting menu and range of tasty and healthy options for lunch and snacks. The Woods operates daily, and lunch orders can be placed online. More information, including menu and online ordering details is available on Compass
The House System is a key avenue for collaboration across all aspects of our community. House Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, and Performing Arts events are
important occasions in the life of the College and are celebrations of the spirit of the College.
All Prep – Year 12 students are allocated to one of four Houses:
• Brunning (red)
• Gwynton (blue)
• New (yellow)
• Walker (green)
Healthy rivalry exists between each House and all the activities add a wonderful dimension to life at Kingswood College. Heads of House, House Captains and House Leaders oversee the running of each House.
All students are expected to participate in four House Carnivals:
• Swimming: Term 1
• Athletics: Term 1
• Cross Country: Term 3
• House Performing Arts: Term 3
New students will be advised of their House allocation prior to the start of the school year.
Kingswood College’s Instrumental Music Program is designed to develop an appreciation of music in each student. Instruction in all branches of the orchestral family is offered. Private lessons are available for 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes once a week. Instrument hire
is also available. Please see Compass for more details.
Our Individual Differences team collaborates with students, staff and families to provide strengths-based programs, strategies and support so that every student has the opportunity to experience success at school.
The Individual Differences team provide individual programs and Individual Learning Plans (ILP) to assist students in the development of strategies to ensure they reach their learning goals. Students may be identified as candidates for the LINKS program during the enrolment process. In these circumstances the Head of Individual Differences will contact parents prior to the student commencing to discuss the options for support.
Students may be recommended to undertake LINKS support instead of a Language Other Than English (LOTE) as part of their studies.
The Student Extension and Enrichment at Kingswood (SEEK) Program has been specifically designed to provide gifted and high achieving students with both academic rigour and a variety of life-enhancing challenges. We believe that gifted and high achieving students need a differentiated program that facilitates contact with other talented students and gives them opportunities to develop their leadership abilities, interpersonal communication skills, teamwork protocols, and creative self-directed projects.
While extension and enrichment are embedded across the general curriculum, further opportunities have been designed for high achieving students to interact and work with other students of high ability.
The SEEK Program incorporates excursions, competitions, incursions, clubs, specialist classes as well as withdrawal programs and in-class extension in a range of disciplines including English, Maths, Humanities, Science, Art and LOTE.
Participation in the SEEK Program is by invitation.
Our BYOD program is now run by Compnow. Devices for Year 7 must be purchased through Compnow via this website.
Please purchase your laptop through the portal by Friday 15th November for it to be processed and ready for Orientation on 3rd December.
The options and minimum specifications for technology devices for students in Years 8 - 12 are listed below.
Students in the senior years need to take into consideration their subject choices when selecting a device. Some subjects require students to run programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud Applications.
If purchasing a laptop, both Apple and PC are suitable. The College has Apple Macs in the Media, Art and Music centres, students studying in these disciplines may prefer to have a Mac but this is not essential.
Homework is a valuable part of schooling when it is purposeful. It allows for practising, extending and consolidating work done in class. Homework provides training for students in planning and organising time and develops a range of skills in identifying and using information resources. Additionally, it establishes habits of study, concentration and self-discipline.
Homework tasks may include the following:
• Practice exercises: provide opportunities for students to review, revise and reinforce newly acquired skills.
• Revision tasks: provide opportunities for students to revise past knowledge and practice past skills in order to maintain their level of proficiency.
• Preparatory homework: encourage students to be well-prepared for future lessons. This may involve gaining background information for new areas of learning or alternatively the completion of key tasks from a previous lesson which are pre-requisites to future learning.
• Extension and enrichment tasks: encourage students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively.
Homework expectations for each class will be clearly communicated to students via Compass.
Students will be given at least one week’s notice for any homework due, for example a task will not be set on Friday and due on Monday. Providing students with significant advance notice helps them to better understand their homework requirements across each of their subjects.
Below are the expected average weekly homework expectations for each year level.
An essential aspect of all our camps is our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that every student feels welcomed and supported in our community.
In pursuit of this goal, we have crafted each camp, offering a spectrum of engagement levels empowering students to cultivate resilience at a pace that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.
Monday 28 April to Wednesday 30 April
In Term 2 our Year 7s embark on their first secondary school camp, an exciting journey where they can build connections and friendships in coastal town of Portsea. Over two nights and three days, students will participate in activities such as hiking, climbing, and canoeing, providing opportunities to learn more about each other. The primary objective of this camp is to foster strong connections and a sense of belonging with our Year 7 community.
