Music
Middle Ridge State School has a proud history of Music Education. Learning music can build the skills and experiences young people may need for a future world that is increasingly complex and connected by creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration. It is widely accepted that a well-rounded music education can increase students' language and literacy skills, and can improve students' self-confidence, concentration, resilience and wellbeing.
Students from Prep to Year 6 participate in weekly Classroom Music lessons where a sequential approach to rhythmic and melodic musical literacy is the focus of all musical activities.
Opportunities are available for students from Year 2 to Year 6 to join the Choral Program by participating in the following choirs: Year 2 Singers, Junior Vocal Ensemble, Senior Vocal Ensemble and Middle Ridge Voices.
Opportunities are also available for students from Year 3 to Year 6 to join the Instrumental Music Program by participating in String (Year 3 to Year 6) or Multi-instrumental Brass/Woodwind/Percussion (Year 4 to Year 6) lessons. Instrumental Ensemble opportunities available for students in the Instrumental Music Program include Junior Strings, Senior Strings, Chamber Strings, Training Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band.
Through weekly lessons, rehearsals, workshops and performances, students in the Music Program at Middle Ridge State School will be able to explore their musical potential and feel a sense of pride in both individual and group achievements. We warmly welcome all students to the Music Program and hope all children who learn music at Middle Ridge State School have a rich and rewarding experience that may benefit their lives for many years to come.
Opti-minds
Students from tear 4 to 6 have the opportunity to participate in the Regional Opti-minds challenges. Students are nominated based on a set of criteria. Students join a 'Thinker’s Group' where they are prepared with the skills needed for the challenges. The teams are organised and the challenge begins in term 3. The Regional Day is held in late August.
Maths team challenge
Schools from across the Darling Downs and South West Region are invited to participate in this Maths competition. The challenges involve two contests, Team contest and a Relay contest. Selected students from Middle Ridge State School are prepared before the challenges with practices and sessions on problem-solving skills. Maths enrichment groups work with the support teacher, literacy and numeracy.
International competitions and assessments for schools (ICAS)
ICAS tests are independent skills-based tests with a competition element. Parents of students from years 3 to 7 nominate their children to participate in these tests each year. Students may nominate for one or all of the following tests:
Computer skills
English
Maths
Science
Spelling
Writing
Student library volunteers
The school library has a lunchtime program for student library volunteers from years 4 to 7.
Camps and excursions
We offer our students a range of external and internal camps and excursions to support and enhance learning experiences from across the curriculum.
Sporting activities
Students of the upper primary year levels are afforded opportunities to participate in a range of additional sporting opportunities created both within and beyond the school each term.
Chaplain coordinated programs
Rock and water
Run by trained facilitators from the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), and teaches students skills in self-defence, team work, focussing during lessons, and self-control. Students are provided with opportunities to practice and reinforce their skills in role play situations.
Friends for life
A program that assists children in developing the life skills necessary to effectively cope with emotionally challenging situations whilst promoting self-confidence. Students learn how to identify when they may be feeling distressed and the techniques they can use to ease the situation, such as breathing techniques, positive thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Shine
This program that promotes positive life skills and encourages young women to place value on themselves. As the girls work through the program they develop not only an awareness of their own unique beauty and value, but they also learn to appreciate the same in others.
Strength
A program that promotes positive life skills and encourages young men to place value on themselves and to also appreciate the value of others. Learning opportunities are created that help to develop decision making and problem solving skills. Boys participate in activities which are designed to build their confidence and develop future oriented personal goals.