Junior School

Curriculum

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At Ravenswood, our focus on the individual ensures that every student is educated to her full potential at every stage of her learning journey.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Through its inquiry led, trans-disciplinary framework, the IB Primary Years Programme challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.

The Junior School curriculum integrates the six Key Learning Areas (KLA):

• English
• Mathematics
• Science and Technology
• Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
• Creative Arts.

The Junior School Academic Model involves the core subjects of Literacy (English), Numeracy (Mathematics), Science and Technology, and History and Geography (HSIE). These are differentiated and integrated to cater for the needs of each student by modifying the pace, level and content of teaching, learning and assessment activities.

Specialist teachers provide expertise in:

• Music
• Visual Arts
• PDHPE
• Information and Communications Technology
• Speech - K–2
• Languages - French - K–6 and Chinese (Mandarin) - Years 5–6
• Religious Education
  
• Dance 
  
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD).

English (Literacy)

English is taught with a focus on reading comprehension, writing, spelling, speaking and listening, grammar and punctuation. Reading fluency, phonics and comprehension form a vital part of the English program.

Literature study enables students to develop their analytical and deductive thinking skills. Communicating verbally and in written form is encouraged and complemented with technology. Our goal is for our students to communicate effectively, use expressive language, and become expert communicators and seekers of knowledge.

English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) students are supported in the learning and development of language. Proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers and active participants in Australian society.

Technology

Our technology program builds capacity of the 6Cs of contemporary learning: creativity, character, citizenship, communication, critical thinking and collaboration.

Skill development is achieved through independent and group tasks, working with new technologies (robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality), thinking skills and student agency.

Technology is integrated into all learning environments through wireless network access, interactive SMART Boards, desktop and laptop computers and iPads. Students in K–2 utilise iPads as part of their learning, whilst students in Years 3–4 enjoy access to dedicated laptops. A school-owned 1:1 Device program is operated in Years 5–6.

Mathematics (Numeracy)

Mathematics provides students with the knowledge and skills to problem solve, reason, make informed decisions and interpret data. Students work in groups and independently, use an inquiry process in mathematics classes, use hands-on equipment and digital technology. Individualised tasks are designed to ensure deep understanding of concepts, and daily practice and challenging learning ensures our students are strong mathematicians.

Students have the opportunity to develop increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, analytical thought and problem-solving skills.

Science

Through exploration, hands-on Science, Science Labs (in Years 5–6) and the CSIRO STEM professional-in-residence program, students are challenged to seek solutions to problems, develop methodology and look at the processes of science, whilst thinking and working scientifically. They learn about the biological, chemical, geological, physical and technological world.

History and Geography – Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

HSIE is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing.

History and Geography is implemented as a disciplined process of inquiry from Kindergarten and investigates the actions, motives and lifestyles of people over time, expanding to national and world history contexts through learning the six Units of Inquiry, using the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Framework.

Students learn about the physical, man-made and natural world. They develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the world.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

PDHPE is one of the six Key Learning Areas and is directly concerned with supporting the development of the student as a whole person. They develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to lead an active and healthy life. Junior School lessons are taught by specialised PDHPE teachers.

Creative Arts

The Creative Arts provide the students with opportunities to develop skills, creative expertise, learning mindset and critical capabilities for the future world of work.

Music lessons and programs are designed to develop a range of skills in playing, listening and music appreciation. Programs include Year Group choirs and instrumental ensembles.

Dance provides the opportunity to explore creativity through movement. Students are taught basic movement through various dance styles and experience compositional elements and performance techniques. Composing their own dance routines allows for creative expression.

Drama encourages students to be creative and imaginative in a supportive environment and to build confidence through exploring various acting techniques.

Visual Arts provides opportunities for students to be exposed to a range of design-and-make tasks, which focuses on creativity, technical skill development and critical investigation.

Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts are also offered as co-curricular activities.

Languages

Learning languages opens minds to difference where diversity is seen as a regular part of society. The study of languages and cultures is valued as a unique and integral part of the curriculum.

French is studied from K–4, with Years 5–6 selecting either French or Chinese (Mandarin). The Languages program is designed as an immersion into language and culture, through language vocabulary classes, embedding words into other curriculum areas, the celebration of French and Chinese festivals, language days and theatrical performances.