The Champagnat Middle School nurtures adolescents as they make their transition into young adulthood. Students in Years 7 to 9 have access to state-of-the-art facilities to develop their academic and social skills within a safe and supportive learning community. The Middle School focuses on strong pastoral care and support, creative and innovative learning opportunities and hands-on learning.

The curriculum incorporates problem-based learning with a focus on preparing students for the future and equipping them with life skills. To help each student achieve their best, we use a team-based approach involving parents, carers, teachers, counsellors and the students themselves. Students are encouraged to develop their own learning programs, so they acquire values essential in their future careers and study. Staff provide a safe and caring environment within the Catholic tradition, with students developing personal responsibility.

Year 7 & 8 - A Collaborative Learning Community

The Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi - Learning Community celebrates diversity and enterprise. Gilap Wanga means ‘deep listening’ and this naming of the new learning area is a sign of respect to the traditional custodians of the land, the Boandik People of the South East region. Year 7 and 8 students at Tenison Woods College learn in an environment known as the Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi - Learning Community. This precinct was opened in 2020, exclusively for students in Year 7 and 8 – as well as our Poplars Inclusive Education Centre. It’s the perfect environment for students transitioning from primary to secondary school. Gilap Wanga is a space that will foster learning, collaboration and communication. We encourage our students to harness their independence by using a contemporary learning structure and we believe that because each student is different, their learning program should be flexible to meet their needs.

The Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi - Learning Community offers a completely customised learning program giving our students an edge. Research indicates that young people thrive when living and learning in an environment that optimises both choice and challenge. Our integrated wellbeing model responds to this and provides the conditions that best support positive mental health and overall wellbeing.

The Philosophy of Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi

The Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi - Learning Community is different. It’s about your child and their learning pathway. And every child’s learning pathway is different. Every child needs to be challenged differently. You, your child and their teacher will personalise the learning pathway together. There is a curriculum pattern, but it is personalised, to ensure rigour, individual excellence and a well-rounded education so that your adolescent shines now and into the future. The Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi - Learning Community celebrates individuality, diversity and connection, enabling our young to thrive as capable leaders for the world God desires. Location Nestled at the base of an extinct volcano, the Gilap Wanga - Ngula wangingi mraata ba wanginyi - Learning Community is uniquely placed to accentuate the natural environment. We believe learning should not be confined to the classroom.

Year 9 at Tenison Woods College is a significant year for our adolescent students. Moving from the Gilap Wanga Learning Community into the Thomas Ryan Building invites an environment of independence and academic challenge. With more time dedicated to selected specialist offerings, students begin to open their horizons for what their Senior Schooling pathway will be. Through the 9SHINE program, the students engage with the Resilience Project to explore their own identities and develop lifelong skills. This is just one example of our focus and commitment to student wellbeing.