Within the Primary years, we believe that

the student is at the heart of our work and focus


During this phase of schooling, children experience rapid growth and development. It is during this period that the task of formalising students' learning experiences begins as the foundation is laid for later learning. Students' early experiences in school help form their identities as learners.

We believe that Primary students learn best when:

  • we have high expectations that they can and will succeed with effort valued, and success celebrated;
  • curiosity, inquiry and questioning are developed to broaden connections and new ideas;
  • individual difference, needs and styles are catered for and risk taking is valued and encouraged;
  • students are actively engaged in meaningful and purposeful, hands-on learning experiences;
  • students have opportunities to take ownership for their own learning;
  • students are immersed in a print-rich, multi-modal classroom environment;
  • students feel loved and cared for, laughter and fun is part of the everyday classrooms, and parents play a valued and active part in this phase of learning.

Underpinning our practice, we align to the College principles of teaching: Love, Laughter and Learning.

Love

We understand that the development of meaningful relationships in a supportive classroom environment is crucial in allowing our students to achieve academic excellence. Our students in the Junior College have very specific learning, social and emotional needs as they move from early childhood towards early adolescence. The development of meaningful relationships between the teacher and student supports the students in reaching their full potential.

Laughter

In the Junior College, we recognise the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment where learning is active, fun-filled and full of laughter, and where planning involves careful and considered use of strategies for academic engagement. Students show enthusiasm for their work by raising questions, contributing to group activities and helping peers. 

Learning

Within our programs we plan and design learning experiences to allow students to develop deep understanding and higher order thinking skills (HOT), including critical and creative thinking. This is when students are able to understand relationships between concepts and apply this new knowledge to solve problems, construct explanations, and draw conclusions.