Tuesday 25 February to Friday 28 February
Our Year 8s venture to Wilson’s Promontory in Term 1 providing them with a true camping experience. They will learn essential skills like pitching tents and cooking food together in small groups. This camp places
emphasis on building resilience and challenging our students to ‘do hard things’. Notable highlights include learning to surf and enjoying quality time with friends.
Tuesday 25 February to Friday 28 February
Our Year 9s head off to Warburton in Term 1. Working in collaboration with the Warburton Adventure Company, students have a tailored bespoke program that caters to their growing independence. Students are based at the scenic Oscar’s on the Yarra, setting the stage for an array of activities to challenge each student to strive for their best. From invigorating hikes to thrilling river sledding, this adventure promises to be unforgettable!
Year 7 marks a significant transition for students as they commence their first year of their secondary school journey. It’s a pivotal phase of adaptation, where students adjust to new surroundings, teachers, and subjects. Our focus in Year 7 is COMMUNITY.
The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation across various disciplines, nurturing intellectual curiosity and essential skills. Students are encouraged to develop greater autonomy in their learning, laying the groundwork for more advanced academic pursuits in the coming years.
In addition to academic growth, Year 7 typically focuses on fostering social interactions and friendships, helping students integrate into the broader secondary school community.
• Art
• English
• Food Studies (One Semester)
• Humanities
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Product Design Technology (One Semester)
• Science
• Wellbeing
In Year 8 students build upon the foundations established in Year 7, while also progressing towards greater academic and personal autonomy. Our focus in Year 8 is CHALLENGE.
Year 8 is marked by a consolidation of knowledge and skills acquired in the previous year, allowing students to delve deeper into subject matter. Additionally, the introduction of elective subjects offers students the opportunity to explore their interests and collaborate with peers, fostering teamwork and cooperative learning experiences. As they navigate a more advanced curriculum, students are encouraged to take on a heightened sense of agency in their learning, making choices that align with their strengths and passions. Year 8 serves as a bridge between the initial transition of Year 7 and the impending challenges of higher year levels. It is a time of refining study habits, honing critical thinking abilities, and further nurturing social connections, all of which contribute to their holistic growth within the school community.
• English
• Food Studies (One Semester)
• Humanities
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Product Design Technology (One Semester)
• Science
• Wellbeing
In Year 8 students select one elective subject per semester. To facilitate a wider variety of subjects and to foster connection, the Year 8 elective block is combined with one Year 9 elective block. Electives are scheduled for eight x 50min classes per cycle.
Animation Coding
Creative Writing Debating
Drama Film & Media
Fitness & Training Game Tactics
Music – Group Performance
Music – Solo Performance
Photography Robotics
Textiles Theatre Studies
Visual Art 2D
Visual Communication & Design
Visual Art 3D
Throughout Year 9 students engage in a series of four distinctive experiential experiences:
• Warburton Expedition: providing students with outdoor challenges and personal growth. .
• City Cite: a dynamic exploration of urban environments.
• Service Week: fostering a sense of social responsibility.
• World of Work: offering insights into future pathways.
These experiences enrich students learning beyond the classroom, promoting teamwork, adaptability, and a broader perspective. Our focus in Year 9 is SERVICE.
As Year 9 culminates with exams, students are academically prepared for the demands of senior school, and they carry with them a well-rounded foundation of skills and experiences to thrive in the years ahead.
The purpose of The Warburton Expedition is to provide a transformative and enriching experience that fosters personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of a strong and inclusive community.
The beautiful setting of Warburton will provide the context for our
exploration of relationships with ourselves, others, and our environment.
By stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging in various learning opportunities, students will be encouraged to develop essential life skills such as leadership, resilience, communication, and problem-solving. By immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Warburton’s surroundings, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the environment and develop a sense of stewardship towards the Earth.
Students will be prepared through their wellbeing sessions. They will then participate in a 4-day outdoor program, which they will help to curate. As they return to school, we will spend time debriefing and reflecting on their experiences.
• Tuesday 20 February to Friday 23 February
• Four days, three nights engaging in hiking, water sledding and other activities
We hope our students:
• Grow in their understanding of each other
• Continue to develop a love for the outdoors
• Grow in their understanding of their own capacity and ability
We will ask them to:
• Persevere through difficulty
• Appreciate the environment
• Build connections with others
CITY CITE
The City Cite program is designed specifically to help address some of the developmental needs of Year 9 students. Self-esteem will be nurtured by the giving of responsibility. Experiential learning and activity-based programs will help cater for the adolescent’s way of thinking and high energy levels. There will be an emphasis on teamwork to balance the teenager’s focus on self. At a time when the adolescent can disengage from the normal routines of schooling, the City Cite experience will act as a circuit breaker.
