This single-gender environment has allowed us to formulate a curriculum focussed directly on boys, whilst small classes give our students an optimum learning environment in which they can fully engage with teaching staff. We know Middle School years are key to a boy’s development, and we offer pastoral guidance in a nurturing, supportive environment vital for their wellbeing. We examine, guide and mentor topics relevant to young teenage men, inclusive of our School’s values and encouraging wise choices. Cyber-safety, bullying, safe choices, puberty, alcohol and risk-taking behaviour are discussed in our secure environment where we can address either single year levels or the entire Middle School group. Learning in Middle School is focussed and targeted. In Mathematics, we ensure students are streamed to classes appropriate for their level of ability and we provide accelerated classes to students who need to be challenged with their learning. Boys need to approach their learning with enthusiasm and curiosity. To capture these qualities our teachers design study topics with direct appeal to boys. For example, in a recent Year 9 statistics research project, athletes’ winning times and margins in events at an Olympics were analysed. This allowed students to relate more closely to the specifics of the study. Parallel Learning allows us to develop reading programs and choose texts with specific appeal to boys. We help stimulate their interest, and encourage them to engage and enjoy their reading. Similarly, the range of elective subjects available at Middle School are not just stimulating, but relevant to interest and possible future career paths. These include: building a PC, 3D printing, as well as designing and building Apps and Games. Language options offered at Tintern Grammar are French and Mandarin; our language students have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program. Our outdoor education programs feature exciting activities too. Our sequential camp program allow boys to challenge themselves and extend their boundaries in supportive, supervised surroundings. Tinternwood, our on-campus farm is the site for hands-on learning in relevant projects including science and agriculture. For some students, their involvement with the farm can lead to further studies and career opportunities. In addition to core subjects, boys are offered and encouraged to participate in a broad range of activities including Performing Arts, Physical Education, Agriculture, Commerce, IT, and Visual Arts. A wide range of sports is available, with inter-school events and matches scheduled during weekdays, to allow boys to keep their weekends free. Our values-based learning program together with solid, exciting learning opportunities offers boys positive direction, as they mature and move towards manhood. Tintern has been educating children since 1877 and we are proud that Tintern’s Middle School Boys continue to uphold this tradition.
