The consultation was held in two stages. During Stage 1 of the consultation on the Middle Phase of Learning (May-June 2003), the public submitted their views on the following topics that are known to be particularly important in helping students achieve success in this phase:
All responses received during Stage 1 of the consultation informed the development of advice to the Minster on a range of issues related to the middle years of learning. The Stage 1 Report on the consultation for the Middle Phase of Schooling: An analysis of public responses is available. A report especially for students is also available.
During Stage 2 of the consultation (November-December 2003), the public were able to have their say about how the Government's direction for the Middle Phase of Learning will become a reality in Queensland schools. Questions were asked about four of the five key action areas identified in the Middle Phase of Learning State School Action Plan:
The Stage 2 Report on the consultation for the Middle Phase of Learning: An analysis of public responses is available.
You can read responses to numerous questions regarding the above topics on the Queensland Government's Get involved 
website.
A few responses submitted during Stage 1 of the consultation on the Middle Phase of Learning:
"In clusters of local primary and secondary schools, curriculum programs can be devised to ensure there is a developmental approach, with each year building from the learning of the year before. Pedagogy needs to be a major focus - it is this that can engage these students - or otherwise. The selection of pedagogical practice needs to align with the needs of young adolescents throughout the middle phase of schooling".
Educator's Response, Topic 1 - Making a smooth transition from primary to secondary school
"Communication to parents in as many ways as possible regarding what middle schooling is about - to suppress the myths that abound in the general public (in particular, that it is solely about organisational change)".
Educator's Response, Topic 1 - Making a smooth transition from primary to secondary school
"Provide examples of how what we are learning can be used in real life, in our future and our careers. We need to be encouraged to know that we are not just learning all this for the end of term exam but that we probably will need to use this knowledge at one time or another".
Student's Response, Topic 2 - Connecting learning to the world beyond the classroom
Some responses submitted during Stage 2 of the consultation on the Middle Phase of Learning:
"Throughout their experiences at school, I want my children to learn to inquire; to learn to think; to learn how to learn; to learn to try and to persevere. I want them to be allowed - encouraged - to be creative. Schools teach many important things. The best teachers teach children to be whole people - and independent learners. They foster curiosity and a passion for finding out'.
Public response: Curriculum, Teaching and Assessment - What is essential for all students to learn?.
"To create focus on the middle phase schools must spend more time discussing and documenting what the students should learn. Cross curriculum planning is critical, not only to ensure that the essential skills are developed (numeracy and literacy) but so that students aren't overloaded and bored by repetition. This will ease the work load of teachers and encourage transdisciplinary learning".
Public response: Focus and Accountability - Creating a focus on the middle phase.
"Literacy and numeracy is everybody's business, not just English and maths teachers however considerable professional development is required to support staff to develop meaningful strategies in their subject areas".
Public response: Achievement - monitoring student's progress and providing targeted and timely support to progress student's development in literacy and numeracy.
"Activities of learning required to prepare teachers to teach years 4-9 include understandings of: early adolescence; pedagogical practices suited to middle year students; professional issues; practices of middle schooling such as - integration, negotiated curriculum, multi-ageing, authentic assessment, collaborative teaching and learning".
Public response: Teachers - What activities or learning would prepare tertiary teachers to teach
Years 4-9?
You can read many more responses on the Queensland Government's Get involved website.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and the Arts) 2007.