The primary years are a time of skill acquisition, equipping our students with the capabilities they will need to become effective lifelong learners. In small classes with exceptional teachers, students develop the confidence to become independent learners, willing to ask questions, listen to others and absorb new learning. Our students enjoy all the benefits of a separate, small primary school, while at the same time having full access to the outstanding facilities and opportunities offered as part of a whole-school approach to continuous learning.
The Junior School curriculum focuses on establishing strong skills in the key areas of literacy and numeracy, complemented by a diverse specialist program. E-learning also plays a prominent role in the curriculum, with a mixture of personal and shared devices provided for students. Planning for different rates and styles of learning is a key feature of our curriculum and our teachers are experts at adapting their lessons to include multiple delivery methods.
The Junior School is a vibrant and active environment. Its educational climate is one of fostering self discovery and, more importantly, an atmosphere of positivity and inclusivity. School is seen as a welcoming and friendly place where each student takes increasing responsibility for their own personal learning journey. It provides a setting where intellectual, creative and social abilities can be developed to the full. Junior School hosts students from Prep (5 Years old) to Year 6 (12 Years old) before transition to our Middle School for Year 7.
The Junior School’s pastoral care program includes regular opportunities to monitor and discuss each child’s welfare, with formal programs such as buddy activities, leadership opportunities and transition programs supporting the wellbeing of students. Programs such as MPower Girls, which discusses what happens in friendship groups and how this affects them, and Revved Up Boys, which helps boys understand feelings of anger or frustration, are just one of a range of strategies we use to help our students establish and maintain positive relationships. The comprehensive transition to a secondary school program commences mid-way through Year 6 with a series of visits, and linkages with students in Middle School.
The relationship between home and school is very important and, in partnership with parents, the School fosters an environment of respect, connectedness and wellbeing. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved, including reading activities, excursions, incursions, or via various parent groups. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child’s teacher should any questions or concerns arise.
We seek to provide an environment which nurtures and celebrates diversity in all its forms, understanding that our individual contributions can make a significant difference to our lives and the lives of others. Following a strengths-based approach, we value effort and recognise achievement, constantly striving to develop the social and emotional skills required to grow and manage adversity. Our teaching teams engage collaboratively, always exploring ways to meet our students at their level of needs.
- Mrs Deb Krumples – Head of Junior School
Starting school is a time of excitement and possibility. Yarra’s Junior School encourages a sense of wonder and growing independence as students learn more about the world, themselves, the importance of community and where their passions may lie.
They are enabled to create, innovate, aspire, and be inspired.
We support students through this journey with optimal class sizes, exceptional teachers and a varied co-educational learning program that values the whole person. Their voice is also heard as part of our close-knit ELC-Year 12 community.
Differentiated learning ensures that each student’s needs are met with a balanced approach of both explicit and inquiry-based learning, that caters for all students, including those who need additional support or extension. A one-school culture ensures collaborative learning and consistency, easing transitions and boosting confidence.
Wellbeing and positive relationships are fostered as part of a student-centred and integrated learning approach that emphasises social and emotional learning about self, self in relation to others and self in relation to the world around us. Our strong Pastoral Care program promotes our values, which amongst others emphasises inclusivity and an acceptance of individuals. Through the use of various resources such as The Resilience Project and the 4 Rs curriculum, students develop an understanding of the role that gratitude, empathy and mindfulness play in maintaining the culture we value at Yarra.
Our innovative curriculum has a strong focus on the fundamentals of literacy, numeracy, whilst introducing students to the worlds of Science, History and Geography. These are complemented by a broad specialist classroom program encompassing music, sport, digital learning, arts and leadership development.
In the Junior School, we also offer a variety of co-curricular programs both at lunchtimes and after school. Students are able to follow their passions and ‘taste test’ a number of activities such as Chess, Lego and Art during their lunch breaks. After school, a selection of activities including tennis, art, dance, freestyle martial arts, science and robotics are offered. Student voice is relied on to determine these programs to ensure we offer activities that are relevant to their needs and feed and inspire their passion.
The 1:1 embedded digital learning program promotes content creation, with interactive and supported learning experiences and projects such as 3D printing, programming and research skills. In Years Prep – 4, students are provided with an iPad, while in Years 5 and 6, students transfer to a laptop device. Respectful and responsible digital citizenship is a key element of this program and screen time is thoughtfully planned.
Students enjoy camps from Year 2 and join our Community Links program that fosters a culture of connectedness across our attractive campus and beyond, making a tangible difference through fundraising and other activities.
Parents and carers are an important part of the educational experience. By actively partnering with them, we are able to develop strong relationships with their child at the centre. Regular communication regarding their child’s learning and academic development are offered through our continuous reporting model and semesterised reports as well as Parent Teacher Interviews and opportunities for informal discussions.
With a focus in the Junior School on developing the whole person, qualities such as strong values, social innovation, a global perspective and real-world problem solving, empower our students to become self-directed learners and the best version of themselves.
We know that to flourish, students need the best possible people and environment, and a glance at what is on offer at Yarra will provide ample evidence of this. Our young students become curious and creative life-long learners, citizens who take their place meaningfully in the world, and people who have the confidence to achieve, knowing what it means to be challenged while being supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
