International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.
Students in the Junior School at Kingswood College set out on an exciting journey of the mind, body, heart and spirit through an innovative, collaborative and engaging approach to learning.
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Kingswood College fits within our innovative LATTICE framework; Learning and Teaching through Innovation, Collaboration and Engagement.
Within a caring environment, students and staff form a cooperative partnership based upon our College values of respect, compassion, responsibility and integrity.
This partnership extends to parents and the wider community in an effort to enhance the development of each child whose participation as a valued and responsible citizen is a priority. Intellectual, cultural and social diversity are encouraged and celebrated.
Students are challenged as part of a learning community that enriches each individual’s experience and makes learning personal and meaningful. As part of the IB philosophy students are encouraged to take action based on their learning in an effort to contribute to making the world a better place.
The IB Learner Profile, which represents ten attributes valued by all IB World Schools, sits at the center of everything we do. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
Within the PYP it is believed student learning is best done when it is authentic – relevant to the ‘real’ world; and transdisciplinary – where the learning is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subject areas but is supported and enriched by them. Students engage in learning experiences through an inquiry process which develops knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and encourages students to take action.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
Kingswood College Junior School is an authorised IB World School teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Early Learning Centre and from Prep to Year 6.
IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.
The PYP at Kingswood College utilises the extensive research and experience of the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Within the PYP it is believed student learning is best done when it is authentic – relevant to the ‘real’ world; and transdisciplinary – where learning is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subject areas but is supported and enriched by them.
The PYP Statement
The PYP is designed for students aged three to 12 years of age. It focuses on the total growth of the child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development. The PYP:
The PYP is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
*Further information on the PYP can be found by visiting the International Baccalaureate website: www.ibo.org/pyp
*Kingswood College would like to acknowledge the International Baccalaureate for the material contained within this page.
Literacy and language development is a cornerstone of the learning program in the Junior School.
Language development is integrated throughout the curriculum and its importance is recognised in all that students say and do.
Literacy involves many components including speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and thinking within a cultural context. Each component is dependent upon the others. It also focuses on the process learning approach which builds on the natural interests of the child, and on experiences provided by the home, school and the wider community. It enables students to recognise and select language appropriate to different situations in both oral and written contexts.
The ability to use language across the curriculum, in a variety of forms and in different contexts, empowers students so that they can have access to the full range of opportunities offered by the community and beyond.
Emphasis is placed on developing a firm knowledge and understanding of the basic numeracy skills and concepts.
Real life situations, materials and strategies are used to establish numeracy skills.
Problem solving techniques and the application of knowledge are seen as integral to the mathematics program.
Students use a variety of resources to assist them in their understanding. Computer programs and activities are used to supplement the curriculum and add depth to the student’s understanding.
Studies of Health and Physical Education are divided into Health, Outdoor Education, Physical Education and Sport.
Health Education
Studies of health are part of the classroom curriculum involving nutrition, health and safety awareness.
Outdoor Education
The camping program runs for students from Years 2-6 in a variety of settings such as inland and coastal. The program features opportunities to enhance social skills, physical fitness as well as educational components.
Physical Education
The focus of Physical Education is the establishment of a sound basis for healthy living, developing coordinated movement and socially desirable values and attitudes through participation in physical activity. A physical skills program is an integral part of the curriculum. In addition, children from Pre Prep – Year 2 take part in an intensive Perceptual Motor Program that aims to develop physical coordination, mental alertness and language development.
Sport
Students compete against other schools in the Blackburn District Primary School Sports Association mid-week sporting competitions in a range of team and individual pursuits including basketball, softball, rounders, tee-ball, cross country running, athletics, swimming and netball. These sports are conducted on a co-educational basis.
The extension and enrichment programs for gifted and talented or highly abled learners assists these students to maximise their learning potential. The goals for Student Extension and Enrichment are to promote academic rigour and intellectual challenge in specific curriculum areas and to provide opportunities for critical analysis and emphasise higher order thought process and skills.
Literacy and Numeracy development lie at the heart of the SEEK program.
Our aim in the Languages Other Than English (LOTE) program is to lay the foundations for the study of foreign languages and to gain an insight into other cultures.
Classes in Chinese (Mandarin) begin in Pre Prep and continue throughout Junior School until Year 6.
Chinese is taught by a specialist teacher in the Junior School.
The Junior School Library offers a wide range of resources to support student learning.
Students are encouraged to browse, select and borrow from the picture book, fiction and non-fiction sections and to develop an interest in reading a variety of materials. Students from Pre Prep – Year 6 have a weekly library session. The focus of the program in the early years is to encourage students to select and borrow appropriate books and to develop a love of books and reading.
In Years 3-6 the literature program is extended to include more sustained reading sessions, library and research skills.
The Arts curriculum gives students from Pre Prep – Year 6 access to a broad and comprehensive program. Classroom instrumental music and creative music, drama and dance are experienced as part of the general curriculum. Performances and exhibitions are important aspects of the Arts program. Students have classes in music, movement and drama and are involved in performances for parents and the community.
