At The Knox Junior School we have a strong commitment to working with each child in a range of varied and interesting programs, designed to provide an excellent opportunity to learn and develop as an individual. Experienced and caring teachers, who have greater interaction with their students and parents, further support this in our small classes with no class larger than 24 students.
As part of the Junior School Program, our students are presented with a stimulating and challenging curriculum which includes the following:
Classroom -
Specialist -
Drama
LOTE – Languages Other Than English
ENGLISH
In English we have an integrated approach, encompassing the major components of speaking and listening, reading and writing. Developing competence and achieving outcomes in English is a process that depends on a child doing, experiencing and sharing. Classroom teaching embraces aspects of the Early Years' Literacy Program and the First Steps Program.
The first years of school should be happy and exciting, and create in each child a life-long love of learning and discovery. With this in mind, The Knox School introduces Pre-Prep to Year 1 children to a special place called Letterland, a magical land peopled by alphabet characters. Letterland sparks the imagination whilst a systematic and structured course of learning takes place. It contains the following major elements:
Emphasis on language: listening, speaking and communicating
Phonic skills
Whole word recognition skill
Sentence awareness and reading for meaning
Development of reading and spelling together
Early creative writing
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The use of computers is regarded as an integral component of the total curriculum. Hands-on computer access for all students results in a dynamic, interactive learning environment both in the classroom and in the Computer Laboratory. Skills taught are readily transferred across to the classroom curriculum and used to locate and present information.
LOTE – LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH
German - Prep to Year 4
Our students are introduced to another language and culture through play, stories and music, which leads them to a better understanding of our multicultural society. A highlight of the year is the annual Oktoberfest held in term four where students dress in German costumes or national colours and are involved a wide variety of activities.
Chinese - Year 3 & 4
MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, carefully sequenced activities provide varied, interesting and manageable hands on experiences which incorporate learning through:
Construction
Drawing
Describing
Estimating
Investigating
Manipulation of concrete materials
Measuring
Modelling
Problem solving
Symbolic representation
The program covers the core elements of Mathematics including:
Number (patterning, sorting, counting, recording, calculating)
Space (identifying, drawing, building and moving shapes)
Measurement (measuring, comparing and calculating using appropriate units of measurement)
Chance and data (collecting, representing, interpreting data and exploring the likelihood of events occurring and representing the outcome)
Reasoning and strategies (using mathematical tools and strategies to solve problems)
As a regular part of the program, there are opportunities for consolidation and enrichment.
PERFORMING ARTS
Dance
Involvement in movement games encourages our students to explore different dance steps. Exposure to basic techniques, skills and processes assists in the development of presenting and performing skills. Students in Years 3 and 4 are able to participate annually in JRock, a Story-Dance Presentation.
Music
Based on the Kodaly and Orff music teaching methods, students explore the concepts of singing, listening, reading, writing and performance through use of the voice, body, percussion and musical instruments. The program aims to develop music appreciation skills and encourages listening and discussing. The Choral Program provides an opportunity for students to participate and perform at formal functions. Students are first introduced to a class instrumental program in Year 3 with violin tuition. This is extended through to Middle School with the range of instruments available for study gradually increasing. Students may also elect to further their study with one of our experienced teachers and musicians.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Programs are planned at age-appropriate levels, providing a balance between play, cooperation, competition, individual and group involvement, relaxation and adventure. Children take part in regular and energetic physical activity, experimenting with movement and developing team and personal skills. House Sports in Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming provide a healthy introduction to competition.
Perceptual Motor Program (Pre-Prep to Prep)
Rotational activities, which are carefully designed to assist each child in acquiring efficient movement, promote improved sensory functioning and development of a positive self-image.
SCIENCE
Learning Science encourages students to develop curiosity and a spirit of enquiry through an investigative approach to aspects of Chemical Science, Physical Science and Earth and Space Science.
Humanities
In Humanities, children develop an understanding, awareness and appreciation of the Australian society and others in the wider world. They will study human progress by examining how people have organised themselves into societies over time and how they have interacted with their physical environments. As part of the learning process, the program will provide opportunities for students to
Work individually as well as a member of a group
Develop research skills, appropriate for the year level
Use an inquiry approach to study
TECHNOLOGY
Technology aims to assist children to develop a systematic and purposeful approach to the application of knowledge, skills, equipment, materials, energy and data to create useful products. They are encouraged to use the technological process of investigating, designing, producing and evaluating as they develop and apply knowledge and skills to solve problems. Technology based studies include:
the study of materials in which children classify, process, manipulate, transform and recycle materials into products
the study of systems in which the children develop their ability to operate, modify and construct systems and to identify the cause–and–effect relationships within systems
the study of information in which children use a wide range of equipment, techniques and procedures for processing and communicating information to meet specific needs
VISUAL ARTS
In the Visual Arts Program, students learn ways of experiencing, developing, representing and understanding ideas, emotions, values and cultural beliefs. They will take risks, be imaginative, share opinions and develop, practice and refine techniques. Self-expression is encouraged by using a variety of art skills and techniques.
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