JUNIOR SCHOOL
The Junior School at Kambala cultivates a warm and interconnected environment, igniting a love for lifelong learning among girls through the implementation of critical and creative thinking strategies.
Junior School builds on early learning foundations, while developing a deeper sense of kindness and community for girls in Preparation to Year 6. 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 girl can 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.
By the end of a girl’s time in the Junior School, she will have obtained an excellent academic foundation, and have been exposed to a variety of social and cultural experiences which will serve to develop her independence and confidence and ready her for her transition to Senior School.
AN ENGAGING CURRICULUM
Our approach to teaching and learning is influenced by the research and thought leadership emerging from Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education. We pay attention to the type of learning that is most relevant to the lives our students will live in the future, with the aim to develop them as capable, critical and creative thinkers.
Project Zero thinking routines enable us to develop a culture of thinking so girls are prepared with strategies for an uncharted future. Learnings from The OECD Future of Education Report guide us in developing within students the skills necessary to navigate the future, whatever it may bring.
Through transformational learning, we empower our students to cultivate attitudes and values as much as acquire knowledge and skills that together will guide them toward ethical and responsible actions.
With a focus on preparing them for the future, we instil a sense of purpose, curiosity and openness to new ideas. By integrating critical and creative thinking, we encourage students to explore various problem-solving approaches and collaborate with peers to negotiate, take risks and communicate effectively.
Our approach emphasises the development of metacognitive skills, whereby students consider their ‘thinking moves’ in asking questions, making connections, exploring complexity and reasoning with evidence to deepen their understanding.
We deliver a diverse and comprehensive curriculum based on six Key Learning Areas, using experienced and specialist teachers, some of whom are practising professionals in their fields.
Our experienced classroom teachers, specialist staff and Learning Enrichment teachers provide differentiated programs, which cater for students of varying abilities. These are enriched by specialist lessons in Science, Art, French, Music, Library, Instrumental Music (from Year 2) Drama (from Year 3) and Mandarin (from Year 5).
All Junior School teachers at Kambala are committed to differentiated practice and hold qualifications linked to the Certificate of Gifted Education from the University of NSW. Generous human resourcing is also provided for students, with teaching assistants supporting teachers in the delivery of differentiated explicit instruction in areas of Reading, Writing and Numeracy.
For every Mathematics lesson in Year 3 to Year 6, an additional Mathematics Specialist teacher works with our extension learners to ensure smaller groupings and targeted instruction. We also have a generous staffing ratio in spelling.
Junior School classroom teachers focus on the key areas of English, Mathematics, History/Geography and Personal Development. All other subjects are conducted by specialist teachers who typically hold specialist qualifications in a particular subject/discipline such as Science or Art in addition to holding educational qualifications.
Junior School guides girls to:
- make decisions and choices about their learning
- collaborate and share thinking
- develop learning in English, Mathematics, History, Geography and Personal Development
- develop learnings in specialist areas of Science, Art, Library, French, Music, Instrumental Music (from Year 2), Drama (from Year 3) and Mandarin (from Year 5).
INSPIRING ACTIVITIES
At Kambala, educating the entire girl extends well beyond the classroom walls. Our comprehensive academic programme is enhanced by a diverse array of co-curricular and extra curricular activities. Here, girls can explore the vibrant realms of sport, music, performing arts and a whole host of clubs within a safe and nurturing environment.
Co-Curricular:
Sport
Kambala boasts a rich sporting heritage, actively encouraging girls to engage in sports for the betterment of their overall fitness and wellness. Our purpose-built facilities include an indoor heated pool, playing field, multi-purpose hard courts, and a gymnasium, offering an extensive range of sporting options such as Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Learn to Sail, Netball, Snowsports, Swimming, Tennis, Touch, Triathlon and Water Polo.
We prioritise excellence in sports by employing specialists, including Olympic and State-level coaches, to collaborate with our staff in training girls across all sporting disciplines.
