Also explore at Naracoorte
Middle school at Sunrise
The Sunrise middle school experience has been designed to allow for an opportunity for further learning and development, as well as prepare students for the challenges of today’s dynamic society.
The middle school philosophy was born out of the changing needs of adolescents and has since adapted into a whole pedagogical approach to teaching and learning. It serves as a place where the transition from primary to secondary is managed in a way that respects the unique needs of this age group.
These young adult years are best served with an educational setting that provides the students with an experience of belonging, individualised attention, spiritual and social formation, and both interesting and varied curriculum opportunities.
Student Testimonial
Our partnership with our sister school in Adelaide, Temple Christian College, influences our middle school curriculum and provides our students with greater opportunities. Our specialist teachers liaise with other like-minded, skilled subject-specific teachers across Temple and Sunrise Schools, adding depth and knowledge to our curriculum. Our students participate in athletic carnivals and sporting competitions with other secondary school students from Temple Christian College and Sunrise Whyalla.
Middle school students have the opportunity to apply their faith in the local and wider community. Students will not only be encouraged to seek leadership responsibilities that actively connect them to the school community but will also be given the chance to organise special events and support areas of need in the local and global community.
Special Announcement - Fee Freeze
As part of our ongoing dedication to the well-being of our students and their families, we are implementing a fee freeze for the next two academic years (until January 2027). Read more.
Curriculum
Sunrise Christian School Naracoorte offers a broad range of middle school subjects to thoroughly prepare students for their SACE studies in Grade 11 and 12. These include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Physical Education
- Health
- Food Technology
- Visual Art
- Textiles
- Digital Technology
- Christian Living
- A language other than English
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Drama/Music
Electives
Beginning in Grade 7 and continuing through to Grade 10, we provide our students with the opportunity to choose an area of interest they would like to immerse themselves in during our Electives program. A wide variety of community-based activities are offered that change from term to term.
Options have included kindergarten visits, Sheep's Back Museum, accessing community sporting facilities, barista coffee training, art/textiles, arm wrestling/karate, guitar lessons and use of the kiln.
Wellbeing
Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of Wellbeing Programs. "The Rite Journey" is a powerful year of self-discovery in Grade 9/10, including a range of challenges, a solo camp, mentoring project, and graduating ceremony.
Our students explore faith in Christian Living lessons and, when necessary, may book an appointment with our School Chaplain for counselling.
Wellbeing programs that are embedded in curriculum include The Reslience Project and Peace Wise which explicitly teach strategies for managing conflict and promote wellbeing through gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.
Kitchen Garden
Students engage with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program in upper primary and Food Technology lessons in middle school years. The program's philosophy is to introduce pleasurable food education emphasising flavours and the health benefits of fresh seasonal, delicious food to form positive food habits for life. Growing, Harvesting, Preparing and Sharing garden produce are the four pillars of the course.
Students have practical lessons out in the garden, working in teams to learn about seasons, the life cycle of plants, caretaking and developing their gardening skills. The school is involved in sustainable practises, running a compost system to minimise classroom food waste and caring for our school chickens. Students also have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills in selling their produce to the wider school community.
Bus Service
Our school offers a bus service before and after school. The services run to Lucindale, and a new bus to Penola is now available! For more information regarding the bus route, our policies, and the fees, please get in touch with us.
If you wish to register a student for the use of the school bus services, then a student participation/commitment form must be completed. This form is available from the front office.
Facilities
Sunrise Naracoorte has an excellent range of facilities for middle school students to utilise. In addition, where possible, we aim to utilise community connections and resources, giving our students the opportunity to serve and integrate into the broader Naracoorte community. These resources include:
Experiences and Activities
Our students are involved in a variety of extra curricular activities to give them the opportunity to explore their interests and deepen their learning. These may include:
- Camps
- Excursions
- Sports competitions
- Student Leadership Team
- Community service
- Public speaking
- Visiting performances
- Art exhibitions
- Connection with primary grades
- Subject competitions
- Assemblies
- Drama productions
- Catering activities