The program will revolve around some central themes, with students working within small teams on individual and collaborative research tasks. Students will visit a number of interesting places whilst completing research in the Melbourne CBD. A number of integrated projects and assignments will be set that will need to be completed during the City Cite experience.
The culmination of this program will be a Presentation Evening in at City Cite. Students will be given the opportunity to present to you the knowledge and experiences they have gained from their involvement
Details/Timing:
• Friday 20 June to Friday 4 July
• 11 days at the City Cite campus
• Presentation Night Thursday 3 July 6.00pm - 7.00pm
We hope our students:
• Grow in independence
• Learn about the complexities of the beautiful city in which they live
• Develop confidence in themselves
We will ask them to:
• Work collaboratively with each other
• Problem solve
• Work under time pressure
The Service Experience is an opportunity for our young people to spend time in service to their community. For a week in Term 3 our students will participate in a variety of experiences that aim to connect with and serve others. At this pivotal time in adolescents, self is regarded highly (this is a normal developmental phase). Service paves a way for them to explore the benefits of helping others. Studies show that volunteering is a protective factor for young people’s mental health and serves as an important reminder of
our place in the world.
This week will offer two exciting opportunities: one is a 5 day program in the Melbourne community and the other is an 8 day program in Central Australia (additional cost).
Details/Timing:
• Central Australia: 13 Sept to 20 Sept (8 days/7 nights service learning on country and site seeing )
• Melbourne: 15 Sept to 19 Sept (5 days service learning in Melbourne (may be some variation to normal school hours))
We hope our students:
• See love as an action
• Foster hopeful hearts
• Develop a connection to their wider community
• Experience the joy of giving
We will ask them to:
• Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
• Use their initiative
• Be deeply kind young people
The World of Work week is a vital experience in helping our young people navigate being in an adaptive work force. The pace of technological
advancement and shifts in the global economy are transforming the nature of work faster than ever before. By exposing students to emerging industries, digital skills, and innovative career paths, we empower them to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving job market. Moreover, fostering a future-oriented mindset encourages creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking, essential skills for navigating a dynamic professional landscape. Ultimately, by offering this exploration, we equip our youth with the tools to not only secure meaningful employment but also contribute to shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for society as a whole.
Details/Timing:
• Wednesday 3 December to Tuesday 9 December
• May be some variation to normal school hours
We hope our students:
• Begin to develop a future thinking mindset
• Start to align their values, passions and skills
We will ask them to:
• Have an open mind
• Ask a lot of questions – stay curious
• Be agile and adaptive in their understanding of pathways
• English
• Humanities
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Science
• Wellbeing
In Year 9 students select two elective subjects per semester. Electives are scheduled for eight x 50min classes per cycle.
Animation Coding
Creative Writing Debating
Drama Film & Media
Fitness & Training Furniture Design
Game Tactics Global Chef
Make, Bake, Create Music – Group Performance
Music – Solo Performance Photography
Robotics Textiles
Theatre Studies Visual Art 2D
Visual Art 3D Visual Communication & Design
The Victorian Curriculum English course for Years 7, 8, and 9 encompasses a comprehensive and dynamic approach to language, literature, and communication skills. Students engage in a rich learning journey that cultivates their ability to critically analyse, interpret, and create diverse texts across various mediums. The curriculum emphasises the development of proficient reading, writing, speaking, and listeningcompetencies, enabling students to communicate effectively in both academic and real- world contexts. Through exploration of classic and contemporary literature, as well as exposure to a spectrum of textual forms, students refine their language comprehension and expression. The curriculum also fosters digital literacy and encourages the adept use of technology for communication and research. Moreover, students delve into thEnuances of language, its evolution, and its role in shaping cultural identities. By nurturing these multifaceted skills, the Victorian Curriculum English course empowers students to become discerning communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.
Throughout Years 7 - 9, the Victorian
Curriculum in Humanities fosters not only a deepened knowledge of the world’s intricacies but also the ability to critically evaluate information, appreciate cultural diversity, and engage constructively with historical and current affairs. This holistic approach empowers students to navigate an ever-evolving global landscape with cultural competence, historical consciousness, and a sense of civic responsibility.
The Year 7 curriculum introduces students to the fascinating realms of geography, history, and societal dynamics. Through a focus on local and global contexts, students delve into geographical features, cultural diversity, and Australia’s historical narrative. This foundational year cultivates spatial awareness, historical inquiry, and an understanding of the factors shaping our world.
8 Humanities: Uncovering world narratives
Year 8 delves into global history and societies, examining significant events and their repercussions. Students explore historical revolutions, cross-cultural interactions, and pivotal moments that have shaped societies across the globe. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and empathy as
students engage with diverse perspectives from different eras and regions.