As proud members of IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia), Kambala actively participates in carnivals for Athletics, Cross Country, Football, Gymnastics, Swimming, and Tildesley Shield Tennis. Our commitment to sports development is evident through our representation in NSWCIS, NSW All Schools and Australian teams, highlighting our dedication to developing talent and promoting sportsmanship at every level.
Music
Music holds a central role in the life of every girl at Kambala. Our dynamic and forward-thinking Music Department provides an array of ensembles, diverse performance opportunities, and a thriving private tuition program.
Commencing from Year 3, each student embarks on learning an orchestral instrument of their choice, facilitated by Kambala in small group settings during class time. This instrumental program continues until the culmination of Year 6.
Our Music Ensemble Program comprises 33 ensembles, encompassing choirs, concert bands, jazz bands, string orchestras, a symphonic orchestra, percussion ensembles, and rock bands. These ensembles participate in numerous large-scale co-curricular concerts throughout the year, showcasing the breadth of musical talent starting from Year 3.
From Year 5 students at Kambala are involved in the Festival of Music with the Senior School which immerses our girls in a dynamic experience that cultivates curiosity, courage, and leadership. The opportunity to join together in music and song in Australia’s premier concert hall, the Sydney Opera House, is a privilege and a joy.
Our approach encourages girls to strive for personal excellence in a joyful and often autonomous musical environment. Music at Kambala offers students the perfect balance of rigour and enjoyment.
Speech and Debating
Speech and Debating are an integral part of life at Kambala; indeed, Kambala is one of Sydney’s leading schools in this area – a direct result of the emphasis we place on academic excellence and the development of articulate, confident speakers.
Our programs are tailored to nurture critical thinking skills while fostering confidence and clarity in communication and encompass a range of activities including weekly training sessions, holiday workshops, and participation in various competitions.
Events may include the Archdale Debating Competition, the Independent Schools’ Debating Association Competition, IPSHA Round Robin, Gala Day Competitions, Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition, Plain English-Speaking Award, UN Voice of Youth, Lion’s Youth of the Year, Australian Individual Public Speaking and Debating Championships, Joyce Gibbons Public Speaking Competition and various social debates with other independent schools.
Future Problem Solving (FPS)
FPS (Future Problem Solving) is a renowned international program crafted to challenge exceptional students, encouraging the development and application of critical and creative thinking skills. The program is centred on addressing the pressing issues that the world is anticipated to confront in the future.
Extra Curricular:
Art Club
Ballet
Chess Club
Coding
The newest activity in Extra Curricular, girls love the fun and interactive way they are taught to code. They discover the basics of coding, learn drag & drop coding with if statements, algorithms, logic and more within our bespoke Coding learning platform, taking their first steps to becoming a coding expert.
Contemporary
Drama
Drama classes are a great way to improve confidence and expression, develop creativity and imaginative thinking, and engage in storytelling and teamwork. Students of all levels have the chance to enhance their skills of improvisation, movement, mine, character work, voice, script analysis, and performance, with tailored lessons that teach different skills each week and term.
Students from Year 5 onwards also can complete a graded Drama exam through the prestigious Trinity Guildhall Drama College in London, as well as performing at various soiree and performance evenings throughout the year.
Film & TV
Football Skills
Gymnastics
Hip Hop
Jazz
Mandarin
Musical theatre
Netball Skills
This program features netball-based skills, drills and fun games run by our highly accredited Kambala Netball coaches.
Girls learn the basics of the netball skills and participate in game play to learn the basics of what can be quite a technical sport.
The program is aimed at K-2, to give them a grounding for the discipline, so they are game-ready when they move into Year 3, when the competitions begin.
STEM
Swimming
Tap
Tennis
Yoga
We run an extensive and vibrant department that strives to provide the girls with an alternative form of learning. An activity that sparks an interest could last a lifetime.
Mr Juan Renshaw - Extra Curricular Manager
The OSH CLUB - BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Kambala is delighted to be partnered with OSHClub for Before & After School Care.
Please visit the OSH Club website link below.
If you would like information regarding the Kambala School Holiday Program please email here.