Scotch College

Scotch College Junior School

Scotch College is one of the oldest schools in Australia. Situated on the banks of the Yarra River, it operates in association with the Presbyterian Church of Victoria to nurture students in a challenging yet caring environment.

The Junior School operates from completely redeveloped and historically significant buildings and grounds within Scotch College. It is able to use all the campus facilities and has the advantages of being part of a Prep to Year 12 school, but it has developed a character and identity of its own.

Enrolment

The Junior School has an open entry policy and has an enrolment of about 430 day boys. Main entry points are at Prep and Year 4.

Teaching Staff

Members of the teaching staff are highly qualified, with several holding statewide leadership positions in particular subject areas, curriculum development and educational innovation. Subject teachers and school assistants assist class teachers to cater fully for the interests and needs of all boys.

Educational Programme

The School has a broad and challenging curriculum that endeavours to cater for the varying needs of every child. Considerable emphasis is placed on achieving the highest possible standards in numeracy and literacy.

The School follows an integrated curriculum, in which students learn in the most meaningful way. Extensive assistance and the best of facilities enable the teaching staff to offer a first class education for students of all ability levels. The progress of all boys is monitored carefully and regularly throughout their time at the School.

Leadership

The School features many programmes aimed at developing leadership skills in boys of all ages. These range from classroom responsibilities through to public speaking, a Student Representative Council (SRC) and a variety of official school leadership roles.

Computers in the Classroom

There is a well-developed classroom computer programme which uses both lap-top and stand-alone machines, and which emphasises the use of computers as tools for learning. Parents are not required to purchase lap-top computers.

Resource Centre - Harbig Library

Incorporating the latest computer technology, a significant collection of contemporary and classical literature and extensive digital resources, the Resource Centre provides a solid foundation for students to become discerning, avid readers capable of communicating in a technologically rich environment. Teachers specialising in information communication technology, literature and resource-based learning are supported by a Library Technician and work in conjunction with class teachers.

Activities in the Resource Unit complement the classroom computer programme. Students are taught how to manipulate technological tools to gain information, as well as how to produce their own multi-media packages.

Access Unit

The Access Unit is the home base for students requiring special programmes and it provides counselling and pastoral care. Boys visit the Unit on a 'revolving door' principle as need arises.

The work carried out in the Access Unit is aimed at ensuring that each boy is happy and working towards his full potential. The 'whole student' is considered. This involves monitoring social, emotional, physical and academic development.

Talent Programmes

Boys with outstanding ability in leadership, intellectual, artistic, musical or physical areas are given opportunities to extend themselves.

Classroom teachers structure lessons to include extension activities beyond the core curriculum, while support services offer additional opportunities and resources to cater fully for the needs of students.

Pastoral Care

Emphasis is placed on providing a warm and caring environment in which boys can flourish. The personal development of each child is of paramount importance and students are encouraged to have high self-esteem and to be self-motivated. Class teachers are responsible for the overall development and happiness of the boys. Additional care is provided through the House system and through cross-age tutoring activities.

Parent Involvement

The Junior School believes that school and home need to work closely in order to provide the best possible learning environment. Parents are encouraged to make contact with the School if they have any queries or worries about the welfare of their sons. Likewise, the School makes immediate contact with parents if the need arises.

Opportunities are available for parents to become involved in education and parent body activities.

Languages

Tuition in German is provided from Year 1 through to Year 6. Boys are involved in motivational whole school themes with a rich cultural content.

Music

Choral, instrumental and classroom music programmes are provided for all students. Classroom musical activities follow the developmental sequence developed by the famous Hungarian composer and educationalist, Zoltan Kodaly. Children learn music as a language using their voices as the medium for musical expression.

Fifteen ensemble groups are active. These include string ensembles, drum corps, string orchestra, concert bands and the Junior School Choir. Tuition is offered for most instruments.

Drama

Numerous drama activities occur in the classroom environment with a number of year level performances each year. Boys develop personal and interpersonal life skills whilst learning of the many aspects of live performance making.

Christian Education

The School aims to provide a caring environment, encouraging students to lead lives that reflect the example set for us through Christian teachings.

Involvement in this important area of education is through:

• Regular assemblies
• Chapel services and special assemblies
• Class teaching programmes
• The example set by all in the School community.

Art

Art Boys are exposed to many creative experiences and explore a variety of media in art classes. A sequential course is followed that develops individual skills and fosters imagination. Numerous opportunities are available for boys to work collaboratively and create projects outside of classes.

Outdoor Education

Beginning with overnight stays at the School, all boys participate in an extensive outdoor education programme, which culminates in a week-long Year 6 camp. Safety and personal development play important roles in these activities, developing social interaction, leadership and lifestyle skills whilst promoting self-confidence.

Sport/Physical Education

Physical skills are developed from the earliest age, commencing with skill and co-ordination development activities at the Prep level. In the senior primary years boys participate in an extensive range of sports. All students are encouraged to be involved and to discover new talents. Particular importance is placed on health studies, where boys learn about caring for their bodies, lifestyles and physical development.

Sports on offer:

Summer: cricket, tennis, swimming, tee-ball,volleyball.

Winter: football, soccer, cross-country, hockey, basketball.

Spring: athletics.

There are also opportunities for boys to participate in snow skiing, diving and water polo.

Interschool matches and after school training are offered primarily for Years 5 and 6 boys, although games are arranged for other years at times.

Junior School Facilities

The Junior School has the following facilities at its disposal:

• Fully equipped classrooms with the latest resources in computer, television, video, satellite facilities
• Specialist buildings for class and private music
• Well-stocked library and information technology centre
• Computer centre with state-of-the-art hardware
• Art room
• Technology room for experimental activities involving construction and investigation
• Multi-purpose assembly hall
• Access for individual and group teaching
• Sand-based oval for all season use
• Basketball/tennis courts
• Fully-equipped gymnasium
• Extensive adventure and general play areas
• After school care centre

In addition to these outstanding facilities, the Junior School has access to the full range of Scotch College facilities:

• Numerous grass and artificial ovals and courts
• Glenn Centre which includes a 25 metre indoor swimming and diving pool
• Chapel
• Memorial Hall
• Observatory.