Education Programs

Middle School (Years 6-9)

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Middle School (Years 6-9)

At Mannum Community College, our Middle School supports students in Years 6 to 9, recognising that early adolescence is a time of unique growth and development. During these formative years, building strong relationships with trusted adults and feeling connected to a peer group are essential. We also believe in empowering students by giving them opportunities to make choices and take on increasing responsibility within a safe, supportive environment.

Our Middle School is designed to provide challenge, structure, and success. Guided by our core RIVER values—Respect, Integrity, Vitality, and Responsibility—students are encouraged and supported to live out these principles each day across academic, sporting, and social settings. As a sub-school, we are committed to ongoing reflection and improvement, ensuring our approach remains responsive to the evolving needs of our students, community, and broader society.

Class Structure

Currently the Middle School is comprised of 6 classes: two Year 6/7 classes, one Year 7/8 class, one Year 8 class and two Year 9 classes. Where practicable the 6/7 classes, the Year 7/8 class and the Year 8 class are structured to enable the students to work with their Home Group teachers as much as possible and to spend Pastoral Care sessions with these teachers so that strong trusting relationships can be built and sustained. To further support our RIVER values, personal wellbeing and a supportive environment, all students participate in weekly Pastoral Care lessons.

Excellence Awards

Our Excellence Awards celebrate students who exemplify our RIVER Values through outstanding behavior, dedication to learning, leadership, and organisation. Teachers nominate students who demonstrate excellence in key areas, with nominations earned through our House Cup token system, aligned with our school houses: Baseby, Randall, and Arnold.

These awards celebrate students who go above and beyond, fostering a culture of excellence within our school community. Awards are presented at end of term Assemblies.

Curriculum

The SA Curriculum for public education has been adapted from the Australian Curriculum version 9 for a South Australian context and provides the framework for the curriculum taught in Middle School. It is based on our strategy for public education, international and national research, along with the collective insight and expertise of local teachers.
The new South Australian Curriculum framework outlines the essential knowledge, capabilities and dispositions in each learning area, retaining the Australian Curriculum content descriptions and showing how these contribute to the learning of higher-level concepts. Further information on The Australian Curriculum can be found at www.australiancurriculum.edu.au.

The timetable meets the national curriculum recommendations for learning area variety and time, with Japanese fulfilling the LOTE requirement.

Year 6
Science
English
Maths
Humanties & Social Sciences
Health & Physical Education
Art
Languages (Auslan or Japanese)
Technologies

Year 7
Science
English
Maths
Humanties & Social Sciences
Health & Physical Education
Languages (Auslan or Japanese)
Technologies
Performing Arts
Media Studies

Year 8
Science
English
Maths
Humanties & Social Sciences
Health & Physical Education
Languages (Auslan or Japanese)
Technologies
Performing Arts
Creative Arts
Work Studies

Year 9
Science
English
Maths
Humanties & Social Sciences
Health & Physical Education
Food and Hospitality
Agriculture
Art
Technologies
Information Publishing & Processing

We take pride in celebrating and sharing student learning with our community. Each year, up to 20 Year 9 students are nominated by teachers to take part in the Dock Program, a partnership between Mannum Community College and the Mannum Visitor Information Centre. Additionally, our students showcase Visual Arts through the SALA exhibition and share their performing arts with the community.

Interviews

Parents are welcome to request an interview at any time throughout the school year. Alternatively they can email staff when the need arises or contact them via telephone. Teachers may also request interviews and contact families when needed. Communication is key to student success, therefore we welcome discussion and frequent contact.

Mannum Community College Choir

The Choir is a compulsory curriculum area for Year 6 students. The Choir practice with a choir trainer every Thursday with the goal of performing at the Festival of Music in Adelaide, the Regional Choir in Murray Bridge, and also performing with some of our musical instrument students for Community Groups.

Reports

Written reports are provided at the end of each term to keep families well-informed about student progress. Formal Parent/Teacher interviews are held in Term 2, offering an opportunity for in-depth discussion. We actively encourage ongoing communication between parents and teachers to support each student’s learning journey.

Camps

Middle School camp structure is currently under review.

Canberra

Every two years, students in Years 7–9 have the chance to travel to our national capital and explore sites of national significance. They fly to Canberra to maximize their time experiencing all the city has to offer.

6/7 Adventure excursion or camp

We are currently reviewing the location for the 6/7 Adventure camp.

Students in Years 6 and 7 have the exciting opportunity to attend an adventure camp located within a two-hour drive from Mannum, set in the stunning outdoors of South Australia. This camp experience is specially designed to foster confidence, resilience, and character through a range of fun and challenging activities. Surrounded by nature, students work together in team-based tasks that promote leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. The camp not only strengthens friendships but also encourages personal growth and lasting memories in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Year 7 Aquatics

Each year in Term 4, Year 7 students participate in an aquatics program held over two day trips to the Murraylands Aquatic Centre in Murray Bridge. In small groups, students engage in a variety of water sports and recreational activities such as kayaking, sailing, rowing, knee-boarding, water skiing, fishing, and small boat handling. This hands-on experience not only promotes water safety and teamwork but also helps students build confidence as they take on new and exciting challenges in a supportive environment.

Year 8 Surfing

Year 8 students take part in an unforgettable surfing experience at Goolwa Beach, South Australia, where they learn to ride the waves under the guidance of qualified instructors. Set against the stunning backdrop of the southern coastline, these lessons offer more than just surfing skills—they help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement.

Year 9 Careers Camp

In preparation for the transition into Senior School and future pathway planning, our Year 9 camp offers intentional and bespoke experiences designed to expose students to a diverse range of career opportunities. Tailored to the interests and needs of each cohort, the camp program evolves each year, ensuring relevance and engagement. Through hands-on activities, site visits, and interactions with industry professionals, students gain valuable insight into potential career paths while developing a clearer sense of direction and purpose for their senior years.

Sporting Experiences

Throughout our Middle School, students are encouraged to participate and compete in a wide range of sporting activities both at school and interschool level. Opportunities include Rugby, Netball, Aussie Rules, Basketball, Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming. These programs foster teamwork, school spirit, and personal growth, while catering to all skill levels and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles.