Junior School Life

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 is situated within 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, whilst maintaining a character and identity of its own.

Enrolment

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

Teaching staff

The teaching staff in the Junior School are highly qualified and experienced educators, with several having held statewide leadership positions in particular subject areas, curriculum development and educational innovation. Subject teachers and school assistants support 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.

Leadership

The Junior School programmes are based on 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 boys in the Junior School have access to the very latest in information and communication technologies to enhance their learning.

The School features many programmes aimed at developing leadership skills in boys of all ages. These range from classroom, sporting and playground responsibilities, through to public speaking and debating and school leadership roles.

ICT in the classroom

There is a well-developed classroom Information and Communications Technology programme which uses lap-tops, desktop computers and iPads. The programme emphasises the use of such technologies as tools for learning, communicating and creating. 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 Librarian 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.

Learning Support

The Junior School aims to recognise and cater for the different learning needs of boys across all year levels. The learning support teachers develop and implement individual programs that include remediation, consolidation and enrichment. Further support is provided in the social and emotional areas of wellbeing. Support is also extended to teachers in planning and writing individual education plans as well as support for parents with managing their son's special needs. Boys with outstanding ability in leadership, intellectual, artistic, musical or physical areas are given opportunities to extend themselves. Learning Support staff offer additional opportunities and resources to cater fully for the needs of students. All formal assessments are coordinated and managed through Learning Support.

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, through cross-age tutoring activities and the Pastoral Care Coordinator.

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. As well, an after school Chinese Club is offered to boys in Years 4, 5 and 6 who are interested in developing some conversational Chinese and learning about Chinese culture.

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

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 a Prep breakfast, Year 1 dinner, then a Year 2 overnight stay at the School, all boys participate in an extensive outdoor education programme, which culminates in the Year 6 camp. Safety and personal development play important roles in these activities, developing social interaction, leadership and lifestyle skills whilst promoting self-confidence. Camp experiences are part of the regular programmes at Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

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 that prepare the boys for House competition and interschool sport. All students are encouraged to be involved and to discover new talents. 

Sports on offer:

House Sports for Years 3-6: Rapid Fire Cricket, Cross Country, Football, T-Ball, Soccer, Swimming, Athletics

Interschool Sports for Years 5-6: Cricket, Softball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Swimming, Football, Cross Country, Volleyball, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, European Handball, Athletics, Water Polo and Touch Rugby. Sailing and golf are also offered as a non-competitive sporting option.

There is also an opportunity for boys to participate in Snowsports.

The Senior School also offers many opportunities for the Junior School boys in Years 4-6 to join their squads for sports training.

Interschool matches and after school training are offered for Year 5 and 6 boys. 

Junior School facilities

The Junior School has the following facilities at its disposal:

• Fully equipped classrooms with the latest resources in computers, wireless internet and Interactive Whiteboards
• Specialist buildings for class and private music
• Well-stocked library and information technology centre
• Computer centre with state-of-the-art ICT equipment
• Art room
• Technology room for experimental activities involving construction and investigation
• Multi-purpose assembly hall
• Education Support area for individual and group teaching
• All weather synthetic grass Junior School sports field
• 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