PRIMARY LEARNING
AT JOHN XXIII COLLEGE
The primary years at John XXIII College are where curiosity is celebrated, confidence is built, and a lifelong relationship with learning begins. Guided by the Ignatian principle of cura personalis – care for the whole person – every child is known, valued, and supported as an individual.
Our dedicated staff engage students in a rigorous and stimulating curriculum that inspires curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning. Individual attention ensures every child is supported and challenged.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom through our vibrant co-curricular program, offering opportunities in sport, music and the arts. Our inclusive and welcoming community embraces all students, supported by engaged families who play an active role in College life.
Our grounds offer inspiring spaces for learning and play – a place where children feel safe, valued and excited to discover their potential.
We place expectations on students to behave respectfully and responsibly. Throughout the Primary years, students develop:
- spiritually – deepening their relationship with God
- socially – building positive relationships with peers and adults
- emotionally – understanding and managing their feelings
- physically – developing coordination, strength and wellbeing
- intellectually – growing their knowledge and thinking skills
EARLY YEARS (PRE-KINDY, KINDY and PRE-PRIMARY)
Our early years program is designed to develop the whole child in a supportive and caring environment.
Children learn through Reggio Emilia inspired play-based experiences, both indoors and outdoors, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework ‘Belonging, Being, Becoming’. We focus on nurturing curiosity and wonder about the world and God’s presence in their lives. Specialist early childhood educators work closely with families to give every child a positive start to school life.
Belonging
A focus on relationships, identity, culture, and feeling safe, valued and connected.
Being
Childhood in the present – play, curiosity, emotions, and day-to-day experiences.
Becoming
Learning, growth and the journey toward confidence, capability and independence.
JUNIOR PRIMARY (YEARS 1 to 3)
In Junior Primary, students are welcomed into a warm, interactive atmosphere where they feel secure and valued as individuals.
The curriculum covers all key learning areas and is designed to meet students at their point of need. Teachers foster a love of learning, encourage curiosity, and help students develop essential skills, knowledge and values. We provide a range of purposeful experiences, including hands-on activities, creative projects, and collaborative learning, so every child can achieve their personal best.
UPPER PRIMARY (YEARS 4 to 6)
Upper Primary students are encouraged to take on new challenges and develop greater independence and leadership skills.
The curriculum provides opportunities for extension and enrichment, including academic challenges, co-curricular activities, and leadership roles. Our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program offers academic extension and special projects, while all students participate in sports, music, and cultural pursuits.
TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
By Year 6, our students are well-prepared for the transition to Secondary school having developed essential knowledge and skills, effective learning strategies and study habits, courage and resilience, social and emotional maturity, a sense of responsibility and independence and a foundation of faith and values to guide them.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
PRIMARY LITERACY AND NUMERACY SUPPORT
The Primary Literacy and Numeracy Program provides targeted support for students who need additional help. Small group intervention programs focus on targeted instruction in phonics, spelling, reading, writing and numeracy skills.
PRIMARY GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE) PROGRAM
Students requiring academic extension benefit from in-class extension activities with higher-order thinking and problem-solving tasks, independent research and inquiry projects. High-ability students in Years 4, 5 and 6 are provided with enrichment programs, competitions in mathematics, science, writing and the arts, problem-solving and innovation workshops, and creative projects.
MARY WARD PRIMARY
Mary Ward Primary welcomes students with physical and intellectual disabilities, providing them with individualised learning programs and opportunities to engage in mainstream learning. Supported by dedicated teams of specialist teachers and education assistants in a safe, nurturing environment, students develop academic, social, and life skills.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
The diverse co-curricular programs at John XXIII College allow students to take on new challenges and try new activities across sports, music and drama, as well as academic pursuits.
