Junior School

Age Appropriate Learning

Beaconhills embraces a four sub-school structure that recognises and endorses the understanding that students in the early years of their schooling are a distinct group. Preparatory to Year 4 students have very specific and legitimate needs which should be addressed if they, as young people, are to function effectively, successfully and positively in our global based knowledge society.

Beaconhills Junior School provides opportunities for students to be nurtured in their formative years of schooling to enable students to become the best that they can be.

In the Junior School, our aim is to develop a love of learning and to engender excitement and anticipation in every aspect of school life. At Beaconhills, learning takes place in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. The Junior School has a caring and supportive atmosphere, the curriculum is age appropriate and the individual needs of students are recognised and developed. Students are nurtured throughout each stage of their educational journey and receive the personalised care and attention necessary to develop their self-esteem and confidence. Frequent and ongoing evaluation of student progress is monitored by the class teacher to ensure continuous individual development. Beaconhills’ students are challenged to expand their horizons and to develop the mind, the body and spirit.

At Beaconhills, the curriculum focus is on laying firm foundations in English, Mathematics and fundamental skills, while developing a positive attitude and healthy social relationships. Students are expected to take increasing responsibility for their own wellbeing and learning and to develop good citizenship skills based on Christian values.

The class teacher integrates Science, Humanities, Values Education, Health, Computer Studies and Technology within topic based units of study.

Our comprehensive specialist programmes include Physical Education, French, Japanese, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Religion and Values Education, which are all delivered by specialist teaching staff. Students in Preparatory and Year 1 participate in the Perceptual Motor Programme.

All students in Preparatory to Year 4 are involved in the swimming programme. In addition to their Performing Arts lessons each week, all Year 2 students actively participate in a Strings Programme, which is taught in small groups.

Personal Best

Each student is challenged to achieve their personal best in all that they undertake. Students are encouraged to widen their options, explore possibilities and to use their special skills. Opportunities are presented to students to develop and mature into contributing members of society.

Community

Pastoral care underpins all relationships. Although the classroom teacher assumes the significant role of welfare, students also belong to one of the four Houses, which dovetails into the Middle School House system. Membership of a House group gives a sense of belonging and identity.

A strong sense of community service is exemplified through a wide range of activities both at school and within the local community. Beaconhills College supports the education of children in East Timor and Bangladesh. The College has an active Giving and Service focus. Students attend Chapel Services which are complemented with Religion and Values Education (RAVE) taught in the classroom.

Beaconhills’ Camps Programme involves all Junior School students. Excursions and incursions occur throughout the year to support the curriculum programme. The off-campus camps programme commences in Year 3 with a three-day camp.

At Beaconhills College, there are many opportunities for students to develop their talents and skills through the co-curricular activities offered.

An active partnership between parents and school is encouraged to ensure the very best outcome for all students.