In the Junior School girls are fortunate to not only work with their class teacher for the majority of each day, but to also benefit from exposure to 10 specialist teachers each week who are passionate about and highly experienced in their area of expertise. Frequently the class teacher and specialist teacher join forces to create a powerful learning environment that engages and stimulates the girls to maximise their learning.
Languages
Girls begin French from Kindergarten where the emphasis is on the development of oral skills through playing games, singing songs, reciting rhymes and short conversations. Written skills become a focus in Year 3 where new theme-based language is introduced along with cultural investigations.
In Years 5 and 6 the girls are introduced to Chinese (Mandarin). Oral skill development and the writing of characters are enhanced through video conferencing with our partner school in China. Yum cha lunches and visits to the Chinese Gardens add experiential elements to the girls’ learning.
Science
Science is fun for girls and they see themselves as scientific investigators when their experiences as young learners in this discipline are purposeful, interactive and pique a sense of curiosity about the world in which we live.
Dissecting fish or eye balls, conducting experiments in expiration on plants, learning about the refraction of light and the benefits of pulleys in lifting objects are enthralling activities girls can engage in, experiment with and explore. Our Science teacher delivers a rigorous and exciting program where girls develop scientific method and thinking, but more importantly confidence and enjoyment in scientific pursuits.
Music
From Kindergarten, girls start creating and appreciating music through the Kodaly philosophy. All girls sing in at least one choir, students in Years 2 and 3 participate in an instrumental program and all girls work towards developing their musicality to enable music composition writing in Years 5-6.
Students also have the option to join one of the many co-curricular
music groups and ensembles. Participation in the Junior School’s bands, handbell choirs, quartets and other groups help the girls develop a love of music and confidence in performing.
Creative art
Girls are exposed to and stimulated by works of art from both past and modern masters and are encouraged to develop the skills to create art of their own by drawing, painting, CAD, clay modelling, print making or stitching. Students work with a specialist art teacher in an architecturally designed, light filled and stimulating environment each week and mirror the teacher’s passion and determination to engage creatively.
Physical activity Girls are encouraged to be physically active and to develop both fine and gross motor skills so that participation in games and outdoor pursuits becomes a joy and lifelong healthy lifestyle habit. Our PDHPE staff work each week to develop these essential skills and positive attitudes. Gymnastics, swimming, athletics and dance are enjoyed by each class throughout the year. An optional competitive
Saturday sport program operates from Years 4-6.