Rapid change is significant in the life of the Middle Years learner, as physical and emotional changes associated with puberty are experienced. There is a tension between the security of childhood and the exciting uncertainty of adolescence. The student may begin to confront and challenge the values and expectations of the adult world by testing limits and exploring new ways of behaving.

The identity of the Middle Years learner is being challenged and shaped by peer group, popular culture and media.

Values are significantly shaped by a deepening involvement in interpersonal relationships outside the family.  At this stage, there is an increasing awareness of the complexity of the wider world. The Middle Years learner begins to experiment with a range of roles as personal identity is clarified.

The Middle Years learner develops an increasing ability to interact, explore, analyse and make abstract generalisations. The learner engages critically with the world in its historical perspective and often challenges the status quo and creates new and relevant symbols and rituals.

The Middle Years learner can appreciate the communal nature of Catholic life and worship, particularly in the local parish.

At this stage the learner develops a more sophisticated understanding in the areas of faith and moral reasoning. A sense of right and wrong is linked with underlying intention as the learner determines the morality of an action. The Middle Years learner has the ability to understand situations from various points of view.