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Junior Primary

The Junior Primary at Scotch College consists of Prep, Years One and Two. These vital years are when the boys develop a concept of themselves as a learner and as a friend. During these formative years the foundations are laid for future learning, personal resilience, enjoyment of challenges and curriculum engagement.

Organisation:

There are approximately 150 students in Scotch College Junior Primary. They are organised into six classes, two at each year level from Prep to Year Two.

Curriculum:

The school aims to provide opportunities for each boy to realise his full potential: academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and physically. A broad range of subjects is taught at each year level. There is an emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy acquisition in the early years, with blocks of time dedicated to developing the necessary skills. Individual differences are catered for through strategies such as small group instruction, differentiated learning tasks and open-ended challenges. Classroom, small group and individual assistance is also available through the Education Support Department, (formally known as Access). Science, Technology and Humanities are taught in the classroom, where appropriate, through integrated units of work. Boys also attend specialist classes in Music, Drama, Physical Education, Art, German (from Year One) and Library. Christian Education and Information and Communication Technology are taught by specialist teachers and supported by the classroom teacher.

Program Enhancement:

School programs are enhanced by participation in relevant excursions and also incursions by professional performers and speakers from a wide range of disciplines. Scotch’s Outdoor Education/Camping Program begins in Prep with a breakfast, Year One stay at school for an activity afternoon and dinner, whilst Year Two enjoy a sleepover at school. Private music lessons in violin (by traditional or the Suzuki method), cello, piano and woodwind instruments are available at various entry points throughout the Junior Primary years.

Leadership:

The boys come together regularly to perform and participate in Junior Primary Assemblies and Chapel Services. Opportunities for leadership and positions of responsibility exist at all year levels, for example Year Two has two boys on the Student Representative Council. These boys are seen as the leaders of Junior Primary and are expected to set an example for the younger boys to follow. Junior Primary boys meet regularly with their Cross Age Senior Primary partners and engage in a range of educational and social activities.

Social Skill Development and Pastoral Care:

Each staff member is committed to the development of independence, responsibility and a positive self concept in each boy and is involved in the teaching of a social skills program which covers topics such as rules, rights, responsibilities, consequences, relationships, acceptable social behaviour and conflict resolution. All staff are involved in providing pastoral care for the boys and welcome the opportunity to discuss a boy’s welfare with the boy and his parents. Additional support is available to boys, parents and teachers from the Deputy Head, the Pastoral Care councillor, the Director of Junior Primary and the staff of the Education Support Department. Open communication between home and school is seen as important, as is the active involvement of boys, parents and teachers in the boys’ development and the learning process. Parents are encouraged to communicate with their son’s class teacher whenever the need arises.

Assessment and Reporting:

An extensive assessment and reporting system exists in the Junior Primary classes. The classroom teachers work closely with the Education Support Department to ensure that each student is working to the best of his ability, while specific testing is available and professionally administered to students of concern. Teachers and parents meet during Terms One and Three for Parent/Teacher interviews, while written reports are sent home at the end of Terms Two and Four.

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