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Junior School

The Junior School is a vibrant and active part of Kambala for girls from Preparation to Year 6. Here the focus shifts to fostering a deeper sense of community and togetherness.

Developing and enhancing learning skills is of prime importance for the academic endeavours of our Junior School girls.

Overview

For girls in Preparation to Year 6, the Junior School provides a vibrant and active environment where coming to school is an adventure. During these important foundational years of schooling, we focus on developing learning skills to enhance personal and academic excellence.

We offer a rich and varied curriculum that makes learning fun and ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate in activities that stimulate and interest them. Our students are encouraged to pursue excellence in all that they do – whether it be through academic, sporting or creative endeavour.

There are two classes at each year level from Preparation to Year 4. In Years 5 and 6 there are three classes in each grade. Classrooms are complemented by shaded outdoor play areas, a sensory garden and outdoor amphitheatre to promote play-based learning experiences.

By the end of a girl’s time in the Junior School phase of her education at Kambala, she will not only have obtained an excellent academic foundation, she will also have been exposed to a variety of social and cultural experiences which serve to develop her independence and confidence.

Learning

The development of literacy and numeracy skills is vitally important for primary-aged children. At Kambala, our students consistently perform well above state and national averages in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

Students in Preparation to Year 6 study a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that is based on the following key learning areas:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Technology
  • Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) (includes French language and Religious Education)
  • Creative Arts (includes Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance)
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
  • Languages

These key learning areas are determined by the NSW Board of Studies. Learning is further enriched with specialist teachers delivering lessons in Art, Dance, Drama, French, Learning Support, Library and Information Skills, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education.

Private tuition is also available in Speech and Drama, Instrumental Music and select sports.

Social and emotional learning activities are a key focus for students in Preparation to Year 2, creating a safe and supportive learning environment and promoting a sense of belonging among students.

A Kambala education

Allows students to make decisions and choices regarding their learning
Encourages collaboration and shared thinking
Promotes learning in the six Key Learning Areas
Provides integrated experiences which cultivate curiosity
Provides opportunities to document, assess and reflect on student learning
Fosters independence and responsibility

LANGUAGE

All Junior School students learn French as a second language.

Music

All Junior School students participate in the Classroom Music Program for one lesson per week that integrates singing, aural training, music theory, improvising, composing, playing and moving. Students also learn an instrument under group classroom tuition in the Junior School Instrumental Music Program, offered once a week.

LEARNING SUPPORT AND EXTENSION

Gifted and talented students are given more complex and challenging learning experiences. Differentiated and individualised programs and groupings cater for students of all abilities. Mathematics is streamed in most year levels and there is the opportunity for acceleration if required. An extra class is also provided at each year level for Mathematics. The Junior School Learning Enrichment Teacher assists both remedial learners and gifted students where needs arise.

Co-Curricular

MUSIC

Kambala’s Junior Music Department offers many ensembles and performance opportunities, supported by a thriving private tuition program.

The fun and intensive nature of the classroom and instrumental programs have led to a busy Junior Music Ensemble Program. Rehearsing weekly in the excellent facilities of the Music Centre are the:

  • Junior Choir
  • Junior Chamber Choir
  • Tivoli Wind Ensemble
  • Kambala Concert Band
  • Intermediate Stage Band
  • Junior Strings, and
  • Dulcie Holland Orchestra.

The Music Department is ably assisted by an energetic Music Support Group, which runs fundraising activities and provides help at major concerts.

SPORT

Junior School students participate in a wide range of sporting activities. All students in Years 3 to 6 take part in the Inter-House Swimming and Athletics carnivals held each year. Many are selected to represent the School at the IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads’ Association) Carnival.

IPSHA also provides competitions in Gymnastics and Cross Country. From these carnivals, Kambala students are regularly selected for CIS (Combined Independent Schools) and State carnivals. Junior School girls in Years 3 to 6 may elect to play Saturday morning Interschool Sport, including:

  • Softball
  • Hockey
  • Minkey Hockey
  • Netball, and
  • Tennis

Kambala’s Junior School Ski and Equestrian teams are also very competitive.

CAMPS AND EXCURSIONS

Junior School students have many opportunities to explore their immediate environment and beyond from the moment they commence in Prep. From Year 3 onwards, students attend camps in a range of interesting locations:

Year 3 visit Rathane or Telford in the Sutherland National Park. They are away for one night and the highlight is usually the 80m waterslide.

Year 4 visit Milson Island on the Hawkesbury River for two nights and enjoy canoeing along one of Sydney’s most beautiful waterways.

