Junior School

AIMS

The early years of a child’s life are critical in shaping their subsequent development. An important part of this development is the young child’s ability to cope with and benefit from subsequent schooling.

Our aim is to develop students with the learning skills and positive personal attitude that is necessary for accepting the challenges of a quickly changing world. This means equipping students with a wide range of traditional academic and technological skills. Even more important is the development of critical thinking skills, including the willingness to consider a range of options and select the most appropriate. This equips children with the skills necessary to make informed choices. We encourage students to be active learners, which means taking an active role in their own learning.

ORGANISATION

The Junior School includes children from the age of 5 to 12. Children accepted into the Preparatory Class need to be turning 5yrs by the end of June. The Junior School covers grade levels Prep-7 There are transition programmes between Prep and Year 1 to facilitate changes. Preparatory

Preparatory Years look at firstly providing a bridge by which the child can make a smooth transition from home to school. Parent interest and participation are welcomed as the children further develop those abilities, skills and attitudes to aid their educational journey. Whilst play-based learning is very important in these years, children are also introduced to set tasks to further develop their skills for Year 1.

Years 1-2

The Early Years are extremely important for learning the essential understandings for future education. For that reason the Year 1 and 2 Class has no specialist lessons during the morning teaching sessions. This prime learning time, when children are at their most attentive, is earmarked for Early Years Literacy and Numeracy lessons. The extensive Year 2 Net Testing helps identify children who may need extra support and help in learning the essentials. Homework Booklets are prepared for each Term. The students are expected to complete daily homework and reading tasks.

Years 3-4

While extending the children’s skills further, Year 3 and 4 consolidate past learnings. The children are starting to explore ways of using their knowledge base to gain further information. Year 3 students participate in the State-wide Literacy and Numeracy tests. Both Years 3 and 4 may also sit for the Australasian Literacy, Numeracy and Science tests. All test results are used to help teachers provide a comprehensive teaching program. Homework Booklets are prepared for each Term. The students are expected to complete daily homework and reading tasks.

Years 5,6-7

The Senior Primary children are encouraged to use their independent learning skills as well as receiving guided lessons in order to extend and develop their education. Years 5 and 7 students participate in the State-wide Literacy and Numeracy tests. All years may also sit for the Australasian Literacy, Numeracy and Science tests. All test results are used to help teachers provide a comprehensive teaching program. Homework Booklets are prepared for each Term. The students are expected to complete daily homework and reading tasks.

TEACHING FACILITIES

The Junior School is a family oriented learning environment with small numbers of students in each classroom - allowing the teachers to provide a more personal approach. Air conditioned classrooms with a range of teaching resources provide a stimulating learning environment. Junior classrooms are equipped with Internet and Intranet access and a bank of 20 laptop computers is available for classroom use. All classrooms have access to a range of audio-visual facilities such as projectors, TV, video, DVD, CD and audio cassette players.