Lakes Grammar junior school prospectus

PURPOSE VALUES

To educate and enable young people to flourish and achieve their aspirations in life.

Faith Courage Wisdom

Compassion Justice Integrity

WELCOME

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Lakes Grammar junior school. Our junior school is a vibrant hub of learning and excitement. It’s a time of wonder and exploration, discovering new things and developing friendships.

The junior school (K-4) focuses on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy in order to give our students the opportunity to thrive and flourish academically and personally.

We nurture the whole child at Lakes and I encourage you to join us for an exciting learning journey.

Welcome to Lakes Grammar junior school and thankyou for taking the time to investigate all that we have to offer your child in their K-4 learning journey. We proudly follow an explicit teaching model which ensures your child will have the best opportunity to learn the foundational skills, strategies and habits required to be successful learners. Our junior school has a range of staff members who will be involved in your child’s education including the classroom teacher, coordinators who oversee the different stages, a team of learning support staff as well as specialist teachers for a variety of subjects. Throughout their time in the junior school, students will have access to a wide range of curriculum, cultural, sporting and wellbeing opportunities. We encourage our youngest learners to explore the opportunities available to find their strengths and passions. We understand that sending your 5 year old off to kindergarten, or moving your child to a new school is an important time for your family and we encourage you to visit us, ask questions and ascertain what we can offer you and your family as part of the Lakes Grammar junior school community.

Mrs Deborah Clancy Principal

Mrs Kylie McPherson Head of Junior School

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL: DEVELOPING GLOBAL CITIZENS

The K-4 Inspire program is a comprehensive and inclusive educational program that focuses on the holistic development of our young students. The program is designed to help students explore and discover their place in the world, beginning with their local community, expanding to their national identity and their role as global citizens.

A key goal of the K-4 Inspire program is to foster student self-development. Through a variety of learning activities and experiences, students are encouraged to explore their own interests, strengths, and values, and to develop their self-confidence, self-awareness, independence, and resilience.

The K-4 Inspire program also helps students understand their place in their local community. This includes learning about the people, places, and traditions that make their community unique, in addition to understanding the importance of their involvement and active citizenship.

As students progress through the Inspire program, they are introduced to the concept of national identity. This includes learning about the history, culture, and values that shape our country.

The K-4 Inspire program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation for personal growth, active citizenship, and global engagement, setting them on a path towards becoming responsible and informed members of society.

DISCOVER PROGRAM

Years K-2

The Lakes Grammar K-2 Discover program is designed to provide a nurturing and engaging environment where students can develop foundational skills in numeracy and literacy while also discovering and exploring new ideas. Our program is focused on building a strong foundation for learning, while also promoting social and emotional development.

Learning should be a joyful and meaningful experience. We strive to create an environment where students experience the wonder and joy of learning and feel valued, supported and, are encouraged to take risks and try new things. Our K-2 program is designed to foster curiosity and a love of learning, while also providing solid building blocks for future academic success.

Through a combination of hands-on activities, play-based learning and explicit instruction, our students develop a range of skills and knowledge across a variety of subject areas. The English program has a focus on phonic awareness, reading fluency, developing students’ vocabulary, oral communication skills, reading comprehension and writing skills. In mathematics, students develop a solid understanding of number concepts, with a focus on developing their skills to work mathematically to solve problems.

Students begin to learn about the world in which they live through the study of science and technology, geography, history, creative arts, health and movement science, Chinese and Christian religious education. Students are taught by specialists for Chinese and health and movement science.

The K-2 Discover program is focused on building friendships and community and a love of learning. We believe that social and emotional development is just as important as academic achievement, and we work to create a safe and supportive environment where students can develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

The Lakes Grammar K-2 Discover program is a place of joy, awe, and wonder, where students can develop the foundational skills they need to succeed throughout their school years and beyond to become life-long learners.

Subjects taught:

• English

• Mathematics

• Global Citizenship (History, Geography, Christian Religious Education)

• Modern Language: Chinese

• Science and Technology

• Creative Arts

• Health and Movement Science

EXPLORE PROGRAM

Years 3 and 4

The Years 3-4 Explore program has a strong focus on developing the students’ sense of self and fostering important personal qualities such as mindfulness, empathy and gratitude. Through a range of activities and experiences, students become more self-aware and learn how to effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings to others.

In the English program, students continue to develop their reading fluency and comprehension skills, with a particular focus on understanding and creating texts. This involves exploring a range of different genres and styles of writing, as well as developing their own writing skills through regular writing tasks.

In mathematics, students build on their existing knowledge and skills in areas such as number and algebra, measurement and space, statistics and probability. There is a strong focus on developing their working mathematically skills, which involves communicating reasoning, understanding and fluency and problem-solving.

As part of the program’s focus on global citizenship, students have the opportunity to continue to learn creative arts, Chinese, as well as studying history, geography and Christian religious education. Chinese is taught by a specialised language teacher. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies around the world, in addition to gaining important skills and knowledge that will be useful throughout their lives and further develop their understanding of themselves as global citizens.

Students participate in a weekly health and movement class which is led by a specialised primary teacher. This program provides opportunities for students to develop their physical skills and coordination through a range of fun and engaging activities. These activities may include sports, games, dance, and gymnastics, and are designed to help students build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and enhance their overall physical fitness.

Science and technology is an integral part of the program. Students engage in handson, inquiry-based learning experiences that will help them develop their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Collaboration and teamwork is encouraged and students explore their own interests and passions within a positive and supportive learning environment.

Subjects taught:

• English

• Mathematics

• Global Citizenship (History, Geography, Christian Religious Education)

• Modern Language: Chinese

• Science and Technology

• Creative Arts

• Health and Movement Science

ACADEMIC CARE

Seen, heard and cared for

The K-4 academic care program is designed to promote the overall wellbeing of students. The program is based on the understanding that a child’s wellbeing encompasses not only their physical health but also their social, emotional and mental health.

The academic care program includes a range of activities and experiences that help students to flourish through developing positive relationships with themselves and others. This helps them to understand and develop their sense of self, manage their emotions and to develop resilience and self-esteem.

The program also focuses on developing healthy habits and lifestyles, including physical activity, healthy eating, and good sleep habits within a positive education framework.

In addition, the program promotes positive behaviours and communication, emphasising the importance of respect, empathy and kindness. Students learn to recognise and appreciate the diversity in their classroom and community and to build relationships with others based on mutual respect and understanding.

Overall, the K-4 academic care program is designed to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to flourish both in school and in their personal lives.

ACADEMIC DIVERSITY

Lakes Grammar takes great pride in being part of the Darkinjung local (AECG) community and honouring the rich cultural heritage of our Indigenous students. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where all students feel valued and supported, regardless of their background or culture. Our school community is one that celebrates individuality and diversity, and we believe that by acknowledging and respecting different cultures and traditions, we create an environment of mutual understanding and respect. We have a great passion for all of our students and we place great importance on creating an environment where every student can flourish and achieve their full potential.

Our K-4 academic diversity program is designed to foster an inclusive environment that supports students’ literacy and numeracy needs while also nurturing their strengths. It is also designed to support students who are identified as gifted and talented learners.

The academic diversity program:

• Identifies students’ diverse needs: Uses assessments and observations to identify students’ diverse academic needs. This information can be used to create small groups of students with similar needs, such as those who need support in literacy or numeracy.

• Provides targeted instruction: Uses differentiated instruction to meet the specific needs of each small group. This targeted instruction helps students improve their literacy and numeracy skills, while also nurturing their strengths.

• Fosters a positive learning environment: Creates a positive and inclusive learning environment that values diversity and promotes acceptance.

• Uses evidence-based practices: Uses evidence-based practices and interventions to support students’ academic growth. This may include using research-based literacy programs, mathematics interventions and selected support programs.

• Provides individualised support: Provides individualised support for students who need additional assistance. This may include provision of one-on-one tutoring or support from a learning specialist.

• Monitors progress: The learning specialists monitor students’ progress and adjust instruction as needed. They regularly assess students’ skills and knowledge and use the results to adjust instruction and support.