Year 5 spend three nights in the splendid bush setting of Blue Gum Lodge, Springwood, taking part in activities such as abseiling, bicycle riding and archery.

Our Year 6 students enjoy a week of ‘challenge by choice’ activities at Camp Somerset on the Hawkesbury River, near Windsor. Many of them develop a passion for high ropes and flying foxes!

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Events

Through department events, classroom visits and special celebrations for grandparents, mothers and fathers, families are warmly welcomed and embraced by our community.

Special occasions such as Grandparents’ Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are celebrated each year in the Junior School by hosting family events.

An art exhibition is held each year to display a selection of the many amazing artworks created by the students from Preparation to Year 2.

Three sports days are held each year, one for our youngest girls in the Preparation classes, one for students in Transition to Year 2 and another for students in Years 3 to 6. These events are great opportunities for the students to showcase their sporting skills and teamwork.
At Easter and Christmas, Preparation to Year 2 students and their families attend services at St Michael’s Church at Vaucluse. Through prayer and song, students celebrate these important occasions.
To help develop a sense of generosity and compassion in our Junior students, a variety of charities are supported through our fundraising efforts. Mufti days and special fundraising days are held throughout the year.
In August each year students in Preparation to Year 2 celebrate Book Week by hosting a number of activities. Students may donate books to the Library and dress up as a favourite book character. An author/illustrator is invited to talk to the students about his/her books.
In Years 3 to 6 each class presents one assembly per term in the Multi-Purpose Room. Parents attend and enjoy varied presentations. The students in the class run the Assembly and are keen to display their public speaking skills.
Once a year the Junior School holds an Open Day, inviting parents to join their daughters at School. This day is open to the whole community and provides the opportunity to see the girls participating in a wide variety of activities. The Music Department organise a showcase of music talent in the afternoon and a special assembly is held for students in Prep to Year 2 and their guests.
Each year, Years 4 and 6 produce their own ‘mini-production’. These are ‘mini’ only in name and are always colourful and impressive evening performances. Each script is carefully written so that every student has her moment in the spotlight. Drama, dance and song are all important components of the performance.

The Annual Inter-house Festival of Music involves students from Years 3 to 6, who sing as a combined choir on the Concert Hall Stage in the first half of this wonderful night of music.

The day is devoted to enjoying French cooking, music, art, history and geography. It is a fun day where many parents become actively involved in various activities with their daughter.

Extra Curricular

ART

Students with a particular interest in art can take after-school art classes. Students explore a range of art forms using different media and are encouraged to take risks to develop their unique artistic style.

CHESS

Chess classes are taught by an International Chess Master and Australia’s top female chess player, Mrs Irina Berezina-Feldman. Chess is an excellent way to improve decision-making skills and practice concentration, tactics and strategy. Kambala competes at the Junior Chess League of NSW Schools’ and IPSHA Chess competitions.

DANCE

Preparation to Year 2: After-school ballet and jazz classes are offered. Students are taught from the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus and can take Ballet examinations.

Years 3 to 6: Modern dance classes are offered, including jazz ballet, funk, modern expressive and contemporary dance.

DEBATING

Year 6 only. Students participate in a number of Debating competitions throughout the year:

  • Independent Schools Debating Association
  • IPSHA Debating Competition
  • House Debating.

GYMNASTICS

Preparation to Year 2: Students can participate in a Recreation Program that incorporates artistic and rhythmic gymnastic skills. Students develop confidence, strength, coordination and flexibility as they progress through a skills development program. A squad program is available to those students who have progressed beyond the developmental stages.

MANDARIN

Preparation to Year 2: Students can learn conversational Mandarin, largely at a beginner level. Small groups are arranged according to ability.

MUSIC

Many Junior School students participate in Kambala’s Private Music Tuition Program. The following instruments are offered:

  • Woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone)
  • Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, euphonium)
  • Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar).

SWIMMING

Tivoli Swim School provides Learn to Swim classes and squads for all levels of swimmers from beginner to advanced. Classes are offered year-round and are available for babies, school-aged children and adults.

TENNIS

Students can learn Tennis individually or as part of a small group. Classes are held before and after school.
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BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

OSHClub Kambala runs a Before and After School Care program at the School.

Before School Care: starts from 7.10am
After-school Care: operates until 6.00pm

The program runs during term time only. Attendance is available on a permanent or casual basis.

Vacation Care

Operating hours from 7.00am to 6.00pm

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Hampshire house

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Boarding at Kambala

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