Introduction to the Junior School 2020
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Introduction to the Junior School 2020. Introduction to the Junior School 2020 Introduction to the Junior School 2020 Girls and boys are accepted into Pre-Kindergarten in the year they turn three by About the Junior School 30 June, and attend for three days per week from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm. There is an option to join in with the Kindergarten class for another two days if full-time The Perth College Junior School includes the Founders Centre for Early Learning education is preferred. Girls and boys are accepted into Kindergarten in the year for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 3 (named after our founding sisters) and an additional they turn four by 30 June. They attend for five full days per week from 8.30 am to building for Years 4 to 6. There are 13 classes from Pre-Kindergarten through 2.50 pm. There is also a part-time option if this is preferred. An all-girls’ education to Year 6. The Junior School is located at the centre of the K-12 campus, giving is offered from Preparatory onwards and students attend school for five full days students access to all the facilities of the Senior School. per week. There is one class at each level from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 and two Year 3 classes. The Junior School is a happy and exciting place, always a hive of activity as students learn, play and grow in a community which is small enough to ensure every student and family are well-known by our dedicated and experienced staff. Teaching and Learning in the Early Years A team of classroom teachers works closely with specialist teachers and Education Assistants to provide a safe, stimulating learning environment which balances Several key beliefs inform our philosophy of early learning. We recognise the academic achievement with opportunities to develop feelings of self-worth and importance of early childhood as a unique stage in life. The teaching and learning confidence as learners. Personal relationships are nurtured, and parents are program in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten is influenced by the Reggio Emilia welcomed as partners in the education of their children. The science of positive philosophy, the Early Years Learning Framework and the Western Australian psychology underpins all that we do. Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines. Preparatory to Year 2 learning reflects the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Western Australian Curriculum. The National Quality Standards also influences our approach Pre-Kindergarten to Year 3 and play-based learning is strongly featured. Developing relationships and a sense of community are important aspects with a focus on building meaningful The purpose-built Founders Centre for Early interactions between children, teachers and family, making strong connections Learning was architecturally designed for within the School community. children from three-to eight-years-old. This beautiful building incorporates generous Our early years program promotes wonder, self-confidence, individuality, creativity teaching areas and a variety of imaginative, and self-expression through learning activities that stimulate and encourage outdoor natural play spaces which invite curiosity, thinking and problem-solving. Learning is experiential in nature creative play, active games and quiet allowing for play, exploration and interaction, and acknowledges that the physical contemplation. The centre has been environment is key. There is also a strong emphasis on intentional teaching and designed so children feel safe, secure, the development of strong literacy and numeracy skills. Varied experiences that challenged and stimulated. The rooms accommodate different learning styles, interests and levels of development are have flexible floor plans that allow for the provided. Catering for the whole child is a priority. creation of a variety of learning spaces. Many rooms open onto outdoor areas that extend Class sizes allow for a nurturing, personal approach to teaching and learning. the opportunities for learning. Each class is staffed by qualified educators with experience in early childhood development. Students benefit from the expertise of specialist teachers in Music, Founders consists of Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Preparatory classrooms, Physical Education, Physical Theatre, Art and Cultural Immersion. Learning located in carefully restored heritage-listed houses, giving them a cosy, domestic Engagement specialist teachers in Mathematics and English work together feel. A modern light-filled annexe houses the Years 1 to 3 classrooms plus an with classroom teachers to support the provision of differentiated learning art room, small group teaching spaces and a large open multi-purpose space and teaching programs to cater for the diverse learning needs of our students. with facilities for cooking. An Outside School Hours Care Centre also operates Integrated inquiry units emphasise problem-solving, thinking and investigating. before and after school and during school holidays. All facilities and equipment There are many opportunities for STEaM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts are specially designed and scaled for the needs of young children. and Mathematics) including coding and robotics. 2 3 Introduction to the Junior School 2020 Introduction to the Junior School 2020 Years 4 to 6 Music From Years 4 to 6, our focus is on creating a supportive, stimulating learning All classes from Pre-Kindergarten to Year environment which empowers each student to take increasing responsibility for 6 participate in Music lessons. All Year 3 her own learning and set realistic goals so she can attain her personal best. We students participate in the strings program. offer a rich and interesting experience based on the Western Australian Curriculum All Years 4 to 6 students can choose either and influenced by Visible Learning principles, complemented by a broad, vibrant a band or string instrument through the co-curricular program and underpinned by strong, pastoral care. instrumental program. All Junior School students also sing in a choir. There are There is one class at Year 4, two classes of Year 5, and three classes of Year 6. multiple opportunities for students Class sizes allow for a nurturing, personal approach to teaching and learning – our to perform such as concerts, Chapel teachers know their students well. services, assemblies and productions. Teaching and Learning in the Junior School Private Lessons The teaching and learning programs are designed and implemented by a staff Private lessons on various musical instruments, of caring, dedicated and talented teachers who are experts in the education of theory of music, and speech and drama are available. young girls. They understand that for effective learning to take place, girls must An application form, with information about costs and lessons, is included in feel safe and supported, have a sense of belonging, and be valued as individuals. the Music handbook and the Speech and Drama handbook. These lessons are taken in school time or lunchtime. It is strongly recommended that students study The Junior School curriculum is based on developmentally-appropriate learning one instrument only. experiences and activities which combine intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional and social aspects. Curiosity is celebrated and the students engage with real- Pastoral Care world issues. We focus on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, supplementing these with rich programs and hands-on, problem-based learning Nurturing the emotional, social and spiritual development of our students is experiences. Our Junior School girls study English, Mathematics, Science, as important as catering for their academic needs. In developing confident, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technologies, Health, and Beliefs and Values with competent, caring, courageous and community-minded young people, classroom their classroom teachers. teachers respond to the pastoral needs of students. Additional support is offered by a team including the School Chaplain, Counsellor, Health Centre nurses, and Learning Engagement specialists in Mathematics and English work with classroom the Junior School Leadership Team. Together, they ensure strong pastoral care is teachers to support the provision of differentiated programs to cater for the available to all Junior School students and their families. diverse learning needs of our students. Girls attend specialist lessons in Music, Physical Theatre, Visual Arts, Physical Education, and Languages (French and Leadership skills, resilience and managing friendships are developed through our Chinese). positive psychology and InsideOut programs (including Kimochis and URSTRONG). Technology is widely used across the Junior School to enhance student learning. All Our students are encouraged to take an active role in the life of the School to students have access to networked devices which include email and the internet. develop a sense of connectedness and belonging, and embrace leadership in There are interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, and access to notepad and out of the classroom. Students are placed in Houses to take part in sporting computers and iPads. Teachers incorporate technology into activities across the competitions and various House activities throughout the year. There are four curriculum. Integrated inquiry units emphasise problem-solving, thinking and Houses at Perth College, each named after a Western Australian Governor: Barron, investigating. There are many opportunities for STEaM (Science,