Junior School
WHERE LEARNING IS THE
HEARTBEAT OF OUR CULTURE.
Junior School is a time for your daughter to develop positive learning behaviours and life skills. Combining the advantages of both a standalone campus and the proximity of the Senior School facilities, Strathcona’s Junior School is the ideal environment for children to develop a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
The Junior School is a place where groups collective, as well as, individual thinking is valued, visible and achieving promoted as part of the regular day to day routines.
The exposure to an innovative and dynamic curriculum and range of experiences, combined with strong foundations in English and Mathematics provides the perfect environment for each girl to identify her strengths and thrive in the ideal learning environment.
Clearly articulated, individualised learning goals and an engaging, supportive and stimulating learning environment provide the groundwork for academic foundations to be established. Students benefit from a rich learning environment and our small class sizes allow us to tailor academic programs to meet the needs for each girl.
No two learners are the same so our teachers aim to create the conditions for learning that inspire and develop inquisitiveness, curiosity and courage. At Strathcona we understand learning is multidimensional. We know children develop and learn at different rates. A personalised approach to learning, with highly skilled staff in a variety of areas allows us to track and assess the individual growth of a child.
A growth mind-set enables students to face new experiences with an optimistic outlook, to have the capacity to be resilient, and to view challenges as achievable, when provided with the necessary strategies, support and scaffolding.
Wellbeing Program
Our SOUL Wellbeing program ensures that we are connected with the social and emotional needs of students, and allows us to maintain a high standard of pastoral care. Unique wellness activities allow us to maintain a high standard of pastoral care. The aim of this program is to foster positive and respectful relationships and resilience.
The programs and opportunities on offer to our Junior School students are many and varied, and designed to build independence, self-esteem, interpersonal and social skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Students can expect to participate in a cohesive outdoor education program, art and music events, sporting carnivals, coding and robotics programs, camps that include interstate travel for our Year 6 students, as well as social justice days and environmental initiatives, enrichment experiences and student buddy programs.
Each student is unique, with her own developing set of competencies, qualities and values. As educators, we provide pastoral support and an environment that champions individuality, so each girl may grow at her own pace. All while partaking in the social, emotional and behavioural development that encourages successful interaction and collaboration.
Strathcona’s commitment to a rich music program provides all girls with an opportunity to develop the musician within. In addition to co-curricular music activities, classroom based activities include all Year 2 students learning a string instrument and playing in ensembles.
Older Strathcona students can learn a brass, percussion or other instrument and participate in ensembles – the Junior School String Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Brass Ensemble and Concert Band.
There are choirs for Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6. Together with solo musicians, these choirs perform during concerts and soirées, at whole-School events and at community events. Students involved in the co-curricular Speech and Drama program also take part in concerts, soirées and eisteddfods.
Strathcona’s Digital Technologies curriculum has been developed on the notion that the students create, rather than consume. Devices including iPads, laptops and robots are considered learning tools, allowing our students to be creative and collaborative, opposed to merely providing them with a simpler way to do things. Our students are introduced to computational thinking to empower them to solve problems in creative and original ways. Ultimately, we want our students to know the tools and resources available to them that can best assist them with their learning.
Student learning experiences are enhanced by Junior School facilities at Strathcona Girls Grammar, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of primary aged students. Light-filled classrooms offer flexible learning spaces, access to outdoor learning areas, reading nooks and the latest in information technology. Our outstanding specialist facilities include a library, curriculum extension areas, art studio, design lab, music room and individual studios for instrumental lessons.
The move from primary school to Year 7 can be a tricky time for many students. At Strathcona, we begin to familiarise our students in Year 6 in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.
While starting a new school at Year 7 can be a challenging time, Junior School students have the advantage of familiarity with the Senior Campus.
Junior School students use Senior Campus facilities each week for:
- Swimming
- Physical Education
- Lunch play
- Assemblies
Senior School staff also give regular lessons in:
- Science
- Languages
- Art
- Swimming
- Physical Education
During Semester 2, all Year 6 students participate in a transition program including activities in the Year 7 classrooms, Senior Library and the Food Technology area led by the Year 7 Coordinator and Senior School staff.
Prep at Strathcona
Starting school is an exciting and formative year. Learn about our approach to Prep and how we set our students up for success. Start your Strathcona journey in Prep.
Curriculum
Strathcona’s Junior School curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and to build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and research. Our integrated approach to innovative curriculum design incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) to ensure we are equipping Strathcona students with essential 21st century learning dispositions, such as problem solving, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, digital competency and persistence.
- English
- Mathematics
- Integrated studies (including Science, Geography, History, Design, Creativity and Technology)
- Thinking skills
- Communication skills
- Information and Communications Technology
- Creating and making art
- Artist in Residence program
- Art displays and exhibitions
- Lunchtime Open Art
- Drama and Dance productions
- Set development
- Appreciating and Responding to Art
- Art extension programs
- Family Life
- Environment
- Societies and Culture
- Politics and Government
- Civics and Citizenship
- Australia as a nation
- Local Community
- Global Community
- Christian Education
- Social service
- Social justice
- Interpersonal skills
- Goal setting and reflections
- Musical productions and performances
- Singing
- Creating and making music
- Appreciating and responding to music
- Instrumental Concerts
- Bands
- Choirs (Pre-Prep – 2, Years 3 & 4, Year 5, Year 6 and an auditioned choir)
- Theory
- AMEB Examinations
- Chamber Strings
- Junior Strings
- String instrumental tuition (Year 2)
- Brass instrumental tuition
- Beginner Strings
- Advanced study
- French
- Year 11/Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 Big Sister/Little Sister Program
- Year 5/Prep
- Year 6/younger classes
- Year 4/ELC
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Perceptual Motor Program
- Inter-House and Inter-School competitions
- PE Skill lessons
- Cross-country
- Gymnastics
- Basketball
- Netball
- Soccer
- Softball
Before and After School Care
We support our Strathcona parents by providing before and after school care options through our partnership with TeamKids. These programs are available to Strathcona students attending the Early Learning Centre and Junior School.
When attending TeamKids before and after school care, your children are in remarkable hands. TeamKids’ full-time Director of Service is highly experienced in the field, and their number one priority is fun – your child will love the experiences they have on offer every day at TeamKids.
When children join TeamKids’ team, not only are they able to explore their world through their designated activity zones and TeamKids Clubs, but they will get to connect, collaborate and learn with others in a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters their individuality and own unique interests.
They will also enjoy an incredible menu, jam-packed with nutritious and delicious food. One thing is for sure, your child will not go hungry.
From the moment you walk through the door, TeamKids provides an atmosphere that is welcoming, relaxed and inclusive. At every opportunity, TeamKids aim to promote child agency and help to shape their innate leadership skills through a variety of in-house leadership opportunities and fun, engaging rewards programs.
Teamkids offer industry-leading educator to child ratios of 1:10 (industry standard is 1:15), resulting in safer, better supervised experiences for all involved.
All Teamkids programs are fully approved under the National Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
To find out more, register or book, click here
Register for an
Open Morning
Attend our next Open Morning to meet our Principal, key staff, and current students on a typical day. Please click here to register.
Small Group Tour
(Junior School)
Meet our Head of Junior School and experience insight into our small, nurturing classrooms from Prep to Year 6.
Book a
Personal Tour
Register here to arrange a personalised tour of Strathcona. Typically, these take place during school hours and term time.
Meet our Head of Junior School
At the helm of our Junior School is Mrs Lisa Miller, a leader in the space of teaching and learning. Speak with her to hear about our values-based approach to education and to learn more about how we equip our students with visible thinking strategies that prepare them for the future.
