In the Junior School, which runs from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 6, our approach to Teaching and Learning puts the student at the centre of everything we do. Being an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorised to use the Primary Years Programme (PYP) inquiry framework, our pedagogical approach is informed by the best of educational research, thought leadership and experience derived from IB World Schools.
Utilising the PYP inquiry framework, learning is developed through the child’s natural curiosity, while benchmarked to the expectations of the Australian Curriculum. In all subjects, students explore, and balance is sought between intellectual, social and personal aspects. Students are supported to collaborate with their peers and teachers in a process that supports them to take ownership of their learning. This approach develops inquiry skills and students’ ability to reflect on their own learning. Students across all levels are regularly and rigorously assessed using selected formative and summative assessment tools.
A transdisciplinary approach across the Junior School ensures that learning extends beyond any single classroom space and learning experiences are relevant, engaging, significant and challenging. As appropriate, classroom and specialist teachers focus learning on a theme, knowledge, concept, skill or action. The IB Learner Profile is a specific focus in the Junior School; learners are encouraged and supported to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, courageous, balanced and reflective.