The Junior School programs aim to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

International Baccalaureate PYP

We are proud to be seeking authorisation in 2020 as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School delivering the Primary Years Program (PYP). The IB curriculum framework ensures students are participating in a rigorous, challenging, inspiring and engaging programme. The Junior School programs focus on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Students are supported in developing 21st century skills, using a constructivist approach where students build on prior knowledge. The aim of all of our programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The IB allows us to offer a much more holistic and collaborative learning culture, reward individual research, community participation, creativity and global citizenship. It equips students with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of higher education and future vocations.

Inquiry

Inquiry is the leading pedagogical approach in the Junior School, allowing students to be actively involved in their own learning and to take responsibility for that learning. Inquiry is the process that moves the student to a new and deeper level of understanding. It involves the synthesis, analysis and manipulation of knowledge, whether through play or through more formally structured learning.

Inquiry can take many forms including

• Exploring, wondering and questioning
• Making connections between previous learning and current learning
• Collecting data and reporting findings
• Deepening understanding through the application of a concept
• Making and testing theories
• Researching and seeking information
• Taking and defending a position
• Solving problems in a variety of ways

Central to the philosophy of curriculum development is the principle that purposeful, structured inquiry is a powerful vehicle for learning that promotes meaning and understanding, and challenges students to engage with significant ideas. Therefore, in the Junior School, there is a commitment to a concept-driven curriculum as a means of supporting that inquiry.

The programs provide a framework for the curriculum that includes eight key concepts

Form	What is it like?	Connection	How is it  connected to other things?
Function	How does it work?	Perspective	What are the points of view?
Causation	Why is it like it is?	Responsibility	What is our responsibility?
Change	How is it changing?	Reflection	How do we know?

Expressed as open-ended questions, the eight key concepts provide the initial momentum and the underlying structure for the exploration of the content of the whole program.

Digital Learning

Teaching digital literacy skills and exposing students to various digital learning tools aims to inspire creativity, enhance skills as writers, and encourage personal expression and innovation.

Our selection of devices at each year level is purposeful and designed to scaffold the students abilities and give them opportunity to explore a range of devices, software and programs. Because digital technology is constantly evolving, the focus is not on teaching the tools themselves, but on teaching our students to critically assess the tools. Students are then better able to choose the appropriate tool (digital or not) to extend and transform their learning and share what they have learned more creatively.

Our F-2 students engage with shared iPads during class time and during Performing Arts. They use the different features of the iPad to explore a range of innovations – from taking photos of their work to exploring recording.

Our Years 3-4 students have an allocated laptop which is networked and stored at school. They explore concepts of cyber safety as well as the Office 365 suite of programs to enhance their classroom program.

The Year 5-6 students have a 1 to 1 lease to buy program where they are expected to maintain their laptop independently, including charging and bringing to and from school. This is also part of our Secondary Program. Self-Management skills as well as further exploration of the Office 365 suite for digital learning and applications continue to be developed. These devices are also used in the Specialist classrooms where applicable.

Themes of academic honesty and the appropriate use of technology are investigated throughout our units of inquiry to develop students’ social and moral responsibilities online. Digital citizenship is taught through the broader curriculum. We believe it is important to teach children to be aware of their digital footprint, and that computers and technology are tools for creation rather than just for consumption.

We have state of the art Information Technology resources including; computers located in a dedicated computer lab, notebook computer access for Years 3-6 and access to iPads for F-2 and for Visual and Performing Arts. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard.

Specialist Program

LIBRARY

All students access the library weekly in order to borrow and return books for reading both at home and at school. Borrowing limits for F-2 are … and 3-6 are … As a K-12 College, there is a wide selection of texts for students to access and our highly experienced librarian is able to assist students and teachers with text selection.

VISUAL ARTS

The Art Room is extremely well equipped and the Art Teacher takes a weekly lesson with each grade, focusing on the development of the Visual Arts Curriculum from Years F-4. The Art teachers endeavour to connect where possible to the different inquiry units within year levels.

PERFORMING ARTS

Foundation to Year 2 students participate in weekly performing arts specialist lessons. The children are guided through musical experiences and gain confidence in expressing themselves through singing, movement, drama and playing instruments. They have many opportunities for performance throughout the school year.

STEM / STEAM

Students in years 3-6 participate in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths specialist sessions with our STEAM teacher who is passionate about the design and engineering process. Our Year 5/6 students participate in 2 lots of STEAM sessions that also incorporate Visual Arts in a more inquiry and trasnsdisciplinary approach.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All of our students participate in a continuous program of physical development. Our Physical Education specialist teacher and sports coordinator conducts these lessons weekly. The children will need suitable footwear for these lessons (runners, sneakers, joggers), particularly when using our full-sized gymnasium as floor protection. As a K-12 College, our whole school participates in Athletics and Swimming carnivals offsite. Students are able to participate in a variety of age-appropriate events and activities throughout the day, while spending time in their ‘House’ groups, developing friendship and team work with students throughout the year levels. In Term 4, Swimming lessons will be held at Knox Leisure works. There will be a series of ten lessons over two weeks taken by qualified teachers during the school day.

LANGUAGES

At Boronia K-12, our Languages program incorporates Spanish. Through the acquisition of an additional language such as Spanish, these lessons expose students to meaningful language experiences and encourages them to participate through play and exploration. Spanish learning in K to Year 6 builds on the foundation of the earlier years as students begin to discover and apply language conventions; learners benefit from explicit focus on form (mechanics and grammar) linked to meaningful experiences. In all grades, Spanish is intentionally linked to units of inquiry and students are given numerous opportunities to practise and use the language in meaningful ways. This language is carried through as an elective in our Secondary programs.

For more information on our approach and philosophy, contact the college for an appointment with a member of our leadership team.