Our Middle Years - Department of Education and Communities ...

2.0 Growing towardsindependenceDuring the Middle Years young adolescents grow rapidly. Apart from the physical changes thatoccur, there are also significant changes in the ways that they think and feel, and the way in whichthey respond and relate to others. Young adolescents are searching for greater independencewhile still needing support and security from parents and teachers.It is essential that teachers know students well. They mustprovide guidance and support to students to assist them in theiracademic and social development. The establishment of trustingrelationships can make a significant difference to the wayin which students feel secure and supported, and will directlyinfluence the level of confidence and independence with whichthey approach their learning.Key ActionsMeeting individual needsEvery student must be acknowledged by teachers as a youngperson with their own qualities and strengths. Learningprograms and experiences need to be tailored to optimisethe ability and success of all students. This requires a soundknowledge of the nature of adolescence and of each student,coupled with highly effective learning and teaching strategiesthat produce the very best efforts from students.We will:■■■foster inclusive school cultures that celebrate harmonywithin diversitydevelop a discussion paper for schools and their communitiesthat will focus attention on the nature and needs of MiddleYears’ learnersstrengthen the systematic monitoring of student progressand, where appropriate, develop individual student learningprofiles and learning plans■■■■expand the range of opportunities available for all studentsto access and engage in learning experiences that arechallenging, relevant and meaningfulstrengthen support for specific students and student groups,including gifted and talented students, students withdisabilities, students requiring learning assistance and studentsfrom language backgrounds other than Englishimprove student well-being through implementing wholeschoolapproaches to pastoral care that build positiverelationships, foster respect and responsibility and providetargeted early intervention and supportprovide increased access to careers advice support forMiddle Years’ students to assist with informed decisionsabout future options.Building character and resilienceMiddle Years’ students are increasingly aware of their individualcapabilities and the expectations that are placed upon themby their peers, parents and teachers. Meaningful, positiverelationships between teachers and students based on mutualrespect and a safe, supportive learning environment arefundamental to supporting students’ well-being.We must strive to support each student to develop a strong setof values and a range of skills that can help them become moreresponsible, resilient and successful.9