Visual Art classes with a specialist teacher for Pre Prep – Year 6 enable students to access a wide range of visual art forms. Experience is gained through drawing, painting, printing, collage, modelling, construction, threads and textiles. Students make and share artworks that express and communicate ideas, feelings and experiences. Art critique and appreciation is incorporated into the lessons. Artworks are displayed in the Gallery Space and in an annual Prep – Year 12 Art Show. Selected students can also participate in an enrichment program.
There are both formal and informal opportunities for students to be involved in the performing arts program in the Junior School. The Junior School Choir, Harmony Ensemble, Tiny Trebles and Junior School Orchestra perform to school and community audiences.
Productions, concerts, soirees and weekly assemblies provide opportunities for the students to perform.
Students in Pre Prep – Year 6 have a weekly classroom session with a specialist music teacher where they explore the elements of music and start to develop an appreciation of this art form. Private tuition is available from specialist music teachers in a wide variety of instruments and vocal.
The focus of the Personal and Social Education program is to develop each student’s personal and social skills. Learning skills are enhanced by the development of self confidence, self discipline, resilience, perseverance, and a tolerance and understanding of others. The development of these skills and attitudes assist in creating a positive and socially healthy Junior School community.
Digital tools
iPads are used in the Junior School in Prep – Year 6. Students learn how to create, develop, manipulate and analyse information using their iPads and a wide range of Apps. Students can work individually or in groups to collaborate and share ideas using their iPads.
The College is committed to developing responsible citizens within the digital age and are actively working with students, teachers and parents to ensure that each student is responsible and wise in their use of iPads and technology.
Children are always asking questions. As a parent, it’s inspiring to see them so inquisitive. We feel the same way at Kingswood College, which is why we nurture our young students’ enthusiasm for learning through the International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme.
The internationally recognised programme prepares students aged 3-12 to become active, caring learners who respect themselves and others, and engage in the world around them – inside and outside the classroom.
‘Happiness is as important as academic results at Kingswood College. If you feel the same – come and join us.’
‘I love Kingswood College because of the peers and the supportive teachers, and good friends.’
‘I think the teachers for example when they are teaching science. They aren’t just doing it according to the book. I think they think of a lot of inspirational ways to stimulate the students thinking after they understand the theory of the course. But then they try to inspire and explore their creativity.’
‘They have the freedom to research for themselves, to find information for themselves. They teach them the way to do that, and then from there, our daughter built her confidence within herself and built her confidence with organising her own affairs at school and at home and being independent and I feel like that has definitely helped her and transformed her.’
‘The school brings out the best in my daughter because they are able to recognise her special talents and abilities and help foster them. I felt in a previous school, that was larger – she got lost perhaps. Where here – each student is treated as an individual and they are helped to grow in their areas of interest.’
Class of 2014 graduate Jamie was on the cusp of publishing her debut novel on Tumblr or as a zine. Lucky she didn’t! Jamie is the youngest person in the history of the award to be shortlisted for the $50,000 2019 Stella Prize, which is given annually to an Australian woman for a work of literature in any genre.
Class of 2018 student Margaret took out top honours at the 2019 Premier’s VCE Awards in June – winning the Award for History – Revolutions. While in Year 12, Margaret completed Units 3 and 4 of History – Revolutions scoring a perfect 50, and achieving an ATAR of 97.25 placing her in the top 3% of the state and nationally.
Patrick from the Class of 2018, was selected to exhibit his work in the VCE Season of Excellence – Top Designs for his animation on fire safety. Patrick developed this animation as part of his VET Creative Digital Media course, to raise awareness and educate home owners about what to do in the event of a bush fire. His animation and folio are on display for the duration of the VCE Seasons of Excellence Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.
Year 11 student Brendan received the Rotary Club of Forest Hill Youth Citizenship Award 2019. Brendan is a positive, mature and enthusiastic member of the Year 11 cohort at Kingswood College who represents our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion and Integrity. He is dedicated to learning and being his best self. Brendan is also willing to help others be the best they can be and demonstrates excellent communication and relationship skills.
Brendan involves himself across the College as a Social Justice Leader, singing with the Male Voice Choir, the College Production and setting up AV for College events. Brendan is always willing to help. He is heavily involved in the community as a Patrol Leader for scouts, leading and mentoring younger members. Brendan was invited to undertake a Scouting leadership course.
In 2019 Ruby participated in The Chinese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania (CLTAV) 2019 Hanyuqiao Speaking and Performance Competition for Second Language students of Chinese. The competition consisted of a 2.5-minute speech in Chinese followed by a cultural performance. Ruby’s speech was Learning Chinese and creating a better future. She drew a beautiful painting of lotus flowers within three minutes. Ruby won first place and her prize includes a sponsored trip to China in October.
Zoe is passionate about raising awareness of cancer, and in the last few years at Kingswood College she has rallied the College community to participate in Relay for Life. Her amazing enthusiasm and leadership has mobilised the community for this worthwhile cause which has now raised $25,000 for the Cancer Council.
