Years 5 & 6
Passions and interests are explored through real-world learning opportunities inside and outside the College community.
Beyond the Junior School
In the later years of Junior School, learning becomes a platform for deeper curiosity, compassion and connection. Students are invited to engage with big ideas about humanity, the environment and their place in a changing world, while continuing to build their capacity to think critically, collaborate meaningfully and communicate with empathy.
With growing independence, learners are given greater agency and responsibility. They’re encouraged to ask bold questions, seek out answers, and share their discoveries in ways that matter. As they move through the Junior School, students not only develop the tools to drive their own learning, but also the insight to reflect on their capabilities as learners and as people.
A Wider World
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals form a great launching pad with which to engage students in issues about which they are passionate. Tapping into expertise from the College and wider communities, students develop a deep understanding of the issues before then creating their own line of inquiry that will ultimately have an authentic positive impact for change.
Filling the Toolkit
We believe every student is a leader when they are proactive in their intention and behaviour. An understanding of the 7 Habits provides a common language across the College. Students draw on the 7 Habits to create their own goals, ‘find their own why’ and, in particular, to contribute to their Class Charter. This provides clarity for all and encourages personal responsibility to be a leader of self and to model leadership qualities for others.
Frameworks for Creation
Students with a keen sense of purpose and an entrepreneurial mindset design and carry out a financial project that starts with a $2 coin. As part of their personal project, students generate income that is then donated to their choice of service partner – making a positive in their world!
The Design Thinking Process, the Inquiry Framework and the Thinking Routines are effective tools to support innovative projects, and the students’ entrepreneurial mindset allows for innovative and creative projects.
Looking Beyond
Students commit to making a positive difference in the world by thinking critically about, and empathising with, the wider community and then being empowered to take action. This might be with student focus groups, College campus projects, contributing to the College Reconciliation Plan or taking prospective families on College Tours. While embracing leadership in Junior School, students begin to look beyond and make further connections with Senior School students and staff.