Prep to Year 6

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

Curriculum

Primary Years Programme

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:

  • addresses students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing
  • encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning
  • supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it
  • helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which international mindedness will develop and flourish

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.

English

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.

Mathematics

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.

Sport / PE / PMP

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.

SEEK

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.

LOTE

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.

Library

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.

Arts

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 Arts

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.

 

 

Performing Arts

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.

Music

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.

Personal and Social Education

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.

Technology

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.

International Baccalaureate

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.

Enrol your child now and open them up to a world of lifelong learning.

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