• Engages families: Learning specialists work with families of students identified as needing additional support. They provide regular updates on their child’s progress, and involve them in discussions about how to support their child’s learning.

Our K-4 academic diversity program fosters an inclusive environment, provides small group instruction where needed, and offers individualised support to help students to thrive academically and socially. Through identifying students’ diverse needs, providing targeted instruction, and monitoring progress, students work towards reaching their full potential.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Cognito

The K-4 beyond the classroom Junior Cognito (cocurricular program) and sports programs provide a multitude of benefits for students, both in terms of their physical and cognitive development.

Beyond the classroom cocurricular programs such as music, drama, art, and community service have a significant impact on a student’s development. The Junior Cognito programs offer opportunities for students to explore their passions, develop new interests, and discover their strengths. They help students develop their creativity, critical thinking and problemsolving skills, in addition to fostering social and emotional growth through collaboration and communication with peers.

K-4 beyond the classroom cocurricular programs and sports programs promote holistic development in students, enhancing their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. This program provides opportunities for students to develop skills, discover their passions, and build relationships and prepare them for success in all aspects of their lives.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

In Years K-4, students are strongly encouraged to participate in the athletics and cross country carnivals. Students in Years 2-4 also have an opportunity to compete in the swimming carnival. Years 2-4 students who are successful at these carnivals may be invited to attend the Hunter Regional Independent Schools (HRIS) carnivals and success at these carnivals can lead to selection for participation at the Australian Independent Coeducational Schools (AICES) and/or Combined Independent Schools (CIS) carnivals. At Lakes Grammar we have a broad range of representative sports in which students can be involved: (age dependent)

• Athletics

• Basketball

• Cricket

• Cross Country

• Equestrian

• Futsal

• Football (Soccer)

• Golf

• Hockey

• Netball

• OZtag

• Rugby

• Softball

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Tennis

• Touch Football

• Volleyball

MUSIC PROGRAM

The music program for Years K-4 offers a range of opportunities for students to get involved in music education and performance. In addition to peripatetic lessons and choir, students have the option to join a junior string ensemble. In the ensemble students learn to play together as a group and may perform at school concerts or other special events.

These activities provide students with an opportunity to develop their musical skills and work collaboratively with their peers. They also offer a chance for students to showcase their talents and build confidence in their abilities and in public performances.

CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Each week students in K-4 can receive an award for their efforts and achievements both inside and outside the classroom. These awards are presented at the K-4 weekly assembly.

Each term, the junior school term assembly recognises selected students from each class in the following areas:

• Academic Acknowledgement

• Academic Pride

• Academic Connections

• Newcastle Anglican Values award

• Sport

Students in the Discover program are eligible to earn a bronze badge for their 1 year involvement and commitment in the following areas:

• Academic Achievement

• Academic Connections

• Academic Pride

• Newcastle Anglican Values

• Leadership

• Service

• Cognito

• S.T.E.M

• Creative and Performing Arts

STRONG SCHOOL/PARENT PARTNERSHIP – SCHOOLBOX

In the Discover program our learning management system is used to update parents about class news and celebrate the learning which occurs in our classrooms. It is a place where:

• Teachers set goals through badges and celebrate when these goals are converted to achievements for the students.

• Parents can view their child’s timetable, school calendar and keep up with school news and events

In the Explore program our learning management system is a place where parents can:

• View their child’s timetable

• View the school calendar

• Keep up with school news and events

• View their child’s assessment results

• Track their child’s progress and achievement against their peers in all subjects

• View their child’s goals and achievements

JUNIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

The Junior School Certificate celebrates our students’ achievements of personal goals, efforts, Cognito and sport participation and overall attendance. Through Schoolbox students are encouraged to nominate a goal in the areas below, and to work towards achieving the goal. Points are awarded to the goals achieved.

• Academic Achievement

• Academic Connections

• Academic Pride

• Newcastle Anglican Values

• Leadership

• Service

• Cognito

• S.T.E.M

• Creative and Performing Arts

• Sport