We are the largest middle school in the Northern Territory and this is complimented by extraordinary resourcing including numerous science labs, performing arts spaces and large spacious classrooms.
Each building is primarily allocated to a faculty with specialised classrooms including three dedicated science lab classrooms and one theory classroom, a home economics classroom featuring ten kitchen workspaces.
Our school is the Performing Arts and Science capital of the Northern Territory! Offering so many opportunities for our future pathways.
In 2018 construction commenced on the Darwin Middle School Multi-Purpose Hall. The $12 million building project was to provide a designated space and state of the art equipment for whole school activities and performing arts programs.
The natural event that took place during construction provided opportunity to include a recycling element to the project that led to the inclusion of some beautiful sculpture works that we can now enjoy every day.
Our Arts building includes two dedicated art spaces with both indoor and outdoor workspaces and a pottery kiln. At the other end of the building, our performing arts classrooms includes three instrument rehearsal rooms and classroom, a music sound/mixing room and stage area with lights and sound.
Beautiful resources including café, kitchens, eating decks and shaded spaces make our school a tranquil campus for young adults to find their gifts and passions supported by dedicated, specialist staff. Our school café offers healthy and delicious food to students and staff for recess and lunch, with an additional classroom connected for classes to learn about the food industry.
Each environment has access to numerous quality ICT opportunities with the school running access to many of these resources 24/7. There are three dedicated computer lab classrooms and laptop trolleys in each of the faculty buildings.
The schools physical education classes are held in our indoor Multi Purpose Hall and outdoors on the covered basketball court, covered courtyard and shared oval. Classes also make use of the facilities and grounds surrounding the school, including Vesteys and Mindil Beach, the Museum, The George Brown Botanical Gardens and other venues including the pool at the Ski Club.
Our Library is accessible by students 24/7 through our eBook Library as well as fully resourced with fiction and non-fiction books and class set textbooks.
We value student leadership so much at Darwin Middle School, that the school’s Business Plan is constructed in conjunction with whole school parents, staff and students.
In 2016, Darwin Middle School was successful in gaining an Independent Public School status. We officially commenced operating from the new Constitution in 2017 after the March AGM.
We have a common Teaching and Learning Model which contributes to better planning, consistent language and clear expectations across the whole school. This ensures that units of work and lessons achieve their purpose, which is effective student learning.
We are totally committed to quality teaching, hence the core business of teaching and learning is our priority. Our model will consistently demonstrate the value of students and teachers being partners in the learning process.
The School Board consists of parent members, school staff and non-school stakeholders. These members either have a local interest or can offer specialised professional expertise to benefit and support strategic initiatives.
Darwin Middle School has a long history of proven success, we opened our doors to the community for the first time in 2007. Our initial enrolments were around 400 students, which has doubled today and now sits at 800.
We are the largest middle school in the Northern Territory and this is complimented by extraordinary resourcing including numerous science labs, performing arts spaces and large spacious classrooms.
A Student Representative Council (SRC) is a group of students elected by their peers to represent all students within the school. SRC's work democratically to represent the student body in school decision-making and organise ways for students to participate in and enjoy school life.
Integral to a positive learning model is recognising the importance of the social and emotional wellbeing of every student at Darwin Middle School.
Our school canteen, Driftwood Cafe is part of a program that teaches Year 9 students not only the basics of cooking but also develops organisational skills and business skills.
Through our partnerships we aim to further engage students, improve academic outcomes and enhance the social and emotional well-being of students. We also aim to strengthen professional learning opportunities for staff and foster partnerships with other professional organisations.