Year 9 Humanities: Contemporary challenges and perspectives
In Year 9, students engage with the complexities of contemporary issues in geography, history, and civics. By investigating socio-political structures, economic systems, and global challenges, students refine their analytical skills and develop a broader awareness of the world. This year lays the groundwork for informed citizenship and an understanding of the interconnectedness of societies.
In our increasingly globalised world, the skills acquired by learning a second language have far-reaching implications, extending into various facets of life. These skills not only open doors for the study of additional languages but also offer a profound comprehension of diverse cultures, serving as a cornerstone for students to engage with different societies in the future. Recognising that ideas may require adaptation to resonate effectively within different linguistic and cultural contexts further enriches the capabilities ...
.... of multilingual individuals as adept communicators. This insight nurtures the ability to convey thoughts and concepts with precision to diverse audiences, fostering effective cross-cultural communication. In the Victorian Curriculum, the Languages Other Than English strand empowers students with the tools to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, fostering a broader understanding of the world and a platform for meaningful interactions on a global scale.
All students in Year 7 – 9 study one of Chinese (Mandarin) or French, except for students enrolled in LINKS. Students will be asked to nominate their LOTE of choice (or LINKS).
Both languages are offered at the College through to Year 12.
The Victorian Curriculum Mathematics course for Years 7, 8, and 9 provides a comprehensive framework that equips students with essential mathematical knowledge and skills to navigate a rapidly changing world. Through a progressive and interconnected curriculum, students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, problem-solving strategies, and logical reasoning. They explore a range of mathematical topics including number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and
statistics and probability. The curriculum encourages students to apply mathematical thinking in practical and real-world contexts, fostering their ability to analyse data, make informed decisions, and solve complex problems. Emphasising the development of both computational and conceptual proficiencies, the curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared for advanced mathematical studies and for applying mathematical skills across various disciplines. Overall, the Victorian Curriculum Mathematics course empowers students to become confident mathematical thinkers capable of adapting to the challenges of an evolving technological landscape.
Across Years 7 - 9, the Victorian Curriculum Science course fosters curiosity, inquiry, and a systematic approach to understanding the natural world. Students refine their ability to conduct experiments, analyse data, and communicate scientific findings. The curriculum not only equips students with foundational knowledge but also nurtures their capacity to engage critically with scientific advancements and contribute meaningfully to contemporary scientific discourse.
The Year 7 curriculum lays the foundation for scientific inquiry, introducing students to key concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences. Through engaging experiments and investigations, students develop essential skills in observation, data collection, and analysis. They explore topics such as ecosystems, forces, matter, and Earth’s dynamic processes, fostering a solid understanding of the natural world.
In Year 8, students delve deeper into scientific concepts, honing their analytical and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum covers themes such as energy transformations, genetics, chemical reactions, and geological processes. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, students cultivate critical thinking skills while exploring the intricacies of the physical and biological realms.
The Year 9 curriculum expands students’ scientific horizons by exploring advanced topics and their practical applications. With a focus on physics, chemistry, biology...
... and earth sciences, students delve into subjects like motion, chemical reactions, genetics, and environmental sustainability. Through rigorous investigations and experimentation, students develop a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of scientific principles and their real-world implications.
Knowledge of health and physical education concepts and skills empowers learners to assume lifelong responsibility for developing physical, social, and emotional wellness. Physical Education allows the learner to appreciate the remarkable complexity of the human body by encouraging continuous development of its physical abilities. It also provides a venue for teaching valuable character traits, such as teamwork, encouragement, sportsmanship, and perseverance. It affirms respect for rules, values fairness, and fosters the development of positive character traits through dedication and working towards personal and collective goals.
(COMPULSORY YEARS 7 & 8 ONLY)
Food Studies incorporates all the key concepts in food preparation, using a variety of different equipment, processes and methods of analysis.
In Music students are instructed to identify and manipulate rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture in their listening, composing and performing. They will also consider social, cultural and historical contexts of music.
Art introduces students to a range of materials and processes, both two-dimensional and threedimensional, developing skills in observation, experimentation and imaginative expression. Students develop an understanding of art and aesthetics in the wider context, learning to talk informally and to communicate their personal observations as they learn about artists and their artworks. It is important for students to see how well they can learn and produce using a hands-on approach with various forms of media technology.
(COMPULSORY YEARS 7 & 8 ONLY)
Product Design and Technology is offered at each year level with increased skills and competencies. Central to the development of technology in society is the use of materials, both natural and synthetic, to meet the needs of individuals and society as a whole. This study focuses on the understanding and use of the materials of wood, metal and plastic and their importance to our society.