The Junior School has a teaching and learning program based on a philosophy that recognises the needs and importance of childhood and recognises that each child is unique. In light of this, a play-based social constructivist program is highlighted throughout the curriculum and varies according to the age and development of the child.
Parents are acknowledged as partners in their children’s learning program and are urged to actively and supportively participate in the process. This can be achieved through roster help in the classroom and by attending events that complement the teaching and learning program throughout the year.
Literacy and Numeracy
Strong foundations in Literacy and Numeracy are central to the daily program in the Junior School. Careful and deliberate planning ensures that students do not ‘fall through the net’. Our Early Intervention program focuses on the cognitive, physical and emotional development of our students, aiming to identify potential areas of need and possible support therapy. Programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals and flexible programming allows our students to work in integrated age groups working across year levels and through withdrawal extension practices.
Building a ‘Thinking School’
Wesley College is committed to the challenge of becoming a' Thinking School'. Our program involves the whole school and introduces thinking tools such as de Bono’s Thinking Hats, Thinkers Keys and a variety of cognitive thinking processes and strategies that equip our students with the skills required to navigate through an information rich future.
Sport and Physical Education
Our program provides a broad range of activities to stimulate body and mind. Participation is paramount and all students are encouraged to include both planned and spontaneous physical activity in their everyday ventures. The focus in the Early Years of schooling at Wesley College is on regular participation in cooperative, rather than competitive, physical activity. Skills for physical activity are acquired developmentally with fundamental movement skills providing the foundation for more complex movement patterns and for more advanced activities. Mastery of movement skills in the later childhood years enables students to develop confidence and competence in specific skills for more complex movement activities. The Junior School provides opportunities for regular physical activity in the form of games, modified sports, dance, gymnastics, fitness, water safety, swimming and outdoor pursuits.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts play a very special part in the life of the Junior School. We come together regularly as a community to celebrate and exhibit student art works. Art is interwoven into many aspects the classroom programs and is taught explicitly as the students move through the College
Library and Information Technology
Our Junior Library is generously stocked with beautiful picture books, children’s novels, age appropriate reference materials and IT resources as well as large selection of games and music. With sweeping vistas of the Swan River parklands the Library is a favourite haunt for our students, staff and families.
Our students and staff use a variety of technology tools such as interactive whiteboards, laptop trolley stations and our whole campus wireless system to access the school network and the Internet at anytime and anywhere.
Performance Arts and Music
Music, movement, laughter and drama are used to create and express ideas and to explore the many learning opportunities made available through these programs. With a rich history of theatrical performance and musical opportunities the Junior School offers a vast range of performance arts to suit the individual interests of all children. More than 70% of our students study individual instruments through private lessons at the College. Music ensembles for string, wind and choral groups meet regularly for rehearsals and delight audiences with their performances.
Integrated Studies, Science and Projects
The nature of early childhood education and exploration does not naturally focus upon areas of study in isolation. Effective programs incorporate a blend of learning areas such as The Arts, Science, Technology and Enterprise and studies of Society and the Environment, we call these Projects and Integrated Studies. Our Year 3 and 4 students work in vertically integrated groups to design, research and investigate student directed projects which culminate in a reflection and celebration of the learning process at the end of each term.
Philosophy
Children from Pre Primary to Year Four participate in weekly Philosophy classes. Philosophy for Children is about the children doing Philosophy. As such, rather than have them learn about the history of Philosophy, the children spend time as a Community of Inquiry discussing ‘big’ questions. These questions arise from the children’s own wonder, and may be prompted by a story, an excursion, an unusual artwork or a particularly interesting ‘moment in time’. The children learn to ask open, philosophical questions, agree and disagree with each other, give reasons for their points of view and test their ideas all within a safe and supportive environment. The children also have opportunities to express their philosophical ideas through movement, art and drama as part of the Philosophy program.
Kindergarten
The teaching and learning program for Kindergarten is influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and based on the knowledge that 'play is a child's work.'. It acknowledges 'teachable moments' making the most of student interests and fascination. It focuses on:
Pre-primary
The Pre-primary program offers children an opportunity to develop skills at their own pace in an exciting and stimulating play based environment. The teaching and learning program, influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy occurs in a vibrant environment that promotes wonder, awe and the rights of all children. It is designed to offer challenges, develop questioning, listening and thinking skills and has an emphasis on emergent literacy and numeracy skills. Children are encouraged to respect and value themselves, each other and their environment.
Years One and Two
The teaching and learning program is designed to help children develop understanding of concepts that develop skills to form the foundation of future learning. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is accentuated for young students, using multi-sensory experiences through investigation, experimentation and discussion groups.
The overall program continues to recognise the needs and importance of childhood while continuing a developmental focus on literacy and numeracy skill development.
Years Three and Four
Teaching and learning in years 3 and 4 is achieved using a theme-based integrated curriculum that is collaborated by year level teachers and students. Programs cater for different learning styles and teaching expertise to ensure children have broad opportunities to develop a holistic education. The wider community is included in the program to provide real life learning experiences. Each year level has special features including: